My first Steelhead trip for the season today. Life has become too busy

The alarm went off at 0530. I dragged myself out of bed, and noted how nice it was that it wasn't raining. I got all my gear together, piled it in the truck, and noticed a few small raindrops. Well, they DID say it was going to rain

Got moving around 0550. Rain was picking up, and I was thinking "I hope it won't rain too hard." Just then my mind flashed to the image of my rainjacket hanging nicely on the hook by the door. "Drat!" That's OK, I haven't hit the highway yet. Turn around, drive back, and grab my jacket. ACTUALLY get going at 0610. The drive out was wet. It rained almost the whole time. When I got to the Whatcom Rd. Tim's I noticed gas was 85.9 Grrrr.... That's what it was back in town! I had to put in $20. Otherwise I would be spending the day waiting for a tow truck, instead of fishing. Got up to my area around Wilson road, at about 0715, and got suited up in the light rain. I flogged the water hard, methodically, and with blades, (copper/brass/nickel), worms and jensen egg. I now have probably the world's cleanest tackle collection

While fishing, it was nice to hear the American dippers calling out. I think this was the first time I've heard them. They must be getting in the Valentine's mood

A few loons, and other assorted ducks winged down along the river like precision jet fighters flying tight patterns on a a river run. Always fun to watch. The rain turned on, and off, and on, and on....It pretty much rained constantly with a few small breaks. And to top it off, one section of the river had 3 wild Steelies to the beach. Since the clarity seemed to be declining, I went down to Lickman at around 1330, and tried a bit of water, but my heart wasn't in it, since apparently neither were my fingers which were going numb from the cold rain on them. 1400 saw me back at the truck, and preparing to head home. I can still say that unlike CG, every steelhead that I have hooked, I have landed. I continue to be a perfect 1/1

It was a soggy time, but good.
To top it off, gas at Whatcom Rd, on the return was only 75.9, so I filled up. Then I passed through
Mission where gas was only 64.0 (no 3.5 discount) 
Go figure. So, it wasn't as good a day as I hoped, but I did save some money on gas. Perhaps my wife will let me out again soon(?)
Chris, I'm going to have to offer you lunch so that I can be near you and maybe some of your Steelhead presence will rub off on me
Cheers,
The ANTI-Fish.