FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

I never get tired of this view.  West from Wolf Creek Pass.

I can finally say we are settled in.  Got the other truck Colorado licensed, our DL’s, received the deed to the house, dealt with the social security people, and all the other things required to be old and move.  And of course, there are the little things to learn about living in a really small almost isolated town.

The mail is spotty with plenty of folks in the valley complaining about how long things take and the somewhat random nature of delivery.  And it seems we have a couple of electrical outages every year including one this morning.  Rarely does it last but since we have a gas fireplace in the living room it is nice and toasty.  Another “disadvantage” of living in a really small town is the limited places to eat, which is probably a blessing as we don’t eat out like we used to.  Compared to other places we have lived the few small inconveniences here do not even come close to living in “town”.  I could go the rest of my life not driving on the interstate through a big city.

I haven’t written in a while as we have been taking it easy and getting things done.  But the fishing is just a couple months away here and I will be posting my usual amount.  I will be sure to drop a pic of the snow coming this weekend, it just might be something,

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WOW

Just got an alert from the local PD that several mountain lions were observed prowling around South Fork last night.  Just maybe the town is full of deer, number 1 in their dinner list.  You gotta love living in the woods.  We look at it this way, they were here first.  Same with the wolf reintroduction.  Then when the Boss opened the window yesterday morning a big coyote was trotting down the street.  Suffice to say we love it here!

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A Cripple Creek morning at 10,00 feet on a lovely Colorado day.

We spent a couple of days in Cripple Creek combining the Boss’s coming birthday and Valentines Day.  (There happens to be a Golden Nugget casino and for some inexplicable reason they sent us 2 free nights, so happy to go.)  A few hours from here it is a classic old mining town full of casinos.  Most are small and a legacy to the wild west.  They are basically the financial lifeline for the town and folks were friendly.  Interesting place.

A few miles down the road, actually the end of the line, is the town of Victor.  It still has a couple of huge gold mines operating and some really cool old houses.  We found the only restaurant in town, who does not like biscuit and gravy.  We missed Rita the Rock Planter as we did not know she was there.  Will not miss her next time.

There are others in Colorado so will be sure to add them to the future list to see.

Rita the Rock Planter – Wikipedia

 We did manage to see a couple of elk but couldn’t get stopped in time.  The morning we left it has snowed 3″ which is no big deal minus the curvy roads.  It was really cold and the roads were snow covered so we did not see much for the first couple of hours.  As it warmed we saw elk, sheep, deer, coyote and 2 eagles.  It just did not work out for pics but with the weather change coming we will be back chasing.

It is supposed to snow around a foot the next few days and it will have the sheep and elk down.  And maybe a moose who knows.  The area really needs the snow so hope it comes.  To go along with that the wind is on a terror right now blowing 40 -50.  If it wasn’t for that it is still nice here in the mountains.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Hope those of you in the Houston area will head to the fishign show this weekend.  Be sure to visit Michael at the Knockin Tail booth.  He has several new things in the line and the shrimp looks killer, to go along with some good deals on Knockin Tails and jig heads.  Tim and Jason at the Wade Right booth have a new bag that I am excited to see.  Both these folks are local guys and they deserve our support.  Plus, nothing like looking at boats and a ton of other fishing stuff you may or not need as your wallet will dictate.

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Today we are getting ready to hunker down for the snow to come starting tonight.  They have upped the potential to 30″ with winds to 50mph and colder than a weld diggers you know what.  So will start the beast to a snowblower as it will definitely get a work out.  Then be sure plenty of candles and flashlights, get out the snowshoes and just gemerally make sure we are as ready as can be in case we are snowed in for a few days.  But guess what?  That is what we signed up for.  And as soon as the roads are cleared it will be off to the Bighorn and Elk wintering areas.  So plenty of pics to come.  Thanks for stopping and reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Off Topic

1.  Alina HabbaBOOBado and Eyeliner Dude (Who would make me nervous at the urinal.) Vance need to turn in their law licenses.  Saying the Courts have no power over the executive branch and its orders is not only just plain nonsense but stupid.  I think it was day one in civics in the 7th grade where we learned about the separation of powers.  It is a check and balance on the power off all branches.  Do not let their gaslighting be your only source of information.  (Plus the orders challenged do far in court are now 10-1 against and it will continue.)
2. If that raving lunatic President Not Elected Musk tells us one more time about the waste in the federal government I might puke.  Try this on for size.  The State Department has indicated they will buy 400 armored plated Tesla trucks at a cost of a bazillion bucks.  Hey, what about that getting rid of EV’s?  And speaking of ferreting out waste do you know that our government currently pays Musk $8 million a day in subsidies.  Educate yourself.  So now some South African dope taking lunatic is running much of our country.  I agree there is tons of dead weight and waste but this is not the way to go about it.  Plus my personal information is none of his business.
3. Finally, one of the things being watched is President Trump has now “joked” about serving a third term as president FIVE times.  Just remember this, you never know.  Apparently, the constitution is just a suggestion.

UPDATE:  Right after I posted this and the word got out about the 400 Tesla tanks the contract was cancelled.  The press serves and important role and if this was not brought to light it would have happened.  Please think about it – If they were necessary and on the up and up why would they have cancelled.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

The weather this winter has been something else.  While up north and in the really high country there is snow, here at 8,400 feet it has basically melted.  But it is absolutely stunning weather.  It will hit 60 degrees and looks like it will stay that way for a while.  So nice, but snow is the life blood of Colorado, much less the border and California.  All that water comes from somewhere, much of it here.  Our area is considered drought, and we need snow.  While we walked today the coats came off.  And that fancy snow blower on the porch is just taking up space.  There is only one thing good about the weather, the boat might come out sooner.

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One of the things we love about Colorado is how much folks love the outdoors and as a group are healthy and fit.  When we saw the climbing festival was in Lake City we were excited to see it and were so glad we did.  It sure looked like big fun.

Just a small section of the climbing areas.

This is a small section of the ice wall.  They flood it from the creek every year and it is open to all.  All I have to say is how cool, and I wish I was 20 years younger.  The Boss and I did a high building urban rescue course and took folks off buildings, so we know how to get down.  Going up looks like another completely different operation.  I would do it in a heartbeat.  All climbers had a belay person supporting them at the bottom which obviously reduces the risk of dying.  The tiny figure at the bottom of the first pic is belaying for the little, tiny person halfway up.  These are one big ice walls.

All climbers had a belay person supporting them.  This was more a free climbing accent.  Belayed for safety but able to free climb with the existing anchors.   Way cool.

Success!

Just a few of the dozens of folks climbing.  It was fun and amazing.  As we walked and watched folks the Boss looked up and there was one crazy mofo.  It does not get any cooler than this guy.  First up how high he was.  The cable stretched completely over the entire canyon.  He did not use a balance pole and fell once but hopped back up and made the trip both ways.  We learned he does this all over the world and that was his practice run.

That would be him!

He fell once and it was something to see him hop back on a swinging cable.

How about a little perspective.  The only word I can think of – Stunning.

All I have to say, what a stud.  This was no bullshit high!

On our drive we went past San Cristobal Lake which I have fished before.  There were a few ice shacks and a couple of vehicles out on the ice.  The point is next weekend Lake City has another festival but on the frozen lake.  Whether just walking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, or hell belly crawling, it does not matter.  All are welcome to traverse the mile course and indulge in a few cold ones along the way.  I keep saying it but Colorado is just plain cool.

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As we headed back from Lake City way up in the mountains the Boss slowed down and here is why.

Feed Me!

She stopped and rolled down her window and this fox came right to the door.  It was near a busy trail and obviously has been begging.  This is why you NEVER feed wild animals.  When normally talking about habituation it is this, feeding animals so they associate us with food.  It does them no favor and in this case leads to getting hit by a car.

The bigger picture is Yellowstone where the animals are habituated in a different way.  They are so used to cars and people unless it is a Touron they go on about their lives.  Why I rag on photographers who tout their stuff with pictures from the park.  While great and manipulated the animals there are easy to find and photo.  Or as in one case a “pro” was feeding fox to get them close, that is not a wildlife photographer, that is a butt head.  A kid with an iPhone can do just as well.

As a side note we saw one on the way up, boy are they cool looking with their winter coats and stick out like a sore thumb when hunting in the snow-covered fields.  We did see one bunch of sheep on the way up but wanted to get to the ice climbing so did not stop.  But did not see them on the way home.

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The Billionaire Land Grab Continues

In our travels we have experienced the hate (I will use that term for lack of a better one.) folks in some places have for outsiders moving into the area.  Our first experience was in Arkansas where folks “hated” the people from Chicago.  There is always that we don’t care how you do it there so don’t tell us how to do it here.  That attitude was prevalent as the city folks wanted to change the way the things were done in Arkansas.

The same thing has happened with North Carolina and Florida folks.  It happens here in Colorado with them not liking the California folks, same thing happens in Texas as more people migrate from California.  And there is a certain amount of those feelings for folks from Texas as they clash some with the residents here.  But now there is a real legitimate gripe here in Colorado with a billionaire oil man from Texas.

I have long hated high fence for multiple reasons and this dispute involves over 20 miles of high fence on his ranch here in Colorado.  His ranch covers over 100 square miles of what I call high desert including 20 peaks in the Sangre de Christo range.  There are plenty of issues including erosion, cut off of the elk and mule deer migration, including cutting off water holes along with a 20′-foot-wide swath cut through the forest.  Of course, it is highly complicated and over the last 4 years involves litigation.  It seems to be coming to a head soon with multiple stake holders involved.  Suffice to say you see very little high fence here other than at major elk crossings and highways.  The locals hate it and so do I.  As more and more access are being cut off by rich folks the high fence is a blight on the land.  It may be legal, but it is an indication of what the rich are doing to the outdoors.  Neither they or the current government cannot be trusted to do the right thing for citizens.  Is the final result in this country that the rich will own it all and folks are left with little?

Here is a link to one of the many stories available on this issue.  You decide what you think of it, but it goes without saying Colorado does not want to be Texas.

Colorado AG steps into battle over billionaire’s fence in San Luis Valley

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The Land Grab Heats Up

The Trump administration in concert with President Not Elected Herr Musk sent out a letter to thousands of the part time seasonal National Park and Monument employees rescinding their summer work in our parks.  It will end in chaos as it involves thousands of workers.  No one to clean toilets, control traffic and crowds, maintain the parks, it will be a disaster.  Our parks, and I do mean OUR PARKS have exploded with visitors and can’t handle the crowds as it is.  So what next? You will hear the following: Look at how horrible it is so time to sell some of the land off or turn it over to the rich contractors who gave them money.  I hope I am wrong but stay tuned, it is going to be a real mess.  I do not understand how folks say you cannot trust politicians and then are ok with this kind of thing.

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It is so sad what is happening to our country.  Billionaires are running the show and it will not turn out well.  The cash rush is on and it is going to be ugly.  So we keep taking our hikes, chasing animals and loving the outdoors. To the rest of the country, Good Luck you are going to need it.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Thought for the day.

“The new political gospel: public office is private graft.”

                            Mark Twain.

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The Boss on our walk in the neighborhood.  The Rio Grande and mountains for miles.

As we reflect on our first full month here we could not have made a better decision.  It is a completely different lifestyle.  Small town, everybody knows most everybody, there is plenty to do even in the winter, and Colorado is much more to our liking socially and politically.  And this is our view no matter where you look, the wildlife continues to make our day with their constant antics and there is so much more to explore.

Part of the settling in has been a hassle.  ATT sucks, dealing with SSI and all that entails is ridiculous, and getting everything transferred has been work.  As the government and many companies have decided we do not need to speak with a real person it has been a job.  How folks who are not computer literate, or without help as they get old is so wrong. While I am totally against this nonsense of completely doing away with many federal departments some of them need to be reined in.  Many government employees have lost their way and forgot who they work for.  (I will say that all the local and state departments we have personally dealt with here have been a pleasure.  It is more laid back and unlike Texas they are nice and happy to help.  It is a different experience all the way around.)  But the hurdles have been jumped, and we are settled in and enjoying every minute of our new life.

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The Big Boys were out and about.

Without major snow on the ground it has been different than last year.  The bucks are in the last stage of the rut but they are still trying. It is so interesting getting to watch them have at it.  We have some respectable bucks in the neighborhood and while not tame by any means they are willing to let you walk right by them as long as you don’t make any sudden moves.

But then so much for living in harmony.

And then right down the road these guys were not playing nice either.  Thought the rut was over.

Yesterday something scared the does and about 30 or so came running through the yard.  And the long beard turkeys are making a lot of noise for winter.  Turkeys are not nice to each other and their antics are hilarious.  With the forest right behind the house it will be time to start exploring my hunting options.  As the rules are somewhat complicated fortunately there is a wildlife department close so the resources are there to figure it all out.  Who knows, i just might get back to hunting.  And I am counting the days until the boat comes out of storage and the fishing begins.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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My buddy Clyde who while dealing with some serious medical issues the last few years has not let it stop him.  Unfortunately, it has caught up with him again and he is facing treatment that none of us wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy.  But he is one of the most resilient positive people around and will come through it with flying colors.  He is planning on visiting in June and I cannot wait to share all that the area has to offer.  Good luck buddy, we are pulling for you.

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The administration has instituted a hiring freeze for the National Park Service.  That includes the seasonal employees many who were already slated to be hired.  There is a slimy dirty method to this insane madness:  Cause huge disruptions in the parks this summer so that either they can start selling off the land or shift the jobs to “private” (Read their rich friends.) contractors.  This is headed to an intentional massive land grab.  Keep your f’n hands off our public lands.  Trust me there is more to come on this front as they figure out more ways to steal our lands.

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Congrats to the Kansas City Chiefs.  All the whining and complaining about them is all for naught.  They got it done without any alleged “help” from the refs.  To all you fans who are bitching about them how about this really simple way to handle it:  How about your team score more points than they do?  They are just plain good, end of story.  Should be a good Super Bowl as the Eagles are all that.

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It is going to be a wondeful week around here and it looks like we might finally get some snow later.  So we continue on loving life.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Our first South Fork bull elk.  Sorry for the blur something on the lens.

We headed out early chasing animals.  Obviously we left to early as it was 11 degrees and some areas higher up it was 12 degrees later in the morning.  They were just not moving whether in our old standbys or on a new high mountain road taking us well over 11,ooo.  With little snow so many more areas are accessible.  But we kept at it until 12:30 and the real jackpot was about 10 miles from the house when I looked over and all I saw was antler.

We have spent untold hours chasing stuff and while we have seen plenty of cows in the area, this morning we saw our first big bull elk.  He was in a place not easy to photograph, it did not take long before he finally got sick of us and crossed the road heading up the mountain.  He did have a little hitch in his get along on a rear leg but it did not slow him down.  One side benefit of the auto focus struggling we spent a lot more time just watching him.  While we have seen plenty in Estes and Yellowstone, this was our first real wild bull and with the lack of snow we were just blessed to see him.  They are one big, majestic animal.  Hopefully there are many more to come.

Though it was slow we kept after it.  If you want to see wildlife you have to keep at it, you never know.  While cold it was a beautiful day, we were able to get to some places we have not been before.  It is just amazing how many lakes are within an hour or so of the house.  A side benefit we found a couple of roads that have not been plowed so they were put on the summer to do list.  There is just something awesome about driving the divide.

2 of a pack of 4 on the hunt.

There are several big ranches with cleared fields on our north drives.  It has been a surprise how many coyotes are in Colorado.  Today was saw on earlier on our drive when we came across what turned out to be a pack of 4.  These photos are from way the heck out there, while one person shoots the other uses the binocs.  When we are this far away they usually do not run off, but they do watch us and ease away.

As the day starts to warm the mice and other small stuff comes out and the coyotes are on the hunt.

The 5-minute encounter with the bull elk made the day.  In our ongoing chase it never ceases to happen for us at some point.  Sometimes it is easy, others it just does not pan out.  But when you see a lion in the wild, a big bear or bull elk it is all worth it.  This winter has been different with the lack of snow in this part of the state, the wildlife is acting different, but you just have to adapt, they are out there just not where you might expect.

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Squirmy Worms

There is nothing like getting a surprise package and I got one today.  The very proficient fly tier+ the Mad Aggie is at it again and I am so appreciative for the worms.  Actually, it has been the most consistent fly for me since starting this fly-fishing journey.  The time to start my own fly tying in anticipation of spring is about to begin.  After making bass baits over the years fly tying is on another level.  But having caught a fish or two on my own hand tied flies it is very rewarding.  So, thanks Rusty they will get a workout.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Snow for you but not for us!

It has not snowed much at our house so far this winter.  Hey Victoria, how about that weather down there?  That is crazy.  The 16 years we were there it flurried once.  Hope the grid held up as they promised it would.  Good luck with that.

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We are basically hunkered down nice and warm in our little house.  The Boss hits the road for a big hike daily, I am generally doing my treadmill, nice to have heat and TV in the garage but occasionally join her when it is a little warmer.  The cold front was a bruiser but it is back to warm afternoons, we are just wondering if it will ever snow down here.  When we have not had the snow blower of the snowshoes out yet tells you how dry it is.  But some of the biggest snowfalls are yet to come.  Plus I am counting the days until ice out.   SO keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff,

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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OFF TOPIC – SHAME

I just watched a violent criminal throw a fire extinguisher and hit an officer in the head during the January 6th riot.  I can live with pardons for nonviolent offenders from that day, but it makes me want to puke watching law enforcement being assaulted and then them walking away with nothing.  How hypocritical.  Many of the folks I represented in the past who assaulted police basically received prison in the 5-year range.  So now violent police assaulting defendants are walking away scott free.  Do not tell me you support the Blue and you are ok with any violent felon getting a pardon/commutation from any president.  So don’t get your panties in wad about some of Biden’s pardons, they have both taken it way too far.  (Whataboutism is always the argument used by those who have no argument, and what some of the scummiest defendants I represented tried to use as they whined, what about that other guy.  That is not point of this question.)  So, stick to the point – Are you ok with folks beating police or not?  It is a simple question.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Settled In

The San Luis Valley in all its splendor.

This was taken on a mountain close to the house, and it was not even at the top.  Looking east this is the San Luis Valley.  Stretching around 60 miles it is completely surrounded on 3 sides by the Rockies.  To go north, west, or east you have to go over a big high mountain pass and cross the divided.  From our house headed east to Alamosa, the nearest big town, it is 45 miles of flat and straight, with the mountains surrounding you as you drive.

The valley and mountains have unlimited outdoor recreation opportunties and we try to take advantage of as many of them as we can.  Now many of the high mountain forest service roads are closed and will be until Jume give or take a few weeks.  With our current lack of snow who knows.  But with 4 more months of possible snow it could change in a minute.  We are finally settled in and dealing with the last few things needed to move.  It has been a grind and our government from feds to local do not make it particularly easy.  But we have our new DL’s and are starting to get all our mail so guess we are finally residents of Colorado.

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Everyday we are entertained by the local wildlife.  Just the other morning they flooded the yard like usual.  You never know what you will see outside the window and today it was full to the brim.  The following pictures are just a few of what was there.  They stretched all the way up the hill.  Can’t wait to fully explore my hunting options.

A small part of our resident menagerie.  20 foot out the kitchen window.

Pretty girl.

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I would like to thank the city of Victoria for waking me up at 1:00 am to inform me that I could leave my garbage can out overnight.  This is a perfect example of what I was saying above about dealing with your government.  We closed out everything in Victoria but apparently the city folks in the garbage department are to freakin’ lazy to follow through.  I continue to be less than impressed on what we get for our tax dollars.  But hey, don’t let me break up your coffee break to do your job.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I have to admit I will miss not being at the Houston Fishing Show.  Michael with My Coast Outdoors will have some new stuff to debut as will Tim and Jason with Wade Right.  So while I will not be there be sure if you make the show hit them up and see what they have to offer.  Plus, there is always money to be saved so have a good time at the show.

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While not a Trump supporter today is inauguration day.  He won fair and square, so I wish him and the country well.  My big concern is that raving lunatic fruitcake billionaire Musk having a big part in the future of this country.  So, watch and see how it goes.  The real question will be answered in 4 years:  Are you better off now than you were then?  One thing I am sure of, the billionaires will do better than us, man I hope I am wrong.  But I cannot wait for your repeated promise that today gas being cut in half, eggs $2, the end of the war in Ukraine plus the repeal of federal tax on my SSI.  Good luck President Trump, the ball is in your court.

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It is cold here and will be for a day or two, hope you Texans are not freezing and the grid is actually doing what it is supposed to.  One thing you learn here, when the sun shines it warms up a ton during the day.  Amazing how a few thousand feet closer to the sun has such a great effect.  We are headed out for a visit to a local town noted for its wacko population so it should be interesting.  Colorado is so varied from topography to politics, it keeps it interesting.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Pretty boy on a nice sunny mountain day.

We are getting more and mores settled in.  Got the truck serviced in Durango and while we were at it got our DL changed over.  The only official acts left are getting the Boss’s 4Runner licensed here and then the boat.  The boat will wait until sometime in April when it is ice out and time for a resident fishing license.  We are becoming more Colorado every week.

One thing about being surrounded on 3 sides with high mountain passes the driving can be interesting.  When we went over Wolf Creek and crossed the divide it had snow the night before and the road was sketchy early.  But residents around here drive safely and with 4-wheel drive and good sense it is no big deal.  We are prepared for the weather and have enough stuff in the truck to spend the night or get out of most situations.  Common sense goes a long way in the mountains.

The sheep were in small bunches and hard to find today.

Basically small bands of ewes.  Not a big ram in sight.

We went on a game drive the other day and it was as slow as ever.  This no snow issue is hurting the wildlife viewing as there is no particular reason for them to come down to their usual winter levels.  But that may be about to change as it is going to drop like a rock with highs in the teens for a couple of days then some snow.  So, we will be looking forward to the elk making an appearance next week.  Plus, snow is critical to both outdoor business and water issues in Colorado.  We are treating everyday as an adventure and an opportunity.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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It was so exciting to see that the state and feds got together and bought a square mile of land adjacent to Teton National Park to save it from developers.  It is so amazing there and that they were able to save it and add it to the park is wonderful.  There were some pinheads online complaining that they paid too much, well so freakin’ what.  It will be preserved for all time instead of condos for rich folks.  The land last forever, money is gone in an instant.

To go along with that I am worried the administration is going to push to develop or sell some of our public lands.  My question to you:  Do you honestly think when that if done it will be in your interest or favor?  Be real, it will only benefit the rich which is slated to take over our country.  (And how did we end up with President Not Elected Muskrat?  I do not get it; you think he gives a f’ about you?  Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.)

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I got this from my brother the other day.  It brings back memories of bygone days.

This is my grampa and his big draft horses and the sleigh from 1953.

53′ was the year I was born, and I remember the horses so well.  In the winter after milking the cows by hand he would harness them up and head to the cheese factory a couple of miles away.  They would take the milk and then would pump the left-over “whey” back into the milk cans which he fed to the hogs.  They made the cheese and butter for the family.

He would harness them with bells on and it was so exciting to a kid to ride the sleigh in the snow.  I remember the horses as being giants to a little guy and watching their breath in the cold weather still sticks in my mind like the days it happened.  Hard to believe what has come of our lives.  Times were tougher but sure a lot simpler.  And yes, the Sears catalog was in the outhouse, it was quite the day when they finally got indoor plumbing, especially in the winter.  He raised his family on 80 acres doing it all by hand for many years.  There was a period before the first horse died that the tractor spent all its time in the shed.  Glad I was there.

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We have both lived in multiple states and have been so happy with our experiences dealing with official folks.  From registering vehicles, getting a DL, and registering assorted stuff Colorado is the bomb.  The folks at the DL office were so nice and treated us like people.  I had just renewed my DL in Texas and here was my experience:  She was rude, perfunctory, and just plain an angry bitch who needs to find another job because she forgot who she works for.  People like her are the very people that makes all of us miserable and unhappy when we deal with something that should be a breeze.  So, thanks Colorado, you have exceeded all my expectations.

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So life goes on and the Boss has turned out to be one well-adjusted retiree, took to it in a minute.  Looking back on our life we were able to spend untold hours in an ambulance in high stress situations without killing each other and that continues.  I love being here with her, it always left me feeling guilty being here without her, but those days are over.  As far as my entertainment besides animal chasing it is time to start tying some flies and making lures.  Fishing is coming and I cannot wait.  I appreciate you all continuing to read this, thanks.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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In the last post we finally got some snow, and with that the first real big boy of the year.  While there are plenty of acceptable bucks in the neighborhood it seems to take a real winter turn to bring them off the mountains.  So when I looked out the door today there he was.  Sorry the pic is fuzzy, but it was shot through double pane glass and a good snow.

A little fuzzy but you get the point.  This guy is a bruiser!

You estimate the spread on this big boy.  He did not have tons of mass but as far as I am concerned this is a real one, at least in my experience the last few years.  There are plenty of small fry out and about so it will just be a wait and see on more this size.  Plenty of snow brings them out as winter looks like it has finally come to South Fork.

A Roman nose old warrior.  This is the size you do not want to hit with your truck.

Hopefully this new snow will bring the elk down to their big winter range north of Creede.  I don’t know if you saw the story about the elk that had to be brought down by ropes near Lake City where we were the other day but what a story.  That area is the home of the ice climbing festival on February 1st which we plan to attend.

Photos: Elk rescued from ice wall with help from Colorado climbers

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It is so amazing what happens here in the afternoons.  Today it was 10 degrees first thing but when we went for our walk the sun was shining bright and it was flat warm.  By time I got back a coat was not necessary as it was warm.  Love that here.  And here are a few of the residents hanging out in the warm sun.

Hard to hide with that rack.

The does are just plain girly.

I see this guy all around.  Not sure happened to his antlers but it sure is funny looking.

Having them around sure makes the daily walk better.  They are fairly tame and as long as you do not make any fast moves will tolerate you.  But like today where there was a dozen or so bedded down when momma got up everyone scattered.  Then you get to see the mule deer hop.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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This interesting question from Bob on Falcon Lake.

I am heading to Falcon Lake for the first time this February. Planning to launch at the state park. Any tips you can give an old man who only found his love of bass fishing ten years ago.

First and most important:  Falcon Lake Tackle – bass fishing tackle, marine supplies

There is no better resource than them, online or in person.  In fact, if you get there the day before you plan on fishing be sure to stop in the shop.  It is a no-nonsense no BS shop, they give it to you straight and don’t sugar coat it or sell you some bullshit that is not right for the time you are there.  And lots to be learned on the website so look it over.

And the fact you are going in February is prime time for big fish.  And one piece of advice I give everyone on a first-time travel to fish on a new lake, stay in your lane.  For me on Falcon it was always slow rolling a big Colorado bladed spinner bait which I am good at.  It was always about the big thump for me.  When you miss one and a big spinnerbait comes back smashed flat there is no doubt who did that.  I was willing to maybe not catch as many but that is not why I go there, it is all about catching your personal best.  Don’t try to learn some new technique, unless they are jumping in the boat on a blue green whatchamacallit, so apply what you do to what you learn from research and on the water.

Get a real map right now and study it.  Watch your locator constantly as there have been many brush piles added to the lake.  Be freakin’ careful and stay in the channel no matter where you go when running.  There are motor eating hardwoods that have stood the test of time and will end you trip in a minute.  There is no shame in idling to the bank, the shame comes when you knock a hole in the boat. The wind can be an issue so use good judgment; it gets ugly fast.  Tackle up just a hair on line weight but don’t get carried away with new stuff, yours will work fine.  If you find a net remember the spot and call TPWD.  And my final piece of advice, have a great time.  She can be a harsh mistress, my last trip very few, or she can be a goddess, my first trip was 3 PB in 24 hours.  Good luck and we cannot wait for your pics and report!

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I was not intending to post today but we are waiting for it to warm up a hair before we hit the road to chase some critters.  Then I got Bob’s question and could not help myself.  New fishing adventures in new places makes my blood run.  Hope all is good with you, we are loving life.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

We are 10 degrees this morning, but it is beautiful outside.  Looks like we might get the first real snow fall since we have been here.  On the home front we are still getting things organized and looks like our DL resident license is next which we will get in Durango.  One thing about South Fork nothing is real close so you take advantage of all you can while there.  Will get some service on the 4Runner and pick up groceries.

That is no real problem but dealing with the government on address changes etc is a freakin’ nightmare.  Our government makes it beyond hard to do the simplest things.  So while I am not in favor of President “Not Elected” Muskrat’s (A certified freakazoid lunatic.) proposals to do away with many departments it is time to get them more responsive to the taxpayers.  For the Boss to remain on hold twice, once for over an hour, then over 2hours attempting to get her SSI only to get cut off is nonsense.  Guess they were all on coffee break laughing as they watched folks give up.

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We got a little snow for the first time since we got here.  Looks like maybe 5″ today before it is all over.  For some reason the turkeys decided that sitting in the trees outside our window is the place to be.

A tree full.  About as clumsy as a bull in a china shop.

Fuzzy guy right center actually nosedived.  

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The Usual Morning March

I have talked about the turkeys running wild around here but was interested in whether I have exaggerated the numbers.  The answer to that would be a resounding no.  I saw the big bunch headed up alongside the house to the backyard so as they appeared I started counting.  And when it hit 80 freakin’ turkeys, I quit counting, and they were still coming.  And they were all hens, the big boys are hanging out with each other right now.

About 25′ out the kitchen windows.

We were so lucky to get this house, but if we had known it was on the main game trail out of the forest we might have sold it all on the spot just to live here.  And right before writing this there were 5 mule deer and one crazy horned buck in the front yard.  It is like a living zoo.

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We are going through tons of pictures and a few hit the spot.  Way before the blog I took hundreds of pictures and it was time to sort through them.  But the fishing sure has been the reason for the season.  These are random in no order as they came out of the pile and tweaked my interest or memories.

Amistad – Reminded me of the travels.

A big one on the Bang O Lure on Amistad.

For many years I trailered to lakes that were hot.  Falcon, Amistad, Fork, and tons of other places in Canada, South Dakota, Arkansas and Missouri, and it was lots of fun figuring it out.  Getting maps and studying them prior to going and if lucky maybe a fishing report to guide you.  In the early days and I am talking in the 70’s when bass fishing took off it was a put on your big boy pants and drive there.  If lucky there was a small resort with docks, but it did not matter, it was new and the fish were biting.  And a short while later Florida was added to the travels, then the rest of the world.  Always an adventure and when “it” happened it was all worth it.

Those were the days.

169lbs!

This would never happen today.  It was a time of liberal limits and keep and eat, way before catch and release.  Most of these weighed 3 – 4lbs with some bigger.  The white bass that year were epic and a 25 fish limit often topped 80 lbs.  Fishing has changed so much since then, but I have to admit I was there, and it was awesome.  Fish were food plain and simple.  Now some bass fishermen have the holier than thou attitude that because I put them back, I am better than you.  That is nonsense, there needs to be selective harvest depending on the resource.  Just because folks like to eat them and are doing it legally does not make you special, it makes you a pompous rear end whose opinion is not based in science but “the my boat is bigger than yours syndrome”.

Huh?

Never did tell me how this happened.

Going through pictures I forgot about this.  Early 70’s coming around the corner north of Red Bank on lake Norfork and here he was.  If you notice he saved the cooler.  Not sure how this happened.  But I towed him around the corner back to the ramp and not even a thanks.  Maybe field sobriety tests might have been appropriate but again it was a different time.   During this period I lived at the dock and helped out along with guiding and really fished a lot, as in almost daily.  The boat revolution was on, baits were changing, reels and rods went from heavy and slow to fast and light.  Coot time to be all up in it.

Interestingly enough over the decades I towed many folks back to the ramp.  Fresh and salt it happened every few years.  There was only one time in over 50 years I had to be towed and that was when I picked up my new Carolina Skiff in Florida.  Made it about a quarter mile from the dock and it died.  Ended up the mental giants who rigged it put the bulb on the fuel line backwards. If you think about it that record is amazing, shit just breaks.

And speaking of towing one of my most disappointing memories on a tow job was out of POC.  It was fairly busy and as I headed in there was an old boat with 3 folks paddling with boards.  People in the high dollar boats were blowing by them.  Watched as one guy in a Majek turned his head away and pretended not to see them.  Come on bro, that isn’t right.  When I stopped, they had paddled all the way from the island and no one offered to help!  So I hooked them up and to the ramp we went.  Over the years I hate to say it but probably the most disrespectful boaters reside in Texas.  Do better folks.

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With some fresh snow we will be heading out in a little bit to explore.  Not a car by the house this morning as the neighborhood is really quiet as the holidays have ended.  But glad the snow is falling and it should help the skiing on the mountain.  So no plan, no duties so out the door we go.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

We are finally settled in and get stuff just the way we like it.  Then I got a butt kicking cold which knocked me down a few days, at least there was plenty of fo0tball to watch.  Finally this morning time for us to make our favorite drive, and boy was that a good choice.

Time to chase some animals, and we rolled forward 10 feet in the driveway and the day was on.

These 2 had at it.

The fight was on.

The guy on the right finally banished the contender.

It has been a little different as there is not much snow down here at 8,400 feet and the days have been around 40 degrees give or take.  We are seeing mule deer and Rocky Mountain Bighorns rutting and chasing and the turkeys are doing their usual thing.  The fight this morning was a good one and we never get tired of seeing them.  (I have video of some of the fight on the camera but just can’t get it off.  Hopefully later.) But there was more to come.

We see lots of coyotes.  Hard to get them to cooperate.

Amazing this pic is as good as it is.  Taken with the 600mm fully extended as far as it would reach.  That camera will make a photographer out of anyone.  As I have said in the past this is not Yellowstone where a tourist and a truck are part of their scenery.  There are true wild animals, and you have to take what you get.  That is also why I don’t doctor them; they are what they are.

We headed north of Creede and ended up in Lake City.  On the way we saw a small bunchof immature rams but until we headed up to search for moose did we score big time on the sheep.  In the mountains you just never know when and where it will happen.  But when it does not only do you get some cool pics, you also get to truly watch them.

He ended up having a few friends with him.

Not giants but respectable rams.  They are getting their winter coat and putting on weight.

The front coming in had them on the move.

Like this, just weird.  Brain teaser at first.

And last was this bunch that had the big boy in the middle running herd.

With the weather being what it is the elk are hard to find.  It has not driven them way down to their winter haunts but they will be coming.  And not a moose in sight.  This was our first real lets find some animals so there is more to come.

************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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One thing I will be adding to the list probably next year is a little ice fishing.

Being a Saturday the ice fishermen were hard at it on the couple of local lakes you can still get at.

Lake City is a cool little town about 75 miles north of South Fork after going past Creede.  It is fairly isolated due to the road to get there but is a fly fishing, snowmobiling, and atv mecca.  Add Lake San Cristobal and you have a cool mountain getaway.  First you cross the Continental Divide at 10,000 feet and then the big pass at 12,000.  There is snow up top now but not the usual amount.  Snow in the mountains is important for the valley farmers much less the fish.  After you top the pass Lake City is at the bottom of the valley on a winding highway.  Today there was no snow cover on the road like other times we have visited in the winter.  When it has some cover let me just say the ride is “interesting’.   We will be headed back up there for the Ice Climbing shindig in February.

We are enjoying the mountains, and the Boss is finally figuring out for real, you don’t have to go to work.  Texas is in our rear-view mirror and this is our new life.  Next week it is driver licenses and then we will be real Coloradans.  And thanks to all the well wishes you have sent along, we appreciate each and every one.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

The Omen

Herd on the run.  You take the pics where and when you can and the Boss got this out of the car window.

While not a big believer in omens and signs things happen for a reason.  As we finally got close to town it happened.  A big herd of elk ran alongside us as we got close to town.  It was a sign that all was right with our decision, we made it.

It was a hell of a last couple of weeks.  Packing, closing on the house, tying up all lose ends and finally waving goodbye to Texas we headed out.  The Boss wanted to make it to Colorado and stay at our favorite dive motel so we would hit the big pass in the morning and get to our house in the daylight.  And not only did we see the big herd, another sign greeted us.

Snowing!

It has been warm with little snow in South Fork, so far.  We have to cross 2 major passes to get here and both were snow free and clear sailing.  As we pulled in the driveway it started to snow.  It would be hard to actually convey how it felt to us.  After a lifetime of work, we actually got it done.  Our house in the mountains and time to spend together and enjoy the fruits of our labor.  (And I cannot explain how it felt to hit the bank the next day and pay it off!)

So we are getting things squared away.  2 4Runners and a boat packed to the gills with stuff, we are still organizing.  The boat is headed to storage until ice out, the garage is getting organized, the Boss has the office set up and things are coming together.  We even managed to get out for a quick happy hour and see a few friends.  We are looking forward to being a part of South Fork.

After a couple of days of being responsible we headed out for a quick check on the wildlife.

TheBighorn Sheep are in rut and the big boy was chasing.  Man I love Bighorns.

We love this time of year as the sheep and elk come down from the high mountains and we have a pretty good idea where to find them.  Today they did not disappoint.   We saw 3 bunches of sheep and a few elk.

Though we did not see a real big boy it was enough to wet our whistle.  Sunday will be a serious search as we settle in.

There were plenty of ewes and yearlings about.

One of the good things about our animal route is there is one of the really big elk wintering areas close.  When we got there the elk were not there.  As the weather has been so nice and there is little snow cover below 10,000 the have not come down in mass yet.  But we got lucky and on a hillside we found a pretty good bunch.

These were on a hillside way the heck out there.

All cows there was not a bull in sight.  An old timer here told me the rule for the big boys:  Until the snow gets deep enough their “&^%$” are in the snow they will stay up.  So the pursuit begins, and with snow in the forecast there are so many days to come.  Chasing animals, hiking, snowshoeing and everything else that comes with living here.

************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Not much else to say other than we are 2 happy folks.  And I am so happy for the Boss.  She has worked her rear end off for decades and finally her time has come.  No long shifts, sick folks, schedules, her life is about to change and you can see it in her face.  And right away she is on the travel hunt, and looks like New Zaland just might be in our future.  So thanks to all the folks in Texas but we are out of there.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.  There is so much more to come!

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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