You ever just have one of those days? I am an avid fly fisherman and after a few days of above freezing temperatures I decided to do some fly fishing. I spent the night before cleaning fly line and getting tackle ready to go. The Missouri Conservation Department stocks a local lake with trout in November. It is catch and release until February first, at which time you can start keeping your catch if you have a trout stamp.

I pull in to Engler Park where the lake is located, and I see an empty parking lot. Well, this is my first clue. From where you park you really can’t see the lake that well. At least I showed I had a little sense left about me, because I decided to walk down to the lake and see what’s up, before I pulled my gear out. Then I saw the problem. The lake is still covered in ice. No open water to fish. Really! I have fished this lake enough that deep down I knew it would be but yet, here I am.

Being a photographer I always have a camera with me so the trip wouldn’t be a total loss. There is another smaller lake in the park, with an island. I thought I should be able to get some descent pics, so I decided to drive to the other lake. I had never really checked the island out before so now I figured I would take the time to check it out.

What I found was a surprise. The many times I have been here, and I had no idea what inspired the memorial or even that it existed. Very moving! I am glad the lake was frozen over. Thanks to the Farmington, MO Community for their work on this memorial.

Thanks for stopping and visiting. You are deeply appreciated.