Reaction to my highly original book - The Complete Angler - has been largely positive and encouraging but one reader has suggested that the revelation about The Father of Angling's modern thoughts on the sport might upset and outrage traditionalists. But I'm all for creating a splash if it means a trout throws its hook! But time will tell.
I'm hoping the book will generate sizeable revenues to enable the UK's first angling museum to be set up under the auspices of the Izaak Walton League Cottage Chapter. I also would like to organise a symposium in 2013 on the theme of watercourse and environment protection, the proceedings culminating in a charity auction of fishing paraphenalia donated by individuals and companies. Any offers? The climax of the auction will be the sale of a paper replica pike made by renown artist Joyanne Horscroft of the Makerie Studios. The pike which will be based on the beast that was caught (and returned!) by Izaak Walton during our odyssey, will be mounted in a glass case and signed by its captor. A unique fish indeed! I'm looking for prestige sponsorship for the work to begin?
Now that my book's finished (and its prospects offered up to serendipity and a few friends in high places!), I'm at somewhat of a loose end although I find myself - for the eighth time in ten years - packing to move to pastures new - a 300 year old cottage on a hill with long distance views of the Warwickshire countryside.
I've got a bramble knotted plot to contend with but recent reading has sparked my interest in John Muir who is regarded as the Father of National Parks worldwide. I'd love to adopt the same approach to getting to know this remarkable man as I did in making friends with Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton. Perhaps a visit to Muir's beloved High Sierra might be possible? Like IW and CC, he might get a Seven Day Celestial Pass to escort me round!
I'm planning a trip to walk the South West Coast Path with my lifelong friend Bernard who flies in from Australia in June.
Also busy packing!
