In general, the kind of people who come fishing here (not right now, in better times) have varied and interesting jobs. Even before the flood, I've often thought I should spend more time chatting them up to find out their areas of expertise and tap into their skill base when needed. I've done some of that: I asked the guy who owns a tree trimming company for advice about felling a giant fir tree, and that was very helpful.

What I initially said to him was: "Do you think a 60-year old man could cut down that tree?" and he said no, he didn't think so. But then he saw Mr. Troutbend, who is a spry little wiry guy, so changed his opinion. He told us to cut it as high above the ground as we could, so there would be less of it to fall.

Today, an email came in from one of the fishermen asking about the condition of the cabins after the flood, and I told him about how one was flooded, and there was some mold growth. He replied that his company sells dust and fume removal systems for commercial applications such as woodworking shops and fire departments (a hose they hook to the exhaust pipe of the fire truck so the carbon monoxide is vented outside). He said they have a mold mitigation appliance he can loan me at no charge. It would kill the mold and remove any musty smells by converting oxygen to ozone. Sounds a bit late-night TV doesn't it? Except they've got better things to do than peddle quack science, so it must work.

I told him we'll start on that cabin in May once we figure out how to get some electricity over there.

This is exactly what I was hoping for: that those talented people would step up and share what they know or what they can spare at little cost to them.

And just the fact that they care enough to ask how things are going here is very touching. I'm sure I'll see more of it as fishing season draws nigh.