The hubby set up a quick midweek fishing break — our substitution again for not taking our annual family fishing tradition in northwest Ontario.
Seeking steelhead trout and king salmon in the Muskegon River out of Newago, Michigan, was a bust since the air and water temperature was unusually high, and the fish were not biting no matter what lures or fish eggs we used. I did land one lone small-mouth bass, by accident.
However, it’s always a great day to be on the river and we did relish the warmth of the sun and sharing the river with soaring eagles, a pure white swan, and two blue herons perched in a nearby tree.
I read later that night after googling “blue heron” that several Native American tribes look at the heron symbol as signs of patience and good luck. They believe that if Native American fishermen spot a heron, it means good luck is with them, and they will have a successful fishing trip.
Unfortunately, as far as I know, neither Steve nor I have a drop of Native American DNA and hence, did not have a successful fishing trip if you counted our haul out.
According to worldbirds.com, heron symbolism refers to tranquility and stillness for us humans. “The symbolism also signifies determination because we are bound to wade through marshes and ponds through life’s journey, but we must never give up,” according to the website.
Furthermore, North American Native tradition says the blue heron brings messages of self-determination and self-reliance. They represent an ability to progress and evolve. The long, thin legs of the heron reflect that an individual doesn’t need great massive pillars to remain stable, but must be able to stand on one’s own.
Technically we did not give up and fished the entire first day — but when the next day’s forecast declared 100% rain and continued warm temperatures AND our guide texted all his fellow guides and found no one was catching anything, we decided to be like a heron. We remained stable and stood on our own by driving back home and stopping for breakfast at Cracker Barrel.
