A Fish Tale
I recently wrote a column for "Writers on the Range" (High Country News service) about the impacts on tiny Wamsutter, Wyoming, which is the poster child for towns impacted by the energy boom. As a result, I received a great letter from a 90-year-old gentleman who used to fish on my cousin's neighboring ranch. It tells a great story, which I wish to share.
Here is Vernon's Ewing's story..
"During the 50's and later, my wife and I and two sons enjoyed many a happy day fishing and skinny dipping in the Little Snake on Saddle Pocket ranch, with permission of Mr. Salisbury"(my great-uncle Ralph)...."Some years later, my wife and I stopped at the old ranch house to ask for "just one more" fishing day down in the meadow. Mr. Salisbury answered my knock, said nothing but motioned me to follow him to the barn. He entered a horse stall, pulled a bottle of Old Grandad from the feed box and offered me a snort. I did. He did, and said, "Go ahead and fish."
