Quick Sips: Phenology & Steelhead Barbie

• John Gierach, Poet Phenologist (via Midcurrent). I've heard Phenology referenced in a couple of TU meeting presentations, my buddy Jon clued me into the link between Forsythia blooms and Striper runs, and now Marc does a deeper dive on the subject. There's one small stream I fish where sulphurs and wild grapes ripening coincide. Steamy summer evenings, fish splashing in cold water at little yellow sailboats, and the heavy smell of ripe grapes. Perfect!
• If you don't read Gray's, you should. Outstanding stuff in there. Even when I read the hunting issue, which isn't my passion, I nevertheless find great literature. Editor James Babb does an interview with Marshall Cutchin on Midcurrent. I've only been Steelheading once (I'll correct that this fall) but this is a keeper:  

"We believe that flies are meant to imitate life and steelhead flies are essentially meant to imitate a Barbie Doll’s fashion accessories—especially if you appreciate purple Easter bunnies with black feather boas and red clown noses."