A Few Days With Derek DeYoung

Derek DeYoung working on a White River brown trout at the shop Saturday _ Andrea Parnell image 

 

 

    WHAT an awesome few days with Derek and Janell DeYoung. Bec and I had got to know them a little at a succession of Dealer Shows but I think its fair to say during this trip they became part of our extended and varied family that is centered on the shop.

No we didn’t find Derek a real White River hog on his one day of serious fishing, but he had a taste. And the afternoon of fun fishing with Marc Poulos, who had fished in Arkansas and in Montana with Derek was a hoot. Yup we were a little late for dinner due to the fishing being so much fun. Its pretty much expected these days.

For those who came along to Saturday’s painting session, Derek is awesome. He came in an hour and a half early _ barely took a break and painted for nearly 8 hours straight, meeting and greeting, with a wide grin the whole time.

An amazing performance

Derek casting on the White on dusk _ Steve Dally image

We also have to thank all of you who came along too making the event so special and not just for us but Derek and Janell too. I received a great email Saturday night from them:

Thank you so, so, so much for all of the hard work to get ready for the show.  It was the best show we have ever done at a shop before and we have done quite a few of them so we give you guys major props, seriously.  You made us feel like family and we really feel connected to this place and would love to figure out how to come back and visit next year!

I have to say it wasn’t just our efforts but those who came along Saturday and made them feel the White River is home, like Mick Spaulding who was dropping in before going fishing and stayed the whole time, the guides we have, Jim and Brenda for their energy and tour of the region in the ice storm, Bill and Faye and the whole damn family.

Thanks and bunch

And Derek and I decided yesterday morning their return next year isn’t an IF but a Just Finding A Date.

enjoy the rest of the pics.