Introduction

The swallows are back, looping joyfully in their fly-catching pursuits to feed their demanding children, and the gentle daybreak cookings of the wood pigeon are met with smiles from the pillow. Country lanes are thick with the pong of wild garlic and village greens smell pleasantly of sweet mown cuttings. Cows let out from overwintering go bonkers in their crazy moment of release, as if trying to throw phantom rodeo riders, while blind newborns wobble in the trees and fields. Once more I can excitedly regiment my fly boxes as the rivers wake up and now my gun is locked away and replaced with my obsession for fishing.