 As You can
plainly see in this old photo of Corenne and Glen, I most certainly saved the mother of my
children from an illustrious career in Hollywood. She was indeed an example of
beauty in that particular era. We first lived in a cottage in back of her folks home
in uptown San Diego. After building a house near my childhood home in Spring Valley,
my family eventually grew to number 3 sons. Number two son (pictured in photo below
right) is Dennis Ray Parks, and to finish off the trio, is Brian Thomas Parks. I
think you can probably figure out which is which in the snap shot. It became a real
joy to watch my boys grow up under the additional guidance and love provided by our
neighbors, my mom and dad. |
 It didn't take Glen long to wet a line in one of the near by fishin' holes. In fact,
all the boys took to angling just like a fish to water! (sorry about that) Otay reservoir
was a favorite family spot for learning how to tie a line, or remove a treble hook from
the hat that one of my boys artfully snagged from off my head. On special occasions, the
La Jolla kelp beds were patrolled for the sought after Yellowtail Tuna.
One Very special fishing trip to the kelp found 10 year old son Glen and I in an 18
footer among the local sport fishing boats looking for tuna. In the midst of all the chum
coming off the charter boats, Glen got a strike which turned out to be a 30 lb
Yellowtail! I had to maneuver our small craft around the larger boats and their
anchor lines while all along prompting Glen in the fine art of playing a big game fish.
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 After about 30 minutes of this epic struggle, Glen became tired and wanted me to
finish reeling in the prized fish. I will never forget the look on my sons face
when, without hesitation, I pulled a knife from it's scabbard while exclaiming:
"Well, I guess we'd better cut the line right now!". With renewed vigor,
Glen landed his tuna and we both enjoyed the pride that comes from a task well done.
The picture to the left shows a million dollar smile on Glen's face while holding a
stringer full of fish for his Gramp's camera. I wish I would have had a camera on
that day to record his excitement over just one Yellowtail tuna after it took my son to
the limits of his endurance.
In Years to come, fishing trips expanded with modern ways and means to include
Baja California, the blue water Pacific Ocean, Sequoia National Forest and even crystal
clear lakes high above the timberline by way of the John Mueir Trail. When the subject of
fishing come up, real fisherman will say that it is the time spent that is rewarding
rather than the catch. I agree without hesitation. The lessons learned by both
young and old while our family has spent time together at this noble pursuit are
priceless, and continue to pay dividends even today. |
