I'm finally in Hillsville, VA for the week. My grandparents moved from their mountain house on the Parkway to town. Everything you could possibly need is within a short drive here in to: grocery store, gas station, the church, etc ('cept a fly shop). This area is truly a fly fishing mecca if you will. You have the second oldest river in the world, the New River, a short drive to the west, the Dan River just to the east, and a plethora of wild trout streams. Virginia is said to be the best place to find native southern Appalachian brook trout south of New England. I'm taking advantage of that little tidbit tomorrow. Grandad and I just got back from a scouting expedition to check out Big Reed Island Creek. Looks like an excellent year round smallmouth river. I would imagine trout swim in these waters, but they'll soon migrate upstream, retreating to colder water when the summer heat sets in.

Tomorrow's schedule begins with a trip to Fancy Gap (grandparents old house) to load firewood into the truck. Warmwater fishing for bass and panfish follows. Then, it's off to the headwaters of the Dan River for some wild brookies. Should be a fun day!! A report should be posted sometime tomorrow.