Let’s be clear, I’m not going anywhere any time soon. This is not an announcement of any kind.
I saw a Facebook post from a friend about a biodegradable urn that would convert your physical form into a tree. Pretty cool idea, really.
I have a different plan for what I want done.
I want to both share some of my special places with my kids/wife and to be a part of those same places. I envision a tour of my most beloved waters with a little bit of my ashes deposited in each place.
- The Upper Sacramento River – My home water, where I learned to fly fish. Specifically, the riffle just below the Prospect Ave access point. That has been one of the best spots to me and for me through the years.

From April
- The McCloud River – Beauty and solitude and emerald green waters. Love this place. I think I’d hope to be deposited in the camp waters behind the Ah Di Nah campground.

The McCloud… Upstate California, from a trip in 2011.
- The Babine River – There is a hole on the Babine named Strom’s Pool, named after my grandfather. I only fished it once and I didn’t land a fish there, but it would be fitting to leave part of myself there.

My daughter’s middle name is Babine… for a reason.
- Grand Bahama – This is where I caught my first bonefish, right behind Deep Water Cay with an independant guide from Mclean’s town.

Bone in GBI
- Belize, El Pescador – My grand slam and my honeymoon. Some fantastic memories.
I think if my children got to go on that pilgrimage they should find something they love along the way.
Here’s to hoping they make that trip in 40 years.
Tags: Babine River, Belize, El Pescador, McCloud River, Upper Sacramento River