It was that time of year again, our FATC/Altar Fly Fishing Retreat was scheduled for June 10th through the 14th. This year it would be in the Minnesota driftless area near Lanesboro, MN. John Muckerman and I (Kenny Klimes) had the honor of being asked again to be part of the Altar staff to guide and help (and maybe even to provide the entertainment?). John and I drove up one day early to pre-fish with the staff. This year’s Staff consisted of Altar president Eric Camfield, Guide Mike Toft, Guide Scott Hayes, and Chef Terry and Mary Rempert. Even fly-fishing educator and expert Jason Randall drove up from Wisconsin to teach several fly-fishing classes. This year the curriculum was brand new, and I personally thought it was outstanding. This was my sixth retreat, and each one is unique and special in their own way.
This was the fourth FATC/Altar fly fishing retreat. Each year we send twelve of our men to participate in this experience. Our members that attended this year were Glenn Haake, Denny Garner, Alan Hautly, Bob Born, Tom Strawther (from Houston), Vernon Mansfield, Wes Sebacher, Greg Krochta (from Colorado), Don McCain, Mike Walton, Tony Kalinowski, Scott Dougherty. All attendees arrived on Tuesday afternoon to get their room assignments and enjoy a meet and greet at the “Main House”. The schedule and rhythm for the retreat was similar like years past. We would all meet for breakfast, have a teaching and conversation session, personal reflection, fishing in the driftless area, appetizers and dinner and then close with evening discussion and fellowship.
The main theme at this year’s retreat was simply “Glory”. We discussed what it is and our response to it. Then we did an exercise to map out our lives, the ups and downs, and to understand the value in challenge and trials. As we do in all fly-fishing situations, we are meant to pause, look, listen and observe in our life. Just as iron sharpens iron, we used the analogy of tempering steel to forge and form our life and leaders.
The fly fishing was superb. Our guides did a great job on the water and off. Many tried ESN for the first time and of course, caught a lot of trout. But we also learned and fished with dry flies and dry/droppers. Jason and Eric went around the waters to check on guys and give some amazing instruction. Besides the retreat format we did talk a LOT of fly fishing. I am positive that everyone improved their fly-fishing knowledge just by attending the retreat.
So, without going to too deep in which I considered for me and many others, a life changing retreat, I will leave you with some pictures of the retreat –the study, the fellowship, the laughs and of course, the fly fishing! Yes, we will attend another FATC/Altar fly fishing retreat next year so be ready for it.
