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Continued from Page 25 the air. That seems to be what you are seeing when you spot a trout jumping clear of the water.

But there’s also that third possibility. As the dad on the platform suggested, maybe the trout simply think it’s fun. No one knows what trout consider entertaining, of course, but who’s to say? It’s really kind of neat to think of a river filled with exuberant trout, each expressing its inner happiness by leaping from the water and then splashing back into the cold, clear flow where it belongs. I kind of like that notion. In fact, I like it a lot.

The kids are still looking. No jumping trout have appeared yet. Then…

“There!” I say, pointing. The two kids follow my gaze. We watch intently, and after a minute or two –

As if on cue, a small trout zooms out of the water, goes airborne for an instant, and then splashes back home.

“There’s one!” the children say almost in unison.

And then it’s like somebody flipped a switch. Within 30 seconds, the river becomes alive with jumping trout. Lots of attacking predators? Lots of emerging bugs? Or just lots and lots of subsurface happiness that can’t help but break through?

Randy Knighton City Administrator

City Of Roswell Notice Of Public Hearing

Kurt Wilson Mayor

The following item will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 6:00 PM in the Roswell City Hall Council Chambers, 38 Hill St. Roswell, Georgia.

a. 20225213 – 1104 Canton Street

The applicant, Truth Be Told Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge, is requesting alterations to the existing structure; Land Lot 387.

The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning & Zoning Office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, Georgia (770) 817-6720, or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com. Refer to www.roswellgov.com.

The aerobatics continue for a while, then gradually taper off.

“That was cool!” says the oldest, and the mom answers, “Yes, it was.”

For trout fishing enthusiasts, all of this is a signal to get out the fly rod.

But even if you’re not a flyfisher, it’s great fun to look for the jumping trout.

“And they looked so happy!” offers the little girl as the family turns to walk back to their car, leaving me alone on the platform once again.

The afternoon is warm, and the world is right, and I decide to linger a few more minutes. I look over the water one more time, and I see another trout jump into the air. Its eye catches mine – and I’d swear that trout gave me a wink.

Yes, the child is right. The trout does look happy, so happy that the feeling just has to come out, so happy that it just can’t be contained.

And you know what? That’s something I understand these days¬. I really do.