Submitted by tara.granke on Wed, 2015-11-04 13:48 TU Teens Youth Camps & Academies Stream Explorers Outdoor Communicators Vote Up Down +13 + alek.jpg The TU camp essay contest gets many great submissions and I wanted to share this wonderfully colorful poem from Alek L. who asks, "Is there anything better than fishing?" Alek attended Tennessee Trout Adventure Camp in the Great Smoky Mountains at the Tremont Institute. His favorite place to fish is Lynn Camp Prong. When asked what his favorite thing is about being outside he said, "Relaxing by exploring a new stream and seeing the beautiful nature around the stream." Thanks for sharing Alek! TU camp is EVERYTHING! By Alek L Seeing the beautiful colors of a brook trout Noticing the way a crayfish molts Tying delicate flies Trying different casting techniques Is there anything better than fishing? Talking with the amazing biologist and absorbing their extensive knowledge of the ecosystem Seeing the extraordinary fireflies Meeting new friends Learning from each other Looking for darters as we snorkel the crystal clear Little River Time passes too quickly Being thankful that I am here Knowing that there is so much more to understand about the Mountains Wishing I could stay here forever Pondering this place that is ageless If only there was more time…