FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My CoastOutdoors

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An Elk or Two

On our travels the last few days we covered about halfway up the state and saw 2 different herds of elk.  But as we were on the way home there was a field by the road that was the mother lode.  Not sure how many were there but this is the view from across the street lens wide open and it did not cover the whole herd.

Not hard to recognize from a mile away.  There was a bunch.

All bedded down together like they do in the wintering grounds.

We spent a good deal of time glassing and watching them.

4 or 5 small bulls but no bigboys.

Hard to imagine how many there were. We just love watching them.

When we added the coyote, antelope and a deer or two it was a good day for wildlife,   The underlying purpose for the trip was taking the boat to the shop for a complete check up in Pueblo.  With the weather like it has been an early spring is a real possibility, and they called and already have it done with no real issues.  (Who does that?)  There was snow in the forecast but it has been downgraded so looks like we will be up at the crack of dawn to go pick it up.

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Happy Hour

We do Happy Hour once or occasionally, rarely twice a week.  Now why in world when there is a nice bar close would we drive 22 miles.  First, we do not get intoxicated, end of story.  Second see below:

The first guy is a big boy broken time or not.  The back dude has some mass.

Our drive to Creede which is spectacular in and of itself, involves a big canyon then valley ranches.  You just never know what you will see.

What a beautiful buck.

These guys were in the woods on the side of the mountain.  The guy below on the other hand was on the big flat on a ranch.  Happens to be in the area we see lots., this guy had the coloration of the pups of the den we watched this summer.

He headed out as soon as we stopped but was able to capture the moment.  Love us some coyotes!

Had his head stuck in a hole when we first saw him.  Amazing how many coyotes there are in Colorado.

Every time we go for a drive in Colorado, we are so lucky to see the wildlife, but you never know what might be lurking around.  We do not always take pics it is our good fortune just to see whatever it is.  We just love it here

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The House

Things have settled down around the house.  There are still tons of mule deer, turkeys and who knows what else lurks in the woods.  But since the rut is on the downside they are tired, though we had a really tiny buck sparring with this guy.

This guy is a tough guy, and we have been watching him for weeks.

And you might remember the doe caught in the fence during the snowstorm about a month ago.  It was quite a struggle to free her, and she went on her merry way.   The other day the Boss was on a walk when there she was.  Nancy said she was moving fine and did not appear any worse for the wear.

Still healing she is one tough cookie.

While it was traumatic freeing her it shows how tough and resilient they are.  It has healed up nicely and she looks good to go.  The Great Outdoors is an unforgiving place where only the strong survive.  Will be looking forward to next summer when she brings her fawns down.  The beat goes on.

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It has been a busy week around here.  Took the boat to Pueblo for annual service and while there headed to Colorado Springs to try a Greek restaurant that looked great and trust me it was as authentic as we ate in Greece and will definitely be back. And since we are foot loose and fancy free headed to Blackhawk the next day and got a comped room for the night. We are just really getting used to no schedule thing.

Once we got home they called and the boat was done.  OMG, done in one day, when the hell does that happen?  Over the years it might be days, weeks, even months, but these folks get it done.  The only problem was the big storm, which turned out to be big depending on where you were.  We ended up getting 1″ which was gone by time we went to Happy Hour. We thought about heading that way to pick up the boat but if we had we will would still be sitting near Leveta Pass which was blocked by an accident.  Travel here in the winter is often a question of making good choices.  But Monday it will be back here, and spring prep will begin.  Not exactly sure where next but it will be somewhere.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My CoastOutdoors

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Gunnison  –  GSO Fishing

Andy with a real one.  (Sorry I borrowed this from their site but wanted folks to see your work.  Could not downsize it but the size says it all!)

The real reason for our visit was to check out GSO Fishing.  With trout streams, the river, and the great Blue Mesa Reservoir, there is plenty of fishing.  But the lake is huge with plenty of lake trout, including some real monsters, a massive perch population which has no limits as they are invasive, kokanee salmon, plus brown and rainbow trout. It was on my fall schedule before the health thing but starting this spring after ice out I will be a regular visitor.  And here are their real resources for anyone who wants to learn and fish the lake,

GSO Fishing – Premium Tackle & Guided Fishing Trips

And Facebook – be sure to check them out and friend them for their excellent shares.

(2) Facebook

Tackle, guides, eBooks, seminars, just to name a few of their resources.  They share real information you can use, including on the water teaching. In my years of fishing, they are one of the best resources I have found. Extensive truthful reports, they could not lay it out any better for anyone who wants to fish the lake.  And after meeting the family at the store in Gunnison it confirmed what I suspected, just a good family doing it the right way.  I could not recommend them any higher.

If you ever wanted to try for a giant lake trout, they have them, but like all big fish of any species they are not guaranteed but for the fisherman who is willing to have a go at it Andy and his guides will do their best.   But that is not all, the pup lakers are everywhere, trout are a common catch, and perch catches into the hundreds are not uncommon.  Whether an experienced fisherman or just want to take the kids out for a fish catching good time give them a call, you will not be disappointed.

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Black Canyon

Though the park is mostly closed for the winter, much less still dealing with the aftermath of the big fire this fall we wanted to take a look at the canyon while we were in the area.  Suffice to say it is something.

Black Canyon National Park.

The history is varied and the one exploratory expedition in the 1800’s ended when the party gave it up as to dangerous and walked out.  It is one deep canyon.

Hard to capture how big it is.

There is plenty more to see and we will be back this summer to get a full picture of just how amazing it is.

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Wildlife

The wildlife viewing has been spotty at best, and the weather has not been helping.  It got to the high 50’s while we were up and back and we saw very little.  As I write this it is in the high 50’s and partly cloudy at the house.  The snow is almost completely gone, and the real big game animals have no real incentive to come all the way down to winter grounds.  But with some snow possible this weekend there is always hope.  But we keep our eyes open with the binos and camera handy just in case.

This guy was hanging with a bunch of does.

These were the only elk we saw on the way home.  They were way out on a ridge.

These guys are a perfect example of this years difference.  They should have long been ganged up with the rest of their local herd and at their winter grounds.  But as you can see not a flake in sight.  Love the climate deniers, this is not supposed to be Colorado at the end of December.

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Elk Elk and More Elk

We made a little drive yesterday down to Navajo Lake up to Durango and back. One of the big elk herds in this area is outside of Pagosa Springs.  Of course, during our multiple visits to that area before locating to South Fork we saw elk on our drives but just never connected with the herd on their winter migration.  But when we got outside of Pagosa on the way back there was the herd.

They were everywhere.  It was an easy 100+.

They stretched for at least a half a mile with a bunch on the other side of the highway.

Other than one scraggly bull with spike antlers, it was all cows.

Nice and fat ready for winter.

It is such a pleasure to watch them.  You can tell there is safety in numbers.

Suffice to say they drew a crowd and slowed the highway to a standstill.

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I happened to glance out the window in the kitchen to the backyard and thought that looked a little suspicious, and it was.

Can you see him?

Out came the binos and suspicion confirmed.  It is a good one.

A big 6.  Why it is hard to walk anywhere near a window in our house without looking out, you never know.

The bucks are resting now all over the neighborhood.  It has been an extended rut and they are getting tired of fighting and chasing. I first saw this big boy at around 2:00 and after we were out of the house for 3 hours he was still bedded down there.  Hard work being a big guy.

And speaking of the backyard while I was finishing this the turkeys were running wild; 2 big bucks crossed outside the windows and a bunch of does are feeding on the hillside.  Looking out the front windows there are deer and turkeys everywhere.  The mountain got 4 or 5 inches of snow with more to come tonight, hopefully.  When they get active like they are right now you can bet something is coming.

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Hope everyone had a great Christmas.  After literally decades we spent Christmas together at the house doing nothing.  The Boss worked her rear end off for the benefit of others and her hard work paid off as we settled into full-fledged retirement.

We are starting to plan our travel for the year and there has been one change; Patagonia has not worked out due to plane issues that could not be resolved.  The current plan, the Boss is going to Portugal in April for a 8 day hike while I will be headed to Arkansas for 2 weeks of striper and other stuff on Lake Norfork, my old stomping grounds.  Then in September it is Minnesota and the Red River.  Home of the giant channel catfish it has always intrigued me so reservations made.  Those are just the highlights and since I have been given a second chance at life this is just a start.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Be sure to check out Michael’s website.  There are some great new baits in the TPE Titan Series KTL which is producing some big fish right now, along with the new popping cork and rattling shrimp.  If you fish the salt, you cannot go wrong.

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They’re Back

We have been wondering where some of the bigger bucks have been, and that was answered today.  While not the full complement of last year there are a few good ones around and they are playing nice, at least for the time being.  So, without further ado….

Nice and tall.

A little mass on this guy.

These 3 were with a bunch of does, doing a little chasing and some sparring.

This is right where these 2 hung last year.

This guy was just a little bit bigger.

These are all he would stand for but if you like mass and character this guy has it.   Hope to get a few more of him later.

It is still unseasonably warm, in the mid 50’s today and will be that way for a while.  There is a chance for some snow coming on Christmas for a day or two, whether we will get a bunch or a dusting remains to be seen.  It does looks like the mountain and ski area will get several days’ worth and with that more bucks should make an appearance.  These were just a quick trip around the circle so hopefully there will be more to come.

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Fishing

We need snow so bad, the longer it goes without the worse it will be for next year, and right now.  I headed back to the creek where I caught a couple the day before and there was even less water than before.   2 bites resulted in a couple of fish sticks.  So, unless something changes, will check out the river again in a couple of days and see if the icebergs are still coming down.  If they are open water fishing is done until spring.  But I do have a buddy who is going to take me ice fishing so hopefully that will happen.

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Football

Before the Raiders and Chiefs, before face masks and TV money there was the Bears and Packers.  For over 100 years they have battled on the frozen grounds of Green Bay and Chicago.  And yesterday was one for the ages.  In one of the greatest finishes in that storied rivalry the Bears got an onside kick and before it was over a 50-yard bomb in overtime and they beat the Packers.  I grew up on them, and football was a Sunday staple.  Yesterday was one of the all-time great finishes.  Da Bears!

On the other hand, there is Texas A&M.  Their record got them into the college playoffs, but they were exposed last week against Texas and then yesterday against Miami.  A look back revealed they did not beat one team in the SEC with a winning record and their play sure showed it.  They did everything in their power to lose and lose they did.  They were pretenders plain and simple.

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Tomorrow we are off for a drive to Gunnison which is a couple of hours away.  There is a fishing company and tackle store I want to visit.  They are great folks who share information so everyone can catch fish on Blue Mesa along with guide trips.  In the early spring they catch huge lake trout and the lake will be on my list quite a bit next year.  Really sharing information on the net is rare and they deserve the support they get.  We will also visit Black Canyon which we have been wanting to visit.  It was closed last year for quite a while due to a big fire but is finally reopening.  Plus, last time we made the drive to Gunnison up and back we saw literally hundreds of wildlife as it goes through some great country.

Christmas week begins and hope whatever you have planned works out and you have a safe and fun holiday.  Our week will be determined by the snow and the passes.  So, keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

  Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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A Great Drive

It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day and boy did it turn out that way.

If this is not a great way to start your day, I do not know what is.

And we did not get that far out of town when we spotted a couple of nice elk bulls on a hillside.  It was a harbinger of things to come.

A little damage on one side.  It has been a long rut, but things are quieting down now.

Hanging with his bro.  With the rut basically over the boys will be hanging with the boys and the girls with the girls for the rest of the winter.

Sorry for the quality but they were way the heck out there.  There were 3 bulls together.  A changing of the season.

Then we hit the jackpot.  The elk have begun to gather and head to their wintering grounds.  With this crazy weather they are just starting to come down but in this case, there were at least a 100 scattered on a high hillside.

Without the 600 lens we could not get these.  They may not be the best, but you get what you get.  We just love seeing them.  There was one small bull, the rest were cows.

Bedded down and still watching us even though we were a long way from them.  Still a little touchy as the season just closed.

And the day would not be complete without a nice Bighorn Ram.

He was with his buddy.

His buddy was no slouch.  They are so much bigger than they look far away.  Up close they are solid.

One majestic creature.

This smaller guy crossed the road right in front of us as we watched the others stopping 10 foot in front of the truck and acted surprised when he saw us.

The girls were just napping in the sun.

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And To Top The Day Off

The lakes are frozen, and the ice fishing is beginning, the river is nothing but icebergs so the only place that has any open water is a small creek close to the house.  It runs fairly fast and though shallow it has a few fish, so I decided to take a quick look.

A beautiful rainbow.

I took the Tenkara, which I love to fish in small streams and a couple of nymphs, with a 2lb fluorocarbon leader.  There is barely a foot if that in most places so stealth and invisibility is key.  I can tell I am a little out of practice as I missed one, had another chase which I am not sure if he hit or not, and caught 2.  The only problem with that is the other one was really small and when I flipped it out it jumped off the hook and nose-dived into a snow drift never to be seen again.  Oops.

So for a quick trip it gave me hope for tomorrow.  It was late when starting and it got cold fast and then I lost the only other nymph I had with me.  Tomorrow morning will tie some and get organized as it has been while since fishing the Tenkara.  But when it was all said and done what a cool way to end the day, high mountain stream, snow, and not a soul in sight.  It does not get any better than a day in the Rockies.

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Bass –  FFS

You all know how I feel about forward-facing sonar (FFS) and tournament fishing.  Sitting on your couch watching TV some kid watching his TV with head down is just plain stupid and boring.  So, I just turn it off immediately.  Do not get me wrong I have no problem with guides or pleasure anglers using it, but it has taken away the “find them and figure it out” aspect of tournament fishing.  (As I have said for years this nonsense you have to have a $100k boat, $20K in electronics, $500 rods and reels is not only bullshit it gives kids coming up a false idea that is what a fisherman is.  That is not conducive to growth of the sport and in the end it leads to nothing more a sport full of “entitled rich kids.”  It is why some high school clubs have banned it to make if fair.”

There are folks who feel like me, including some of the old hands on the trail.  So in response BASS has limited FFS to 5 of the 9 tournaments on the Elite series.   What will be interesting is what affect it has on some of the guys who spend their time staring at a screen, instead of actually having to “figure” it out.  But it is not the only change coming.

A number of tournaments in Alabama have now been cancelled due to the accident when an MLF boat collided with a striper guide resulting in the death of 3 folks.  Over the years the tournament crowd has come to think they own the water to the detriment of the guys who live there and fish it regularly.   Speeding, cutting people off, blocking ramps, it happens every tournament.  And sponsors are finally realizing their potential for liability.  Boats running 70 mph+ is not safe, end of story.  If you are a sponsor or put on a tournament you better have a ton of liability insurance, or you are gambling with your financial well-being.  More changes are coming; we will just have to wait and see what comes of it.

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What a day.  The temp hit 62 degrees and according to the forecast we might see a few flurries on Christmas day but other than that it will remain warm.  The jet stream is above us and there is no real winter in sight.  It is great for the Boss and her hiking club but we desperately need the snow.  The economy is based on snow, the skiing, hiking, ATV, snowmobiling then the fish and floating from the runoff each summer.  We attended a fund raiser for one of our new friends who is ill and the owner of the bar says the local business folks are getting worried.  But there is plenty of winter to come so not time to panic yet.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

We finally got some snow, and it put the animals on the move.  For a couple of days, they were really moving around.  In fact besides the ones below the Boss even saw a bobcat and her 2 kittens harassing a doe right down the street.  But most of it is gone now and we are going to be in the 50’s the next few days.  So as usual Colorado weather is wonderful and we are taking advantage of every extra day I have been given.came out of the Boss’s mouth and there were 8 or 10, actually not the far out of town.  We went up to Creede for a quick happy hour and while there it started snowing pretty good.  Not only has it turned on the rut, but the elk and sheep are coming down as our temps drop into the high 20’s.  These pics are the best we could get due to the snow and unlike they will be as it settles down here, they were really skittish and not interested in cooperating with us.  Guess folks trying to kill them might have something to do with it.

Cool creatures.  We never forget it is a privilege every time we get to see them.

It was snowing to beat the band.

Not the only cool thing we saw on the drive home.

You have to be so careful on the roads right now as the mule deer are in full rut and acting like fools at girls night out.  The deer were everywhere, and we went a couple of more miles and there were 2 bucks locked in mortal combat in the ditch right beside the road.  When they are like that, or chasing does as is their full-time job right now they lose their minds, and you never know when they are going to jump out.  But this is our favorite time of year for chasing stuff and the next few months will be fun.

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Winter Fun Continues

As the snow continues to fall, I headed to my last rehab and got released.  Another one knocked off the list.  The Boss was at Ti Chi and was behind me when I got back to the house.  She called and was right down the road watching a bobcat harass a mule deer doe.  When she stopped the truck and got out her phone momma saw her and took off, then her 2 kittens ran away with her before she could get a shot.  Never a dull moment around here in the winter, then this happened a half hour later.

When I say the rut is on and the deer are acting all crazy here is a perfect example.

I looked out the window and saw this doe struggling in the neighbor’s fence.  The buck had chased her and when she tried to jump the fence she got trapped between 2 posts.  Of course until we got there that did not deter him.  Boys will be boys.

He kept trying to mount her and she was fighting him and the fence.

A lady driving by called the PD and the chief showed up along with a city guy plowing the road.  Together they were able to free her.

After a pretty good struggle she took off, hopefully no worse for the wear.

Like I said after seeing the first elk close to town yesterday once the real snow starts it is as whole new world as far as the wildlife is concerned.  When I say the deer are going nuts you just cannot tell what they might do.  Even right down the street on my way back I let a bunch cross the road and was only going at idle when one just jumped right in front of the truck by 2 feet.  But we asked for it and are getting it.  It is an adventure living here and we love every minute of it.

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Broncos in Vegas

After seeing the Raiders building their new stadium a few years ago we wanted to take a look inside and see a game.  So no better time than the Broncos playing so we drove out and had a good time at the game.  It always helps when your team wins and the Broncos are on a real roll.

The Dark Star – Allegiant Stadium – Home of the Raiders

The pre-game party had plenty of crazy fans.

The pre-game party was fun as it was attended by some interesting characters and plenty of fans.  Kind of hard to stomach 18.00 beers but that is the going rate in much of Vegas.

The Broncos warming up on their way to be beating the Raiders.

The Broncos and Nix played one of their best all around games of the year.  It was a masterful performance by Nix as he picked them apart.

The Bronco Fans showed up big time.

It was amazing how many Bronco fans were in attendance.  By time the game was out of reach for the Raiders there were more Bronco fans than Raider fans.  The Raider fans we talked to were pretty disgusted with their season.  Not so for Bronco fans.

Stone Temple Pilot half time show.  

There was plenty to keep you entertained at the game.  So worth the tip and big fun.  The Broncos are looking pretty tough and just maybe have a chance to do something real this year.  No matter what it will be a fun rest of the season.

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Las Vegas

They are bitching out there as there has been a 20% decline in visitors and we sure know why.  Having visited occasionally over the last 40 years boy has times changed.  It is so freakin expensive, $12 -18 beers, $25 hamburgers, self-parking at $10 a day, and on and on.  We stayed at Harrah’s, my advice is stay somewhere else.  But it is no wonder visitation is down.  Not sure we will be going back, there is lots better places to spend your money but the game sure was fun.  So word to the wise, they are f’n nuts and we will be spending our travel money elsewhere.

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That will catch up for the time being.  Today it will warm and will be taking the batteries out of the boat to charge and keep inside the next few months.  Bass Pro had a 10″ Lowrance on big time sale so that will need mounting soon.  I bought it as it has 25,000 on the lake map, which would have cost $400 for the same coverage.  Now that I likes like I might survive a few more years, and my vision has totally cleared I am planning multiple traveling fishing trips this year, mostly to new places so the mapping will be handy.  Other than that things are same old same old here, great.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The big boys have arrived in the neighborhood, and the chase is on.

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Bighorns  –  The Rut Begins.

The sheep are finally showing and so are the bigger bucks in the neighborhood and the first of the chasing has begun.  And with our forecast projecting a bunch of show things will really heat up.  Plus it will push the elk down to their winter haunts and we will be chasing the lot of them.  So it was great to show the Grandkids the greatest game animal on North America.  When combined with the big bull elk battle on LaVeta Pass they got a good taste of Colorado wildlife.

On our drive to cut our Christmas Tree we made sure to check out the sheep and it looks like the rut is on.

They were way up there.

No big rams were done but it is about to get interesting.+

How about a little smooch?

Ram or Ewe they are one majestic animal.

We knew it was going to be a sheep day when we started seeing a few scattered here and there on the way.   Once we got to the good area they were everywhere.  We spent plenty of time watching them and it is apparent the rut is beginning.  After the next big snow, hopefully tomorrow, we will head back up and observe the fighting to come.  Cool to watch them bang heads.

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Never Saw That Coming

There is a lot of things your Grandkids could ask but when mine, city kids, asked to shoot some guns I was amazed.  So we headed to the forest for a first lesson.

Mia shoots the .380, actually a good shot for her first time.

Ben with the revolver.

If you have firearms in your home, it is never too early to teach them gun safety.  We had a quick lesson and when they come back this summer it will be some serious range time where I can teach them so much more.  Then we can fire the shotgun, 30-06, the handguns and learn about semiautos, bolt actions, pumps, and revolvers.  There is no such thing as too much knowledge.  No matter how you feel about guns they are here to stay, and while there will always be changes and different rulings the basic right to bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution and there it will stay.

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A Real Christmas

For the first time in literally 3 decades we have a Christmas tree.  We got our permit from the Forest Service and took the kids to cut a tree.  With the Boss finally retired she is not working Christmas.  I cannot tell you how many years she worked most of it so others with kids could have off and I would go fishing.

Ben and the Boss decorating the new tree.

Heading into the mountains and cutting your own makes it special.

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Speaking of the Rut

Fun in the neighborhood.

You are not getting away from me.

Look at the mass and the spread on this big boy.  From the front or the rear this is a good one.  As the does have really concentrated in town the bigger bucks have arrived and it is common to see them chasing.  The real fighting is starting and the rut is on.  No better time to get outdoors and see what is happening.

This morning got a text from my daughter as they headed back to OKC.  They were stopped outside Alamosa where they watched 2 coyotes harass a small buck.  She said he finally ran them off.

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One Great Patient

Me on the ventilator and for some unknown reason I was not happy.

I just got this, and it says it all.  It was really tough, the fight of my life and it still brings some bad memories and a little PTSD.  But things are good now and I am so appreciative of this second chance, I will make the most of it.  Basically, one more rehab Wednesday, then the neurologist in January and that is hopefully the size of it.  And remember I was out of my mind much of the time.  So, excuse the finger but I was not a happy camper.

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Speaking of Medical

Congratulations to my buddy Clyde. Cancer free after 5 years.

Clyde just got his last pathology report back and he is cancer free.  There is still a couple of hills to climb but like me he gets more years to fish and enjoy his family.  So happy for you it could not happen to a more deserving person.  And if you are dealing with some serious issues Clyde and I are proof that it can happen for you so keep fighting.

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Thought I would get this up as we will be headed out for a quick weekend trip to Las Vegas.  We are excited to be going to the Las Vegas Raider stadium to watch them play the Denver Broncos.  The Broncos have been winning but living on the edge the last few games to it should be exciting.  It has been years since we visited and from reports it has gotten so expensive they are driving folks away.  Looks like their greed has cut off their nose in spite of their face. So it will be interesting to say the least but just hope it is a good game.

We have been getting small snows off and on and the river and lakes are beginning the serious freeze. We are still hiking and moving around and enjoying our time in the living zoo.  Hope you had a good thanksgiving we did.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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It Does Not Get Any Better Than This

It was a beautiful day here in South Fork, one of the reasons we moved here.  We finally got a few inches of snow and more on the mountain as the ski slope opens tomorrow.  The Boss wanted 2 things, to hike the lake and a fish fry.  It worked for me as I wondered how this particular lake was doing as far as ice goes, and it was about 1/3 frozen and it was game on.

Beautiful day in the Rockies.  Ice is on the way so getting it while I can.

I had a Rapala tied on and caught one on my first cast.  Instead of staying with that it was time to toss the 3″ Knockin Tail.  As it cools off they want a little slower presentation and the 3″ on a 1/16 ig head fit the bill.  Casting it out and letting it hit the bottom then slowly working it back in with subtle jerks made them eat it.

Talk about fresh firm and delicious!

Feeding them the 3″ Knockin Tail.

It is so fun to catch them on light rods and 4lb line.  They put up a good tussle in this cold water, and they taste even better.   Nothing like into fresh snow to cool them down immediately making them firm and tasty.  And what could be better than having a lake full of fish to myself.  Just might head to my regular lake and put a few on the smoker.   There is no better time here is South Fork, and I never take it for granted how lucky I am.

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The Rut

Things have been quiet around here as far as the mule deer rut, but that seems to have just changed.  As we were down the street from the house doing about 10mph on our crap road a doe in full flight with a buck on her rear end ran right in front of the truck.  It was a close one but that is the first activity we have seen.

A couple of stickers on this guy.

The does returned in mass a month ago, but this year it seems the only bucks around are little guys.  But again, our weather has been so nice and when combined with the last of the hunting season it is no surprise the big boys are not exactly showing themselves.  As soon as “real” winter gets here it will be on.  We love to watch them fight.

The turkeys under their favorite tree right out the kitchen window.

All the turkeys are here now, and they spend the day running all over the place.  Of course, a little feeding by some of the neighbors doesn’t hurt anything.  And thanks to this snow the sheep will finally come down, and the rut will begin.  Animals are us and we will be chasing as snow and leaves gone makes them so much easier to spot.  So let the winter begin.

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Snow Finally Comes to South Fork

About 5″ last night.

We finally got some real snow.  It had snowed on the mountain the last couple of days, and we joined the party, though it is over 18″ up the hill.  Not sure how long this will last as it is projected to be 50 degrees Wednesday.  But every inch counts for the winter business and then spring runoff.

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Broncos

We have enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos play football this year.  They are on here every week, so we have watched.  In 2 weeks, we head to Las Vegas to watch them play the Raiders.  The new stadium in Las Vegas looks cool, and plus seeing those crazy members of Raider Nation, we excited to make a long weekend of it.  One thing we love about living in Colorado is it is a day’s drive to lots of great places.

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Not Quite Yet

With the new snow we headed to the Big Horn sheep area to see if it had moved them down from the high country, but it was just not enough snow.  We saw a couple of ewes but that was the size of it.

Need about another foot of snow.  Lunch is way too easy to get to right now.

Watching us as they head back up the mountain.

Our weather continues to be unseasonably warm, maybe hitting 50 degrees the next couple of days.  But looks like there is a chance for some serious snow this weekend and with it the sheep and elk will come down.  Hunting season is still on so when it ends and the real snow comes our animal chasing will seriously ramp up.  But if you want to score you have to keep after it, and when it happens it makes all the dry drives worth it.

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Our daughter and grandkids will be here tomorrow for the weekend.  We have plenty to do, cooking, eating, attending local stuff, and actually heading to the woods to cut our own Christmas tree.  The Boss and I over the last 4 decades have rarely had Thanksgiving or Christmas as she often worked to let folks with kids have the holidays off.  So we are looking forward to what most folks would call a normal holiday.

Whatever you do have a safe weekend.  And try to control your Black Friday spending.  Somehow, we have morphed into measuring our Christmas by the size and quality of the presents.  Think outside the box, there are plenty of ways to spend Christmas without breaking the bank.  So have a great weekend and keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Ain’t the Rio GRAND

We finally got a dusting of snow at the house and Wolf Creek Pass right above us got about 5″.  The forecast is looking like Thursday may dump on us and it is about time.  Ou area needs the skiers, snowmobilers, and snow lovers. Plus we need the snow pack for next years water.  So with winter soon to settle in time to fish a few places before they ice in, so it was a quick trip to the river and the pleasure of catching some nice browns.

They are nice and solid this time of year.

The river is way down which of course concentrates the fish some.  My little honey hole still has some of the  deeper water in the area and with it a consistent brown trout bite.  I do not fish it often, it is nice to have a spot close to the house I can drive to in 5 minutes and it is fish on.

There is as many colors as there is browns.

Of course, what makes them fun is they are aggressive and while not easy to catch they do usually cooperate.  The day was fairly cool and since I got out later in the afternoon the bite was not particularly fast, but when I can net some this size it is a success.

This one smoked my hand tied olive jig; they love that color.

And catching them on handtied jigs is a bonus.  While I tie different colors and sizes a 1/8 basic olive pattern seems to be the jig of choice.  You never know how they want it, sometimes fast, sometimes crawled and today it was a big slow lift and fall.  They can be tough to feel and the minute you lift up you better be  ready to set the hook as it is often at best just a soft mushy feel.

This one smacked the Brown Trout color Rapala right next to the bank.

Of course the Rapala bite is totally different and again it just depends on the way they want it each trip.  Today it was cast to the bank, jerk it down 3 times and then slow roll, with the bite usually coming right after the reel.  But of course, you never know as the one above smacked it close to me.  So while a quick trip it was fun, and the next day or two might check out one of the lakes and see if I can catch a limit for the pan.

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Taos NM

I had an appointment with the Pulmonologist in Pueblo where they cleared me.  Suffice to say that whole thing went way better than I had a right to expect.  We decided to head from there to Taos for a couple of days of R&R and had a big time.  Even better it is only a couple of hours from the house and after seeing the fishing opportunities we will be back.

The bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge. 

Hard to believe the river that runs near our house ends up on the Texas border with Mexico.  That is a long way.

As we drove through the state park outside of Taos heads kept popping up out of this bus.  Looked like it was filled with a bunch of yahoos, probably the ski bums who are gathering for what will be the ski opener soon.  We are expected to finally get some snow coming this week.  While winter has been late in coming it is coming.

One great pizza at the local brewery. 

While I am restricted to one beer daily it was great to finally get to enjoy a little fun after the last 2 months.  We also ate at the local Peruvian restaraunt and it was nothing short of fabulous.  Taos has tons of places to eat, shopping galore, and the outdoor activities are plentiful.  It was a great couple of days in one cool town and we are already making plans for this spring with ice out, lake and river for me, cruising town for the Boss.

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Sports Betting

I may have been just a small-time county lawyer, but I called the sports betting thing years ago.  As soon as ESPN, football, basketball and others decided to dip their toe in gambling there was no way the trouble was not going to happen.  Think about it, just Vegas alone, young kids with loads of money, what could possibly go wrong?  Now there are multiple investigations involving all sports with more to come.  And I do not give a crap what you say, they are all complicit.  There is too much money, and it is too easy to game the system.  As long as there is stupid money there will be crime, and the major sports should never have associated themselves with gambling.

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Battery   – Texas Trooper

The crime of using physical force or violence on another person without their permission, even when it does not cause physical harm.

That is exactly what that Texas trooper did on national television to the football players coming down the ramp.  Rationalize it all you want by legal definition it was a crime of violence and for that he should be fired.  But Texas being a police state will forgive and forget.  But the old saying when someone shows you who they are believe them and in this case it is so true.  If he will do that in front of a national television audience just imagine what he does to citizens when no one is watching.  No wonder respect for law enforcement is declining when an officer acts like that.  Is that the role model you want for your children?

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I am doing fine.  3 more rehabs then nothing until January when I visit the Neurologist.  Other than a little weakness balance has been a slight issue but that is clearing up as I work out at the house.  As time goes on it is hard to believe what happened, but we have put it behind us and it is back to our usual tomfoolery.  That would include chasing sheep and driving the high country some before the roads close.  The Boss is still hiking with her club as her group slowly gets smaller.    Life goes on 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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THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER AND THE PARTY NEVER ENDS

This is my first morning waking up in my own bed and it was time to take advantage of the day and my second chance at life.  The Boss headed to her Tai Chi class, and I started working on my rehab.  (Other than taking it easy with the workouts/rehab, keeping rested and not pushing it I am free to roam around the universe, and boy are we going to.) With both done she said time for a ride so off we went to see if any sheep have showed at the lower elevations.

(Note:  Second/last elk season begins in a day or two and they are hiding out big time so did not see any today.  Plus, the weather is stunning and no reason to migrate yet, but a couple of weeks and it will be on.)

After a half hour climb on a logged over road, the promise land.  Looking southeast.

On the way up we ran into this small bunch of Bighorn at one of the areas they winter.  It was maybe a dozen with 2 rams, one a young stud with promise, the other long in the tooth.  They were enjoying the 65-degree afternoon sun and just kept an eye on us.  It is just plain to nice right now and looks like it will stay that way for the next week or so.  But change is coming.  We really need some rain followed by snow.  Snow in the Rockies is the lifeblood of all that dwells here, including local businesses.

Same spot looking straight east.  This is the real woods.

There is a really rough road that we have not driven yet, as in one in a thousand here, but since it was so nice we thought we would give it a go.  2 years ago when the really big herd of elk wintered in the valley we happened to be there the day they migrated.  We could see them way up on a barren ridge leading to who knows whereas we could not see over.  This drive has been on our minds for a while and today was the day.  Well now we know, and it is stunning.

There is a world of roads from rough to wild and this one qualified as rough.  The area was logged in the old days, and it is completely barren, just a dirt/rock track leading way up.  It took a good half hour to make it up to the top via 4wheel and then the promise land opened up.

Many of the road’s lead to the backcountry but as you look straight east there is nothing but wild land, not a soul or building in sight as far as we could see.  It is impossible to guess where it goes but will be getting the topo map out and having a good study session.  No wonder the elk are safe up here and the area has restrictive enough rules that it is not a popular hunting area.  Plus, it is a tough draw so next week when we spend the day deep in the Rockies as we shall see who is back there.

The reason for the afternoon drive.  This guy has some promise in a few years.  Yes a few are coming down.

A little older ram taking a snooze with the future girlfriend.

Our drives are so much a part of living here.  You just never know what you will see.  But it does take some planning and thought to be at the right place at the right time.  When chasing animals, you take what you get.  These animals are wild, this is not Yellowstone.  In the parks we have succeeded in habituating the wildlife and they could care less for cars and tourons, easy to get a good pic.  Try stopping the truck close to a big bull here and see what that gets you.  But that is why we are here.  There are over 2,000,000 acres of public lands in our area and they need to be protected at all costs.  Resist!

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HIKING

We love the high country, and the Boss has really enjoyed her hiking club.  These folks are at it 2 days a week year-round and often hit 10 – 12,000 foot plus.  After several months she has a couple of interesting observations.  They have not hiked anywhere twice and rarely do they see anyone else.  The knowledge she has gained hanging with these folks has opened areas we may or may not have found.  In my case some new lakes and small streams are now on the list thanks to the club.  Our area is so massive that there is a lifetime of exploration to be had.  Think you have hiked?  Think about an area of over 2 million acres you can hike till you drop, never repeat, and basically have it to yourself.  You can even knock off a couple of 14teeners or hike The Continental Divide Trail right down the road.  Not much of that left in America and South Fork has it.

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FREE AT LAST

Making my escape with a bag full of pills and a smile on my face.

Home and it is all good.  Nothing much to add to the story as I covered it on Facebook.  Just know that after a real near death experience I got out of it will little damage and no deficit.  I am doing my rehab but other than that I am good to go.  Do not get me wrong, it was the fight of my life and I chose life.  So, I am putting this story to bed.  I rode the whirlwind and won.  Time to get back to living and there is no better than South Fork Colorado.

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CREEPY

While watching the morning market news as I do most days, I had an investment question.

ME: Alexa if you had $1,000 to invest what would you buy?

ALEXA:  I would buy a generator so in case of a power failure I would not cease to exist.

Just ponder that response!  There is a new world coming and I am not sure it is an improvement in any way shape or form.  I am glad I am old and will not see much of what is to come but when movies were made years ago with computers becoming self aware it was just a dream.  Looks like we are just baby steps away and it is scary.

Last word on AI.  While amazing I am afraid it is just going to make folks even dumber than they are.  So many folks cannot even make change, have no clue about history, and rely on a freakin’ phone for the simplest task.  The ability to think and reason is becoming a lost art and reading a real book is a thing of the past.  I have no hope for the future, so good luck all, you are going to need it.

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AFTERNOON SNOOZE

Took my first walk around the neighborhood to catch up on the deer and turkeys.   Fall is still hanging around here, but they are now starting to show up.  The turkeys are here in full force with flocks of big toms, hens, and now what appears to be a couple of bunches of first year.  They run up and down, or parallel across our yard all day long.  One interesting behavior when the first one takes of running the race is on and no one wants to be last.

The mule deer are another story.  Other than a few small momma’s boys the better bucks have been gone but that is changing.  A few more like this and bigger are on the way as the does have turned up with the last year fawns.  They are all over and for now they and the bucks are co-existing for the moment.   When the rut begins here, it is later than I ever thought, it is like a light switch if flipped.  So for the next several months the animals take the forefront as we follow the rut and the sheep.

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THE BEAST

My grandbaby Ben is a beast.  Fast pitch softball, basketball, and soccer goalie.  Ben drew the line per the coach and the team won the Oklahoma City 5th grade soccer championship.  Way to hold strong and play with strength and spirit.  Love you, proud of you, and see you soon.

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PLATORA

Here is a few images from our trip over the mountains to check out Platora.  It is a high lake and small summer town that I did not get to this year but it is on the list for next.  It is about a 2 hour trip the long way on mostly highway, or the way we went which is a real mountain drive.

Blow Out Pass 11,779 feet.  The top of the mountains.

One of the highest and wildest passes in our area it is a somewhat challenging drive.  Some of it is really rough but like all big mountain driving common sense and good equipment will keep you out of trouble.  And a great thing about this drive is basically you see very few folks, other than hunters and in today’s case some fool in a minivan.  As soon as he got to the entrance he turned around, might have been there for the hiking trails.

One great view.

One hardy tree at the top.

This was the good stretch coming through the pass.

Once you go by the gate it starts down and the road follows a valley all the way to the river.  Again, slow steady and paying attention goes a long way.  Get in trouble up here and it could be a real problem.  But we go prepared so caution is the watch word but the adventure and exploration makes up for all of the effort and trouble.

Other than few mule deer near the house a few sheep was the size of it on our drive.

It had been one of those full moon nights last week and the critters were bedded down taking it easy.  The neighborhood is covered up with deer and turkeys and the elk hunters are out on the last stretch.  And our weather continues to be stupid good.  But what a drive, the TRD Offroad is a beast.

There was an oops.  When we stopped after I drove most of the morning, it is long way over the mountains, we got something out of the back of the 4Runner and forgot to roll up the window.  In nothing flat the interior was covered in dust, I mean caked.  The only good thing we did a complete empty out and cleaning of everything and now are good to go this winter.  When you carry as much stuff as we do it helps to get it all out and take a look in case you need it.

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So time to put this to bed.  3 appointments this week and then other than a couple of more I am good to go.  Feeling great, rehab looks like it will be short, and it will be back to my old life.  The best result of this whole mess, my double vision is gone, and it is like it never happened.  I will always have MG but now I get my freedom back.  So as soon as spring break the traveling fishing will begin.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Carrie, The Boss, Ben  and Mia the real tough guys in this story.

If you will not fight for this, what will you fight for?

15 days ago I was having trouble catching my breath, next thing I knew I was on a life flight to Pueblo Parkview Medical Center ICU.  It turned out to be a life-threatening myasthenia gravis crisis.  Until taken off the ventilator 3 days I ago I have almost no memory of much of anything except death came for me the second day and I fought will all my strength and won the battle for my wife and family.  I will never forget the face of death.

Off the vent but one sick puppy!

It came as a screeching, howling whirlwind color of the lights of death. I fought with every bit of strength as it tried to pull me in.  I broke the restraints tying me down and before it was over it took 6 to subdue me.  (One of the male nurses who stopped in to wish me well said for an old man I put up a helluva fight.  And my new Neurologist said for an old man my strength carried the day.)  As I was on the vent with a tube down my throat, I had ripped it out and the next day there was a decision to be made, be reintubated or accept my fate and give up and quit the fight and pass away peacefully.  It would have been so easy to accept hospice care, but I chose life.  Trust me the decision to let them sedate and put that tube back in and place me back on the ventilator was a man up moment.  But surrounded by my family I made it out the other side.  Many a crisis, reasons to give up.  Without them I would have given up.  It was so hard on the Boss and my daughter Carrie but the support of Barb, Steve, Lee and others who came and stayed those many days were a kindness that can never be repaid.

This does not do my arm justice.

So here I sit in rehab after 14 days in ICU, finally off all even the o2, my arms black and blue from IV’s and a hundred blood draws.  If there was a place for a shot it has had 10, and it has been days since I had a good night’s sleep.  And today was the second real food I have eaten in 2 weeks, one heck of a way to lose that old man belly fat. And I cannot stress enough how all those miles on the treadmill even when I was not feeling it helped carry the day,

As I write this the tears are flowing for the Boss and my daughter Carrie.  They said I fought like a badass, but they were the true tough guys making the tough decisions.  My fight was easy, fight or die, they suffered so much watching the fight I barely remember.  I am sharing this with you for a purpose.  We have the best insurance money can buy; we even had flight insurance that will pay the who knows how many $10’of thousands that cost much less what will be the well over a million for the hospital.  So we thought we’d had done it right but here is what we have learned.

One day it was all good, the next a life-threatening crisis.  You never know.  Sit down with your loved ones and have an honest discussion on your wishes and for God’s sake have a specific medical directive on file. Just stop in your local hospital and speak with the social worker for help. I feel so sorry to have left them deciding what I wanted, but they got it right as they struggled with what to do with my sorry ass.

To the ER Doctor at the Del Norte Rio Grande Hospital who made the right call in under 2 hours to life flight me, the Attendings, Interns, Pulmonologists and residents in the ICU at Pueblo Parkview Hospital, and especially the nurses who were so kind and so professional, you names will escape me with time but you all saved this guy who was not deserving.  I am humbled by you dedication giving me this second chance at life, I will not waste it.  To my great neighbors in South Fork who kept watch on the house for us and kept up with the Boss even though you barely know us my gratitude.   MG cannot be cured but together it will be managed.  It took the professionals, family, and a little God to get to the other side, but mostly it took my own personal bad ass.

When things were scary beyond belief you held it together, you kept the faith.  You stayed the course in our darkest hour in spite of your fears holding it in for me.  It was a freakin’ close one, it does not get any closer than that.  I do not know what I ever did to deserve you but today we stop crying and start laughing again.  I love you like no other, we have a second chance at life and I promise to never take it for granted.  I will be out of here in a few days and the adventure will continue. You are my freakin’ bad ass and saved my life plain and simple.  So thanks, I owe you a cold glass of wine on a mountain somewhere buddy.

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This was the post I was working on before all this drama but never got to hit send but it will be great to be back on the mountain chasing critters again.

The neighbor’s kid did not want to go this morning, so we hit the lake and of course limited.  The water has been going down, and the ramp is now unusable which happens every fall.  As the boat will be getting shrink wrapped soon that is the last day of Beaver this fall, and while there are other lakes time to concentrate on the fly rod for a little.  But the punch line today was when we got back we headed to my cleaning table.  I am cleaning fish and we are talking when behind us a big buck we never noticed was 10′ behind us just watching.  The bucks are back and so are the turkeys, and there are does with first years showing up, the fall show is about to begin.  That was just plain cool.

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And speaking of animals just a side note on living in the mountains.  A couple of days ago here in town a mountain lion ran off with some folk’s dog.  This is the woods.  Plus, it is a small town.  As the season changes some of our neighbors are heading out until next spring.  About 300 stay all winter so a major event, lion eating a dog, our big crash with a mule deer a couple of years ago, it does not matter what, everybody knows.

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Hit a high lake this morning and it was not a rip-roaring success.  Apparently, a leader I bought is old or defective as I broke off several.  Very irritating and has rarely happened to me fly fishing, The buggy whip absorbs plenty and broken lines are not very common.

Glad I had another rod in the truck.

I was able to save the day and catch a few when I finally figured out there was something bad about that leader.  The lake I was at this morning is heavily stocked and a great place for me to practice the fly rod thing.  There is much to learn and it is just plain fun.

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MLF ANGLER INDICTED.

3 people died when an MLF tournament pro hit a striper guides boat on Smith Lake in Alabama.  The angler has been charged with multiple felonies, including 3 counts of felony manslaughter, and will face trial at some point.  But the reason I am commenting is the first major lawsuit has been filed, with more to come.  One is basically suing MLF for letting folks haul ass during tournaments.  I have been wondering for quite a while when this would happen.  Fresh or salt we are going too fast, end of story, time to rein it in, there is no constitutional right to drive a boat like a bat out of hell.  So, all tournaments need to take heed, and I might add the boat manufacturers, it is going to be a new day.  You may not actually be liable but when something like this happens everyone in sight will be sued.  So will keep watching as it unfolds civilly and criminally.

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The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Over a million acres of lakes and rivers on the boundary of Minnesota and Canada, it is one of the great wilderness areas left in America.  I have been fortunate to have done 3 canoe trips to the area, and it was amazing.  Now Trump is proposing that mining be allowed that will potentially affect the watershed.  This is insane.  Please if you give a hoot about the outdoors, please do some reading.  Educate yourself.

On one trip as we drifted a small river catching fish in a sea of wild rice a huge bull moose walked into the rice and chowed down, right next to us.  Minnesota has done a serious job in protecting it for all of us.  And again, corporate interests are attempting to take over OUR lands.  They cannot be trusted with an irreplaceable resource.

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THANKS

I got home the other day, and this was sitting on the porch.  Love to share the sport and it is nice to get a present every once in a while.  My neighbor’s son in law is a 9 year NFL pro and a real  gentleman.  So thanks, it will get plenty of use.  Hope we get to spend some serious time next year pounding them stupid.  Plus you ust do not realize how big and NFL defensive end is until he steps in the boat.  Wow.

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FLOOD

It has been a dry summer around here until Friday.  It started raining then and is still raining as I write this on Monday.  At least 2 – 5″ in the area the rivers and creeks are running super high and muddy.  The flooding was worse over the pass to Pagosa and highway 160 was closed for half a day.  It looks like the rain will be stopping but it will clearly be a few days before the fishing returns.  Will check a lake or two tomorrow but they have surely been affected.  But who knows, with a good raise the ramp on Beaver should be back in play.

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With this front the temps are now getting into the 30’s at night and our highs will be in the 50’s from now on.  Looking back at last year we had an early snow at this time and they opened the ski area early.  If this was snow it would be a lot but with it projected to be a warm winter only time will tell.

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It will be a little while before you hear from me again, but you know I just can’t shut up.  But for now I owe the Boss some us time.  I already back on my feet in spite of what has happened and will be pounding the rehab as hard and steady as I can.  I will probably stick my foot in my mouth and start making some vacation promises.  You earned my literal undying devotion and it time for a new celebration of life.  And man do I need a shower, so rest easy baby we made it.

Good luck and tight lines.