Misty Mtn Adventures

Morning Powder runs and Afternoon Ripples and Fins

2012-01-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

It was Alright! 3 runs of first tracks and then the ants showed up. Made 10 runs had to wait in line 3 times. Legs noodled out on me and then knee started to be funky so I called it a day. Blue Bird and Fluff!!!!! It was Alright :)

The afternoon was absolutely great with sunny, slue skies. I had to get out and play a little more. Legs were still fried so I went to a close by stream and decided to go LOAH style. It worked tossed a couple blue fox's and caught a couple pretty little natives not too far from the front door.

It was a good day of vacation and a well needed one. Blue Bird day with all the right components skiing and fishing. til next time keep smilin'

Ski days of 2011-12

2012-01-27T20:29:00.001-08:00

Day 4 - Sundance
A Blue Bird day again, both happy and sad to say those words right now. We need snow badly!! Went to Sundance in hopes of running into a good friend Mark Allen. He posted a picture of fresh tracks on Wildflower and I thought alright Mark is on the mtn and they have had a freak storm roll through and dump a few inches. Got dressed and loaded up and on the mtn in about 30 minutes from seeing the post. Surprise no freak storm, but worse yet no Mark Allen called him and found out he was making reindeer food and spreading out in front of his house for Santa's reindeer, yep he is a good father. Anyhow I put in few runs and decided skiing through man made ice crystals that kinda stung and all stuck to everything wasn't the same as the real stuff and headed to front mtn and seen Shan at the top of Ray's and talked to her for a bit then headed home. Good day on the mtn just not OKAY.....lol. til next time keep smiling.

Day 3 - Sundance
A Blue Bird day at Sundance! It was cold and over cast to begin with but turned into a beautiful day at the Dance. Still need tons of snow but for the groomers it was an okay day. Just high speed cruising I was by myself. Made for some fast loads and unloads.

Day 2 - Alta
Went up for a couple hours with Sally for our anniversary ski trip. It was nice to have Sally with me on the slopes. She is a trooper and puts up with me, has done so now for 27 married years. The snow was not great and the off groomed trails were, in my book, unrunable at this point. We desperately need some big dumpage. Just figures the year I get back on my boards it doesn't snow. It was still nice to ride the man made stuff for little outside time with my love.

Day 1 - Alta
Well after a year off the slopes due to back surgery today went pretty good. The back did very well. The legs and feet did okay, the legs noodled on me after about 3 runs but pushed on and got in a few more. The knee was tender but held up okay. Didn't go anywhere out standing stayed on the groomers today to ensure all was working okay. It started to snow as I pulled in the parking lot and snowed the rest of the time I was on the mtn. I had a good time. The new coat worked fabulously! The meat chili at the lodge is good and they give free refills on your drinks which is a bonus. So day 1 in the books. Next season will buy pass to Alta and night pass to Sundance for weekly skiing times. Til next time keep smilin' :)

A day of Hog hunting on Strawberry!

2012-01-15T21:14:00.000-08:00

Craig and I met up early in the canyon, loaded up went to Heber and stopped for last minute supplies...donuts, chocolate milk you know, oh ya and caffeine. We made it to Strawberry by 7:30 on the lake in his Rhino, yes I said Rhino it is the only way to go ice fishing!! It made life tons easier to move around and to get to areas others can't. That is precisely what we did, went to areas other's couldn't access. We got to our first area just North of Renegade and had holes cut and the first fish on the deck in 15 minutes, the second in 20 minutes. The 2nd fish was the beginning of the hog hunt it was nice male cutt with great colors about 18 inches and 3 lbs. We stayed and I got my first fish on the ice in about 30 minutes and it was a nice 2-3 lb bow. We stayed for another hour or so and left for new ice. We caught a good dozen at the spot and had a good start to the day. We headed out of the bay to the old dam, set up camp there for an hour or so. Within 10 minutes of cutting our first hole Craig landed the Hog of the day 20 inches of football size rainbow, it weighed in just under 4lbs but the scale was very sticky due to being cold ;) We stayed there and caught another half dozen or so nice fish. Loaded up and went back toward the marina on the way in we stopped to help out some other fishers and heard they were having a slow day, glad we were able to get away from the crowds in Craig's Rhino.
Great day on the hard deck! We caught 15 fish in the 3-4 lb range. Most were cuts so we returned them but Craig landed the Hog of the day. Rhino is definitley the way to travel on the ice. Thanks Craig for a great on the ice!!

Chicken Creek East II

2012-01-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

On the ice again at Chicken Creek East on Strawberry. Today I was with Craig and Paul. We headed up early in the morning and got on the lake by 7:30am. The ice was clear and deadly slick!!! I found out the hard way. Heels above head and went down like a ton of bricks. After the follies we made our way to a spot Craig fished earlier and had good success. We fished there for probably 3 hours and didn't get a single fish a couple teasing hits but nothing else. It was a cold and blustery day and Paul hadn't planned on the coldness so we packed up and went for home. Paul and I went to lunch Momma Chris's at the mouth of the canyon. It was good day of fishing just not catching. til next time keep smilin'.

Last Fish(es) of the year

2012-01-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Went to Rockport again on Saturday with Mac, Gary and friends. Had a great day. It was amazing the night before we had gale force winds at our house and was very concerned about damage to our house and other things, actually had to strap our BBQ down so it didn't blow off the balcony. I was very skeptical about even going with them the wind was still blowing hard at our place. Texted Craig and said no thanks not interested in fishing in these conditions, he called a minute later saying it wasn't blowing that hard in AF and that I needed to come to just see what it was going to be like at the lake. I agreed and met up with him and Gary and went to the lake. It was blowing but not miserable. We got on the ice around 7:30am and the wind wasn't bad and it was blue sky and the progressed to be a very nice day with a small breeze most of it but we didn't need to set up tents. It turned into a great day for me got my first/last fish of the ice season for 2011 and proceeded to catch 6 more nice rainbows. We all had a good day on the ice, shared stories and had fun watching each other try to catch more fish. From losing an entire rig into one whole, and watching Gary about break his ankles saving another rig from going into the lake. Yep we were watching one rig and there was one hit on it and gone straight down the hole, craziest thing I have seen on the ice. Glad Mac was persistent in making me go. Great way to finish off 2011 season and year glad it is over it has been a hell of a year at our house and with the family. Here's to much better 2012 and looking forward to making the best of it with many trips to many places with friends and my fishing partners Jimmy and Parker, Parker comes home in 58 days!!! til next time keep smilin'

Ice Fishing

2011-12-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

Have been out a couple times last week with a couple friends. Day 1 we went to Strawberry, East Chicken Creek. The ice was plenty thick. We went about 50 yards and cut holes Craig got hit and iced one pretty quick so we thought okay good place. The wind howled all day and luckily they had tents so we put them up and stayed in them the rest of the day. The fishing stayed okay for the holes on the outside of the ring but just 10' inside of them the fishing was nearly dead. We (used loosely) ended up icing 8 fish nice bows, threw back about 6 cuts that were in the slot. Good time on the lake but very cold without the tents.

Day 2 took us to Rockport on my suggestion. We headed up there pretty early from the SLC side and got there pretty quick. We got on the ice by sunrise and cut a couple holes to see how deep we were and see if any fish were around. Seeing nothing and that we were only 15' deep we decided to move toward the fingers and went about 1/4 mile and set up camp for most of the day. It was blue bird day on Rockport. The fishing wasn't hot but still iced about 10 fish. I am still looking to ice my first fish everyone that I hook I lose at the hole!!! I don't know why or what I am doing wrong, I am putting a good hook set in but I still lose them at the hole. AAAARRRRGGGHHHH! We had a fun day on the ice and moved back to the area we started and they iced at least 5 more while there for the short period time we stayed there. At least I am being a good guide and letting them catch all the fish......hahaha....I want to ice my fish!!! Still great day on the ice and good company. Plus it was Craig's birthday so we let him catch the most...haha...not! But he did catch the most.

8.20.11 Fishing with Paul

2011-08-27T23:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I took good friend Paul Olson fishing he wanted to see what I was doing to catch fish on DC. We had met earlier in the month at meetings and said we need to get out. Met up again and decided on today. It was a great morning. Paul pulled in the first 3 fish, a couple nice carry overs. I got 4 in the boat before 9am and then they turned off and were hitting very lightly and we couldn't net another one. We stayed out until 10 and then the skiers, wakers and jets were making the water so turbulent we could keep the motor in the water. We decide to call it and left. It was a great morning, loads of fun, hope to get out again with him. Til next time keep smilin'

8.13.11 Bear Lake

2011-08-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

Today we ventured to Bear Lake for the Gines reunion. This will most likely be the last time we make this venture due to the passing of Jim, but Betty felt obligated to attend since we were the host family this year. We got there around 1pm and met up with Eric and Kim who had brought their boat. It turned into quite the adventure. We all played on the water all day and all the toys they brought with them. Sally skied and tubed, took Maxwell on his first tube ride and he loved it. I even tried to surf but finally came to the conclusion that being fat and out of shape is not a recipe for success in that situation. We had a great day and took many pictures and videos the videos are posted on my youtube site. Til next time keep smilin'

7.24.11 Jimmie Gines

2011-08-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

Today heaven gained a great man. He is my father-in-law, but treated me as a son without hesitation and always made me feel welcomed. I will miss him greatly. He taught me many things in the short time I had with him. He was a great dad, grand dad and great grandpa. The saddest part of the whole affair was Parker was not able to be there in the end. Jim gave it a great fight to hold on as long as he could but that damn cancer took over his body too fast, so he didn't make until Parker returned. They were best friends before Parker left on his mission. Parker and he would go fishing or riding at least once a week before he left. He loved the mountains and traveled in them often, he made most of the trails in the West Uintah mountains. He taught me how to clean my first deer and watched me patiently gut shoot the poor thing at 20 yards, He exclaimed "how the hell do you gut shoot a deer at that range" and then laughed. I was just happy to have shot a deer finally. He took me on many adventures and taught me things without ever saying he was. That was the kind of man he was quiet and knowing. I remember one time he and I went fishing in my boat we were on Deer Creek and again he was teaching me without saying a whole lot of anything but quietly guiding me through holes he knew were hot. When all of the sudden he got hit hard and I had never seen him get excited about much but this brought him to hoops and hollars with the best of us. He landed a nice 4.5 lb Brown, he said "that is the nicest fish I have caught here and anywhere in a very long time". Yes heaven gained a very good man today and I for one am glad he gave me part of his life and let me be part of his family. I will miss you greatly "Whiskey" and love you forever.

7.13.11 Deer Creek with Jimmy Lee

2011-08-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I picked up my oldest son Jimmy Lee and we went to Deer Creek for a few hours on the lake. It was pretty slow but we did finally find some fish mostly small planter bows. We fished the usual pattern in the bay and then went down roadside cliffs. That is when it turned into an adventure. I had to relieve myself so I pulled us into a nice secluded cove and started to do business and then Jimmy says well I have to as well and commenced to do business but when he got started he leaned out over the edge of the boat and then fell in the lake, got hung up on his shorts and the boat started to take on water we were in about 6 inches of water so I was yelling just stand up not knowing he was hung up. Water was still pouring in over the side so I grabbed him and tossed him overboard, that is when I figured out he was hung up and heard his shorts rip in half. All the while there was a couple going by watching the entire incident, unknown to us at the time. We got all situated back in the boat got his phone and wallet out to start the drying process, got back out to the middle of the lake and the couple came back by and the husband could not stop laughing at what he had just witnessed. I was like WTH just happened and poor Jimmy was like great another story. We started fishing again in silence then I looked at him pretty bummed out at this point and I just started laughing, he looked at me and started laughing to, I told him if you can't laugh at that, just think about that boat that witnessed and what they saw, he busted up and we laughed for a good spell. We were on way back to the bay, when Jimmy hooked up a nice bow the nicest one of the day. Big fatty and great colors making the day and events all that sweeter. We got off the lake just before a big rain storm pounded the lake. It was a ball and an adventure. til next time keep smilin'

7.8.11 Mill Hollow for some brooks

2011-07-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Went to Kamas to visit Jim and Betty and headed up to Mill Hollow to get Jim out of the house. the road was open but ungraded so washboard was the name of the game. Got to MH and there were a few people parked at the gate so we drove up to the upper parking area, knowing Jim couldn't watch or enjoy anything from there I went back to the dam and some had left and were leaving so I went down and started tossing kastmasters and got hit right off, then hooked up a little brook and kept changing colors and kept them hitting. I limited out in about 25 minutes which was just about right for Jim he was tired. We went toward home and stopped along the way and got some pics of flowers for Sally. We went around Bench Creek and seen a nice buck already above the ears and wide. Good afternoon/evening! til next time keep smilin'!

7.7.11 UL cattin with Mac

2011-07-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

Went out thursday morning with McAfee to UL and had a blast catching cats. We caught quite a few, all kinds, but the channels were the best looking. The blues were doing their death rolls and made it fun to catch them. We spent the morning hunting for the hottest spots and got into them in each spot. til next time keep smilin'!

6.27.11 FHE Silver Lake

2011-06-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

We got out of Dodge again, tired of spending great evenings inside we ventured to the mountains up AF Canyon this time and went to Silver Flat Lake. A nice little lake/res above Tibble fork. It was High! And the have shut off access to the Island now, or perhaps just for the high water marks period, we will see. It think once they have closed access we will not see it again. Easy enough though to just walk out there. We stopped on the road side and went down to the edge of the water and set up and had a subs. I fished for a couple hours and Sally read. It was another fantastic evening and pretty quiet evening considering we were at Silver usually loaded with ATV's racing up and down the road. I got a couple planters and one pretty native Brook. It had great colors to it. Sally was running the camera tonight and got a couple for prosperity. til next time keep smilin'!

6.26.11 Weeny roast and SMORES!

2011-06-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Took off for the canyon today. Picked up the parents and had the in-laws in tow. The kids met us there and Issac Hilary's bro was with them as well. We met up at the Big Springs picnic area in South Fork. We found it to be very crowded, but I went searching for us a spot and found a most awesome area just off the Big Springs trail secluded in the Aspens with a pit. It made it feel like no one else was around. We set up camp and got the fire goin' for the dogs and broke all the other goodies everyone had brought. It was quite a feast! KFC even showed up, can't beat that. After a good bit of story sharing the fire was ready to cook. We all got our sticks and burned a few dogs and ate til we were tired. The grandkids, especially Max was having a blast. The great gpa's were enjoying themselves to the cheeto's, Sally got them for the boys thinking they would like not knowing Jim and dad would be eating them....LOL. Max kept everyone entertained and loved the fire! We shared stories all afternoon and into the evening then we had SMORE'S. The kids love them and everyone had some. I'm not a huge fan so I let everyone eat mine ;) It was absolute blast to have everyone together and hope to have many of them this summer. I got to feel the briskness of the creek first hand as I took unexpected dip while trying to retrieve water to dowse the fire with.....it was quite comical, sorry no pics of that thank goodness :) til next time keep smilin'!

6.25.11 Wolf Creek Pass

2011-06-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

After a very stressful morning Sally and I got out of the house and away form it. Landscaping and contractors are pains in the A. We took off actually for Mill Hollow and got turned back due to road closure, Soapstone the same thing . We continued on up the canyon and topped out at the pass. Still quite a bit of snow! We headed back but not before we went frog hunting in a little pull off on the road where they had created a number of diversion ponds to reduce erosion, frogs were croaking like mad. We stepped out the truck and starting the mad search for the elusive little things. They were on to us before we got 10 feet away from the truck. They went silent and buried themselves in the mud. Pretty area still. We went on down and drove Bench Creek and went up Bench Creek road to the bridge at the creek. It was running very high and hard. On the way in and out we had to go through some mud holes and that made Sally quite nervous, but no worried the mule went through with out problem one a little deeper than I expected. We left Bench Creek and went into Heber and got dinner at the Hub, good family style meal. Headed to ward home but I had to stop and try DC for a minute and nothing threw a few different lures but not even a sniff! Good afternoon and evening far better than morning. OH yeah got a new camera quite nice actually at the pawn shop. Takes nice pics! see them below. Til next time keep smilin"!

Round Valley 6.23

2011-06-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

This morning I met up with long time friend and classmate Mark Allen. He took me to one of his favorite streams located outside of Wallsburg. We met at Will's pit stop and I hopped in his TLC, of course I was late, not meaning to be but still. We took off at 7am for Wallsburg and went up as far as the road would let us and then started hiking from there. Have I mentioned that I haven't hiked in years due to injuries and back pain....ya it showed but with the recent back surgery the pain in the legs were gone but not in the lungs!!! We put in about 7 miles total. We fished this little stream using attractors and drop flies most of the day. Mark landed the first few fish then I put on my renegade and caught a couple myself making a good day a great day. Yep still no camera!! But can I tell you how beautiful this area is, no because I am not that gifted with words. It was beautiful however. The stream had been worked hard by the forest service, blasting out about 10 beaver ponds in the distance of the stream that we hiked. Kinda sad, there were places where the holes would have been up to 6 feet in depth, but due to their activity that is why the road is washed out and made it really kinda nice to be the only ones in the canyon that morning. We caught a number of little brooks, they had bright colors! Mark needed to be home early so we headed back, not without stopping at one whole where one fish had eluded both of us, I tossed in and no more than the fly hitting the water he came after it hard and in my surprise and enthusiasm I missed him.....but it was fun to see him flash that hard and quick. We traded stories all the way down the canyon, I could this direction I wasn't huffin' and puffin' so much but I did start to cramp up a little, I think Mark was fearful he was going to have carry me out. We made plans to hit Fish Creek at which time he said "maybe a couple more hikes between now and then might help you" I giggled and thought to myself no doubt you fat beast!! It was a great morning with Mark in one of his fav's. We got back to the TLC and headed down the road only stopping for a burger at Jose's in Wallsburg, if you haven't stopped and talked with Jose you are missing out on good food and a good man. Til next time keep smilin'!

Rock Port 6.22

2011-06-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

This evening I hooked up with good friend and long time neighbor Gary Schlenker and we went to Rock Port. We chose RP due to the reports saying "Red Hot". Ya not so much the attendant at the gate told us a couple places to try, and one guy just off the lake with a couple, which should have clued us in, told us where he was. We got on the water by 5pm and lines in by 5:10. We headed toward the spots the people talked to us about and trolled rainbow pop gear and brassy/nickel with worms. Played around that area for about an hour and nothing. So, I told Gary I know where they are and that is where we headed to Parker's and I's spot by the fingers. On the way down we seen more and more debris coming at us from the run off from the river, tons of driftwood and other garbage. We made our destination and began dragging again. I told Gary the pattern and where we would see the most action in the pattern, he was skeptical. We got in the pattern and sure enough we hit the spot where I told him we would catch them and he hooked up a nice bow, remember last night I dropped the camera right, plus I forgot to mention that I broke my trolling pole tip as well!! So tonight I have a brand new pole :) Back to the fishing, we trolled until dusk. Gary landed 4 bows on a prism flasher pop gear the only we had, I had some nice hits but lost them, doh! It was another great evening and relaxing. Gary shared adventures of his youth and adventures in upper Minnesota. Talking about putting together a trip to lakes there, on my bucket list. Til next time keep smilin'!

Deer Creek 6.21

2011-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

Howdy, hit DC again this time with long time friend Kevin Fox. He and I have done a few adventures together. Always a treat to join up with the Foxman. We got on the lake around 4pm and dragging lines around 4:15. The reports were all coming in "HOT" DC is Hot! So we thought what better place to go....not so much! We trolled until night fall and caught 2 fish trying many different pop gear and lures. We stayed on the water until 10pm and got off. Before we left the water though Kevin got a bucket list fish of his, he caught his first Walleye and 2nd, he also landed a small mouth. We were on the North side of the island and throwing big rattling stick lures and Kevin landed a nice 1.5 lb Walleye, he was so excited and surprised by the catch. Although the fishing was slow due I think to a bit of a breeze, that actually made us use the gas motor most of the evening. The time was relaxing and Kevin shared more stories of his uncle and his fishing adventures. The evening ended at the dock at which point I got up to get out of the boat and proceeded to drop my camera in the lake!!! DOH!!!! It went deep too we couldn't reach bottom after about 8' of reach.....Kevin continued to look for it while I went and got the truck and he dropped his flashlight.....ya so anyways that means no pictures of this trip! I was saddened to loose my camera many memories were taken with it, luckily the only pics on were from that evening, 2 pics of me with my rainbows and 3-4 pics of Kevin with Wally's and smally, sorry Kev. I did get a couple of him with his camera which didn't get dropped. He uploaded a couple to FB. The fillets of Walleye were tasty! Nice white flaky, light tasting fish. Til next time keep smilin'!

Deer Creek 6.18

2011-06-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hit Deer Creek this morning with long time family friend Rick Fowler aka "uttrout". He is an avid fisher mainly fly but works the spin rod quite well also. We went for trout on the troll, I think maybe one of his first times ever doing it. We got on the lake around 6am and had lines in the water by 6:15. It was the first voyage for the yacht this year and with some new equipment aboard, electric trolling motor and lights, although we did not need the lights this trip. We started out kinda slow going toward the island as we left the dock both of us dragging rainbow pop and a worm. Rick had Parker's old rod and reel, seemed to be working until pressure was put on it. It stopped winding correctly at that point, but Rick just persevered and kept fishing. I was the first to catch and land one we each had hits kept missing them. I changed to a brassy/nickel diamond and Rick continued with the rainbow. We each caught our limit and had a great time on the lake. Rick shared stories of his fishing adventures with his son that is in CO. and a veteran of the Iraq war with some very severe injuries from burns caused by an IED that exploded on there Humvee. He had great stories. We each took pictures of one another and our fish, Rick has pics of me so you will see pics of Rick in this report. Some nice sized rainbows and they came quick. We loaded and on the road again by 10am. Went to the main state ramp and filleted them quickly. Passers by kept commenting been fishing heh....I so wanted to say, Nope flying kites.....here's your sign. But I refrained and just said sure. A great morning with great company hopefully we will get together often and share the water. Til next time keep smiling!

The Maiden Voyage!

2011-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Went out this morning on Bob's new yacht and broke it in properly with fish guts and blood. We were on the water by 7 and mostly by ourselves for an hour or so. Bob purchased a new boat form Cabella's and has been itching to get out and fish it. He got a trolling motor for it as well. He put a 20hp on a 14ft Lowe. Good ride and the trolling motor worked fabulously, quiet and plenty of power to troll with. He was gracious enough to allow me to catch the first fish in new boat and first fish of the season for us. The morning was chilly and calm. Went til about 10 and the weather started to change cloudy, windy and cold. Then 11 am it changed totally the wind came out of the south and blew us off the lake. We ended the morning with 2 each and and good time. The start of a great summer fishing season!! til next time, keep smilin'

Hey I'm still here!

2011-03-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

hey there, I'm still here just haven't been out much hopefully with new parts in the back I will be getting out on the trail soon and often. Stay in touch!

New trail ride on Offroading Adventures page

2011-01-18T18:24:00.001-08:00

Check it out with pictures attached.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone, and Happy New Year! We had a wonderful Christmas with family, Parker called and sounded absolutely fantastic!! The boys spent the day with us and Mom and Dad came over as well. The Back surgery has set me back a little but each day it is a little better. Not too many adventures though until clearance from the doc.

Went Private today

2010-12-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

Well if you are here it is with invitation. I hope to keep it up to date a little better in the coming days. Stay in touch and keep smilin'
Stacy

Good day of skiing

2010-12-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

Proof of the day no other pics

Sally and I went to Powder Mountain Saturday and put in a few runs. We skied for a little over 2 hours since that was all our legs would take. It was cold blowing day with some snow coming down. We can say we have been to PM. It wasn't bad they only had a couple lifts open. The snow was decent, but since it is the only day I will get in this season it was a good one to get in. Getting put back together this week, hopefully it will make everything all better. Hiking and camping this summer with tons of fishing in the forecast. Timpanogos summit 50th birthday who's with me. til then keep smilin'

Day with Dad

2010-09-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't been out much due to the fact my partner is serving his mission in England. Saturday I woke up and decided to get out of the house and do something. So loaded the truck with my Shotgun, pistol, and fishing gear. Figured I would have fun one way or another. Shooting dove, targets or catching fish and maybe a little of each! I had to deliver a roster and schedule to dad from one of his players that wants him to come watch him coach his own boys in football. While there we just lounged in the back yard for a while then he asked what I was doing and asked who was going with me, when I replied no-one he said he would like to go. I told him I did not know where I was going and when I would be returning. He was ok with it and went and told mom he was going with me. We loaded up and headed south. We reached Nephi around noon and I was hungry and I knew that Reed's would hit the spot. (Reed's was Vard's when we were growing up and going to Dixie to watch Candy and Mack in rodeo's) On the way into main street Dad seen a Rose Garden Memorial he thought was neat, then on Main street he saw an antique car dealership. We headed down the road to Reed's got a burger and fries and it was just I as thought it would be, GOOD. We finished things off and headed out, I pulled over to the dealership and let Dad look around, he and the owner got to talking and sharing thoughts and memories. They acted as they knew one another for years. The cars and the garage were very cool, dad reminisced about the cars in the garage that he and mom had owned and driven. There was a Hudson at the memories of last year driving his race car came out and they shared stories for about a half hour, I just took it all in great times. We asked about a couple cars and they weren't really for sale, a couple of the older ones outside were for sale not badly priced either.

We got back on the road only to stop and see the Rose Garden, Dad really liked looking at them. Down the road, we headed south down to Levan and I showed him where I had shot a doe on an early draw hunt outside of Levan and kept heading South, in Levan Dad remembered he was going to paint the gas tanks at the station there in the colors and scheme of Budweiser cans but they never did do it. We got to Yuba Painted Rocks marina and campground and pulled off. Took a few minutes on the dock cast all different colors and lures to see if anything would bite but no luck. Dad was happy to be out and relaxing. We loaded back up and continued south stopping very briefly at nine mile res. but it was so low and the bugs were horrible we didn't even get out. Got back on the road and headed to Sterling and Palisades, when we got there Dad started lighting up again with all the cabins in the canyon. We stopped briefly at Palisades, the water again was extremely low and didn't make a cast. Dad asked how far the cabins went up the canyon, I decided to show him and headed up 6 mile canyon. We drove up the canyon. Dad was taken in by the canyon and we just kept going talked to a few people and one couple that told us the road was very rough and not really suited for full size rigs, I was thinking differently and kept going. Dad was a little alarmed when I continued on. We seen a few ponds, lots of colors, country that neither of us had ever seen and kept driving, stopping and looking around and sometimes throwing some lures at the ponds with no luck until. I seen a sign that read 6 Mile Pond, I said we need to investigate this. I seen fish jumping all over the place it was a little after 5 by now and I said it's time to catch some fish. I heard Dad snicker and say okay. I got out, put his chair on the bank and put my rod together threw a blue/silver fox and caught one on the first cast, dad was quite surprised but just having a blast. I tried three other kastmasters and caught 3 more fish in about 20 minutes. Dad couldn't believe it. We loaded up knowing it was getting late and headed to the top and came to 12 mile canyon and decided we better make our way home before we got the cops called on us for being gone too long, don't laugh it has happened before ;)! We stopped in Levan got a drink and kept headed for home. Talked all the way home about the day and days gone by. An Excellent adventure and so happy I got to share it with my Dad, he had a wonderful day and so did I. til next time keep smilin'!

Bday Green River Fishing

2010-09-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

Sally bought me a guided trip on the Green River. We headed out on Friday afternoon and arrived at Dutch John around 7:30pm got in our cabin and then had dinner at the cafe. We woke up had breakfast and met the guide, Ryan. We headed to the river got on the water and on our way by 9am he hooked me up with some top water dry flies and I got a few hits and caught a couple nice Bows. He then put me on a couple nymph patterns and got hit quickly and often ended up with a few nice browns. He showed me what I was doing wrong with my technique and worked on correcting it all day. Finally by the end of the day I was doing better with what he wanted me to do. All in all I ended up with about 15 or so fish, sand Sally had a good day reading and floating along was we fished. By the end of the day I was exhausted shoulders killing me and the back was totally gone. Ryan did a great job and was very patient with me and did his best to break bad habits of mine. Forgot the camera in the truck so we didn't get any pics on the boat but a couple at the shop and on our journey. We ended the day with Ryan around 5pm. From Dutch John we ended up going to Manila and then out to Evanston and spent the night there. We woke up and took our time getting around leaving Evanston around noon and headed up over Mirror Lake. Great drive was going to stop and fish along the way but the place was packed with last weekend warrioring. There was not a parking spot available at any lake or camp site. We headed on home and spent the rest of the day just lounging. Great weekend Thanks to a wonderful wife for a great Birthday!!

Bass in DC???? well I might have been wrong.........LOL

2010-08-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Jim and I headed out for morning fish. We did ok my first hook up was probably the biggest, but to slow on the net...I know, fish story but true. Then Jim hooked up and got in a nice bow. We limited out by 9:30 and off the water with a couple decent sized bows and one brown. Oh ya the bass I caught a smallie just off the island trolling the pop and worm it was huge can't you tell it is the big one the pic above ;)....lol. Anyhow a great day on the pond this morning. til next time keep smilin'

Morning Fish turned into Evening Fish Fry!

2010-08-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday we headed out for a morning of fishing, we meaning my oldest son Jimmy Lee and I. It had been a couple years since we got to go out on fish together. He just finished up his BS in Accounting and actually had the day off from work. We headed up around 5:30 ;) ya someone slept in, but we got on the water around 6:10 and lines in. Jim hooked up first and quick on a JOD Cowbell two tone. A little pan size carry over bow. We got the lines back out and I got one on the JOD cowbell nickle and then another the second with a little bigger girth to it. We fished the morning it was slow but hits were short and light. I started running Rainbow deeper and got a couple to take the bait. While we were running "Trout City" a boat pulled along side us and there was our family from Mtn Valley. It was great seeing them they got on the water a little later than us and were struggling getting any hits we told them what we were doing and they followed suit and got a couple by the time Jim and I limited out. We pulled up along side them before taking off and they said we need to have a fish fry so we did that evening in the Mtn Valley. It was great to meet and greet again for the evening over fillets of trout and fresh halibut from our AK trip along with some english chips. We stayed most of the evening and visited and reminisced of the day and trips before. Til next time keep smilin'

Alaska Cruise

2010-07-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a condensed slide show of our Alaskan cruise with Bob and Mary. We had a blast, more write up coming. Enjoy the slide show for now. You can click on the slide show to enlarge it.

Green River with Bruce

2010-07-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

Went to the Green River in June with Bruce and his boy Greg. We headed out Sunday afternoon and got to the camp ground around 9pm spent the evening in the tent, it was a great evening after some roasted marshmellows we hit the sack. Woke up around 5:30 to a very brisk morning at 9,300 ft had a small continental breakfast and went to Little Hole. We were the first on the river :) It was a great morning beautiful blue skies and no wind. Bruce and Greg set out with their fly rods and I started with my spin set-up. Bruce is an excellent flier he set up with an attractor pattern and trailer bead head pheasant tail, he got into them in the 3rd cast and caught probably 5-6 fish in the first hole. He then moved out and put Greg in the hole and had Greg getting hits with the same set-up on his pole, he has a great cast but like me, didn't read the hit as well as his dad. We continued up stream from Little Hole and Bruce continued to catch fish with his set-up and Greg cont. to get hits. They moved on up river for about a mile and a half and meander my way up to them. I got into a section of ripples with a kastmaster on and got a couple hits then caught one about 16 inches. Bruce and Greg were headed back down stream to go get lunch and set up for the afternoon hatches, I followed and casted on the way down stream got a couple more hits but no more fish. We had lunch and shared morning stories and set up our poles for the afternoon and decided to go "over the top". I set up my fly pole with a cicada following Bruce's advice with a bead head trailer. We fished our way down stream and got to the narrow and went over the top. They moved quite a bit faster than me and were in the water by the time I got back to the river. They were in a beautiful stretch of the river and Bruce immediately hook up a nice one that broke him off, running 6x leader that happens. We moved on down stream and continued to fish. Greg hooked up with a nice brown on the way to the next trail head......we fished the rest of the afternoon. My legs played out on me so I took pics and rested they fished and got a few more. We went approx. 2 miles down stream form the trail head to a point that Bruce said there was a road that would take us back to the parking lot, famous last words. We headed back toward the truck, and yes it did eventually get us to the parking lot and the truck but it was little out of the way.....My feet were killing me wading boots are not meant to trail hike 4-5 miles, I seriously thought about taking them off and walking in my socks, I didn't but thought about it. They cruised ahead and brought the truck to the closest spot they could even though it was a well traveled road the gate was locked of course. Greg being the good son ran some water back to me and carried my pole and stuff the remainder of the trail. We got back to the parking lot finished off all drinks in the cooler and got dressed for the ride home. Great day on the River!!! Besides my toes killing me my shoulders were toast too from all the casting. I'm getting to be a wimp! We headed back up the road and stopped at the Flaming Gorge Lodge for dinner and shared stories of the day and looked at the pictures that were taken. Headed for home and shared stories of past trips Bruce and I had made in the years gone by.

West Slope Challenge

2010-07-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Went out on a challenge to myself to see how many waters I could catch a limit in one day on the West Slope of the Uintah mountains. Took off kinda late and got to upper Provo river by 11:30, but the water was running high and hard and muddy figured I would pass on it and went on to Mill Hollow Res. When I arrived at Mill Hollow it looked as though all of SLC had come up to fish, but I did manage to get into a spot on the bank and make enough cast with a Kastmaster to limit in about 25 minutes. I thought wow if it is like this all day I will be able to hit a lot of waters. Not so fast moved on to Currant Creek and got stuck on a very windy lake didn't even attempt to take the tube out. Fished the rest of the afternoon and into the evening on Currant Creek. I did manage to squeak out a limit of pan size trout one fighting Tiger and 3 bows. By this time it was dusk and the skeeters were out in force, I decided to head for home. Went up over the pass to Strawberry only to run into a locked gate due to snow, I did plow through a couple drifts to get to CC that afternoon, had to turn around and headed back toward Lake Summit and went out on Timberlake road into Heber. Good day and met up with some good folks. Will have to try this challenge again.

Deer Creek "Trout City"

2010-05-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

We headed out to teach me how to Bass fish on Deer Creek on the 8th of May. Yep it has been that long since I updated, sorry. Anyhow we headed out for our adventure, me, Kelly and Clif (local angler) and new fishing contact for sure. We got on the water at the state park and headed north the wind was cold and biting on the bare white winter legs. We got to an area they called Bass cove, yep. It was north of the Island and looked inviting for sure. We worked our way north and east along the bank and tossed everything they thought would catch a Bass. We fished for about 4 hours and nothing, seen a lunker cruising the shore they got all excited and started flippin and casting but to no avail. We then headed SE and went to the Island and same thing started throwing everything at them. Clif hooked a tube jig on my line and said this is a great thing for all fish, I said yep, and started to fish it. We started around the south side of the island and the wind kicked up and they said time to go to UL for some fishing there. We headed out across Island Bay and I was still casting Kelly told me to pull in so we could go. I said nope we are in the middle of "Trout City", and sure enough this beautiful Brown decided to treat me with a hook up! They couldn't believe it, thought I was snagged til I got him to jump, yep a brownie jumped for them. Too Funny! I got it in they said we are leaving and I tried to coax them to stay but that was it I caught a trout on a Bass fishing trip on a bass boat with bass fisherman they were done with me....LOL. I told them there weren't any bass in DC and that the one they thought they saw was old yellow head Carp....LOL. Fun day! Good company and can't wait to go back to "Trout City" with the Bass boys ;)

Hunting Day! Yuba Style.....

2010-04-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Kelly and I headed out for the hunt at 5am. Yuba hunting for the Pike! We were looking to catch some of the famed Pike out of Yuba Res. We headed south and stopped and got breakfast in Nephi and then headed on south. Got to Yuba about 6:30am and got on the water by 7 it was a balmy 34* when we launched the boat. The boat, Kelly towed his Skeeter up from S.D. a beautiful rig with 250 horses pushing it thru the water a little different than my old 15hp Johnson. 20' of pure luxury and speed, plenty of room to move around and get the angles on the cast. We started out he wasn't to happy with the performance it was only topping out at 66mph! I just laughed we got to our first hole in about 5 minutes where it would have taken the yacht an hour or so. We fished every structure we could see and think of, used the incredible electronics on the skeeter to their fullest to find and locate fish. We fished the southern end of Yuba most of the morning, we docked out of Painted Rocks. Not getting so much as a sniff at anything we threw in the water we decided to move to the dam and main body of the lake. Again taking only a few minutes to run the entire length of the lake, Kelly was just not happy with the top end what would have taken me and Parker all day to cover we did in less than 10 minutes, i just had to chuckle. We pulled up to the rock structures at the dam and fished and fished and fished covering from the dam south and east to the Painted Rocks leg of the Res. we noticed it was 3pm and again not as much as a sniff. We saw a Pike bobbing up and down in the water like he was spying on us and telling them all that we were there. A beautiful day to be on the water and we enjoyed ourselves greatly but no fish for the day. I guess that again says why it is called fishing and not catching ;)! We headed home and went to Italian Place and got a nice juicy Steak and Everything, with mom and dad, a great way to finish a great day! til next time, keep smilin'!

Springbreak Ski and Fish I love Utah!

2010-04-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

Spring Break, woke up and decided to put in one last day on the slopes. Headed to Snowbasin it had been years since I had been their slopes. Turned out to be a good day to go not to crowded snow was decent but Sierra Cement by the afternoon. Put in a dozen or so runs had lunch on the mountain. Lunch was good big ol cheeseburger and fries. Hit most of the runs, legs were fried. They had some great upgrades since having the Olympics there 2 gondolas a couple high speed quads and other chairs with plenty of mountain to explore. The gondola takes you up to the ridge line that you used to have to hike to! Had a good day only thing that would have made it great is if Parker had been with me, he would've loved it.
Headed home around 3pm the legs were noodled. I went on the back side through Weber canyon and down Provo canyon. Decided there was plenty of day light left so I stopped at Deer Creek and fished for a while and met up with Sally coming home from from her parents place. I got a couple nice little bows off the bank. A GOOD Day! Til next time keep smilin'!

Very Cold Easter Saturday!

2010-04-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today Bob and I went to shoot my new pistol a 9mm and do some fishing as well. We headed west and went to Vernon and stopped at the store and picked up some refreshments and then headed into the freshly snow covered Vernon range. Got to Vernon res and found it still had the middle capped off with ice but plenty of open water. We stopped and started fishing Bob hooked a little bow on his 3rd 0r 4th cast and we thought alright ice off is going to be good. NOT, we dang near froze our hands off it was so cold with the wind blowing. That was the only fish we could coax to the bank. I fished for about an hour or so and then couldn't feel the line any longer, Bob gave in long before then. We headed back to Vernon and then headed East down toward Allen Ranch and stopped in a small canyon to shoot. The gun is a good shooting pistol felt good in my hand, we set targets at about 30 yards and got a few in the target...lol. All in all it was a good morning better than sitting at home. Til next time keep smilin' Oh ya Spring Break maybe Sally and I will get out and have a couple adventures.

Days with Bob

2010-03-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well its been a couple weeks since I posted anything. Depressed a little, with out my partner in crime available I have to find another partner. Bob has been willing a couple times and we have gone out to a couple lakes. We hit Vernon and it was still capped off so we headed north and ran into a full blown blizzard at the Tooele depot and headed back toward home.
So this week we headed south after reading reports on Palisades, I wanted to go check on a couple waters and hit Yuba on the way down it was clear but windy so we went on and drove past 9 Mile to see that it was still capped about 3/4. Looking up the valley we could see that Gunnison Res was still capped as well. We made it to Palisades and started out by the power house and then ended up at the dam. We fished for about 4 hours and I got one rainbow landed on a Jake's. We had a few hits but very slow! An absolute beautiful day on the lake. Still miss my partner, Parker he is doing great in England and is very excited to get out of the training center and to move on. Sorry no pics today forgot the camera :(.

Great Day @ Alta!

2010-03-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Parker wanted to hit Alta before he left for his mission to England. So we headed out for Alta Monday morning got there in time to catch the first load of chairs. We skied the hole mountain from Wildcat to Supreme. We spent most of the day on Supreme skiing steeps and bumps. We had a great day! By the end we were both spent and could barely walk back to the truck. Parker will leave Thursday and return in 2 years I think he was sent off with a good memory to reflect on in those times of idleness. We skied Powder for the first run of the day in Ballroom bowl it was good snow probably knee deep, we headed into East Greeley from there and hit some powder and I showed Parke Pyramid Rock which I jumped in my younger days, I think he was more concerned about getting down the mtn at that point ;). We then went up Sugarloaf we had our picture taken by the photo dude at the top looking back at Timpanogas and I showed him where Sundance sat on the mtn and it was quite a bit lower than where we were at the time. We then went to Supreme and skied the steeps and bumps the rest of the day. I finally had to tell him I would catch up with him at the bottom of the bumps, and found some good air and soft slopes for me to ski. He enjoyed the day quite a bit and we both left with grins. It had been years since I skied Alta, it didn't take long to remember why it is still my favorite mountain to ski, the quiet solitude, the steep open bowls, and overall great attitude. We watched a Golden catch an air pocket and soar for miles, excellent day! If this is the last runs I put in this season, I had a great season! I plan to hit a few more runs but if not a great day to finish on. Til next time, keep smilin'

2010-03-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

Monday evening at Sundance what a great night. Snow was a little hard on the groom. Got off on a couple side runs a found some soft crud. The stars were shining brightly, nice crisp air and great people on the evening shift. Not too many ski days and nights left lets get out and go. Till next time keep smilin'

Vacay day

2010-02-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

Parker and I spent the morning on the mtn. Soft bumps were the order of the day 7" of new snow and clear skies last night created some good runs today. Our first run was at mach speed, you know the kind where your forehead freezes and eyes water and freeze as it goes down your cheek, oh ya it was fun! Then it was speed in the bumps nice and soft. Had a wonderful time with Parker. Came home met up with Rogan and had lunch with the boys again today nothing better :)!

St. George!

2010-02-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

Went to St. George this weekend with my girl. We hit Snow Canyon for a few hours before the conference started. Went to 3 ponds, 3.5 mile hike through sand dunes. It was a beautiful day! Nice and cool the light in the canyon was awesome. Did okay the hip only locked up a few times. It was great to hike without full winter gear on.

President Day at Sundance

2010-02-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

Parker and I headed to the Mtn to put in a few turns. We had a ball. Made a number of bump runs and felt like I was 21 again for a moment then the body and lungs reminded me I wasn't LOL. Snow was decent on back mtn. Crowds started showing up early due to the holiday but we still got in 10 runs and speed was the game of the day with bumps in the middle. til next time keep smilin'

Sundance skiing

2010-01-29T14:54:00.000-08:00

Today Parker and I went up for a couple hours. The snow is excellent right now. we skied back mountain and had a blast. No lines to speak of and soft bumps for the running. Did a few bumps but it cut my day short the back played out before the legs did. High speed cruising on corduroy and they have Head Wall groomed it always gives great speed. Til next time keep smilin'

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!

2010-01-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

That's how my legs feel right now. Fat old man + Telemarks = AAARRRGGGHHH!! Great day on the mtn, haven't had my tele's on for a number of years. But today I blew the dust off and put them on the slopes. Surprisingly I had lost a whole lot of technique, it was never pretty to begin with. Any how went to Sundance, Parker got called in to a job and couldn't go, we were planning to go to Alta, got in 6 runs before the legs completely noodled on me. Good to know it can still happen.

On the way home I stopped off and threw a few lures at the fish in Provo river, not much to talk about but still it was fishing.
Til next time Keep Smilin'

Rockport Fist Holes of Season

2010-01-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

Parker and I took off a little late for the first ice fish of the season, around 10:30. We stopped at the Road Island Grill in Oakley and had lunch, good food and good atmosphere. We got back on the road about 1pm and headed on to Rockport. We pulled off at Crandall Campground and went out about 60 yards off shore. We settled in and cut 2 holes the ice was easily 18 inches thick, tons of folks on the ice with us. Parker got the first hit of the afternoon and missed the set. They were hitting very light and not very often. We fished til the sun was setting and getting cold. We didn't run our tent on this trip but it was a nice day a little overcast but no wind to speak of. We had a number of hits, but I only coaxed a couple to take the bait, a perch pattern crippled hearing with a couple meal worms hanging off of it. Parker was working paddle bugs and curly tails with wax and earth worm tipped. The first fish was 20 inches and good sized the second was a planter of about 16 inches, both had nice pink fillets. We got home around 6 pm and I had them on the grill within 30 minutes and eating dinner, Rogan joined me for dinner, he likes fish just not catching them. Until next time keep smilin'.

1/9/10 Skiing Sundance

2010-01-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

We started the morning off a little sluggish planning on being in the parking lot before 8:30am and that is when I rolled out of bed, I then got Parker up around 8:45 and on the road. Got in the upper lot by 9:05, yep can still drive the canyon pretty good. We loaded thinking the back mtn must be packed got to back mtn and no line our thoughts turned positive right away. We skied the first 2 runs just cruising high speed the Parker needed a little more excitement and went for some bumps so I followed wasn't pretty but made it. Then we ventured over to the headwall and found out they had groomed it, what a great little pitch! We then went back side and hit Freddy's and Snowstake both had nice snow and coverage. Then a couple high speed cruisers and then hooked up with Brad H. he is a Mountain host and skied a couple with him. It was a cloudy day and flat light but the groomers had laid out some nice corduroys on the slopes. We took off around noon and went the back route on Roundup and hit Expedition on the way out again good snow and coverage. It was an "OK Day". Parker and I then went visited mom and dad for a minute. Sorry no pics today just cruising, come and ski with us some day promise not nearly as crazy anymore....hehehe.

A good morning at the Dance

2010-01-02T22:49:00.000-08:00

Took off on my own this morning Parker is pretty sick and didn't feel like going up this morning. Got there thinking it would be crowded beyond belief, but to my surprise I got to park in the lower parking lot and was on the 10th chair of the morning. Rode up with an instructor from Pittsburgh, it was awesome talking to him he was very knowledgeable about the Steelers. He was on the mtn in transition waiting for his "real job" to begin. The day was great, turned into a Blue Bird day on the mtn and the snow was good a little new on the surface and groomed well. I skied a few runs then hit the shack at top and grabbed a snickers, note to self take my own. Spent a few minutes just relaxing and letting the legs rest. Made a few more runs and never waited in line. Legs played out long before the soul did, I didn't push it though. When I couldn't stand up straight anymore I called it a day ;-). Hope to get in better shape soon and be able to push past noon. Want to hit Alta before Parker takes off. Made a stop on the way home on the lower Provo and threw a couple lures at the Brown's that inhabit that area but couldn't find what they were looking for today, it may have been due to the Beaver that was swimming around my cast the whole time, LOL. Come and join us anytime.

A Day in the field with Z

2010-01-02T22:37:00.000-08:00

Went out to find some bunnies on Dec. 29th with my good friend Zach. It had a been a while since we had to hang out together. We made a day of it, started with breakfast at Callies in Orem and then off to the hunting grounds. He had set up some of the OHS staff to come along with us, so there was 10 of us counting Parker. We got the area I thought might hold some and we seen a few shot at'em and got a couple. It snowed on us all day it was nice. Then we did some target practice. The morning went by quickly and then we headed for home. We had fun and it was great to visit and meet new folks.

Day after Christmas hunt and shoot!

2009-12-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

The day started at 5:30 as I got up and tried to find my way through the house, quarter to 6 got Parker on his feet and moving, in the truck packed and rolling to Joe's house by 6. Loaded and the road by 6:10 and off to Cracker Barrel where we were meeting up with the rest of the group. Danny Adams put this together, a bunny hunt and game of clay pigeon blasting, he called Annie Oakley, I felt it more appropriately called Wild Bill since there weren't any girls among us. Met up with the group, 15 total, all friends, team mates, and OHS Grads. It was great seeing all of them again I hadn't seen most of them since they graduated and I was there coach. Re-introductions took place for me since I had forgotten a couple names, damned old age....LOL. Sat down had a bite to eat and told stories and listened to stories for about an hour. We took off and headed south ending up about a mile past the Painted Rocks turn off to Yuba. On the way down we noticed the temperature kept dropping finally bottoming out at -12 degrees, by the time we unloaded and got ready to shoot it was a BALMY -4 instant nose hair freeze. We took off in search for bunnies kicked one up within 5 minutes we thought alright a day of shooting and maybe some cottons for the smoker later. Well that was just a tease we hiked and saw a couple more with highways of trails in the sagebrush. Colin got into one and didn't let it go till he got it down. We had 22's, AR 15's, 223's, and 12 gauge in the field with us any rabbit that moved was in trouble. We pushed the one section for about an hour and got back to the trucks and went up the road a little farther, where my grocery getter got a little hung up, not to worried with all the vehicles we had, a quick tug and free I was....one more reason for bigger tires and more clearance. We got out and pushed a deep gully and and kicked up a few there and put them down, but no cottons :(. After that push legs were spent, especially mine, so we set up for our shooting game. What a blast that was, two hand throwers and 4-6 boxes of clay plus that and more shells for 12 gauges a plenty! We stayed and shot for 2 hours, it was incredible fun! Those in attendance were all good shots and everyone got a chance to win at least one round. Everyone was a little surprised at Parker and his shooting abilities, especially when he put the top 3 shooters out in 2 of the first rounds with one shot. Parker was elated. We ended the day with good byes and a promise to make it an annual event. Check out the slide show below.

Christmas Eve bunny hunt....

2009-12-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

We called it a hunt because that is really all we did was hunt for them for 2 hours. Parker and Jimmy accompanied me on the nice hike through the sage brush. I think Jim forgot about his allergies cause he was stuffed up by the end of it. We seen a couple running fast away from us. We went out to Faust and turned south went about a half mile stopped and started hunting for the elusive bunnies. No luck but it was great getting out with my boys.

Morning on Deer Creek with BOB!.wmv

2009-12-19T19:49:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this video

First day @ the Dance .wmv

2009-12-19T19:47:00.001-08:00

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First Ski day of the season at Sundance

2009-12-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning we woke up to a cloudy kinda rainy day. We had breakfast at the church for our annual Christmas social got our belly's full and came home after getting pics with Santa. We then loaded up and headed for the mountain. We arrived and met up with Dana in the parking lot. We then loaded up on the shuttle and headed for the base and up the chair. The snow was decent with a fresh layer of 6 inches. Boots hurt like haties the first run, legs and lungs were burning and I was realizing what a year of sitting in front the puter had done to me. Got on for a second ride up had the boots unbuckled and loose the coat unzipped. Unloaded buckled up and went for another run, legs burning lungs killing me but loving every second of it, Parker laughing at me....LOL. Parker was enjoying the whole show. We loaded up for 3rd ride, again everything loosened and then tightened, but a great run I was feeling better legs loosened up feet not hurting so bad lungs still on fire! Parker came down and said last run, he had a date with his grandma we both almost forgot about. So we loaded the shuttle to the truck and rode home with smiles on our faces. First day! Good Day! Got a short video trying to get it loaded, give me a minute it will be there.

Last Boat trip of 2009, and for 2 years with the "Babe"

2009-12-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

We hit a late fall early winter boat trip this season since the water was still open. Dec. 5th Deer Creek, Parker and I decided since Sundance hadn't opened yet and the snow hadn't really set in on the west desert yet we would try our luck on the pond. We got on the water a little later than usual and started running pop gear with a triple teaser, it worked on Thanksgiving. So we started out, it was a beautiful morning, Blue Bird day and no one else really on the pond with us. We got a few hits, got a couple to take them, but they all quick released themselves that morning. The boat was struggling with the cold and didn't want to run to well kept dying on us and then we decided that it was probably due to the lack of fuel in the tank ;). Parker didn't have his "RED" shorts on that morning so we thought once we got it going with the tank tilted just right to get fuel in the lines we better head in. Parker stated on the way, how fitting it would be if we ran out on his last trip for a couple years ;-) LOL. Long but very funny story behind this....any ways we spent a good couple hours just chillin' in the yacht and reflecting. Gonna miss him for a couple years on the boat but I know he is doing the best thing ever!
Love you Babe!!!!

Thanksgiving Morning on Deer Creek

2009-11-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

I have started a new Thanksgiving Day tradition. Went out the Fox today, Kevin Fox that is. We have been meaning to get out on the pond all summer, finally made it out today. It was a great morning, fog was heavy! Awesome way to start out, definitely like one of those horror movies where you roll into the fog bank and the creature comes out of the water and gets you, LOL. The ice on the ramp had me spooked but the mule did well coming out. Set Kevin up with 7 blade willow brass/nickle diamond pop gear and he started us off good. We ran a worm for a while Kevin got 2 relatively quick, first one quick released which was okay it wasn't that large the 2nd was a nice Brown, yes I said Brown, just off the highway side. We started to turn around and got turned around, I was trying to cut across the bay to the Island and run the dead sea stretch to pick up a couple but it was so thick and the GPS was set to take us to the rabbit hunting ground...any ways we ended up listening for the cars and found the highway again. Kevin traded out for a brassy triple teaser and knocked them dead, if you notice most of the pics with fish are with him holding them ;-). He let me use the triple teaser and I got one in the boat and then lost the teaser in the rocks DOH! So then we went to perch rapala and flat fish pattern, still on the pop gear and Bang a big Bow hit Kevin largest of the morning, he caught another Brown on the perch pattern, very nice. I had a hit and a couple reels and lost one on the way in. We were only on the water for a couple hours and ended up with 7 decent fish, 2 nice Browns, yes I said Browns. What a morning, my new Thanksgiving Day tradition catching nice fish with good friends. Made it home around noon and started the turkey breast on the smoker it is still smoking, hickory/cherry with a special dry rub I came up with, hope it turns out good.... To everyone Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Fox thank you for a great morning, memories and your friendship.
Kevin got us published! Check it out http://www.redrockadventure.com/fishing_report/fishing-report.php

Deer Hunt 09

2009-10-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

Well we gave it a valiant effort. But no such luck. We set off opening morning and went up to Little Baldy and looked around for the morning. Then we went to Sheep Creek and look all over there, continued on into Strawberry valley. While there went to the lake and tried our luck at fishing in Indian Springs same luck there. We headed off in search of Deer again got up on top of Main Canyon headed back toward sheep creek then went down into Diamond Fork and went through Hobble Creek rt fork, and ended up going over Squaw Peak connection. We ran into Danny Adams and his group it was good to see him and the Drury's they had got a small 2x3 opening day and were looking for the monster bucks in the blue cliffs on Provo Peak. They target shot to check range of a couple of there rifles, 1035 yards dead on it was crazy distance to see them hit the target at that distance. Danny sent me a pic of his 4x4 he got later in the week 651 yards one shot he is a great shot, but puts in the time to be good. We packed it in for the weekend and went out a couple times during the week. Closing weekend we tried a couple of stand by areas but didn't see even does in those areas. Only seen 3 buck taken all season, I'm sure there were more but still not great productivity. Had fun with Parker his last hunt for a couple years, he will be Birmingham, England for a couple years, so good memories. During the week Parker's girlfriend lost her brother, he gave a valiant battle against Cancer, losing it courageously.

A good week!

2009-09-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

Took Thursday off, vacay day, went fishing with my father-in-law and Parker. Of course we hit Deer Creek and limited out on some nice Bows and caught a couple perch they are hitting more often now kinda fun. It was absolute perfect day for me Jim drove and I fished without worrying about pattern or direction all day it was truly a perfect day for me! We spent the morning on the water and then headed home and smoked them over Pecan they are delicious.

Saturday went out again with Bob and got our limit he actually caught couple we had fun it was a great morning on both days. The colors in the mountains are great if you haven't been out you need to get out take in the beauty! Looking forward, hope to get out with Gary this week, if times and weather cooperate.

A morning on Deer Creek with Bob!

2009-09-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Start off with Parker and I did hit DC last week and caught a couple it just wasn't real productive for us and I had forgotten my license and didn't fish until about 10. But it was still good to get out.

This weekend we got out earlier and took our friend Bob with us. He hasn't been around much this summer so we haven't got out much together. It was a good time on the pond. We were off the water by noon, between launch and load we had a blast laughing, catching, and losing fish. We limited but the last 3 took a while to find. We were fishing a nice hole and then got run out by all the other boats coming in and taking over our spot...go figure. We headed to another spot and finally got into the last of the days catches. Bob being from the south was used to have to "SET" the hook each time he did he would lose the hit and it just got funnier as we went on. There were some nice bows caught and a few perch, once again. It was a beautiful day out and fun was had by all. I videoed some of our trip with a flip camera enjoy, we DID!

Another fine morning on DC

2009-09-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

Parker and I headed to Deer Creek Thursday morning for some easy fishing (trolling). We got on the water about 6:30 and hooked the first by 6:50, Parker got the first in the boat and was quite happy, it was small by the end of the day. We caught over 20 bows and one PERCH, first in many years especially trolling, but it was a blast. Parker was hooking up about every 20 minutes or so keeping only the larger of the fish we landed. We got off the water around 11:30 after our limit the last fish caught by Parker was in the 3 lb range he was quite excited as was I.

Pass Lake, Uintahs

2009-08-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to the Uintahs and had a picnic. We stayed on the highway cause Sally doesn't like venturing off road too much, so we made our way up to Pass Lake on mirror Lake Highway. We got to Mirror Lake and pulled in to see it loaded with people and quite a bit cooler than we had planned. We went on to Pass Lake and found a place not to crowded still a bunch of people around the lake but still half way quiet. We broke out our KFC and sat and relaxed. I broke out my truck pole and threw a few lures got some hits but nothing that would hook up. It was nice get away by ourselves and relax and just take in some clean air. It was quite cool as you can see in the pics.

Good week!

2009-08-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

This week I took off Thursday to go fishing. Got up late and hung out had breakfast seen Parker off to work and did a couple things. Took off with my tube and gear in the truck with really no specific area in mind, just started driving south. Went past SF turn off and kept going thought about Palisades and then looked to the East seen Payson Canyon. It had been a while since I ventured up that canyon. By the time I made the decision to go there I missed the first exit and went to the 2nd. Traveled up the canyon heading for Payson Lakes. Arrived around 11 am and got ready to go in the upper lake and talked to a couple locals up there and they talked me into going back down to the lower lake, good choice and advice. Got in the water and started with a Kastmaster with orange highlights and 2nd cast caught the first of what turned out to be many that afternoon. Nothing large mainly planters, kept none took a couple pics (just to prove i caught something, you know the rule no pic, no fish...lol). Stayed on the water for few hours and then got hungry and the fish turned off, changed up lures a few times and got nothing so I headed in. The girls camped showed and had lines in all over the lake, it was fun watching them catch their first fish of their lives!

Got up this morning and headed for Rockport Res. Parker and I got to the lake about 7:30 and had lines in by 8am had our first hit by 8:15 it was hit after hit but couldn't get them to hook up or they would and then the jumping bows would throw the hook. It was fun fighting them and watching them jump. We finally ended up boating 2 decent bows in the cooler. Fished until noon, and then it was like fighting gale wind forces with all the wake action from all the boats on the water so we headed in. We headed home after cleaning them, and stopped off in Oakley to eat at the Road Island Diner not bad, but go for something other than just burgers. We had burgers and they were okay but better choices on the menu for sure. The fish grilled up nicely this evening!

Tubing Silver Lake

2009-07-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

We took off again after work and headed up to Silver lake. We had Bob and Bruce with us. Bruce and I have fished together for years, but in recent times haven't been able to get out, so it was nice to get out with him again. He hadn't been out much at all for a while, but hadn't lost his touch, he easily landed over 50 fish that evening and he stayed after we took off. We got on the water and started casting our lucky lures me with my DD and Parker with his Jakes. I changed over to the Black fury and got some takers. Bruce was running woolly buggers and slaying them making us wish we had our fly poles. Bob was running his Jakes and getting hits as well, it wasn't as good as the night before when we went (forgot the camera) but it was still nice. We seen deer, Osprey fishing and little ones jumping everywhere as well. Parker and Bob got cold and got out early and Bruce and I stayed on the water til dusk, could have stayed all night it was a great evening. We had a great time and it was great getting back on the water with Bruce.

Evening at the "Creek"

2009-07-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

Parker and I hadn't been out in over a month due to circumstances we couldn't control. Itching to get out we took off after work and headed to DC. Got on the water about 5pm and started fishing caught our first within a few minutes a small rainbow just off the buoys. We fished until night fall. Seen am Osprey flying and fishing all evening it was a great sight. The evening went on and we caught a few more fish and the later it got the bigger the fish got by the end Parker landed a very nice Rainbow, 26 inches and great color to it. They were very tasty as well!

Full Moon Ride

2009-07-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

My sweetheart and I went to Sundance for the evening and rode the chairlift to view the full moon at the top of Sundance. We got there a little early and went for a ride to burn time. When we got to the bottom we met up with our friend Dana, he is assistant mtn mngr at Sundance and has the greatest office! We visited for a bit had a hot coco and cookie and headed back up the lift in time to see the moon rising over Wallsburg ridge. It was a great evening! Will do it again this coming month, come and join us, we are thinking BBQ at the bottom before the ride.

The Bear Den

2009-07-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Wow hadn't realized it had been so long since I updated here. This report is about taking my dad to one of our very good friends escape areas. We started the trip with the ride to the property taking a couple hours half on dirt. We topped out at Cat Peak and then down to his ridge. We arrived and got things set up. Layne took care of us like kings! We had dinner out on his canyon overlook firepit, watched a couple vids and hit the bed. The next morning we had breakfast and spotted Elk on the other side of the canyon, one very nice Bull! We then went for a ride on the 4 wheelers around the north end of the property and seen some great views. Got back to home base had lunch and got a lesson in archery shooting, Layne tuning his bow for the hunt, he hit bulls eyes at 80 yards with wind. Dad had never seen anyone shoot a compound bow and was delighted with his accuracy. We had dinner and went out for an evening ride to the south end of the area and again the views were amazing we hit a spring and it was freezing. Did I mention this was late June. We settled in for another great sunset and a little shower to knock down any dust. Saturday morning we had biscuits and gravy, eggs and bacon, hung out for a few and then went for a ride to the East ridges and seen more animals, checked out more springs. Headed back to base and had a little lunch and then went to a secret viewing area where you could see the panoramic view the San Rafael Swell and many other canyons. Then we went to the top of Cat Peak and seen a 360 view of castle country including the books, uintahs, wasatch, and swell. All the time there we had little friends coming around and eating seeds, Layne had them eating out of his hands and dad was trying. Dad finally got them to come to him but I had left by then. He and Layne stayed on through Sunday evening. Layne almost couldn't get dad to leave. We had a blast! The country and solitude was refreshing and relaxing.

First run of the boat, Deer Creek

2009-05-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

This morning we were going to hit it early, on the road by 5 am, we were headed to Electric Lake. 6:30 the eyes popped open, Deer Creek it is...lol. We got on the lake around 8. The boat started up on the 2nd pull, Parker pulled it to the dock and I parked the truck. We picked a new tour of the lake today we went south of the ramp and trolled the roadside bank. Parker got the first couple hits running jack-o-diamonds, then we seen a boat pulling in a couple quickly and they were running J-O-D's as well. Parker hooked up the first fish of the boating season, a nice Rainbow fun to catch it jumped and played for a couple minutes. I quickly re-rigged to J-O-D's as well had a few hits and Parker brought in another he was quite pleased with himself by now....lol. We trolled back and forth found the hot spot then everyone pulled in around us and we pulled out for a minute to let them all go by, it was all good, one of the little kids on the other boat pulled a nice Bow in, he was ecstatic, it was fun watching and hearing his excitement. I finally got one to take the hook, they were short hitting me most of the morning, but this one took in to the gills, as you can see in the pic. Parker pulled another and was really ribbing me then, we had a blast. We continued to run the route and got hits, got our worms stripped, then on the last pass I got hit and lost the entire pop gear rig, must have been a nice one to break off 18 lb lead core line....ya I know, no pic no fish...lol. We took off blew the carbon out of the engine back to the dock. With intentions of going later this evening but other plans came into play. We headed home, seen Mom and Dad for minute went home and cooked them up for lunch around 2pm. Good first outing for the season. Monday another adventure.....Yuba, Currant Creek, ??? we'll have to see where the mule takes us. Until then enjoy the pics, sorry about my fish he has added colors.

Antelope Island

2009-05-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Went with our Honors Biology class on a field trip to Antelope Island. The class took off Wed. Morning and went to the Farmington Bay wildlife park and then did a service project for the DNR and removed Dyers Woad a noxious weed that will take over the area if not taken out. They then went to Antelope Island and went on a tour with a DNR ranger around the Island where I met up with them after spending the morning at school. We set camp at White Rocks Group Campground a remote area on the West bank. We had hobo dinners and I made cobbler in the D.O. the kids ate it I don't know how it really was no one said anything....(I used pears on accident), but they cleaned the pot. That evening 2 members of the Ogden Astronomical Club came and set up their telescopes for us. They were very nice scopes on home made with a 16" reflector and the other with a 12" reflector. The 12" was all computerized and tracked the object you were looking at. We looked at Saturn through both and it was amazing. The 12" you could see 5 of it's moons it was awesome they stayed with us until 11 pm and then had to go they both had 4 am wake up calls for work. We were very appreciative of their time and equipment.

We woke up and got breakfast. We woke up with visitors around the camp.

Spent the night in my new tent it was nice and comfy. Lots of room and up off the ground.

We broke camp after Janniece Leis made us French Toast yummy!

The kids went on a hike on Lakeside Trail and met up with us at Bridger Bay campground where they did a little more work on the Dyers Woad weed. I was on lunch detail which meant I went to town and picked up Subway for them. After lunch was play time in the lake, some of the kids had never been there. Then they met up with a biologist from Westminster College and learned about the Brine Shrimp in the lake. Bird logs were kept by everyone and reflection notes were written. Mine was about the amount of bugs!!! Great trip and fun thanks folks for letting me go.

Highway 31 tour and then some...

2009-05-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

We took off for Fairview canyon to see what was a available. When we got to the top it still has plenty of snow. All the lake are still pretty well capped but I bet by the end of this week they will be pretty well open. Electric was very near breaking up, Cleveland actually had some open on the banks and some folks were giving it a shot. I don't know the lake just north of Cleveland but it was capped. We headed south down the canyon tried the stream for a while needed our fly rods for the upper stretch where you could actually see them, we just watched and thought DUMBA**** should of packed the flies. Anyhow ended up on Huntington Res. fished for probably 3-4 hours with no luck threw everything at them. A guy in a boat pulled up close and asked if we had had any luck? Nope. He then told us he hadn't seen a fish on his finder all the way around the res. but said the water was 57*. We fished for a short time more and figured we had reached maximum insanity....you know when you do the same again and again hoping hoping for different result.....yep we had maxed it out. We took off went back up 31 and turned off onto 264 and went to Scofield, all the small lakes and ponds were still capped Fairview Lakes were still capped as well as being snowed in yet, seen the upper end of Electric and seen a little open water there and again a few hardy souls had walked into it and were fishing the 20' hole at the creek. Went by Scofield the wind was whipping pretty good seen a few out trying their best we kept going. No fish, good idea when water will be open now, so a half way productive day.

Day at Palisades

2009-04-30T20:43:00.001-07:00

Today's Lunch!

I took the day off work in hopes of getting in some fishing. I took advantage of it and went to Palisades for the day. Got there around 9:30 and the park was sealed up, they were working on the asphalt, I went into the golf parking lot and met up with Ranger Bird. We talked for a minute but he was loading a trailer to haul out. He wanted a report how i did so here it is. Went to the dam and got in my tube, wind was blowing enough to make it interesting to move along but okay. Worked my way north along the dam and tried to stay in the channel and threw a number of lures at them. Started off with my Daredevil, went to the Kastmaster; chrome orange, gold, chrome blue, chrome, threw out some blue foxes notta. Went all the way around to the rocky point and broke out the Jakes gold w/red dots. Started getting hits, then hooked up a few tigers nothing of real size but fun to play in. A couple of them thought they were Marlins and through my lure it was fun to watch them tail dance and catch air. Kicked around until 3 pm and then got out. One poor soul sacrificed himself for lunch, nothing better than fresh fish on the grill, cooked at lake side. All in all a great day a little slow but beautiful. Next time remember the sun block!

Fishing Trip to the Green

2009-04-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

We started our adventure in not the most desirable weather, you can see the slide show below. We headed out to Apollo's (where else) to get lunch, seen Dad on the way there he joined us for lunch and just visited. We got on our way and it snowed on us until we got past Currant Creek headed toward Starvation Reservoir. The sun was peeking through and it actually got warm. Stopped in Duchesne to load up on caffeine and seeds, where Parker asked where the students parked at the high school seeing only a handful of cars, I said they were all parked right there.....LOL. Onward down the road we stopped at Wally World to pick some fishing stuff we neglected to bring with us for fishing the Dam and then got on our way. We pulled into Dutch John around 4 and got checked into our "cabin" and then went fishing. We went to Cedar Springs Marina, on the way in ran into a few deer at Deer Run campground. We pulled in and parked and got to fishing. Parker used his trusted Jake's and I threw a few things, we moved around and Parker got into one it was a nice 3-4 pound rainbow, I video taped him bringing it in. It was getting close to closing time for the cafe up there so we headed in, got a bite to eat and then headed back out. This time we went north to Sun Bay and fished until the sun went down and it got COLDer. We caught quite a few fish in the bay it was a fun start to our fishing adventure. We headed back to the cabin and we were thankful we were not in the tent, the wind blew hard all night and it was bitter cold and it snowed a little that night as well. We woke and got ready for the day, we packed every piece of warm clothing we brought. We met our guide Rob at the station and got acquainted with him. He turned out to be a very fun individual to be around. We headed to the river and were the first boat on the river. Rob set us up with his gear putting Parker in the front and me in the back of the boat. He taught Parker how to fly fish it was awesome watching and listening to him instruct Parker. He set us up with nymph's to begin the trip and taught us how to use the strike indicator and what to watch for. Before too long Parker landed the first fish of the day, his first fish on a fly rod on a nymph, and his first fish on the Green River. We traveled a section of the river a few times until Rob felt we had hit the most active of fish in that stretch. I watched and listened and Parker was learning and catching fish it was great! I also watched the other boats to see what they were doing, we were literally the only boat bringing in fish. I caught a couple and picked up some great hints and secrets I had not heard before and got okay with the nymph's myself. We fished and fished then Rob asked anyone hungry? Parker of course was hungry we pulled over and Rob set up a picnic like no other. We fished from the bank while Rob cooked us a burger and set up for us. We visited for a little bit and got to know Rob a little more, he is a retired paramedic and fishes full time and guides during the summer months, in the winter he travels the southern hemisphere and enjoys life. He then took the fly rod and proceeded to show us the true art of casting, it was enjoyable watching him work the line, he got a couple, then decided we better move on. I told him not be in a big rush we were enjoying the demonstration. We took off, we still weren't half way down. He set us up with dry flies and pointed out all the things to watch for and where to run our flies. It was awesome, we both learned tons! Parker again caught the first fish of the afternoon, his first fish on a dry fly, he was all grins! We got into them for about an hour not noticing the snow coming down around us all day and forgetting about time. Our fingers were frozen, pretty sure I got a little frost bite on a finger, but it was all good. Rob started the heater up for us and we got the feeling back in few and back at it we went. Catching more fish on the dry flies, we tried to keep track of the number we were catching, we quit counting after 80 something! We made it past halfway point and Rob looked at his watch stating it was 4:30 we still had 3.5 miles of fishing. He guided us through hole after hole and kept our minds off the cold and snow that was falling on us all day. We ended the day floating down with our hands in front of the heater and sharing jokes and stories, Rob worked his A off for us, he was awesome. We were the first on the river in the morning and the last off in the evening, 10 hours of fishing. Our shoulders and forearms were spent. I couldn't imagine how Rob's arms were feeling he would take us through a hole and then paddle up stream and run it again and again until he felt we had caught all the active ones, again watching others float past us and not getting anything. We made it back the station at 7:30 and said our goodbyes and hit the road for home, spent and happy with perma grins as wide as we could smile. We counted deer all the way out and reflected on our adventure, conclusion AWESOME!! Thanks Rob.

Palisades II

2009-03-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

We went to Palisades again on Saturday. Bob, Parker and myself we pulled into the park about noon. Ran into the Ranger of the lake. I noticed his name was B. Bird, I asked if he was related to Bill Bird. He responded that's my father, I was blown away, hadn't seen him in 25+ years. We visited for quite a while and Bob and Parker got to fishing. Bob landed the first of the day with his reliable Jake's gold w/red dots. While Brad and I visited he told us that the record Tiger Trout had been pulled out the lake and was 30 inches and 12+lbs. As we shared stories and secrets he gave me the areas to set up in and what to run, you will have to come with us on a trip and we will share secrets. The fishing was very slow and we threw everything at them and even hit one of the holes Brad pointed us to, Bob did catch his in the hole. We will return there with our tubes from now on. We ended the day around 5pm, Parker was HUNGRY. We headed into Manti for a bite to eat and stopped at a local shop, can't remember the name it was a green building, not the best burger joint we have hit on our adventures. Got home at dusk and was sunburned form the beautiful day that it was. We had a great day on the pond. Come join us if you can.

Vacation Day

2009-03-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today I took a vacation day so I didn't loose any I will still loose some vacation time but oh well. Started the day a little slow, but did pick up a couple nice Buck Bag float tubes, for cheap they will be nice to get into the Uintahs with this summer. I finally got up to the river just about noonish. The weather was not the best, my fingers froze pretty quickly. Fished a stretch just at the mouth of the canyon, it was snowing, yes I said snowing up the canyon. I threw out a couple spinners just to see if the leach pattern would work, no luck. Seen some rolling lower down stream so I put on a dare devil, remember I'm seeing how many I can catch on the old spoon. Bingo 2nd cast I pulled in a decent brown. Couple more cast and hooked up another nice brown, it quick released. Fished for a few more minutes and then called it a day. Fingers froze. I took dad to Cabellas he had never been there. I know I'm a bad boy, but he loved it. He looked over the signage more than anything else but he did enjoy looking around. He thought the aquarium was very cool.

Day of Firsts

2009-03-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today we took a trip south headed to 9 mile reservoir and spent an hour or so there. Threw out a number of things to get a bite but nothing was hitting. No one around us was getting anything either. We were there pretty much on our own for an hour then all of the sudden we were overrun with people. They came in right on top of us I mean literally. So we cast a few more times and we took off. We headed North, and took the road to Palisades, I have never been there so I knew Parker or Bob had never been there. So that was the first of the first for us all. We arrived and drove through the park and checked things out couldn't get anywhere out of the wind, oh forgot to mention the wind was blowing hard so we had to find a spot with a little barrier. We ended up on the dam and started casting. Parker was throwing his trusted Super Duper and got one on in about 20 minutes, his first of the season, he was happy to get that one behind him. Bob was wandering all over but when he seen Parker land his he came back over and started casting his super duper and caught one in about 5 minutes, his first of the season as well. I am working Dare Devils this season to see how many fish I can catch with the old trusted lure, My first came with the red white standby. It was fun to catch it, not my first of the season though. So then I started working a perch pattern DD and within 5 cast I had another hooked up with this pattern, he made a quick release just as I was pulling him out of the water. They said it didn't count, I didn't have it in hand. We stayed for a few more casts and then called it a day and headed for home. We went home via 89 and seen the sights Bob had not been through that valley and wanted to see it. We will return to Palisades what a great looking area. The water is a turquoise blue and clear. It was quite and not as many people around. The fish were clean looking and healthy. Check out the slide show below.
Til our next venture........Keep Smilin'

Just an update

2009-03-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

Parker and I went to the Sportsmen Expo this weekend and gathered information on Alaska. Hope we can pull something off they are very expensive. We re-supplied our garlic tray, yummmm. We also got information for the Green River, thinking maybe over Spring Break.
Rick (a friend) taught me how to work my GPS tonight and signed me up on the Geocaching sight and showed me where his two caches are located. They are hid pretty good. This will definitely be a good experience and reason to get out and search for these little caches. They are located all over the place.
Later

Adventure to Eureka

2009-02-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

Today Bob and I went on a ride down to Eureka and went looking for mines and caves. We found a couple bedding caves for some animal, they were at the top of the mountain. Nothing deep was found. We then took a ride down Dividend Road to the mine found there. We spent a couple hours looking around there and checking out the old mine buildings and machinery. It was cool, took some pics check out the slide show below. Then we went to try and get over Homansville Pass Road. We got just pass the rock quarry only to find some really deep snow. After getting our temporarily dislodged truck moving again we went back into Eureka and picked up a drink. We ventured on and went to Mammoth an old mining town that is still working. Some cool old buildings in there. We then went out on highway 36 to Vernon. There was still a bunch of snow out there. We picked up the railroad road and went toward one of rabbit hunting holes picked up Vernon hills road and went east heading toward home. The roads in the area were very dry considering what we just went through. Fun day exploring. Til next time Keep Smilin'

Skiing Day ?

2009-02-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

Sally and I went up today the snow was hard and fast. The day was nice light cloud cover, mostly sunny. We skied for most of the morning. Sally's foot took about 6 runs to cramp beyond relaxing. The corduroy was knocked off and it became icy by the time we left. Still a great day on the mountain especially with my girl.

Skiing Day 7

2009-02-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

I headed up to the slopes today on my own. The trip up to the resort was interesting. The canyon was blocked by a delivery truck and a couple cars that had no right being up there during a snow storm. We had to wait in the canyon for them to clear the road. It was dumping! The road was covered and the snow plow couldn't keep up with it. It came blasting past us on the left side and took off a mirror of a vehicle 2 behind me and I thought for sure mine was gone, but no, it missed me by a fraction. We finally got moving again about 30 minutes later. Got to the lot and the lower lot was already full. Up to the top lot and down in the bus. Got on the lift and instantly was covered in dendrites. It was still coming down good. Topped out and the wind picked up but really not too bad. Slid over to Arrowhead and up again the wind was steady at about 15-20mph and filling in the turns from previous lines. First run in POW for a while, it was nice and tiring. My Bolles have given up the ghost however, I couldn't see squat out of them, so I was basically skiing in braille. Run 2 went about the same legs burning at this point, trying to ride as lose as possible so I could ride the bumps and ruts since I couldn't see anything. Remember to wear new Smith's from now on. Run 3 getting loser in the legs but wind picking up. Stopped in at Bear Claw and warmed up for a minute seen Casia with her ski team kids, they always look like they are having a blast, they were out digging caves in the spindrifts on the lodge porch, they were having a blast. Got out did a few more runs and the legs were fried, goggles were fogging from the sweat pouring out the body. Road Ray's back to the top and skied out on Cottonmouth and called it a day. Saw Brad picking up some demo's. It was Demo day at the Dance they had some nice sticks but I was too hammered to think about going back up. What a great day on the mountain, fresh POW every run and some even up to the thighs. Oh ya must get new gator, old one STINKS! LOL YA Shoulda been there!

SKIING Day 6 I think

2009-01-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

Parker and I headed to the Dance this morning got there and the lot was empty, we thought awesome! Listened to some Zep and relaxed waiting for the lift to open. The lot filled quickly. The snow was good, some soft crud and soft bumps. The Corduroy was excellent, speed was the game of the day. We made probably 10 runs before the ant hill was in full swing! We then went into Bishop's Bowl and that was the end of the day Parker caught a tip and tweaked his hip, I felt bad I thought we would be OK but he buried a tip in the soft crud. We wrapped up the day with that run out. It was blue bird day! We looked down the inversion and couldn't even see the reservoir or Heber it was totally buried under fog. We headed home after a last run down Cottonmouth and ended pretty good. Met up with Dad and had lunch together. Then I went on ride looking for wild horses found about 200 head just roaming the west desert they cool looking horses. Seen probably 2-300 head of Antelopes as well, couple Bald Eagles.

Butterfly Trail, Snow Canyon

2009-01-28T21:56:00.001-08:00

This week Sally and I headed to St. George for our annual winter convention. We started out Sunday afternoon. The weather was threatening but we lead the storm all the way down. Those behind us weren't as lucky they said the roads were bad. We pulled in Sunday evening and stayed at the Hampton it is a nice place. We woke to a storm and snow in S.G. not common but it cleared off by noon. We started out toward Veyo but ran into 4-5 inches of snow on the road, the folks that were with us didn't have 4WD so we turned back and went to the dinosaur tracks museum. Save your money and time, in fact go out searching for your own much funner. We left our friends there with there baby to look around and play inside. We went to Snow Canyon for a hike. We chose Butterfly trail an easy 2 miler with some great views and a lava tube that was cool. It took us a couple hours just meandering along and climbing around to go out and back. There was no one around absolute silence for the most part, it was nice. The breeze was chilling but when it didn't blow the sun felt great. We climb to the top of a "petrified sand dune" and sat and took in the views and took a couple pics. Then we saw the lava tube it was deep but not very long. We headed back after playing around there for a little bit and headed to the book store in the park not much there camp host was nice. Til next time Keep Smilin'

Yuba 1.19.09

2009-01-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Well we started out with high hopes of bringing home a bucket load of Perch slabs. All week long I had been reading about the slabs they were taking out of Yuba. They even had pictures of them, I think they bought'em and took pics at the reservoir ;). We headed out at 6am stopped and topped off the Tundra and got some provisions. We were loaded with all the baits minnows, waxies, meals you name it we had it. I had bought a slew of lures that were guaranteed to bring home the big ones, nope not quite. We pulled on to the lake about 7:30 and had our first hole cut by 7:35 we had jigs tipped with meals, sonars, paddle bugs with waxies, we were going to slay them! Half hour passed 3 changes of lures later I went and found John and his boys in their 6 man tent, it is a sweet set up, I need one! They had 2 on the deck but nothing else was hitting. Went back to our camp set our tent and crawled in, did I mention it was ZERO you could see your breath crystallize. Gary toughed it out for a bit longer then he joined Parker and I in the tent, not near as spacious as the 6 man. We stayed in the tent until the sun broke through then we started sweating and decided to get outside. It was nice, still cold but clear and you could see crystals still floating. We fished for 5-6 hours moving around a little, changing baits and lures often, no one was catching any. Talked to a number of people they hadn't done any better. We decided to call it a day when a guy came by on his 4 wheeler and said he had been to every camp on the lake and no one had really landed any numbers. We then headed for home and stopped in Nephi at "Reed's" to get a burger it was good should have gotten some pics but I didn't, sorry. Got home around 3 pm fishless but with smiles on our faces. Good day on the deck! Til next time Keep Smilin'

Day 5 Skiing

2009-01-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

Good day on the mtn. Snow was surprisingly good! Parker and I put in 12 runs before our legs played out us. We hit hit mostly blacks as fast and hard as we could in a couple hours. No lines everyone must have thought with the film festival going on it would be crowded, ski down get on, rest, ski down get on, rest. Yep good day! Going fishing Monday, hopefully catch a load of Perch!

DOUBLE DAY

2009-01-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

Skiing Day 4; Parker and I went to the Dance and got in 10 runs this morning before the ant farm got out of control. Snow was good we were in clouds all morning and snow some of the morning. We even found some untracked pow. the reports that have been given for totals however are misleading they are still very shallow in depth. Good day on the mountain.

Second half of the day we went to Scofield and cut a couple a holes in the hard deck and fished the rest of the day we got off the ice at sunset. It was a BLUE BIRD day on the ice. Now if we can figure out to get those dirty little fish to eat our offerings....LOL. No luck again today but it was still better than sitting in building. Next time, my friend let me know what to take up there he caught 13 in a couple hours this morning we just missed him.

Day 3 skiing

2008-12-30T16:13:00.001-08:00

Parker and I went up today a little late getting out today. We made a few runs and it was so crowded we thought the people were set up in a slalom course there were so many on the mountain. The snow was hard and icy! We need a new dump maybe this weekend. A good day on the mountain still any day skiing is a good day!!!!!

Day 2 skiing

2008-12-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

Snow was awesome so was the company. Sally and I met Charles at Sundance. The snow was great, some fluff still to be found. Sally and I made about 10 runs before our legs played out on us. The lines started getting long anyhow, we had to wait at Flathead. Chuck stayed on and skied the rest of the day, we came home and veged. Sorry no pics today too fun running the powder.

bunny hunt

2008-12-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

We went out for the morning and looked for jacks today. Joe got one the whole day. We know not to go to Lil Moab again not many furry things running around. It was good to get out for the morning and have a walk. Parker got to shoot his new shotgun today and liked it. Rogan went out with us, we got a little chilled and pushed knee deep snow all day. Got a couple pics on the return nothing out on the trail.
Until next time.

First tracks

2008-12-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

Went skiing today, hopefully first of many this season. Legs played out quick, hit a couple powder runs and had to rest. Hung out at top lodge for a while it was good seen some friends. Parker and Chuck kept skiing, they put in a couple more and came in. Parker held up pretty good, his hip got tired but did good. Chuck surprised us he carves a good line. Sundance was ok, it snowed and blew all day long, not a whole lot of coverage yet but most of the mountain was open. Should make it up a few more times during break, I'll keep you posted on the adventures.

Good morning on the Nelle

2008-09-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Parker and I went to Jordanelle Saturday morning it was very nice. We were on the water by 8:30 and off by 10:30 with a good sized limit, yes they were tasty. Parker had his 4th when I caught my first. I had the first hit of the day at 8:40 but it took my rig on 18# lead core, snapped it right off. Then they hit short the whole time or I was so excited I just took it out of their mouth. Any how great morning, no chubs! We were home in time for the games. Til our next Adventure Keep Smilin'

Labor Day weekend

2008-09-02T17:20:00.001-07:00

Hey all, kelly came into town. We went up to Silver Lake Flat Friday evening it was a great evening, no fish. Saturday worked most of the day. Monday Parker and I went down to Yuba with no fish being caught, the day was very windy and cool. It snowed on the mtns up here this weekend. Can't wait for ski season! Fishing should pick up when the lakes turn over in late Sept. and be on til the ice over.

Hoover Lake

2008-08-23T23:53:00.000-07:00

Spent the evening on Hoover Lake it was awesome. Parker, Bob and me took Murdock Basin road to the end and fished for the evening. We each caught fish, Bob actually caught the most nice little Brook trouts nice Uintah big head small body fish. No picd of the fish to dark by the time we gor off the lake. Great evening!

slow morning on Deer Creek

2008-08-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Parker and I went out this weekend on DC and had great morning just hanging out but the fishing was slow. We ended up catching a few fish. A couple Perch and rainbows. Need to wait for the rollover in the fall then it will pick up again. Need to go hit some Uintah lakes and streams.

Fly Fishing The West Fork

2008-07-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Went out to The West Fork today had a wonderful morning on the creek. Caught plenty of fish all ranging 8-10 inches. Wonderful colors on the fish, brooks and Cutts. I left the camera in the truck and wasn't hiking back to get it, so no pics of the fish, come with me next time and you can see them for yourself. The wild flowers were in spectacular display. Til next time Keep Smilin'

4th of July Fishing trip

2008-07-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Parker and I went up to EL and caught some fine Colorado Cutts. We spent about 3.5 hours on the pond and limited out. It started out very cold low 40's and then warmed up by 11:00 or so. Didn't catch real fast just enough to keep the interest going. Parker landed 5 and I landed 3. I landed the largest I was quite deep. Parker was running a little shallower. We were trolling pop gear and a worm on Jack's. Slow was the key they short hit us a lot. Had a blast got off the water and went to Fairview for lunch had Dbl Cheeseburger at the Homeplate. Til next time Keep Smilin'

Family Fun at Olympic Park

2008-06-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

We went to the Olympic Park in PC this weekend and rode the Bobsled again it was still fun!! We went an average of 70.6 mph in the course and caught some good air in a few corners it was a blast. Seen the Air Show they put on, boys and girls catching some major air. Everyone got to ride the zip lines and the slide. Had a picnic at the bottom of the zip lines it was a beautiful day. Til next time Keep Smilin'

Vernon Resevoir

2008-06-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Went to Vernon this afternoon. Parker caught 1 small bow. We threw everything at them. Couple old guys showed up and within a couple minutes they were landing them, using Power bait eggs green and orange, sinking them. Got to pick up some of those for the box. Good evening on the lake.

On the Tube again

2008-06-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Went up to Silver Flat again last night finally caught a couple using old reliable Red Devil. Fried'em up right there on the bank it was good. Parker caught one as well.

Float tubing

2008-06-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well we went up to Silver Flat lake Saturday evening. Great evening to be on the lake. Parker caught a couple Bob got couple off the bank. Yep your truly got skunked but still a great evening on the lake. More people up there than I hae seen in a long time. Probably go back up this week with the full moon and all stay on for a while longer.

Snowmobile Yellowstone Park

2008-02-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

We went snowmobiling in Yellowstone Park this weekend with Bob and Mary. It was a riot, the day was great, we seen all sorts of animals. The snow was great. We seen Old Faithful blow its top right on time. We spent the weekend in West Yellowstone, the snow was deep and everyone just drove their snowmobiles right on the road. We walked around town and had a blast hanging out. Til next time Keep Smilin'

Snow Canyon hike

2008-02-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

Sally and I went on a hike through some of Snow Canyon this last week. We played around in the Petrified Dunes, hiked the Pioneer Names hike, Jane Canyon and Johnson Canyon. It was brisk. Til next time Keep Smilin'

Flaming Gorge

2007-08-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Went to Flaming Gorge this weekend for the family reunion. It was fun but a very quick trip. I went fishing the rest the crew ran the river. I didn't feel like paddling the river was slow. Had a good time on the river. Went to the damn and got some pics there and went fishing there as well. No fish were caught or harmed on this trip.....lol. We came home Sat. evening for church business.

Jordanelle

2007-08-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

Went to Jordanelle today with Jimmie, we caught a few bows but more CHUBS....stupid trash fish. Parker caught a couple decent bows around 2lbs each. I caught a couple also. Good day even if fishing was slow.