Month: September 2017

I couldn’t wait to retire so I could pursue my love for fishing. I did a bit when I worked, upon occasion, given my limited time, and I remember learning the tricks of the trade with my dad when I was young. I took to it mighty fast and I am in seventh heaven now that I can go fishing whenever I want. It is the most popular sport where I live. There are many reasons to gravitate to this sport, whether it is the deep-sea type or fly fishing in a stream. I enjoy both. I suppose down inside every man is an urge to be outdoors in glorious weather with a rod in hand. Reeling the big one in has got to be the epitome of excitement. In the mountains, the fish are smaller. In Anguilla, I have a lot of variety. No wonder I saved every penny while I worked to live here in paradise. There is something magic about a tropical island.

I have spent many hours acquiring the right equipment and storing it in my backyard shed. It is ready and waiting when I get the urge. Living on an island is an exquisite experience and it is always gorgeous outside. I have many a photo on Instagram to prove it. I also have fish stories, the real kind, not the exaggerated ones. Today, however, I have an urge to complain. I hate online shopping.

It’s okay for fishing gear, but I prefer to select it in person. This preparation is part of the fun. I don’t like shopping online for most things, however, as it is a bit of guesswork. You also can’t have the item right away. I am miffed right now because I need a new vacuum and I haven’t a clue which brand to buy. While I must promptly survey the field from Bissell and Hoover to Dyson and Kenmore, I do know that I want a canister model. The upright vacuum is fine for a certain lifestyle. I don’t want to maneuver something enormous or have to store it.

Selecting the best vacuum for a good price is intimidating on the Internet. There was just too much information to consider until I discovered https://www.thevacuumchallenge.com/canister-vs-upright-vacuum-hepa-filters/. While it doesn’t pertain to fishing per se, it does have to do with cleaning up. I can bring a messy tackle box home and wet shoes that track dirt and mud. I have spent more time than I care too reading the pros and cons, but the upright is definitely out. The powerful and versatile canister is the big winner. It costs the same, has more attachments, takes up less room, and has a good reputation. If you have any problems, it comes with a warranty.

Now that I have finished this chore and have ordered the vacuum of choice, I can get back to reading articles about fishing. Now that is how I like to use the Internet!

I had some idea that I would love my retirement on Anguilla, but I wasn’t sure why. I would probably be the fishing because I have been enjoying the sport since I was a little tyke and my dad would take me as much as he could. It stirred something deep inside and I go whenever I can. After all I live on an island. It was a big reason I selected this lifestyle, not to mention the fabulous opportunities for boating. You meet friendly people in such an environment and share experiences. I wouldn’t trade the place for any other. I don’t want an apartment in Paris, a castle in Ireland, a beach house in Thailand, or home near the best mountain resort. I want to stay where I am.

I am happy and content as one of the clams I see on the beach. I credit the great weather for my good mood. You get bright sunshine most every day. It is endless summer with a near perfect daily temperature. If we have one cloudy morning, I wake up depressed. This happened to me often where I used to live until I couldn’t tolerate it anymore. I had to relocate to a climate with an azure blue sky with maybe a few white puffy clouds. I want sand and surf in my life. Now that I have it, I realize how much the weather affects me. Some people even say that a lack of sunshine causes depression. It can be a serious condition if you need more sunlight than you get. Depression is rampant in Finland, Sweden and Norway because of what is called “seasonal affective disorder,” or SAD. No wonder they go south for winter vacation to Spain and Italy. A lot of them come here, some on a permanent basis. You can hear various languages as you stroll about town. I know why people come. We are a warm and welcoming island in the middle of nowhere with breathtaking white beaches and the most amazing turquoise seas. It is truly the good life. I know.

A big reason for choosing Anguilla is the scenery such as the famous view from Long Bay and its location in the Caribbean. I also like the British flavor of the towns. (It is a British overseas territory.) Did you know that there is a main island and a few smaller ones? It gives you numerous areas to visit while boating, hiking, or snorkeling. There are so many colorful places to explore. I always suggest to tourists that they take a tour to see it all. You can also go on your own by ferry. Don’t limit yourself to one resort. By the way July through August is pretty hot and I would recommend coming in December to February. It is the lowest key in the fall. We do get hurricanes and tropical storms so bring a rain coat so you won’t be confined to your room. You do have to be a bit daring to go out.