First "Firsts"
Over the last few years of making the annual Alaska pilgrimage I've found that there are two things that must occur in order to turn the vacation into a pleasant experience. These two items include:
1) Catching your "first" fish
2) Taking your "first" poop
When both of these "firsts" have finally been achieved all of the anxiety and stress of an Alaskan fishing vacation is over and one can completely enjoy the experience. You think I'm kidding? Think about it.....You've spent $1000.00 for a weeks time in Alaska. It's your fantasy fishing trip come true. 7-days of fishing bliss....
Let's take a few hypotheticals given the above data:
A) You're three days into the trip. You've put half a dozen chromers in the freezer already. You've been munching junk food, hot dogs, chips, and beer at all hours. Yet, there's one thing that is weighing you down.....you haven't pooped yet. It becomes an obsession, controlling your thoughts, over-powering the joy of the fishing experience, until that moment when it finally comes.....
B) You've made it to Alaska for your ultimate trip. Hours after you arrive that first poop came right out and you feel great. You hit the river in search of the mighty salmon. Yet, three days into the trip you still are skunked. All of your buddies have put fish on the bank, but you have nothing....notta. This isn't a vacation - it's fishing hell!!
So, you see, that in taking the cases to the extreme, it becomes obvious that both "firsts" are equally important in order to guarantee the success of your dream Alaskan vacation. Having one without the other just won't do. You must achieve both "firsts" in order to fully enjoy your Alaskan Fishing Dream.
(editor's side note: This year's summer fishing expedition has led me to revise my thinking on this subject. I now believe that there are 3 firsts that should be placed on the must do list: A) first fish B) first poop C) first cribbage victory. Yes, after going head to head with Wayne at cards this year, the first cribbage victory has to be considered a mandatory must for a successful vacation)