Ha! Well I had been taking lessons, which was very helpful (naturally). And then I was traveling a lot and that fell off. But want to get back into it the fall. Basically I have to finally embrace playing doubles. So many people ask me to play and I never have and am afraid of making a fool of myself in front of three people (instead of just one in singles). But I think that has to be the move.
Hey - I did a camping trip with Black Earth Angling on the lower Wisconsin River in July based on your write-up last year. Good stuff. Kyle and Wyatt say hi!
Hey David, I'm heading to Schotland in September and I was wondering, where do you eat when you go fishing in the highlands? We're spending the first few days in Edinburgh and there are some nice restaurants there but afterwards I'm going hiking in the Cairngorms and on Skye. It seems it's mostly simple pub fare or high end hotel restaurants up there. Do you have any advice on where to eat near Inverness, Fort William or Porttree?
PS I just finished reading The Belly of Paris by Emile Zola. I thought you might enjoy it. It's set during the Second Empire in Paris around the Les Halles food market and there's a lot about French gastronomy.
Hi Ben, the pub in Fife Arms is a good place to go. Not as ambitious as their main restaurant. Some pubs work. But we bring food with us when we’re in the river all day. So a pork pie or sausage roll. If you pass a butcher you can get them there. Or in any supermarket. Don’t forget some Branston Pickle!
I unfortunately won't have enough time to make it up to Campbell's of Beauly, but is there another shop in Scotland a little more south that you would recommend for picking up either a nice tweed jacket or a Shetland sweater?
Hi David, I took your recent recommendation to read London Falling and absolutely loved it - so thank you! I had seen it in the bestseller charts but not pulled the trigger until I saw your endorsement. Got me thinking, what more obvious/popular things might I see in the book bestseller charts or in high street stores that you would recommend (that wouldn't typically be featured in your wonderful newsletter)?
Hi Chris, glad you liked it! Bestsellers can be good. That author's last book, Say Nothing, was great. Michael Lewis is a bestseller whose work I enjoy (Moneyball is still amazing, and one of the most misunderstood books/concept there is). James Stewart is good on finance so is John Lanchester. And old Bob Woodward books. And David McCullough's histories. All popular. All great.
Thoughts on Ann Patchett’s books? I’m reading Whistler now and there was a reference to the Three Lives bookstore. As a longtime Contender, I thought, “hey I’ve heard of that place!”
I just finished Whistler. Three Lives is one of my favorite spots on earth - how did I miss a reference to it! This is the problem with reading before bed.
Ha! I'm embarrassed that I haven't read Ann Patchett, total oversight by me that should be corrected. Glad to help with a reference though, Three Lives is the best!
Hi Michael, absolutely worth it. I've actually been taking casting lessons from Craig, who's their head instructor. Will be writing about this soon. Have cast on Pepacton (during one of those lessons) but haven't fished it properly. Very into that though. Big yes vote on Wulff.
Hi Chip, you know I don't really buy anything that exciting. But I would love to get a new overcoat from J. Mueser. That's something I like to think about and will have for a decade or two. Herringbone, double breasted. brown/olive. Could be good!
Thoroughly enjoy your musings as a recent subscriber. My question is a little left field.
How does one craft the life one wants to live? Especially if one has multiple interests from photography, poetry, philosophy, style, tailoring/menswear, coffee culture, meaningful conversation and relationships? (to name those that first spring to mind).
Hi Joshua. Well I think it's good to get closer to the thing you care about. That doesn't mean you become a professional in that field or even an obsessive. Just get yourself near to people who care about what you're interested in, return to places that fascinate you. So you make an effort and then just the let the rest happen.
What’s your fly rod/reel rotation like these days?? Enjoying one more than others?? Mostly bass fishing here in Texas so I stick with my 9ft 6wt TFO legacy. Booked my first trout fishing trip for November. Super excited!
Hi Justin, well let's see. I just was bass fishing a few days ago and used a Loomis GLX (old school!) and an Danielsson reel (really great large arbor reels made in Sweden at a good price). I like the new Helios, a little slower than the ultra-fast Helios 3. And I think the Orvis Mirage Reel (LT or not) is a criminally overlooked reel. That's what I have on most of my trout rods. Good luck with the trout!
Hi David. Poetry is a blind spot of mine I'm trying to fix. I recently picked up an anthology, some Jim Harrison, and some Jack Gilbert. Any favorites or suggestions? Thank you for all of the recommendations over the years.
Oh what a good idea. Poetry can seem intimidating or just hard to focus on. That's a good start. I would probably go English and a little farther back: Philip Larkin, Ted Hughes, Elizabeth Bishop.
Andy, if you like nature, Mary Oliver is sublime. Her Devotions collection has everything from dog poems to sea salt roses. I read one to start my quiet time every morning.
David, new subscriber here. I am curious about your XC70 — what year? Powertrain? Any maintenance issues? I have a 2010 3.2 AWD with 284,000 miles and I love it.
Hi Jensen, my car has quite a few less grey hairs than yours, if you'll pardon the metaphor. 2016, the last year they made that old style wagon. It's been very good to me. But I feel that it's getting to the end of the trouble-free section of its life. Might have to trade it for a few fishing rods, like I did my last Saab!
We really enjoyed Verona on a pre-Covid anniversary trip. A little of the beaten path, so it’s not overrun with American tourists! Highly recommend Hotel Due Torri and a dinner at Antica Torretta.
Hello! I'm starting a new work-from-home role in October and am putting together my home office. I have the essentials are covered, but if you could recommend one luxurious touch, design feature, or indulgent item to elevate the space, what would it be?
I shouldn’t butt in here, but I have the mounted bill of the first marlin I ever caught, which I use as an old style newspaper “spike”, i.e. somewhere to impale papers I’ve finished with that day. Beat that, Coggins..
Hi Sean, that's a good question. Well you're going to want to put your Academy award statue in a very visible place. No, seriously, what belongs on a nice desk, well a vase or jar, maybe blue and white chinoiserie. Or a really good lamp that you love. Good luck!
Coming into fall and winter, thinking about outer layers. Do you have any recommendations for warm hats that aren’t beanies/watch caps? Thick hair and large head don’t mix with a snug fit. Thank you for all you write!
Winding down here. Feel free to still ask questions, but may take me longer to respond. Thanks!
How’s the squash game these days?
Ha! Well I had been taking lessons, which was very helpful (naturally). And then I was traveling a lot and that fell off. But want to get back into it the fall. Basically I have to finally embrace playing doubles. So many people ask me to play and I never have and am afraid of making a fool of myself in front of three people (instead of just one in singles). But I think that has to be the move.
Doubles is great - just don’t get hit by the ball!
Open squash also has an outpost in the financial district. A good hit around followed by pints at the dead rabbit is highly recommended!
Wow, Dead Rabbit after squash--that's good living!
Oh I'm counting on it. Ha!
Any recommendations on where to play in the city?
I take lessons at Nicol squash. And have also been to Open Squash on 39th, near Bryant Park. Both are good and open to the public.
Hey - I did a camping trip with Black Earth Angling on the lower Wisconsin River in July based on your write-up last year. Good stuff. Kyle and Wyatt say hi!
Fished with Kyle last week and he mentioned that--I was so happy to hear it! Love good people connecting on the water.
Love that! Those guys are so good. Though I was disappointed to here that you had not camped out! Step up your game!
Sorry - that should've been "hear." I am happy to report that I swung by the Spotted Cow brewery in New Glarus on the way back to ORD. Not too shabby.
Hey David, I'm heading to Schotland in September and I was wondering, where do you eat when you go fishing in the highlands? We're spending the first few days in Edinburgh and there are some nice restaurants there but afterwards I'm going hiking in the Cairngorms and on Skye. It seems it's mostly simple pub fare or high end hotel restaurants up there. Do you have any advice on where to eat near Inverness, Fort William or Porttree?
PS I just finished reading The Belly of Paris by Emile Zola. I thought you might enjoy it. It's set during the Second Empire in Paris around the Les Halles food market and there's a lot about French gastronomy.
Hi Ben, the pub in Fife Arms is a good place to go. Not as ambitious as their main restaurant. Some pubs work. But we bring food with us when we’re in the river all day. So a pork pie or sausage roll. If you pass a butcher you can get them there. Or in any supermarket. Don’t forget some Branston Pickle!
I unfortunately won't have enough time to make it up to Campbell's of Beauly, but is there another shop in Scotland a little more south that you would recommend for picking up either a nice tweed jacket or a Shetland sweater?
Yes totally. I would go to Stewart Christie in Edinburgh in New Town. And would stop by the Oxford Bar on the way!
Hi David, I took your recent recommendation to read London Falling and absolutely loved it - so thank you! I had seen it in the bestseller charts but not pulled the trigger until I saw your endorsement. Got me thinking, what more obvious/popular things might I see in the book bestseller charts or in high street stores that you would recommend (that wouldn't typically be featured in your wonderful newsletter)?
Hi Chris, glad you liked it! Bestsellers can be good. That author's last book, Say Nothing, was great. Michael Lewis is a bestseller whose work I enjoy (Moneyball is still amazing, and one of the most misunderstood books/concept there is). James Stewart is good on finance so is John Lanchester. And old Bob Woodward books. And David McCullough's histories. All popular. All great.
Thank you! Just finished Say Nothing, loved it just as much. Will check out the others!
Thoughts on Ann Patchett’s books? I’m reading Whistler now and there was a reference to the Three Lives bookstore. As a longtime Contender, I thought, “hey I’ve heard of that place!”
I just finished Whistler. Three Lives is one of my favorite spots on earth - how did I miss a reference to it! This is the problem with reading before bed.
It was very early in the book. Anyway, how did you like it? I haven’t finished.
Ha! I'm embarrassed that I haven't read Ann Patchett, total oversight by me that should be corrected. Glad to help with a reference though, Three Lives is the best!
The Wulff School as an entry point to flyfishing: worth it? Also, have you fished the Pepacton? Thank you.
Hi Michael, absolutely worth it. I've actually been taking casting lessons from Craig, who's their head instructor. Will be writing about this soon. Have cast on Pepacton (during one of those lessons) but haven't fished it properly. Very into that though. Big yes vote on Wulff.
Any fall/winter clothing/shoe related purchases you are looking forward to in the coming months?
Hi Chip, you know I don't really buy anything that exciting. But I would love to get a new overcoat from J. Mueser. That's something I like to think about and will have for a decade or two. Herringbone, double breasted. brown/olive. Could be good!
Oh nice! Very boring.
Ha! Totally. I want more boring clothes. Dark double-breasted suits with matching knit ties. I'll be very happy.
I ask myself that a lot. When I dress, how can I be unremarkably remarkable.
Hi David,
Thoroughly enjoy your musings as a recent subscriber. My question is a little left field.
How does one craft the life one wants to live? Especially if one has multiple interests from photography, poetry, philosophy, style, tailoring/menswear, coffee culture, meaningful conversation and relationships? (to name those that first spring to mind).
Many thanks,
Joshua
Hi Joshua. Well I think it's good to get closer to the thing you care about. That doesn't mean you become a professional in that field or even an obsessive. Just get yourself near to people who care about what you're interested in, return to places that fascinate you. So you make an effort and then just the let the rest happen.
What’s your fly rod/reel rotation like these days?? Enjoying one more than others?? Mostly bass fishing here in Texas so I stick with my 9ft 6wt TFO legacy. Booked my first trout fishing trip for November. Super excited!
Hi Justin, well let's see. I just was bass fishing a few days ago and used a Loomis GLX (old school!) and an Danielsson reel (really great large arbor reels made in Sweden at a good price). I like the new Helios, a little slower than the ultra-fast Helios 3. And I think the Orvis Mirage Reel (LT or not) is a criminally overlooked reel. That's what I have on most of my trout rods. Good luck with the trout!
If you haven't fished a Hardy Perfect reel for Trout, you're missing out on one of the best sounds when your fish runs. It's my favorite song!
Douglas Biederbeck
Reading a Modern Huntsman story about Hugh Falkus and it mentions his use of a…Hardy Perfect reel.
Hi David. Poetry is a blind spot of mine I'm trying to fix. I recently picked up an anthology, some Jim Harrison, and some Jack Gilbert. Any favorites or suggestions? Thank you for all of the recommendations over the years.
Oh what a good idea. Poetry can seem intimidating or just hard to focus on. That's a good start. I would probably go English and a little farther back: Philip Larkin, Ted Hughes, Elizabeth Bishop.
Excellent. I'll pick these up. Thank you!
I've always been partial to the Oxford Book of English Verse for this.
Andy, if you like nature, Mary Oliver is sublime. Her Devotions collection has everything from dog poems to sea salt roses. I read one to start my quiet time every morning.
This sounds great. I'll grab this too. Thank you, Brenda!
David, new subscriber here. I am curious about your XC70 — what year? Powertrain? Any maintenance issues? I have a 2010 3.2 AWD with 284,000 miles and I love it.
Hi Jensen, my car has quite a few less grey hairs than yours, if you'll pardon the metaphor. 2016, the last year they made that old style wagon. It's been very good to me. But I feel that it's getting to the end of the trouble-free section of its life. Might have to trade it for a few fishing rods, like I did my last Saab!
Hi David. Do you have any recommendations for Verona? Thanks!
Hi Matthias, I'm sorry to say that I haven't been to Verona. But would love to go. Report back!
Will do!
We really enjoyed Verona on a pre-Covid anniversary trip. A little of the beaten path, so it’s not overrun with American tourists! Highly recommend Hotel Due Torri and a dinner at Antica Torretta.
Thank you! Funnily enough, we had dinner at Antica Torretta yesterday. Will look at Due Torri for the next visit!
Hello! I'm starting a new work-from-home role in October and am putting together my home office. I have the essentials are covered, but if you could recommend one luxurious touch, design feature, or indulgent item to elevate the space, what would it be?
I shouldn’t butt in here, but I have the mounted bill of the first marlin I ever caught, which I use as an old style newspaper “spike”, i.e. somewhere to impale papers I’ve finished with that day. Beat that, Coggins..
That is unbeatable! Love it!
Hi Sean, that's a good question. Well you're going to want to put your Academy award statue in a very visible place. No, seriously, what belongs on a nice desk, well a vase or jar, maybe blue and white chinoiserie. Or a really good lamp that you love. Good luck!
Thank you!
Coming into fall and winter, thinking about outer layers. Do you have any recommendations for warm hats that aren’t beanies/watch caps? Thick hair and large head don’t mix with a snug fit. Thank you for all you write!