FISH CATCHING TRAVEL
Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors
WINTER
The weather seems to have settled into the pattern that makes this area what it is. Cold at night but often sunny and warm during the day. Today was a perfect example as it was 16 this morning and as I write this stuff is melting and should hit 40+. And the results of finally getting good snow on Wolf Creek and in the woods is the arrival of the skiers and snowmobilers.
I never get tired of seeing nice mule deer bucks. See them everyday on my walk.
While the all-out rut is over, some of the bucks just cannot resist. They tear through the backyard chasing but it seems the ladies have had enough. But every day is an adventure and I cannot get enough of all the stuff.
This is the area out my kitchen window where the former owners fed them. I don’t but there are lots of folks doing it so no shortage of wildlife.
And plenty of small ones working hard for their dinner.
*************
Death of an Icon
During the blizzard the other night Two Rivers Tavern started on fire right after it closed for the evening. The second oldest building in South Fork, at one time the post office and then a grocery store it has been around for decades. The restaurant was doing well and the folks running it were hopeful things were going to keep going. Then this……….
Thanks to South Fork Fire Rescue for this picture.
Of all things the 3 folks who run it, who I know and like, went right down the street to the Gaslamp Tavern which is the locals Happy Hour Place when the call came in. It is a real shame for South Fork and them. One less place to eat and socialize, it has been there forever. I ate and stayed next door several times and am sad to see it go. Thankfully no one was hurt and they are able to rescue the dog, all in a blizzard.
On a side note, visitors and those of us who live here are really fortunate to have the high level fire and rescue guys in this small town. Not only residential, they are extremely proficient in forest fires, local and nationwide, and assorted rescue operations of all shapes and sizes that come with dealing with folks in the high mountains. Comforting to know they are right down the street. The Boss and I during our paramedic time always loved the fire guys and really appreciate what they do. Funny but when we were the “help” often it was the fire guys who were our “help”.
*************
The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.
For all your wading needs.
***************
The other night had a friend from down the street say did you see the bobcat in your backyard? NO! He had just left his parents house and saw the cat walking between the houses and he stopped and watched as she eased along the trail right behind the house. Then her kitten came jumping along behind in the deep snow. Like I have said in the past every time I get up and move I look out the front and the back. I keep 2 cameras and binocs ready but dang they slipped by me. It is great to live in a zoo without fences.
***************
And speaking of a zoo without fences here is the ultimate zoo without fences. While not totally to blame for our love of animals in the outdoors I did want to give a shout out to our wildlife guru. Our 4 day adventure in Yellowstone with her was nothing short of spectacular.
Taylor Rabe in the backcountry of Yellowstone on a month-long wolf study. What a view.
We met her on our Wolf Tracker trip to Yellowstone where at the time she was a guide. That trip, even in her world, was labeled a smashing success and we were so lucky with what we got to experience. She has since moved on and is now one of the leading wolf experts in the country. This month she spent glassing up to 11 hours a day with a study group in Yellowstone and some of her video of the wolves is stunning. She is well traveled and her love and dedication to wild animals is infectious, it is my pleasure to have spent time with her in the outdoors.
I wanted to let you know a little bit about her as she will be in Aspen in January giving a speech on the Yellowstone wolves. As the introduction of wolves in Colorado looms, unless halted with some kind of last-ditch effort to stop it, it is a hot topic in Colorado. Taylor is engaging and knowledgeable about wolves and it will be an interesting evening. Unfortunately, I will be in Texas but no matter where you stand on the re-introduction of wolves you should attend. I promise you will learn a ton, she knows her stuff.
*************
Iowa Whitetail
A big corn-fed Iowa whitetail.
My buddy Clyde and my brother took their annual trip to Iowa to hunt those corn-fed bucks. Clyde put this guy on the ground and if you notice he is missing a few tines from fighting during the rut. And don’t let anyone tell you these bucks are not good to eat. Nonsense it is some of the best meat on the planet. They live on the “feedlot” of soybeans and corn that is Iowa. Congrats on the nice buck.
*************
Less than 2 weeks before I head to Arkansas and then back to Texas. It should be a good time in Arkansas as we celebrate my mom’s 90th birthday. Always good to see some folks you haven’t seen in a while. Then off to Texas to catch some fish. Really considering selling the Mako on my next trip home and getting serious about finding a boat for these waters. Smaller and light for easy towing in both the mountains and the inevitable gravel roads that lead to our local lakes. Then back here for ice fishing so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.
Good Luck and Tight Lines
