"There is nothing more special than giving a child the gift of our natural world. So many life lessons and character builders can be learned through the outdoor lifestyle. I believe that children that are given these tools and opportunities definitely have the advantage going into 
the world." This comment was made by Larry Towell, the father of the young lady I had made plans to fish with on the Spring River. I first learned about Savannah through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commision's website. Like any proud father would do, Larry had submitted a photo of Savannah to their website, where he proudly shared that she had caught 45 fish in less than two hours at Dry Run Creek. That's an accomplishment in itself, but what really caught my attention was that this 12-yr-old had caught the trout while fly fishing and using a dead sowbug imitation she had helped tie. To me, this was totally amazing.
Savannah's more than just a pretty face and I'm not sure I can put it into words any better than her father did when he said, "She is truly a rare and beautiful jewel. A father could be no prouder."
Larry Towell spent nearly two years flat on his back after a back injury. He now gets around fairly well, though still needs the aid of his wheelchair at times. "She is the reason that I am still able to enjoy the outdoors. She does it all, from hauling bags of corn to the feeders, walking dad to the ground blind holding up much of my weight, or pushing my wheelchair. She has given me the freedom to be able to get outside and hunt and fish again. Something that I know she cherishes as much as I do. She is the most unselfish little girl you will ever meet. I cannot tell you enough how special she truly is to me and to the world that is yet to discover her."
For me, discovering Savannah was a thrill. At a time when we hear so many negative remarks and opinions about today's youth, it is a breath of fresh air to hear someone speak so highly of a young person, even if it is her own father. I couldn't wait to meet Savannah in person and was given that privilege one afternoon near my hometown of Mammoth Spring, AR, where I joined up with Larry and Savannah for a few hours of fishing in the beautiful Spring River. And you'll notice I said "in" the Spring River, because that's exactly where we intended to be.
The Spring River is a treasure for those who love to fly fish and its cold waters makes it one of the top spots for rainbow trout in Arkansas. We drove to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Lasseter Access Area where we were hopeful to find rainbows, browns, cuttthroats, or brooks. The water was crystal clear and though a bit chilly, was beaconing us all.
Savannah and Larry gathered their fly rods and gear, as 
I grabbed my spinning reel and we headed to the water. I was anxious to see this beautiful 12 year old in action. Fly fishing has always intrigued me. Oh, the grace and beauty of it all! It's fishing in the most natural approach... no worms, minnows, bobbers,or spinning lures. Instead, hand-tied flies, made to mimic the insects gliding by and hatching on or just below the surface of the water. Those flies are then gracefully offered to the fish. The lightweight floating bait lands softly on the water, and is more natural than heavy artificial baits which "kur-plunk" on the water. For the fish lying in wait for that special treat floating by, that hand-tied bait is often irresistible.
It takes most people years to master fly fishing skills and Savannah, I discovered, is 
on her way to being an expert fly fisher. With her father by her side, coaxing her and lovingly offering his advice, I watched in amazement as Savannah cast her fly into the river over and over, concentrating on her casts in anticipation of a big trout taking her artificial bait.
"She has always enjoyed the outdoors, even at an early age. She and I have shared many moments together talking and learning in the outdoors. Savannah has always been a girly-girl and has never been a Tom Boy proving that girls can be girls and still love and cherish hunting and fishing."
I loved that remark from her father and it brought back to my memory a time when an older lady took my hands in hers after a hunting seminar I had just given. Closely she inspected my long, manicured fingernails. "I'm glad to see you're all girl," she remarked. "People need to understand that a lady can enjoy the outdoors too." Yes, girls can fish and hunt too, even girly-girls.
"I remember back to her first deer hunting expedition when she was five," Savannah's father continued. "It lasted all of about thirty minutes before she was ready to go and "Make mom breakfast." Looking back, and watching her now she has come so far. Just this past year we both stalked to within 45 yards of a nice buck feeding on an oak flat. By the time we had still hunted into close range, both of our hearts were about to jump out of our chest. She was shaking like a leaf, and I can't believe that the buck couldn't hear her breathing as she tried desperately to keep it under control...I will never forget sitting there that morning, I realized that she had become.... a huntress! I know men that are old and grey that have yet to stalk that close to deer, much less a mature whitetail buck.
That is just one of the many experiences we have shared outdoors together. We have come a long way.... It pleases me to no end to watch her cast a fly into the stream, and to see the excitement as she lands each fish."
Yes, she's more than just a pretty face. That tag alone wouldn't do her justice. Savannah's an incredible young lady, most definitely a "rare and precious jewel" and lucky enough to have a father who cares and has taken the time to share his love and passion for the outdoors with his daughter, giving her a gift that is priceless... a gift that won't break, one that she won't outgrow or grow bored with... a gift that will last a lifetime.
To Savannah and Larry Towell: I am honored that our paths have crossed and to call you my friends. May God keep his angels about you and bless you abundantly!
