Dodson's Journey

The story of a man who, upon the death of his father and an imminent divorce, takes his 10-year-old daughter on a cross-country camping and fishing journey, reminiscent of those he took with his own father.

James Dodson is enjoying the Fourth of July with his 10-year-old daughter, Maggie, 6-year-old son, Jack, and wife, Meredith when his mother, Emily, calls to break the news that his elderly father, Opti, is on his deathbed. James rushes to his father's side and they reminisce about their past fly-fishing trips and Opti's tradition of bringing along poetry books. That night Opti passes away. Upon returning home, Meredith reveals that she plans to get a divorce. Hurt and angry, James is in his study when Opti's spirit appears and encourages him to take young Maggie on a fishing trip. During their trip, James teaches Maggie the art of fly-fishing, as well as the meaning behind American poetry's greatest verses. Maggie helps James examine his past and put his life back into perspective.