Posts
Swamp Thing
Bigfoot
Count Dracula
The Living Dead
The Leland Upgrade Program
We think the Leland Upgrade Program is one of the greatest services we can offer our customers. Obviously, so do others:
October 19th, 2009
Dear Leland Team!
So here I am in Bedford, New Hampshire wondering what to do with some quality fly-fishing gear that hasn't seen the water in just about two years. According to Mapquest my home is 3,128 miles away from your flagship store in San Francisco. That said having done business with you in the past via eBay I decided to take advantage of your upgrade program and let's just say I am so glad I did. From the very beginning Ariel Molina was tremendously helpful guiding me through the description and shipment process. As promised the shipping labels arrived via email, I shipped them from the local UPS Store and I was told my gear arrived safely. A few days later I checked out my gear on eBay under the Leland banner and I was stunned at the quality, professionalism and presentation of my gear on eBay and not only that one week later I was very very pleased with the result.
For anyone reading this email I have a little bit of advice for you, buy the best gear you can afford, take good care of your gear and if you ever want to upgrade or sell your gear use the Leland Upgrade Program !
Thank you Leland and thank you Ariel !!
Best regards, Kent Richeson, Bedford, NH
October 19th, 2009
Dear Leland Team!
So here I am in Bedford, New Hampshire wondering what to do with some quality fly-fishing gear that hasn't seen the water in just about two years. According to Mapquest my home is 3,128 miles away from your flagship store in San Francisco. That said having done business with you in the past via eBay I decided to take advantage of your upgrade program and let's just say I am so glad I did. From the very beginning Ariel Molina was tremendously helpful guiding me through the description and shipment process. As promised the shipping labels arrived via email, I shipped them from the local UPS Store and I was told my gear arrived safely. A few days later I checked out my gear on eBay under the Leland banner and I was stunned at the quality, professionalism and presentation of my gear on eBay and not only that one week later I was very very pleased with the result.
For anyone reading this email I have a little bit of advice for you, buy the best gear you can afford, take good care of your gear and if you ever want to upgrade or sell your gear use the Leland Upgrade Program !
Thank you Leland and thank you Ariel !!
Best regards, Kent Richeson, Bedford, NH
Russ Blessing
Sadly, Russ Blessing, inventor of the Woolly Bugger, passed away Oct. 28th at his home in Harrisburg, PA with his family by his side.
Born in Harrisburg on October 14, 1935, he coached midget basketball and baseball. An avid fly fisherman, Russell was the creator of the world renowned Woolly Bugger, and was credited for his contribution to fly fishing in many books and magazines.
Online condolences may be shared at www.trefzandbowser.com
Bear Grylls bit my fish!
From John Ng, Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters Shop Pro
I fished a few weeks back and just remembered about this photo I took. Here's what happened...
I started my 11 o'clock morning wading up along the uneven granite banks of the river that will be unnamed. My game plan was to explore and fish new water before reaching the "Glory Hole." Trekking through endless thorns and slippery rock, the detour was worth it. I arrived to "the spot" right on schedule with a couple of hours of light left and I was already pushing a 30 fish day ( I don't know how many but it was good...) After poking a few more, I hooked a real fighter. Her take was more deliberate than any other fish and she took off faster than the current. Through the water I could see my pale green line bow to the shape of a C against the friction of the water. 50 Feet later, she broke the surface. After revealing herself a few more times, I noticed a rather large red shape on her back. Regaining line, I could see this rose colored imperfection beneath the water's surface making its way closer to me. My original thoughts were that I snagged a peddle of a flower that "zip lined" its way to the back of the fish. To my surprise it was a hole in the fish too large and to fresh for any fish to fight that hard. Despite the inevitable, I still released her in hopes that the wound would some how heal. Hopefully Wonda didn't suffer?
Thinking back on that fish, it was probably bitten by an otter in mid fight... that would explain the sudden surge of line take.
Any experienced animal behavior input out there?
John Ng
NC Fly Fishing Team Member in the News
There is a nifty quote on CentreDaily.com about NC Fly Fishing Team co-founder, Chris Lee. The quote comes from their article about the United States Fly Fishing Championships that were held recently.
These are skilled anglers,” Ford said. “These are the best in the country.”
They qualified at open tryouts held in different states, including Montana, North Carolina, Colorado, Oregon and Michigan. Even when they came up empty-handed Sunday, their prowess was apparent. Sampsell liked how Chris Lee, from North Carolina, quickly freed his line with a flick of his wrist.
“You notice these guys: They don’t get hung up,” Sampsell said. “These guys are good.”
Here is a link to the results from the US event.
Friday Deals: 15-20% off at Sierra Trading Post
Just a quick post to remind you that you only have a few more days to take advantage of an additional 15-20% off at Sierra Trading Post. Use the code ALOCTOBER9 at check out and save yourself some green. Think of it as Trick or Treet for anglers without having to worry about someone egging your house.
It all comes to a halt on 11/04/09 so be sure to check out their deals via the banner above.
Try knocking 20% off of one of these for bargain so good we can't tell you the price here in the open:
National Fly Fishing Team Results
Loren Williams, coach of the U.S. youth fly-fishing team, will discuss the team's results in the recent world championships and what's ahead for the team and competitive fly-fishing. Listen in from 7-8 a.m. Saturday at www.WTBQ.com.
Orvis Photo Contest, Win $1K Gift Card
Thoughts on a recent Minion photo, split the winnuns betwixt the 5 of us?
http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=6737&CampaignID=1153&ADV=106892&cm_ite=B1&cm_ven=orvisemail&cm_cat=X-CAT_10_26_09_F&cm_pla=09
Steel @ the SR, SS & LS
Fat Nancy is calling to us!
We need to pick an upcoming weekend for another foray into the north country.
To select Nov. 14 & 15 click "amusing"
To select Nov. 21 & 22 click "not bad"
To select Dec. 12 & 13 click "disturbing"
I will endeavor to reserve appropriate lodging.
We need to pick an upcoming weekend for another foray into the north country.
To select Nov. 14 & 15 click "amusing"
To select Nov. 21 & 22 click "not bad"
To select Dec. 12 & 13 click "disturbing"
I will endeavor to reserve appropriate lodging.
October Report and Season Summary
With the exception of a fleeting rise of around a foot during the second week, October saw low water and leaf soup for salmon fishers at the Arundell Arms. On the last few days of the season reasonable numbers of fish were present on the middle Tamar, although many were coloured. From the start of the month up to the last day on the 14th, 12 fish were landed (all of them released). Highlights included first fish for regular guest James Graham and for local angler Ben Garnett. James landed a cock fish of around 6lb in Top Pool on the Lyd on a Mepps. Ben landed two – one to a spinner and one to a home-tied Cascade – both grilse, on the Tamar. Alan Vinnicombe had a very productive day on the Tamar, landing four to 28 inches on spinner, and the best fish - 10lb-plus - was landed by hotel instructor David Pilkington in Quarry Pool on a Sunray Shadow on the last day of the season.
The final flurry in October took the salmon total to 23 fish off the Arundell Arms beats, with another six from the hotel rods on other beats. The largest fish of the season, estimated at 13lb, was landed by Alexander Jones in Lydfoot on the Tamar in late July. All but two fish were returned to the river. This total is a considerable drop from last season’s 50 fish, especially seeing as salmon fishing pressure was arguably greater this year. This backs up the general view that the river was badly lacking in salmon in 2009. On a brighter note, the sea trout total of 253 plus nine from hotel rods on other beats (with the majority released) was the best for 10 years. The largest fish, estimated at 5lb, was caught and released by Gabriele Miotti in Quarry Pool on the Tamar. If the peak four weeks of the season in July and August hadn't been lost due to relentless high water, we are confident that many more would have been added to the records. For those lucky enough to have fished when the conditions were right, some truly superb sport was had fly fishing at night. There was a very good mixture of fish too, with high numbers of school peal and plenty from 2 to 5lb. Some larger fish still were spotted, and at least four anglers reported being broken by monsters in the dark – time for some stronger string next season!
Trout fishing was also severely hampered by relentless spate conditions during the summer, but the total of 2204 wild brown trout (with all but a handful released) was almost double the five-year average. May yielded a fantastic 684 fish, including a good number over 10 inches, and most of them on dry fly. Trout fishers also picked up some reasonable numbers of grayling to nearly 2lb, and sightings of large fish rising during the closing days of the salmon season will be enough for hardy types to target these over the coming winter months.
With the exception of the worrying salmon situation, it was a good season at the Arundell Arms. We would have preferred the rain during the summer to have come at the back end, but there’s always next year!
The final flurry in October took the salmon total to 23 fish off the Arundell Arms beats, with another six from the hotel rods on other beats. The largest fish of the season, estimated at 13lb, was landed by Alexander Jones in Lydfoot on the Tamar in late July. All but two fish were returned to the river. This total is a considerable drop from last season’s 50 fish, especially seeing as salmon fishing pressure was arguably greater this year. This backs up the general view that the river was badly lacking in salmon in 2009. On a brighter note, the sea trout total of 253 plus nine from hotel rods on other beats (with the majority released) was the best for 10 years. The largest fish, estimated at 5lb, was caught and released by Gabriele Miotti in Quarry Pool on the Tamar. If the peak four weeks of the season in July and August hadn't been lost due to relentless high water, we are confident that many more would have been added to the records. For those lucky enough to have fished when the conditions were right, some truly superb sport was had fly fishing at night. There was a very good mixture of fish too, with high numbers of school peal and plenty from 2 to 5lb. Some larger fish still were spotted, and at least four anglers reported being broken by monsters in the dark – time for some stronger string next season!
Trout fishing was also severely hampered by relentless spate conditions during the summer, but the total of 2204 wild brown trout (with all but a handful released) was almost double the five-year average. May yielded a fantastic 684 fish, including a good number over 10 inches, and most of them on dry fly. Trout fishers also picked up some reasonable numbers of grayling to nearly 2lb, and sightings of large fish rising during the closing days of the salmon season will be enough for hardy types to target these over the coming winter months.
With the exception of the worrying salmon situation, it was a good season at the Arundell Arms. We would have preferred the rain during the summer to have come at the back end, but there’s always next year!
Orvis Photo Contest: Fame & Fortune for Pics
Submit your best fly fishing photos to the Orvis Fly Fishing Photo Contest for a shot at a Helios fly rod outfit or a $1000 Orvis gift card. In addition to the loot, your shot will grace the cover of a future Orvis fly fishing catalog, the angling equivalent of being on the cover of The Rolling Stone. Send your best stuff because I fully intend to "buy five copies for my Mother" if my submission gets picked.
Seven Sins of Fly Fishing
I am a huge reader of fly fishing articles,magazines and books not to mention the best sellers list. I must admit print has more junk than ever, with great blog sites and the Internet taking the lead. I was not a follower of the The Drake magazine until recently. Picking up a few old issues at the local shop, I found a rare toilet bowl keeper. Sometimes up to a few weeks, a true test of any magazine. One article in the recent fall/winter issues you must read is titled the "Seven sins of fly fishing". If you guide, hire guides, enjoy our sport or even the outdoors it is an enlightening piece. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. Got any back issues for sale? Let me know as they are quite hard to find.Capt. Paul
Gear: Ross Balance
Most fly anglers strive for balance both in life and in their fishing gear setups. While you will most probably have to figure your life out on your own, the folks at Ross can help with your fishing gear. Match the perfect reel to your rod and you end up with a smoother, more effortless cast. The Ross Balance adjustable reel arm allows you to fine tune your set up by adjusting your reel forward or back to find the perfect sweet spot for your particular tastes.
The beauty of the Balance adjustable arm is that it can be used with any fly reel. Attachment is no different than locking your reel into a rod seat. No tools are required and no modifications must to be made to your reel. And since each person’s definition of Perfect Balance is different, you can easily adjust the reel to a position that feels balanced for you!
Weighing in at 1.6 ounces and priced at $139 available from Ross Reels.
I visited the River Monnow at Skenfrith today. It was a warm, lovely day but the river was holding a fair bit of colour. Only small grayling were showing and although it's a healthy sign for the river, it would have been nice to have connected with a larger specimen.
With the browns and reds of the trees, the smell of cumcumber-like grayling and some wood smoke from a near by fire, it couldn't really more like Autumn.
This is a beautiful valley, with much restoration and care carried out by the Monnow Fisheries Association. Presently there are opportunities to bid for all sorts, including flies and guided fishing, to help raise money for the Association. Take a look here and bid in the knowledge you may end up with a real bargain of an opportunity.
~D
With the browns and reds of the trees, the smell of cumcumber-like grayling and some wood smoke from a near by fire, it couldn't really more like Autumn.
This is a beautiful valley, with much restoration and care carried out by the Monnow Fisheries Association. Presently there are opportunities to bid for all sorts, including flies and guided fishing, to help raise money for the Association. Take a look here and bid in the knowledge you may end up with a real bargain of an opportunity.
~D
Yuppie 911
The ever vigilant Editorial Trophy Wife found this MSNBC and the Associated Press article about a new symptom of the proliferation of cheap personal locators and other gps based alert electronics: Yuppie 911. Basically people who have no business in the outdoors, getting themselves in a tight spot that they never should have been in and then relying on the government to save their sorry hindquarters.
"Technology has made calling for help instantaneous even in the most remote places. Because would-be adventurers can send GPS coordinates to rescuers with the touch of a button, some are exploring terrain they do not have the experience, knowledge or endurance to tackle."
Some of the examples from the article really make you scratch your head in awe and wonderment:
They include hikers who pressed the button when they ran out of water on the trail. They refused rescue because they managed to find a creek but later pressed the button again because the water was salty. The third time they pressed the button during the same trip, the rescuers forced them into the helicopter and then cited the group leader for endangering the rescuers. Another example has a lady pressing the button when she got scared during a thunder storm.
"In the past, people who got in trouble self-rescued; they got on their hands and knees and crawled out," says John Amrhein, the county's emergency coordinator. "We saw the increase in non-emergencies with cell phones: people called saying 'I'm cold and damp. Come get me out.' These take it to another level."
What's next? Feeling tired and have a blister on your next back country hike? Press a button, pop a smoke grenade, and wait for your ride. People, the fine folks at search and rescue are not your personal taxi service. I do not want to think that you are calling them to bring you some Evian while I am in the woods somewhere sawing my leg off with a swiss army knife!
Editor's note: Even though it was cold and windy and there was very obviously an active volcano behind me, I did not press the button on my SPOT Messenger. I was however fully prepared should an emergency arise.
Because sometimes fly fishing is tactical
Shrouded March Brown
A little variation on a classic winged-wet fly. I tied this using a much longer, webby hackle.Gone is the gold rib and a thread rib put in place, over a very soft body of beaver fur. When submerged, the thread rib shows up strongly with a clear segementation of the body. Even in the Autumn, wet flies can move a good number of fish. I like to fish them either singly or sometimes in conjunction with a dry. Slip-winged flies may not be as durable as some of the more modern materials, but they are unbeatable in wet flies.
Shrouded March Brown
Hook: B175 #12
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, tan
Hackle: Hen, dun
Abdomen: Beaver
Wing: Hen pheasant
Tail: Mallard
Shrouded March Brown
Hook: B175 #12
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, tan
Hackle: Hen, dun
Abdomen: Beaver
Wing: Hen pheasant
Tail: Mallard
Fly Fishing Championship
Bellefonte, PA — Top competitive fly anglers from the U.S. and Canada will be in the area this month for a three-day national championship tournament simultaneously supplementing local tourism.
The U.S. National Fly Fishing Championship is now taking place Oct. 24- 26 on Centre County’s blue ribbon Spring Creek. 
The organizing committee is headed by John Ford, a retired State College Area teacher, the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau and David Rothrock, president of the state council of Trout Unlimited.
Ford said 50 people, emerging from playoff-like tournaments in Montana, Michigan and elsewhere in the country, will compete over the three-day weekend, arriving with family members and tournament judges, biologists and controllers. The weekend’s top five scorers will go on, Olympics-like, as Team USA to a world championship tournament in Poland next summer.
It’s the first time that the national championship has been held in central Pennsylvania trout streams, Ford said, though he organized the World Youth Fly Fishing Championship on Spring Creek and three other local venues in August 2007.
Is fly fishing really a competitive sport? Will spawning fish be impacted?
Inquiring minds want to know.
The U.S. National Fly Fishing Championship is now taking place Oct. 24- 26 on Centre County’s blue ribbon Spring Creek.
The organizing committee is headed by John Ford, a retired State College Area teacher, the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau and David Rothrock, president of the state council of Trout Unlimited.
Ford said 50 people, emerging from playoff-like tournaments in Montana, Michigan and elsewhere in the country, will compete over the three-day weekend, arriving with family members and tournament judges, biologists and controllers. The weekend’s top five scorers will go on, Olympics-like, as Team USA to a world championship tournament in Poland next summer.
It’s the first time that the national championship has been held in central Pennsylvania trout streams, Ford said, though he organized the World Youth Fly Fishing Championship on Spring Creek and three other local venues in August 2007.
Is fly fishing really a competitive sport? Will spawning fish be impacted?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Nobel, I mean Angler of the Year
Obama Named Angler of the Year
Surprise Selection Shocks Fly Fishing Community
West Yellowstone (The Marinaro-Koch Journal) – President Barack Obama stunned the fly fishing world today by picking up its highest honor, Angler of the Year.
Surprise Selection Shocks Fly Fishing Community
West Yellowstone (The Marinaro-Koch Journal) – President Barack Obama stunned the fly fishing world today by picking up its highest honor, Angler of the Year.
Mr. Obama was chosen unanimously, according to the AMFF, beating out clear favorites Ted Leeson and Craig Matthews.
At the New York Angler’s Club, fly fishing insiders were shocked by Mr. Obama’s selection, given that he’s been in office for less than one year and during that time has yet to land a single fish. But he did wear all the right gear during a recent “secret” photo shoot.
Mr. Obama was most gracious in receiving the honor saying that he was, “humbled and honored” by the award before excusing himself to accept this year’s Heisman Trophy.
Penn State Flyfishing Exhibit @ Allenberry Playhouse
In the mid-1900's, Penn State became the first university to offer accredited courses in fly fishing in the United States. A highschool friend, Pat, got his mug in time magazine back in the late 80's as a PSU fly fishing student.
The program is widely acclaimed by those in the fishing community as one of the best in the nation -- indeed, Penn State is sometimes jokingly referred to as "Angler U." So, it came as no surprise to faculty that the Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum Association chose to dedicate its latest exhibit to the program that has fronted the field for more than six decades.
Entitled Not Just Another Fish Story, the exhibit is open to the public at the Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse in Boiling Springs, Pa. The exhibit provides a look back at the lore and legend of the Penn State fly fishing curriculum while honoring four past and present course instructors.
What: Not Just Another Fish Story, an exhibit on the Penn State fly fishing program
When: Noon to 8 p.m. daily
Where: Fairfield Hall at the Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse
1559 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs, PA
Details: No admission fee for Minions!
Late Saturday Morning Bacon!
This morning's delicious photgraphical montage is brought to you by BACON!
Curli says it isn't so, but can all those people who say otherwise really all be wrong?
Another fine example of bacon body art.
This is the style of fence I'm contemplating to keep the riff-raff out of the chateau.
Not sure if this would be considered an offensive or defensive weapon. It might even be considered a weapon of mass debaconation?
Happy weekend!
Curli says it isn't so, but can all those people who say otherwise really all be wrong?
Another fine example of bacon body art.
This is the style of fence I'm contemplating to keep the riff-raff out of the chateau.
Not sure if this would be considered an offensive or defensive weapon. It might even be considered a weapon of mass debaconation?
Happy weekend!
Upper Sacramento River, CA Fly Fishing Report
Sean Wallentine
Sacramento, CA
September 2003
Caught 74 Rainbows up to 13", but lost some others that were much BIGGER.
Flies Used: Beaded Gordon's Prince #16; Beaded Bird's Nest #14; Hopper #12; Green Beaded Pulsating Caddis #16; Green Z-Wing Caddis #14.
Other Details: Fished downstream from I5 bridge, through town at Prospect Access up to Mossbrae Falls, and in Dunsmuir at Gillis Street, and down I5 at Conant exit.
This is what happens....
when you drink a bottle of Jager and attempt to do an interview over Skype.
-Alex who is a sexy bitch.
-Alex who is a sexy bitch.
For all the detailed, beautiful, fancy patterns available, it is nice to tie simple, suggestive patterns. More and more my fly boxes are becoming loaded with these simple flies. Profile is the key. I don't know whether the loop 'wing' suggests splitting wing buds or legs. I guess it doesnt matter: they give me confidence. Fish them dead-drift without any hint of drag, or drawn purposefully up through the water to induce a take.
Looped Baetis Nymph
Hook: TMC 102Y #15 - 21
Thread: Powersilk 10/0
Bead: 2mm tungsten
Tail & 'wing': Woodduck
Body: Dark olive spectrablend
Thorax: Peacock / charcoal spectrablend
~ Dave
Looped Baetis Nymph
Hook: TMC 102Y #15 - 21
Thread: Powersilk 10/0
Bead: 2mm tungsten
Tail & 'wing': Woodduck
Body: Dark olive spectrablend
Thorax: Peacock / charcoal spectrablend
~ Dave
Create Your Own Virtual Fly Guide Profile
For every fly fisher, there are individual styles. There are dry fly purists and indicator nymphers. Regardless of your preference, fly fishing has a style all it's own. There are so many variations of this passion, it can suit everyone's style. Our intent is to create a network of fly fishers who showcase their individual style.
The VFG Bulletin Board allows fly fishers to not only post reports, photos, videos, and comments, but also to create a profile. Click on the link below to find out how to create and update your Virtual Fly Guide profile.
"Fly fishers guiding each other by sharing their personal reports"
Things I Really Like Week: Headgear
Today's selection for "Things I Really Like Week" is something that almost every angler has but few think about, unless of course you forget yours on a hot sunny day. For a follically challenged angler like myself there are a few things I can do without on the water, but a good hat isn't one of them.
Aside from keeping my scalp from shedding its skin like a dried out serpent, a good hat is essential for keeping you cool or warm depending on the season. A good piece of head wear keeps the glare out of your eyes and allows your sunglasses to work better. The bill of a ball cap can even save you from the occasional fly embedded in the nose.
A good piece of head wear can make a break an angler's cred in the eyes his fellow fishers. For instance, I might wear a Indiana Jones style fedora on the water if the Editorial Trophy Wife would allow it, but she tells me the ball cap suits me better. I am a definitely a low profile guy and a few of my favorites on and off the water are my well worn Reel Pure glare proof lid and my UNC Tarheels cap. Both garner a lot of comments now that we have moved North of the Mason Dixon Line. The UNC logo says I can't wait for round ball season and the solo fly logo on the Reel Pure lid marks me as an unrepentant fly angler.
As you can tell from the stacks of them that I own. Fishing hats are one of the many things I really like.
10 Things Estate Owners Love
Clearly I'm not in the know on this particular topic:
10 things estate owners love
1. Having a lot of equity in their portfolio. ‘It makes it relatively easy and cheap to borrow money at the moment,' explains Philip Eddell of Savills' country-house consultancy.
I want equity and lots of it!
2. The eco-friendly future's bright for landowners. ‘Nearly all of the answers to global warming and global population growth are either local, land or natural resource based all things that estates are well placed to meet,' adds Mr Eddell.
I want my own renewable resources!3. The pleasure to be derived from the continuity of ownership and open landlord and tenant relationships. ‘When you buy an estate, you often take on the "Lord of the manor" responsibilities, such as hosting the village fête or having the village cricket pitch on your grounds, and people like taking on that role,' says Mark McAndrew of Strutt & Parker's estates department.
I want the local rugby club to play on my pitch!
4. Grants that enable habitat management and repair funds for traditional farm buildings.
Grant money? Gimee, gimee!
5. The opportunity presented by future housing shortages.
Hovels for rent! Hovels for rent!
6. Farming. Knight Frank's latest research forecasts that farmland values are going to double in value in the next few years, possibly breaking the £10,000/acre barrier in 2015. ‘Plus, they're making 15% more this year on sub-sidies alone because the Euro was so strong on the day the European Central Bank fixed the exchange rate,' adds Andrew Shirley, head of research at Knight Frank.
At the current exchange rate 10,000 pounds = $16,624, you can call me Mr Greenjeans for that kind of "harvest."
7. Income possibilities from alternative markets such as leisure, minerals, phone masts, restrictive covenants ‘and don't forget the film industry, which may want the house or the land for a location shoot,' points out Douglas Mackellar from Savills' office in Cheltenham.
I want a cell phone tower combination windfarm up on the hill!8. Country sports. ‘Landowners regard the pursuit of hunting, shooting and fishing and many other field sports as one of the most virtuous and supreme privileges of rural landownership,' believes Angus Harley of Knight Frank's rural consultancy. ‘Country sports are also linked closely to conservation and underpin the rural economy in many areas.'
Oh to be a country gentleman... Sorry old chap, but you just can't fish, hunt, stand, park, look, think about or even imagine here.
9. The cordon sanitaire of owning land around your property and the peace and quiet that comes from having a buffer against the outside world.
Oh look honey some of the little people are looking our way. I wonder what it must be like to be just regular folk?
10. Tax breaks such as Agricultural Property Relief, which means you can pass the farmland within the estate on to your children without them paying Inheritance Tax.
If I have lots of money and used some of it to buy lots of land, lots of my money goes to taxes, therefore I need a tax break. Yes?
We're obviously on the path to the European model of government at this point in the game. This must be what the regular folk have to look forward to. Inspiring is it not?