Chapter 3b

Determination pushed me over my intimidation as I walked into Cross Currents on Jackson Street in Helena. I was driving around on an information seeking mission when I passed the sign to the store that hangs over Last Chance Gulch. I had to believe there was someone out there that understood the value in helping people into the sport. After all, a newly obsessed fly fisher would have to translate into a patron and a fairly steady revenue stream for at least a little while right? The gear ain’t cheap and you need lots of it.

I walked into the store and notice a short skinny red head dude in front of the counter standing there engaged in a conversation with another newly indoctrinated angler. At the time, I had no idea who the young guy sporting the latest Orivs clothing line was but later learned he was actually the owner; Chris Strainer. I leaned into the conversation and overheard Chris talking to the other gentleman about leader and tippet choices and how to get the best presentation based on the type of fishing he wanted to do. At some point Chris picked up a couple pieces of rope and taught the guy how to tie a surgeon’s knot. I watched intently for the entire lesson and when it was my turn, grabbed the rope and practiced the knot myself.

That one day in Cross Currents helped me formulate a map toward a dream I had as a little kid. I always wanted to be a guide of some kind. (That and a rock star.) I wanted to spend my days out in the woods or on the water teaching people how to really enjoy their time in pursuit of their dreams. Even if that meant only the one day a year they had to spend on the river, I wanted to be the person that helped facilitate the short lived dream that would hopefully, stay with them for a lifetime. I walked out of the store feeling more confident and I didn’t feel stupid. Chris made me feel comfortable and with that, I knew what role I wanted to have with the people I came in contact with as they took their own journey into this obsession of fly fishing.