Observations of Alex Perch

By Steve De Mayo

Observe and be grateful. Was that last stoplight really green? Which way was the wind blowing from this morning? When was the last time you located the Big Dipper in the evening sky? In this hectic world of ours, odds are you were not able to answer any of the above questions. Welcome to Observations of Alex Perch a five-year journal reordered by Alex and shared with the world through Steve the author, with the hopes that it might awaken a mutual respect between adversaries. Man Versus Trophy. The monthly entries vary. Some contain mini-adventures. Others present interesting tidbits of information. Many are simple observations. While others offer words of wisdom. Yes, Alex is a perch, a fresh water fish. In this case, residing in Chaumont Bay in the Thousand Islands region of New York. While neither Alex nor Steve are totally opposed to ambition, there needs to be a balance. Life is too short. Hopefully, this will be able to persuade you to take time out to live in the present moment every now and then. In doing so, you will begin to see overlooked blessings in your life. Hopefully, you will learn to be grateful for these blessings and more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644923023

Book preview

1

The Adventure Begins

July 2011

It’s a beautiful July morning. A faint mist drifts slowly inches above the water. Captain Dan is sitting patiently in his boat in a quiet little cove, watching his bobber nearby. It begins to create little ripples on the water’s surface. Has something taken an interest in my bait? the captain asked himself.

Wham! Tug, zip, zing. Can this be the big one? His pole flexes into a letter—C. He braces his feet into the inner walls of his craft as the boat begins to turn toward where the bobber once danced. It has developed a wake behind it. He attempts to reel in his line only to have it taken back again.

Hours pass as the battle continues. The sun is starting to settle in the west, and the moon is starting to rise in the east. Surely my wife must be worried sick. I must be miles from the cove where I started thought the captain. It’s been years since I uttered a word of French. Can I get by, should I end up in Quebec?

Hi, I am Alex Perch. Yes, I am a fish, and yes, I am speaking to you through a liaison. Why you might ask? Well, I am not getting any younger, and as you grow older, you learn to appreciate the little things in life. Captain Dan is in pursuit of the big one as are many of you. In his case, the big one is a trophy fish, for others a trophy buck, others seek a promotion, or possession of certain material objects. What is your big one?

Sometimes in our quest to capture the big one, we overlook the adventure along the way. Little details that may each have story of its own.

I would like to share some observations, some adventures, and maybe even some wisdom with you if you can spare a little time. Learn from the experiences of others—learn, love, laugh.

But what about Captain Dan, you ask. He is fine; there are more adventures for him in the pages ahead.

He never left the bay.

2

The Tail of the Great Northern

August 2011

It is a calm morning . The sun is still below the horizon. A low fog is resting on the bay. Captain Dan set out once again to capture the big one. This time is different. A bass just would not do. This time he wants a great northern. But not just any great northern, he wants the legend of Chaumont Bay. Today is the day, he told himself.

The oars creak as he rows north into a secluded cove. He readies his favorite lure; a green wooden popper allegedly representing a frog. This one has a shiny metal deflector, resembling a spoon placed where his mouth should be.

He casts his bait toward an old fallen tree partially submerged in the shallows of the cove. Plop! It lands on top of a lily pad. This could be interesting, he has thought. He gives a quick tug and his lure is back in the water. It mimics the movements of the real thing as he slowly reels it in. A rhythmic click, click, click from the reel can be heard across the otherwise silent bay. Suddenly, his line goes taut. Can it be? Yes, it must be the legend of Chaumont Bay.

Legendary? Yes; the great northern, not exactly. He had latched on to a large green rubber boot that has been caught and released on numerous occasions by other self-proclaimed fishing greats. Funny that no one wants to display a trophy boot in his or her den.

3

Where Is Captain Dan?

September 2011

The first two months of summer has been rough for the fish of Chaumont Bay. The legendary Captain Dan has frequently tantalized and teased us with attractive lures and tempting bait. In fantasy, he has captured two of our heroes. In real life, he has captured and dined on some of our friends. What if he does capture the big one or the great northern? Who will be next?

But the past three weeks have been quiet. Is the captain bored with the challenge of his pursuit? As much as we fear the captain, there is a void without him. Where is the challenge? The thrill of almost getting caught? Things just are not the same. Soggy worms and half-dead minnows are being offered to us by the other fishermen are the equivalent of a reheated burger in a fast food joint versus a fresh blue cheese burger with mushrooms from a classy place.

Restless and bored some of the fish (none of the Perch mind you) start to chant: Bring back Captain Dan, bring back Captain Dan. They go on to voice our desire to experience the thrill of victory and to witness the agony of defeat. We need new stories and adventures to tell our grandchildren. Heck, I need more stories for my book; three chapters would not do, so I find myself joining in, bring back Captain Dan.

Out of desperation, some of the fish begin beaching themselves, but the gulls and cormorants gobble them up leaving no trace of their existence. Well, maybe a poop pile here and there, but it is not enough. Can they do it? Then they remember how the captain has responded to the call of the mermaid. Perhaps we can appeal to her to persuade the captain to return to their treasured bay. Surprisingly, she agreed. Her voice rang out: Out, out, out, I can’t take it anymore. Go up to the cottage. Go fishing, go now.

The fish of the bay are happy. Captain Dan is happy. The mermaid is happy, and I am happy, but I have to get started on the next chapter.

4

Buffalo Gills

September 2011

The nice thing about fishing is that the season is never really over; it just changes. The summer season is rapidly winding down. The trees are turning color; the reds are turning golden brown. The water