tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71480536105375987682024-03-05T16:10:14.966-08:00Feather ChuckerBlog about Fly fishing in North Carolina. I fish for anything that bites. Most of my fishing is done around the Raleigh-Durham area.Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.comBlogger538125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-16854301915764324992022-10-04T10:02:00.002-07:002022-10-04T10:02:25.130-07:00Finding Waders for Tweenagers is tough.<p> My kids are at that age where they can't wear small adult sizes but they are out growing the largest youth sizes. Trying to find waders for them was a daunting task. I either found waders for toddlers or young adults but nothing for that sweet spot in the middle. I finally ran across <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09ZV1QS17/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">BASSDASH IMMERSE Kids Breathable Chest Fishing Waders</span></a>. <br /><br />. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj36KWP3OX68ibVJ_ADazGE9zr-6fYqn-kC1g93-dGVPk5Lz2rOqb9W-8jt4NpIT0GdIkchtglmgMMTU8oqWZoeNTY3UM_rbtQz3vh6IrRxTXjU1u1f9kwjAoOfrrNxLtX9lAN4Qo_eSV2WDMBpJY8_aQHDusrODA9id07Ge_jKhZPJZGkM303A1m/s1500/waders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj36KWP3OX68ibVJ_ADazGE9zr-6fYqn-kC1g93-dGVPk5Lz2rOqb9W-8jt4NpIT0GdIkchtglmgMMTU8oqWZoeNTY3UM_rbtQz3vh6IrRxTXjU1u1f9kwjAoOfrrNxLtX9lAN4Qo_eSV2WDMBpJY8_aQHDusrODA9id07Ge_jKhZPJZGkM303A1m/s320/waders.jpg" width="86" /></a></div><p></p>These were more than I wanted to pay but I it was hard finding breathable waders that fit what I was looking for. I was impressed by the quality of the waders when I received them. They felt just like my breathable waders from Sims or Redington. The stitching and material seemed to be high quality and I think these waders will be fairly durable. Time will tell. I plan to use them this weekend with the kids for the first time.<div><br /></div><div>Finding boots was another interesting adventure. Luckily both my kids wear around a size 8 wms shoe and I found some boots at BassPro.</div><div>https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/cabelas-extreme-wading-boots-for-ladies</div><div><br /></div><div>This wasn't the cheapest setup but it fit my criteria. I wanted waders that would fit properly and wouldn't be prone to filling with water if the kids fell in. I also wanted boots that wouldn't be slippery even in mud. Keeping the kids safe is my highest priority. I posted this in the hopes it will help anyone else in the same position looking for gear. My kids are just under 5ft and these waders fit them great. They fit properly around the legs and chest. The waders come with a belt and have reinforced legs to help with going through thick brush. </div>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-7651680066251722942022-03-23T12:51:00.004-07:002022-03-28T10:07:17.762-07:00Getting the Bug<p style="text-align: center;"> My blog has been severely neglected. When I read that my last post was from the summer of 2021 I almost felt maybe this blog should die. When I read the old posts I'm still very entertained by my past experiences and I think no matter what notions I have to killing this blog I'll keep it around. If not only for my own entertainment. </p><p style="text-align: center;">What have I been up to? </p><p style="text-align: center;">Nothing worth bragging about. My family survived Covid and I was able to fish some last year and even a little this year. My last few excursions with the kids were fun but they never had that bonding aspect I was hoping for. The fishing trips usually ended prematurely and the kids looked forward to where we were eating out after more than the trip itself. </p><p style="text-align: center;">My daughter and I hit a river that should have some white bass and I was knew if she could get in a school she'd have a great time. The problem was there was considerable hiking involved and her waders aren't the most comfortable. We made the trek to the spot I had picked out and were able to get to the water without much incident. Even after I mentioned the ground bees along the trail and she couldn't walk after without staring down the rest of the time. She was terrified they were going to attack her. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The water was dingy and visibility was horrible. There was random debris in the water but I figured fish still had to be there. While I was rigging up I heard on my right "oooh, oooooh, I got one!" </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0suLuvSaHwA5jvvnlER-VO8Y2i-eAlzwpOyuq_Qymi2aq1BHhpep4y70EeDoyM_3raTBqEJ5XXPM1AmWONQ1fiv6fmyW7eUY5nK2m8MuzJALSkxaYpiJ2a_xaQv3kB-HMqMJQe5trkoC_qGBXfcfIS0I1Wa3zPLUR09wGHxN-yyaweQ7eSzpbWOJ4/s3516/PXL_20220320_182700565_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3516" data-original-width="1488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0suLuvSaHwA5jvvnlER-VO8Y2i-eAlzwpOyuq_Qymi2aq1BHhpep4y70EeDoyM_3raTBqEJ5XXPM1AmWONQ1fiv6fmyW7eUY5nK2m8MuzJALSkxaYpiJ2a_xaQv3kB-HMqMJQe5trkoC_qGBXfcfIS0I1Wa3zPLUR09wGHxN-yyaweQ7eSzpbWOJ4/w270-h640/PXL_20220320_182700565_2.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On her second cast she hooked her first white bass. I thought it was on at that point. Usually after one white bass many are soon to follow. All we seemed to catch though were leaves and sticks. I couldn't tell if the fly wasn't getting deep enough or the fish just weren't there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We tried a different spot and I finally found some fish. Caught on a white wooly bugger of course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViHC9h1Oi_bAlN9RW6H7KvwrD1wTENKm9Q1Hj4K_8PyQDAJyv5NR5cVlUcHKW88H5rEAF_9qHhazKLHAVW82JQjeNIzMLjid95_8nqO_5bLMTP-vUwKBTOSYUymA9MhR1kz1q7jWDb0A8k3CeVU0VCjxs7EToaZeya9vac6k0Oq7Deea3zF1xFj5m/s3980/PXL_20220320_191433704.MP_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3980" data-original-width="1787" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViHC9h1Oi_bAlN9RW6H7KvwrD1wTENKm9Q1Hj4K_8PyQDAJyv5NR5cVlUcHKW88H5rEAF_9qHhazKLHAVW82JQjeNIzMLjid95_8nqO_5bLMTP-vUwKBTOSYUymA9MhR1kz1q7jWDb0A8k3CeVU0VCjxs7EToaZeya9vac6k0Oq7Deea3zF1xFj5m/w288-h640/PXL_20220320_191433704.MP_2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got into a few more after that but by white bass run standards this was a pretty slow day. At least the blue skies of NC didn't disappoint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4_m0W06yP5RLc4QCags9JNYQelqE-UQIESvz6kkQAvF0zuqy4s4SHV8TV6aS8nzKz4JY5qit7Nk1P6Q1FI5Vlv9oCXCu_CQpO1XLQh-WuGDesHF4gIjcZV6_3yIs7To_dPs24GKvejFDtwsYWAWN0dAytRNejE-q6dsHk0RuROGW9DyZkc9EYVqb/s3264/PXL_20220320_194314616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4_m0W06yP5RLc4QCags9JNYQelqE-UQIESvz6kkQAvF0zuqy4s4SHV8TV6aS8nzKz4JY5qit7Nk1P6Q1FI5Vlv9oCXCu_CQpO1XLQh-WuGDesHF4gIjcZV6_3yIs7To_dPs24GKvejFDtwsYWAWN0dAytRNejE-q6dsHk0RuROGW9DyZkc9EYVqb/w480-h640/PXL_20220320_194314616.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My daughter started to get bored and at one point I saw her in a tree messing with her sketch book. She showed me this later and maybe because I know it's me I'm fascinated by it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wlEaAiHETmRiu_Co7NwndNvWEkshk-gUKLNgkm_ZvSIU5yXREhwhujKAAXSy3V2lQrzIFfLOtjszGAFZ1nXoOut8ZJxdHiGsBVqjmGrdryPsMonc3duZMgS_kXmO530cnaT0kvicE5VZHyAOrA_T3xt3F_k5-POjssku1fhu_R4AmiVdlHd4A-q_/s4023/PXL_20220320_214103365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4023" data-original-width="2854" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wlEaAiHETmRiu_Co7NwndNvWEkshk-gUKLNgkm_ZvSIU5yXREhwhujKAAXSy3V2lQrzIFfLOtjszGAFZ1nXoOut8ZJxdHiGsBVqjmGrdryPsMonc3duZMgS_kXmO530cnaT0kvicE5VZHyAOrA_T3xt3F_k5-POjssku1fhu_R4AmiVdlHd4A-q_/w454-h640/PXL_20220320_214103365.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We talked on the trail about our philosophies on life and I think just maybe she understood other reasons why I love fishing. It was exactly the kind of day I had imagined I'd spend with my kids fishing. The smile says it all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B89aGWUQHtfj9zwBrfN9IpYHEUE5h5-_jpuFmSfJ2p-ciwy3O3mQTLTmJWU_1nWe51q15L_MQjGBpEaKgbylv7UdpfJFVyqghSIgRPjbo4Wy5jowNBe1X_WFx5DykG-8EMWqXzQ9ybKxYs1fPhb6DXCLHKuwZAhCJJpFdPwDiKB6z7sWIqyYozDH/s4032/PXL_20220320_182728397.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B89aGWUQHtfj9zwBrfN9IpYHEUE5h5-_jpuFmSfJ2p-ciwy3O3mQTLTmJWU_1nWe51q15L_MQjGBpEaKgbylv7UdpfJFVyqghSIgRPjbo4Wy5jowNBe1X_WFx5DykG-8EMWqXzQ9ybKxYs1fPhb6DXCLHKuwZAhCJJpFdPwDiKB6z7sWIqyYozDH/w480-h640/PXL_20220320_182728397.MP.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-58901470935009043432021-07-27T16:00:00.002-07:002021-08-30T12:02:27.041-07:00Colorado Vacation: Day 2 Garden of the Gods<p style="text-align: center;"> I was really excited to visit Garden of the Gods from the pictures I had seen on the internet. The rock formations seemed unreal and seeing them in person is amazing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOg_IpcRDzsjWxVO9fUsTvs2IsrdCc_sZDgwWAYY18XHgLRpDlMk-OdLjqFet4_QvbaXEwS0iqpCFGf3iKC2fON-p8IsMya-uNrjMxoe2UB54MwyQDdTApHK8B3BTzsOJddLYz68N-zI/s2048/IMG_5453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOg_IpcRDzsjWxVO9fUsTvs2IsrdCc_sZDgwWAYY18XHgLRpDlMk-OdLjqFet4_QvbaXEwS0iqpCFGf3iKC2fON-p8IsMya-uNrjMxoe2UB54MwyQDdTApHK8B3BTzsOJddLYz68N-zI/w640-h426/IMG_5453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The parking lot gives you a glimpse of how majestic these formations are but it's the walking path that really shows them off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSPQkCIx8hUWO6avT0IdA3pdtpzeMhhY2dWyLAhrDL941qYPJr97k6b20EPQDVRYo9gyAjYGzZWCNnzyQzYAUdVkKI6COTyGzMI0IKrRkATwbKGSocGsZc38igQPP2s6uu8FtVA6LGF8/s2048/IMG_5465.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSPQkCIx8hUWO6avT0IdA3pdtpzeMhhY2dWyLAhrDL941qYPJr97k6b20EPQDVRYo9gyAjYGzZWCNnzyQzYAUdVkKI6COTyGzMI0IKrRkATwbKGSocGsZc38igQPP2s6uu8FtVA6LGF8/w640-h426/IMG_5465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The path winds its way through the rocks giving you different angles and views. The rocks seem to jut up from the ground out of nowhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9YDDmGI4PClNSkokOiokqQc1-JUhaHJfPZZR_D8ZN_LXJjuqNE814xcrEqH4RSxpR1eOYJK6ljNaBx92iHNZaUD07zf-CAp5TsgcqBoFv1JePaZR2z9Z1aKLVdJXGdDiNUDTOHmDQNk/s2048/IMG_5592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9YDDmGI4PClNSkokOiokqQc1-JUhaHJfPZZR_D8ZN_LXJjuqNE814xcrEqH4RSxpR1eOYJK6ljNaBx92iHNZaUD07zf-CAp5TsgcqBoFv1JePaZR2z9Z1aKLVdJXGdDiNUDTOHmDQNk/w640-h384/IMG_5592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's hard to gauge just how massive they are until you get right up next to them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3cMw5E-fk1IIvuZuB8xotx9HpS73qNpV2HlrFpzCAAJsOzhVHMR1LbH368d7CyQRuVjKSRU_lEOw_YUdD5JSoLcxIPK2K4YhbWsMQOr0Wb9TKGgFEdUt90LUCaccapNSudaCNbD9zcg/s2048/IMG_5474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3cMw5E-fk1IIvuZuB8xotx9HpS73qNpV2HlrFpzCAAJsOzhVHMR1LbH368d7CyQRuVjKSRU_lEOw_YUdD5JSoLcxIPK2K4YhbWsMQOr0Wb9TKGgFEdUt90LUCaccapNSudaCNbD9zcg/w426-h640/IMG_5474.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This location isn't just a place for sight seers many rock climbers and hikers come to enjoy the park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLwvaHFZlYEkAC-TZldwit85W9-hdZq1tLGY56N6AcwPbo74jeSB-xmB05NRyXAI3jdWdQjhcMGoUWDoqh1Kv0iPI9w63tjo3sOJA7jy_h0iiVZPydbZLQRTJQ0MSbsQLDB61XREicW4/s2048/IMG_5528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLwvaHFZlYEkAC-TZldwit85W9-hdZq1tLGY56N6AcwPbo74jeSB-xmB05NRyXAI3jdWdQjhcMGoUWDoqh1Kv0iPI9w63tjo3sOJA7jy_h0iiVZPydbZLQRTJQ0MSbsQLDB61XREicW4/w640-h426/IMG_5528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's a lot of good places for kids to climb and crevasses to check out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jtJ5wwcWjqma3XR00ReeyOn4cOLI4-GHBb_36xtNW0JSMkEy-ndju_TttuGVCN_bj3GlhASIX1iZUBvdpqZeubQ4-svr-TGjUzgoQqwl48hkYduyAwmcZl_6OpVOgnZFhUauvcefPvE/s2048/IMG_5521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jtJ5wwcWjqma3XR00ReeyOn4cOLI4-GHBb_36xtNW0JSMkEy-ndju_TttuGVCN_bj3GlhASIX1iZUBvdpqZeubQ4-svr-TGjUzgoQqwl48hkYduyAwmcZl_6OpVOgnZFhUauvcefPvE/w640-h426/IMG_5521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Siamese Twins formation has a small window where you can see Pike's Peak. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxaDGE9RlvyzKxdIjpLuDP5DlPbAiOCQsurFiu9ggx7TqVX7FduMiVKNz2BHwPNlHatCKmpqoMof4Uho0lgeL6fBDMN7HDkWvUPZ8zinsKbtSxaohYNZNXItpq5rr3InzvbyZVSF0eU4/s2048/IMG_5566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2048" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxaDGE9RlvyzKxdIjpLuDP5DlPbAiOCQsurFiu9ggx7TqVX7FduMiVKNz2BHwPNlHatCKmpqoMof4Uho0lgeL6fBDMN7HDkWvUPZ8zinsKbtSxaohYNZNXItpq5rr3InzvbyZVSF0eU4/w640-h514/IMG_5566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiQ5QVIh9tADdnaJwOgbQRYSWJrOcQx8uia3XvIWWrAqDsDuJ_KEkPe7XtADgxggwuxa2GP4008r0oFeubpWDgOmZC2Mjhrgtt0bntaZAUFEpqG4r7_JCoLsfEURMhhXeWP12-TsQqv4/s2048/IMG_5563.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiQ5QVIh9tADdnaJwOgbQRYSWJrOcQx8uia3XvIWWrAqDsDuJ_KEkPe7XtADgxggwuxa2GP4008r0oFeubpWDgOmZC2Mjhrgtt0bntaZAUFEpqG4r7_JCoLsfEURMhhXeWP12-TsQqv4/w640-h426/IMG_5563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even with the 90 degree heat the rocks weren't too hot to touch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX_Bm_BFcYZ5lhj_DSrV1VlaZUTitb7vjc-eaPp_kqdimqSB6uKnKw1zO_sQKP_zqssfFURoZ6gOOH1IzUihKyQWYhh66QB405W7b-w1Ltjk_HYj2QI8o4JqipXHm8AHI0XovYBwIguI/s2048/IMG_5601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX_Bm_BFcYZ5lhj_DSrV1VlaZUTitb7vjc-eaPp_kqdimqSB6uKnKw1zO_sQKP_zqssfFURoZ6gOOH1IzUihKyQWYhh66QB405W7b-w1Ltjk_HYj2QI8o4JqipXHm8AHI0XovYBwIguI/w426-h640/IMG_5601.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What's nice is if you wanted to avoid the crowds there were several trails that lead to more secluded places.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5hLyc3HnO3fbZzFXWzeTswqLDhxn35TyKEbEOIQK15gGDSNyznjqD9heSX7T1qNn7B9KKI7l4-vHDbkUVDmXqFDkvdS6nm0nIw2-OUAk07SgZPHZueq09pxtVNYs_ruZGNepdhHvOnU/s2048/IMG_5573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5hLyc3HnO3fbZzFXWzeTswqLDhxn35TyKEbEOIQK15gGDSNyznjqD9heSX7T1qNn7B9KKI7l4-vHDbkUVDmXqFDkvdS6nm0nIw2-OUAk07SgZPHZueq09pxtVNYs_ruZGNepdhHvOnU/w640-h426/IMG_5573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I liked this place so much I almost came back again before we left Colorado. We spent 4-5hrs there and I still feel there was plenty more to discover. I think this park is a must see if you're in Denver.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpUCq8Xmm-pzQMBJ0IQNCHNvAk6HA6qYVR_ts_bm6v-hSZuXBrYzXp_sr9o4RtA2GWzJhJxJxhJdVrfYy3h90XO6CNBKfxVHnt3fj_4-LieEZ_5Q_pVeMLH_9CERAOFpYyoj6XPqDPMo/s2048/IMG_5493.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpUCq8Xmm-pzQMBJ0IQNCHNvAk6HA6qYVR_ts_bm6v-hSZuXBrYzXp_sr9o4RtA2GWzJhJxJxhJdVrfYy3h90XO6CNBKfxVHnt3fj_4-LieEZ_5Q_pVeMLH_9CERAOFpYyoj6XPqDPMo/w640-h426/IMG_5493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-89073001360737678722021-07-15T17:24:00.005-07:002021-08-30T12:03:20.205-07:00Colorado Vacation: Day 1<p style="text-align: center;"> The family went to Colorado again this year. We stayed a few more days in Denver checking out some of the sites near town. The following week was spent in the Rockies. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We had heard about Mt Evans and the draw for me was the opportunity to see mountain goats. Even though they are not native and were brought to this country years ago it's still neat to see them in person. The views driving to the top were spectacular and Summit Lake is a site to behold.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The drive to the top of the mountain had some breath taking views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzycnWy693kzhXfXzw9DzDQporwotCRzj6JZrZOHGLVBuSMsfAM6NduSLIECv4RXw979tpk2vjLyfbUcFNpKvCYEryS-akkz5JfDkqupK8O2VBUJkm0hCp89uS4onJ8acvQrPptwo3Xjc/s2048/IMG_5303+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzycnWy693kzhXfXzw9DzDQporwotCRzj6JZrZOHGLVBuSMsfAM6NduSLIECv4RXw979tpk2vjLyfbUcFNpKvCYEryS-akkz5JfDkqupK8O2VBUJkm0hCp89uS4onJ8acvQrPptwo3Xjc/w640-h426/IMG_5303+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The picture above is from Echo Lake. This is the first lake you pass near the gift shop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb95Up1hyphenhyphen66IFDutIogAs2CShTULOeD3ZzYXBMtHUXvV3ETo0hZFDVhYeL-Yr7H2sGkE04T9jZDlgIbylDGteNaz11V1qYC8BL5vmKTEzxsg4qk5xPPONPEmxvJOqN72jbt-YM_oXAI0I/s2048/IMG_5405+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb95Up1hyphenhyphen66IFDutIogAs2CShTULOeD3ZzYXBMtHUXvV3ETo0hZFDVhYeL-Yr7H2sGkE04T9jZDlgIbylDGteNaz11V1qYC8BL5vmKTEzxsg4qk5xPPONPEmxvJOqN72jbt-YM_oXAI0I/w640-h426/IMG_5405+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are postcard views all the way up the mountain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_FO54DFRfW2QHKE5jN5k8du5sf7QHKz75jvONWQhpwmBuFUMxKQO0GXs3_hENz85YMRQ8uLMLmAr9ijRZ7OxVC0esl3Bxpe6unj9S7WbPfaicIOlHZvpo0l_2Ed0CDNZpoLVW52WqlE/s2048/IMG_5421+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_FO54DFRfW2QHKE5jN5k8du5sf7QHKz75jvONWQhpwmBuFUMxKQO0GXs3_hENz85YMRQ8uLMLmAr9ijRZ7OxVC0esl3Bxpe6unj9S7WbPfaicIOlHZvpo0l_2Ed0CDNZpoLVW52WqlE/w640-h426/IMG_5421+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're lucky you'll run across these guys playing in the rocks near the road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kUTSSPslitdpIWaBLQmgfpmiAwcTd2tBesfm-r392hDhGdi04EHK8wSuvvUtcZRbgqx2bLRDfWyi-QohRwJazKCcSdAyasG7ZHm7PoBJdM6lxfH2cftHp_4Zpd-8nnXyt_scvGuJmi8/s2531/IMG_5364+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="2531" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kUTSSPslitdpIWaBLQmgfpmiAwcTd2tBesfm-r392hDhGdi04EHK8wSuvvUtcZRbgqx2bLRDfWyi-QohRwJazKCcSdAyasG7ZHm7PoBJdM6lxfH2cftHp_4Zpd-8nnXyt_scvGuJmi8/w640-h314/IMG_5364+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We talked to a ranger and they said because of the pandemic some of the babies had not associated people with danger. They actually started a program of intentionally hazing the animals to create that relationship. It makes sense but seems like a strange practice. The goats were definitely used to the crowds. They seemed to almost pose on purpose at times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sfpyU9gVWnZhhSSVUhEgKaNRV900GIe2IwHoNFKGJ8I7lOwI4j03NuBgD2ogsrKiZNwG9NV0pq0XwEIg-Xx1Cu_QoCThyphenhyphenpFSjp2fDZJrXu5mYtWZRMQt1qxTklzXNrT1XB288AtP_Rg/s2048/IMG_5397+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sfpyU9gVWnZhhSSVUhEgKaNRV900GIe2IwHoNFKGJ8I7lOwI4j03NuBgD2ogsrKiZNwG9NV0pq0XwEIg-Xx1Cu_QoCThyphenhyphenpFSjp2fDZJrXu5mYtWZRMQt1qxTklzXNrT1XB288AtP_Rg/w426-h640/IMG_5397+-+Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP0-ln2U0mQVsX7uJgiPIq_7w3zuNVrKLY_FjSK92foFyd-7ZkhfzOAAv3ikI06N9pDa_ZfbirMNnYVHTmaiB3YJSKcgyR6CIZeCGqmEYwactZAPBop1MCKPScVrrPI9WzlEQ3tokp6w/s2048/IMG_5401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP0-ln2U0mQVsX7uJgiPIq_7w3zuNVrKLY_FjSK92foFyd-7ZkhfzOAAv3ikI06N9pDa_ZfbirMNnYVHTmaiB3YJSKcgyR6CIZeCGqmEYwactZAPBop1MCKPScVrrPI9WzlEQ3tokp6w/w640-h426/IMG_5401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlcShwbYJdGMVEeYUG1EOVcbfDAF0WhWbK_PHEFyKr7ifJPKqb_K-Sn8gE3mroWwPV25K2yOm1WTc-mSJ65Z74Uoa57a7qOjfI7n2sO6MHFQh7UStVZ7PPRu9iP9cGyFOU1RY_-rSlto/s2048/IMG_5380+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="2048" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlcShwbYJdGMVEeYUG1EOVcbfDAF0WhWbK_PHEFyKr7ifJPKqb_K-Sn8gE3mroWwPV25K2yOm1WTc-mSJ65Z74Uoa57a7qOjfI7n2sO6MHFQh7UStVZ7PPRu9iP9cGyFOU1RY_-rSlto/w640-h352/IMG_5380+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Near the top is Summit Lake Park. This place is amazing and worth stopping to hike around the lake and check out the views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZWciJKnSa-ekoDYx7px17woScTR3qZ73NfZ60urwrIClzwjIF_udWlL8UV-547uB2e77eHDGowBBGSSshzK6zbqY4LJMoro2FxlFzI4rAlc1Q_PV8KsKqVQuSMurIFd63XGFQIcay1Q/s2048/IMG_5316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZWciJKnSa-ekoDYx7px17woScTR3qZ73NfZ60urwrIClzwjIF_udWlL8UV-547uB2e77eHDGowBBGSSshzK6zbqY4LJMoro2FxlFzI4rAlc1Q_PV8KsKqVQuSMurIFd63XGFQIcay1Q/w640-h426/IMG_5316.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Depending on the trail conditions you can almost hike around the whole lake. There was still a lot of snow blocking parts of the trail which I found surprising since it was late June. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QudVF_chxx36Bh5BiPVwqSJkm1a5_Fl3Uo0vqSOh15dmrx3oRX42w1fKSTKF6qLNEG_o-KE3bcIUs3eg3x1vOBrD1n7WTmug92VZp2frDy14uLjANQh1agXasQ5eOjs5wwvcYogDpJU/s2048/IMG_5327+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QudVF_chxx36Bh5BiPVwqSJkm1a5_Fl3Uo0vqSOh15dmrx3oRX42w1fKSTKF6qLNEG_o-KE3bcIUs3eg3x1vOBrD1n7WTmug92VZp2frDy14uLjANQh1agXasQ5eOjs5wwvcYogDpJU/w640-h426/IMG_5327+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdJM8xkBcAzvz1IxcGpvuxHG7sWo4Z7q3Qgefu0HzcKPGrtOJ1vkDZMJFvpHFh-xMgTKMnw0yUKgpIEG9dEY_NCqLWsEbFs2MO_crQrXtiultO2iEuPl2fzS32CSQ9sNC2yBFA7gCY3k/s2048/IMG_5330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdJM8xkBcAzvz1IxcGpvuxHG7sWo4Z7q3Qgefu0HzcKPGrtOJ1vkDZMJFvpHFh-xMgTKMnw0yUKgpIEG9dEY_NCqLWsEbFs2MO_crQrXtiultO2iEuPl2fzS32CSQ9sNC2yBFA7gCY3k/w640-h426/IMG_5330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hiked to the right along the lake and could see down into a valley where I believe Chicago Lakes is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy36lfEkhiHOTKwzdIAX2PYHM6rIThiXni1om0Agzi_Apq_JtwxAUyI_VwOwujJ14FJkX-_SIwaqabJLj9PxRju9NLigR_hWnT1Tz8SWI_zIDyEpC1PxNqcDInxYnLh4FcIEL3xAQI-E/s2048/IMG_5337+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy36lfEkhiHOTKwzdIAX2PYHM6rIThiXni1om0Agzi_Apq_JtwxAUyI_VwOwujJ14FJkX-_SIwaqabJLj9PxRju9NLigR_hWnT1Tz8SWI_zIDyEpC1PxNqcDInxYnLh4FcIEL3xAQI-E/w426-h640/IMG_5337+-+Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view was incredible and the cliffs were so cool looking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3XDwmUL8JDUVS32rsPheZQzT9pgJtUe89li-JfBPzwJ6KDGuOcCA0BBK5O27XBbdpT49o1JiVBfnW0nXi3SKH8zuhjbCMvxu_15CIl-qblZwEJrS7NqBiJhfcWjgWHOqFWBc98XLG-k/s2048/IMG_5335+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3XDwmUL8JDUVS32rsPheZQzT9pgJtUe89li-JfBPzwJ6KDGuOcCA0BBK5O27XBbdpT49o1JiVBfnW0nXi3SKH8zuhjbCMvxu_15CIl-qblZwEJrS7NqBiJhfcWjgWHOqFWBc98XLG-k/w640-h426/IMG_5335+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the first time the altitude was really effecting me. I had a really bad headache since we landed in Denver the day before. The drive up to the to of Evans made it worse. The sensation was like having a really bad sinus infection. I made sure I was hydrated but nothing seemed to make me feel better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3GjR6Y8Br3-C7l4x6OPhskukkp8jVLQhUU4dhuyvrIZ7jg_2stzyK0Dhp-grzKHUY3kYNi6ox8sGMHo8vLSDE-8yTOgaREUhk5HND1rbT-l4-rUV1mKjREsZTrCFsDhsxUkBUSpilTM/s2048/IMG_5444.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3GjR6Y8Br3-C7l4x6OPhskukkp8jVLQhUU4dhuyvrIZ7jg_2stzyK0Dhp-grzKHUY3kYNi6ox8sGMHo8vLSDE-8yTOgaREUhk5HND1rbT-l4-rUV1mKjREsZTrCFsDhsxUkBUSpilTM/w640-h426/IMG_5444.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the summit I was about at the limit of what I could bare. My wife wanted to hike even further to a marker at the top of a hill. I felt worse with every step I took gaining elevation I decided to just go back to the car and take it easy. My wife got some great views at the top of the trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWot8L_i5vvFtxEuc_otL7zMLc8UZbRhxHgJZhdYWgXDlN1ZsesB4DMrC-lbB6JlkSda72lttgmqvOXjM05YewiLpoDCPMTa-uJtX4TPJ7ws8Fla5t-O6Yv7_Jwq7-fTgWlcHGXrS0ls/s2048/IMG_5442.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWot8L_i5vvFtxEuc_otL7zMLc8UZbRhxHgJZhdYWgXDlN1ZsesB4DMrC-lbB6JlkSda72lttgmqvOXjM05YewiLpoDCPMTa-uJtX4TPJ7ws8Fla5t-O6Yv7_Jwq7-fTgWlcHGXrS0ls/w640-h426/IMG_5442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdOcDKFYt3AsJ1aIAVTy44l9TlgtlzLHBWPMN8m9kpWxUwse-t8rvAag4URJgDRr6xmSrmcSPejNxlqlfC6AnL-Ds5_1GikM14Ip09idJHU66_tZ4mTrIlkBuZN2LZukdE6dzy8hKbEE/s2048/IMG_5443.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdOcDKFYt3AsJ1aIAVTy44l9TlgtlzLHBWPMN8m9kpWxUwse-t8rvAag4URJgDRr6xmSrmcSPejNxlqlfC6AnL-Ds5_1GikM14Ip09idJHU66_tZ4mTrIlkBuZN2LZukdE6dzy8hKbEE/w640-h426/IMG_5443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CSfUl-L5BWsNgmRmj-BEZdRqGsEH5mjr137kiRcyAEb5qdpg8Vxwiy29GdPHVPKXmwc-GDIg0MLiVs5szkdURd8UN1MFrMWTqOpnmsxadmzzxJZkxMYNk-Ay6xhrmFnEM19SEq2Zs2I/s2048/IMG_5438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CSfUl-L5BWsNgmRmj-BEZdRqGsEH5mjr137kiRcyAEb5qdpg8Vxwiy29GdPHVPKXmwc-GDIg0MLiVs5szkdURd8UN1MFrMWTqOpnmsxadmzzxJZkxMYNk-Ay6xhrmFnEM19SEq2Zs2I/w640-h426/IMG_5438.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the very top near the parking lot is a old restaurant that was destroyed in a explosion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-hEpKpO_uLZ_mzq7roCu-KLI7OGwG34yFWjgqTZLbAgf367OUEmELJwxrMcmu9GTkhFbizZFyqN3N68a12L0Xm-3ZqwBMqNjHPbzzvhcf0WoMFiNBnazZIj-fY0RZUSt7kwm2lMFSvU/s2048/IMG_5411.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-hEpKpO_uLZ_mzq7roCu-KLI7OGwG34yFWjgqTZLbAgf367OUEmELJwxrMcmu9GTkhFbizZFyqN3N68a12L0Xm-3ZqwBMqNjHPbzzvhcf0WoMFiNBnazZIj-fY0RZUSt7kwm2lMFSvU/w640-h426/IMG_5411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzb6CrL2vsyP66ZViFCeSZhMjehwXrfyUx1pUkFn3aSP_W0zP-QoDeyxacSrk2jHEpgtZu_A3r-3JxvHqeNtxOcAOJOxuSA5jVXiKfPl9FnPtwSxkLw-wEAPgA6AJ-ZM3fjtz9HTsULI/s2048/IMG_5415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzb6CrL2vsyP66ZViFCeSZhMjehwXrfyUx1pUkFn3aSP_W0zP-QoDeyxacSrk2jHEpgtZu_A3r-3JxvHqeNtxOcAOJOxuSA5jVXiKfPl9FnPtwSxkLw-wEAPgA6AJ-ZM3fjtz9HTsULI/w640-h426/IMG_5415.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is also a observatory that has events open to the public at certain times of the year. I bet that is an incredible experience. Probably a once in a life time chance to get certain views of deep space objects.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pYuMDFYN8O1bCd7EZEh3FVHACA2hVSf6Bc8sJHYTtxkcbh9MjiK_RQ9jUfmlmvC1lJYLAZaqReHsN4TThcCDdR8WYRkzEVK-lxYN8H7gGl23A6SaxpAKDIwdJJQWzE43DcyossAujKM/s2048/IMG_5427+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pYuMDFYN8O1bCd7EZEh3FVHACA2hVSf6Bc8sJHYTtxkcbh9MjiK_RQ9jUfmlmvC1lJYLAZaqReHsN4TThcCDdR8WYRkzEVK-lxYN8H7gGl23A6SaxpAKDIwdJJQWzE43DcyossAujKM/w640-h426/IMG_5427+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The experience overall was amazing and I feel like it's a must visit if you're in the Denver area. The drive is around 1.5hrs to the summit from Denver.</div>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-78423617917218990722021-04-28T11:46:00.004-07:002021-04-28T11:46:46.410-07:00Putting to Work the Allen 6wt<p style="text-align: center;"> Allen Fly Fishing has a BOGO deal going on right now. I took the opportunity to get a 6wt Compass and 5wt Heritage Rod. The compass has a very pretty Carolina blue color. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-fgId06Jf-ydr7O4Cj8OT3DOoxBGsLmRKuJCljVuyruJalVLF7fJxmiL0Hv9AuHpDYcTfoONWkbPi9_lM2zhCu0HmYZxSvN62jBTMZsuzITKoOUMdvFIB5SJyqrFAANvOJ0TSYyn8LE/s1020/compass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="1020" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-fgId06Jf-ydr7O4Cj8OT3DOoxBGsLmRKuJCljVuyruJalVLF7fJxmiL0Hv9AuHpDYcTfoONWkbPi9_lM2zhCu0HmYZxSvN62jBTMZsuzITKoOUMdvFIB5SJyqrFAANvOJ0TSYyn8LE/w640-h294/compass.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">The 6wt feels stout and it can get away with working as a 7wt if needed. It's perfect for that gap where you want something for fish larger than trout but smaller than carp. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I tried it out at a local pond and hooked a decent bass that gave me an idea of what the rod can handle. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeouJ8mJG5PEZW4x6BZptHL7WY0wVf-PKgkVfAFX8POMJ_N_p_tc5YaYxoGk27BxCWN7aY7pKedNfAy3kJ6mqD8gKB7oLBooZIjb0Ah6osMJHIi3hLMRvsp5GQHXVHnPhI5JaJsBL7-XA/s2048/lmbass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeouJ8mJG5PEZW4x6BZptHL7WY0wVf-PKgkVfAFX8POMJ_N_p_tc5YaYxoGk27BxCWN7aY7pKedNfAy3kJ6mqD8gKB7oLBooZIjb0Ah6osMJHIi3hLMRvsp5GQHXVHnPhI5JaJsBL7-XA/w640-h480/lmbass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">I was impressed at how easy it was to keep pressure on the fish. The rod definitely wasn't horsing or overpowering the fish but it kept me in constant control. I like rods where if you lose a fish you can only blame yourself and this is definitely one of those. It will give me confidence in many of the waters I fish where a hit may hook a panfish, bass, or carp. I'm excited to see what else this rod can do it casts like a dream due to the large guides. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'll let you know the Heritage 5wt is after I try it. I'm going to the Rockies again this summer and I plan on bringing this rod. </p>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-77802036007112935402021-04-14T13:05:00.002-07:002021-04-14T13:05:52.302-07:00Spring Ritual<p style="text-align: center;"> If you follow my blog at all you know I'm a fan of white bass. Spring always brings the white bass run and I look forward to it every year. The weather has not cooperated the last few years making a window to fish the run very narrow. My first few attempts resulted in only a couple fish. The river was always stained and flowing higher than I'd like. The banks are steep and muddy making navigating to a fishing spot challenging.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYJrnkrEjr8fWBCaWgqoSuGBlfVNOOQWMJCmuP9Gc0gEhjreNlEwRZlbO5YJDcEvg9MyeZGo5a7ac-GRI2C10i0RVxDPjyvPUzhtnPElwzzr4tYK8nJ7nkdnyFuVSORk4vvWOypUF74E/s2048/IMG_20210406_171835393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYJrnkrEjr8fWBCaWgqoSuGBlfVNOOQWMJCmuP9Gc0gEhjreNlEwRZlbO5YJDcEvg9MyeZGo5a7ac-GRI2C10i0RVxDPjyvPUzhtnPElwzzr4tYK8nJ7nkdnyFuVSORk4vvWOypUF74E/w300-h400/IMG_20210406_171835393.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was able to time one day just right and the day couldn't have been better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8vI9M1qsI3RPN4pU7JXe5wVWYmibUtVup1WHL5E1uu2aHw7usC-eI9oxEPkBWTzh0Tfi_DhDXKqoxd1MMA5LNn6nhOCtLECyR9UIBZoO6Ks1pNJAb-aDvfLfTILdlNZidNUotPW0_gk/s2048/IMG_20210408_151755704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8vI9M1qsI3RPN4pU7JXe5wVWYmibUtVup1WHL5E1uu2aHw7usC-eI9oxEPkBWTzh0Tfi_DhDXKqoxd1MMA5LNn6nhOCtLECyR9UIBZoO6Ks1pNJAb-aDvfLfTILdlNZidNUotPW0_gk/w480-h640/IMG_20210408_151755704.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everything was so green from all the rain we've had. All the animals were enjoying the warm weather even this guy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE77dnA7pT4-tjM_czplKZsIudPgVotGcmJHqkFfeakZ-Gc5wzEUOHB8gCSE642vcedV3p9qGOdVr-gdsl5KBI6zH9q7YBj-v_qIcXafq3E-NcBnH0ezI7PIPflX0J3i3w3jZ1u6zbGBQ/s2048/IMG_20210408_151649902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE77dnA7pT4-tjM_czplKZsIudPgVotGcmJHqkFfeakZ-Gc5wzEUOHB8gCSE642vcedV3p9qGOdVr-gdsl5KBI6zH9q7YBj-v_qIcXafq3E-NcBnH0ezI7PIPflX0J3i3w3jZ1u6zbGBQ/w480-h640/IMG_20210408_151649902.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A rat snake sunning itself across a log. It didn't budge when I got closer to take a picture. These snakes can be startling because of their size but they are harmless. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fSqkAIELcG_ardQhtq86DJguXdchJWlv6esSwNyGjwMpUB3p_IYYI5P9RWHlGF90xDvEfq1UaW2xuYbnCE8XRRUpVD3s6I2jZvsbLbtuShgVyaXF16QNADq7_rQxeNqt8y4zsWGnZ4c/s2048/IMG_20210408_151639393_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fSqkAIELcG_ardQhtq86DJguXdchJWlv6esSwNyGjwMpUB3p_IYYI5P9RWHlGF90xDvEfq1UaW2xuYbnCE8XRRUpVD3s6I2jZvsbLbtuShgVyaXF16QNADq7_rQxeNqt8y4zsWGnZ4c/w480-h640/IMG_20210408_151639393_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I met with a friend from the fly fishing club and we had a great time catching up and fishing the usual haunts. The river changes every year with the rains and the fish move constantly. A spot with white perch one day can have all white bass or nothing the next. I haven't exactly figured out what makes the fish move or why there's more of one kind over another. The main thing is they are fun to catch and give a nice tug on a 6-7wt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfVcSp3iusGG4gCVAWnCdo5RePAZFV7s7WrgjUgJxJhGwS8zwUOLgEJ8oxhUrtRmrEnTI7oCuYbPHOF7yPDhIQBlNnRUROHdEECzd00JQcGZd3sg6ybPQRT1E12YkK1gZ_bI-ASf3Mp8/s2048/IMG_20210408_154301254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfVcSp3iusGG4gCVAWnCdo5RePAZFV7s7WrgjUgJxJhGwS8zwUOLgEJ8oxhUrtRmrEnTI7oCuYbPHOF7yPDhIQBlNnRUROHdEECzd00JQcGZd3sg6ybPQRT1E12YkK1gZ_bI-ASf3Mp8/w640-h480/IMG_20210408_154301254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The amount of fish over the years has dropped off and regulations have been put in place to help bring back the populations. Honestly I think the weather patterns have helped the fishing pressure more than anything. The river is tough to fish and only the diehards really put in the work to fight the briars, steep cliffs, and awkward footing. Many times the white bass are a fish you have to earn and the reward is well worth it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-17402713482026682042021-04-12T06:39:00.006-07:002021-04-13T04:52:07.930-07:00Big Flies, Big FishI visited a pond I rarely fish to see how it faired after the storms we've had recently. The water was very clear with a tea stain to it. While walking the banks I spooked two nice bass in the shallows. I worked the area with a small popper and caught a small 4inch bass. A few casts later a good size fish rose under the popper and sucked it in. I set the hook and after a few seconds the leader snapped. I didn't have much time to keep fishing and decided to come back later and target the larger bass. <div><br /></div><div>Early evening there was a consistent 10mph wind that would not go away. It put some disturbance on the surface and made visibility difficult. I figured the fish would have a hard time seeing me as well. I worked the same area I fished in the morning this time with a large popper. I usually don't fish poppers larger than a size 2 because of how horrible they are to cast. This one in particular had terrible wind resistance. I was fiddling with my reel with my fly about 30ft from me off shore. Out of the corner of my eye I saw this gray monster rise up and suck in my fly. It was so fast and unbelievable I didn't have time to set the hook properly. The fish was on but it wasn't hooked right and before I could really put leverage on the fish it came unbuttoned. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think the whole situation surprised us both because about five seconds after my fly came back the fish jumped like it was still hooked. The fish was massive and I thought maybe I missed my chance. Around ten casts another nice bass came up and sipped my fly off the surface like a large trout. What I've noticed about big bass is they don't jump crazy out of the water then hitting flies. They are so smooth with their takes it makes me wonder how many I've missed in my life. They are so efficient with their energy it's like just the tips of their jaws break the surface when they suck the fly down and the rest of their body stays submerged. </div><div><br /></div><div>I put as much pressure as I could and really didn't give the bass a chance I was making sure the only way I'd lose this fish was if the line were to break or my rod snapped. The bass summersaulted under water and I could tell it was massive. The fish jumped a few feet away and I couldn't see my fly and knew it had to be lodged pretty good. I grabbed the leader and pulled the fish to the shallows so I could lip it. My whole body was shaking, when I looked in the fish's mouth it made the sz1 popper look like a 14. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIAZyEXXxNWtWqZppSrztXIDi-seC82p9YoB9qQ1MszNxGQVsBWURXaYfftbAeNz90VOYsk1V0P-jZVMBU2VXk4jadI16DKXvIBar2H7d0aTbhxURfb8L35TU7mnRiVBaTctcwrOxGV0/s2048/IMG_20210411_182923211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIAZyEXXxNWtWqZppSrztXIDi-seC82p9YoB9qQ1MszNxGQVsBWURXaYfftbAeNz90VOYsk1V0P-jZVMBU2VXk4jadI16DKXvIBar2H7d0aTbhxURfb8L35TU7mnRiVBaTctcwrOxGV0/w480-h640/IMG_20210411_182923211.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even with the fish in hand I was still shaking and in disbelief. This is probably the biggest bass I've ever caught on any kind of gear. It's strange to go from catching bass that are around two pounds max to this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBXb-n6T3lAOmj1EPDlPyijMtnXco_UIvwsO4RucQ-CKpmR8JeR0YdkBnhk0Mf4rY6FJzHdijf0ddalAnAkceotWwmjBRsW5lAFBCwHceQGZqjdgoJJzFJPhuC_LKX_iHJ8919c-FLL0/s2048/IMG_20210411_183029603_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="2048" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBXb-n6T3lAOmj1EPDlPyijMtnXco_UIvwsO4RucQ-CKpmR8JeR0YdkBnhk0Mf4rY6FJzHdijf0ddalAnAkceotWwmjBRsW5lAFBCwHceQGZqjdgoJJzFJPhuC_LKX_iHJ8919c-FLL0/w640-h354/IMG_20210411_183029603_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't have a measuring tape so I laid the bass next to my rod to measure it later. The fish was give or take 24 inches and I'm guessing some where around 6lbs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fish swam away barely phased by the whole experience. I tried to compose myself and fish the area more and seriously a few casts later I hooked another big bass. This one was close to the same size and hit a few feet of shore. Part of me wondered if it was the same bass I just released. It stayed on for about ten seconds before jumping and spitting the hook. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After that I didn't get a hit and there was not much else going on but the occasional rise of sunfish. Bass have always been a little mysterious for me they are either impossible to catch or easy. I can never figure them out. All I can say is big flies do seem to catch big fish. </div><br /><div><br /></div>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-2690292271740070132021-01-14T06:42:00.000-08:002021-01-14T06:42:11.973-08:002020 Wasn't All Bad<p style="text-align: center;"> I'd like to say I want to forget last year but there were a lot of wonderful things that happened. My family visited Disneyworld for the first time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdUQYWN-eL1KyVWVcvTBu1jrI7qZNyAtUqF4aFuAjAYH1Tcr3yyxv8SsXTE9uGJOJxrQEJk62xEPkDplM33c8z9AlP9BXhJxFvjmtF66_vQ79nZdRi4V5ynE8_LzgNxA_orL9NRd01uY/s2048/castle_original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdUQYWN-eL1KyVWVcvTBu1jrI7qZNyAtUqF4aFuAjAYH1Tcr3yyxv8SsXTE9uGJOJxrQEJk62xEPkDplM33c8z9AlP9BXhJxFvjmtF66_vQ79nZdRi4V5ynE8_LzgNxA_orL9NRd01uY/w244-h367/castle_original.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Even with Covid we were able to have an amazing vacation in the Rockies.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVZu6OR4wVNJ_m_iX20PEc3CVpzverYMq6-WaWdtGjoaY7770PNxQ84OTkpv0S_lIxsxfkIQTW2FzwE0YhWhl5io_T7vOq7o6lBzps_DkzaFg3u1KnLmsuq4pns7Lx9sO59m4Cwdsbek/s2048/IMG_4811_original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVZu6OR4wVNJ_m_iX20PEc3CVpzverYMq6-WaWdtGjoaY7770PNxQ84OTkpv0S_lIxsxfkIQTW2FzwE0YhWhl5io_T7vOq7o6lBzps_DkzaFg3u1KnLmsuq4pns7Lx9sO59m4Cwdsbek/w420-h279/IMG_4811_original.JPG" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> We made the best of things and found time to kayak and mountain bike the VA Creeper Trail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4LoDGTY2GNXYiEDDrWjD7Yg9UJ1vJwKzOs3kKRU0EAho9F0jgHRCokppMeJtW6qgUMmsJn1u5ED2_xo4eKjPt-QVFDXZb-IlGeRVFuX72OBhSX7p_hCDY2qK62QZQMsd-AICSOsxiAs/s2048/IMG_20200606_114234750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="2048" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4LoDGTY2GNXYiEDDrWjD7Yg9UJ1vJwKzOs3kKRU0EAho9F0jgHRCokppMeJtW6qgUMmsJn1u5ED2_xo4eKjPt-QVFDXZb-IlGeRVFuX72OBhSX7p_hCDY2qK62QZQMsd-AICSOsxiAs/w393-h275/IMG_20200606_114234750.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZK238_etAn5CXP-NjlaijIzAKbbK7yGR9M-ZEMGM-NEtck6iFTxWxIMV4x0sT3aijpysULYcXOr19bzNzAcwK8ZlWJUSf_2scwLBOMS18KVZjKuOrRO1yW1UyfCNj4AVjWSfHMl1uU0/s2048/IMG_20200906_110052812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZK238_etAn5CXP-NjlaijIzAKbbK7yGR9M-ZEMGM-NEtck6iFTxWxIMV4x0sT3aijpysULYcXOr19bzNzAcwK8ZlWJUSf_2scwLBOMS18KVZjKuOrRO1yW1UyfCNj4AVjWSfHMl1uU0/w390-h293/IMG_20200906_110052812.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> I think the pandemic brought my family closer together and brought out the best and worst of us. 2020 was tougher on my kids than my wife and I. It has never been more evident that kids need the interaction of others. This generation is so spoiled and we take so many things for granted. It's easy to social distance and do what you're supposed to on paper. In reality situations make you drop your guard and not take proper precautions. The lapse in judgement can lead to a terrifying tornado of chaos and anxiety. Last year we had dinner with someone who later called to tell us they tested Covid positive a few days later. The time we spent trying to find a place to get tested until we got the final results were horrible. My family all tested negative but the guilt we experienced and the anxiety of not knowing were bad enough. </span></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I hardly fished at all in 2020. I didn't tie much and fly fishing just became something I thought about but never practiced. I made so many planned trips in my mind only to have them be replaced by other priorities or be forgotten entirely. I did manage to get out a few times and my experiences were great fishing wise but the catching not so much. I don't think those experiences deterred me from further trips but I will say they hurt my fishing ego. A small pond 20min from where I live was recently stocked with trout. It's very strange because this pond will become way too warm for trout by late spring. I tried my luck there but didn't even get a bite. I was happy that I still have a somewhat decent cast but my confidence in what I'm actually doing is not the same. I've never had great confidence fishing still water and I always question my fly selection. I usually end up tying on a streamer and fishing with that the majority of the time. Even if it's not productive it keeps me engaged and my hands are always busy. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I have more hope for this new year but there's still a lot of unknowns. I guess all we can do is our best and try to cope with what's happening. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-81337312693133474022020-08-18T15:23:00.006-07:002020-08-24T09:41:57.034-07:00Family Vacation - Part 2 The Fishing<p style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure if it was the time of year, conditions, or all combination of both but </p><p style="text-align: center;">the Rocky Mountain <span style="text-align: left;">National Park is the best place I have ever fished.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXQozBgACDLkVPqLnkqXbveOh63Lxuz15cr-FvcCr0gPklBFBeDGdZsH3K7jsSf508yTKz9tGh_MFwM37WcgasunMVDPVb0f9PQLYM_SPbB9TJikDtbmJpj2LGpLmxZVNbuVWjfDdze8/s2048/IMG_4609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXQozBgACDLkVPqLnkqXbveOh63Lxuz15cr-FvcCr0gPklBFBeDGdZsH3K7jsSf508yTKz9tGh_MFwM37WcgasunMVDPVb0f9PQLYM_SPbB9TJikDtbmJpj2LGpLmxZVNbuVWjfDdze8/s640/IMG_4609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> </span><span style="text-align: left;">I didn't have much time to properly fish many locations because of family obligations or my wife's patience. She knows one more cast for me could turn into an hour or more. She stayed tolerant and let me fish when I could. There were many times I'd only get 10 casts or so in. Where ever I fished I either hooked or landed fish.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTJ76OXBLNAyjLQVRnoXLYb3yvIOtKc-7OGYTH9RaLXZsmj0-gro9LV66-hfe2ruCzX_ytqhXla2oycja4aezEDxe-FJtwms2l07yi3Q9itRyq0IXGoD2utYrmkevXyK7vRLY9ygolsw/s2048/IMG_20200727_121247649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTJ76OXBLNAyjLQVRnoXLYb3yvIOtKc-7OGYTH9RaLXZsmj0-gro9LV66-hfe2ruCzX_ytqhXla2oycja4aezEDxe-FJtwms2l07yi3Q9itRyq0IXGoD2utYrmkevXyK7vRLY9ygolsw/s640/IMG_20200727_121247649.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> I've never fished a location that was so prolific with trout. They weren't stupid you had to properly drift your fly but if you even had the slight resemblance of a good drift it usually resulted in a strike. Any buggy high floating pattern is all you needed. I fished mainly with caddis and a royal wulff.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua_3xP0qZh3JEmhdatVRsNYrND75RTlcytZwruYwfrASC6bJo0AC5VA1M8zvhD6c4AZjbmgXDRPPu6y8_XPFq3S0k6138KPSr9GbkIRc8ETNiwS-2dD39GcbGE9h7XCiW49Cg5A8diIk/s2048/IMG_20200727_151915129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua_3xP0qZh3JEmhdatVRsNYrND75RTlcytZwruYwfrASC6bJo0AC5VA1M8zvhD6c4AZjbmgXDRPPu6y8_XPFq3S0k6138KPSr9GbkIRc8ETNiwS-2dD39GcbGE9h7XCiW49Cg5A8diIk/s640/IMG_20200727_151915129.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> One of the biggest fish I had the pleasure of seeing and the heartbreak of losing was to a Chernobyl Ant. The only one I had with me. I had the fish deny several other flies and then finally come up and take the Chernobyl Ant. As soon as I set the hook I felt resistance then that sickening slack from your knot popping. It was my fault not tying the knot properly and it was cool to just see a fish eat like that but I can't help but wonder what if. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgDPBcmGZnUJ6w7gUtAdd4Dj1kHoGCWQ51a6BWh55oyiNWyf-1HlQ9CBr587MCIXTRjF28TKB6Z1wruN0C6oZJMQshSHIfzk7AsmFJMRjmYGPPsMgOc4lg8Y1Q5rde1JUQvo4rqNapzU/s2048/IMG_4618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgDPBcmGZnUJ6w7gUtAdd4Dj1kHoGCWQ51a6BWh55oyiNWyf-1HlQ9CBr587MCIXTRjF28TKB6Z1wruN0C6oZJMQshSHIfzk7AsmFJMRjmYGPPsMgOc4lg8Y1Q5rde1JUQvo4rqNapzU/s640/IMG_4618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;">The clarity of the water was amazing and you have postcard scenery in every direction. Even in the summer the water is cold. It was to me at least I couldn't take being in the water without my wool socks and wading boots.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGysM6KVB8sl7tC9BvcohOtflwTEaN4Dab7tGPCH15Tg_Pp50C2rje8xgGK05uJV9463Yqf1r4jEy7Ikf_gSUK1yPEr5TcoIzw8xzUSDO8Rys6zy7sE8Mbgs9AVfnpdECxpBCWXYYTkxI/s2048/IMG_4754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGysM6KVB8sl7tC9BvcohOtflwTEaN4Dab7tGPCH15Tg_Pp50C2rje8xgGK05uJV9463Yqf1r4jEy7Ikf_gSUK1yPEr5TcoIzw8xzUSDO8Rys6zy7sE8Mbgs9AVfnpdECxpBCWXYYTkxI/s640/IMG_4754.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The lakes weren't as bad as the creeks but they were still chilly. The pic above is from Sprague Lake. I was the only one wading in the water. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIc3hUmE0RyBRhP2jmpKLGGB9gk6i7LBlN4nx_euunagsoY2KiHKEda0vyv3Tb3b-7s0FCpEEazd6_XsLM7yPEIIu1XDAP9V-qiG03aR8QXCtLpnnVXFJE2Vhk8qQvonXXRDqmJZEMXw/s2048/IMG_4734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIc3hUmE0RyBRhP2jmpKLGGB9gk6i7LBlN4nx_euunagsoY2KiHKEda0vyv3Tb3b-7s0FCpEEazd6_XsLM7yPEIIu1XDAP9V-qiG03aR8QXCtLpnnVXFJE2Vhk8qQvonXXRDqmJZEMXw/s640/IMG_4734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Other people were fishing with spinning rods from shore I didn't see anyone catch anything but there was a big fish jumping right out of casting distance. I'm pretty sure it was a cutthroat. That is my one regret is not trying to target some of the different trout species that live in the Rockies. When I first read a book about the area I thought the locations were too far to really target. I checked the book again later and realized many of the places I would have liked to target I was either right next to or easily with in driving distance. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUGrrp9UDiUEJ1r9Q_VEBOGTTBF5YQb6i_V_iwQPo8-d8VfJfebgodgbxhekBnzrnJpLqNaMdoYj3kn3ICC2kEw3OyvUA-ht_UnqSqAPny3hSfA0qjmBeJ91OL8pHBayuDCdhcaKHQQI/s2048/IMG_4639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUGrrp9UDiUEJ1r9Q_VEBOGTTBF5YQb6i_V_iwQPo8-d8VfJfebgodgbxhekBnzrnJpLqNaMdoYj3kn3ICC2kEw3OyvUA-ht_UnqSqAPny3hSfA0qjmBeJ91OL8pHBayuDCdhcaKHQQI/s640/IMG_4639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">There's a bus system that takes you to various locations in the park, one option I didn't try but think would be a good idea is to park at one of the low altitude bus stops. The idea is to have the bus take you to all the stops going up towards Bear Lake. You could fish for as long as you wanted at each stop and take the bus when you wanted to go to the next area. That would be a great way to spend the day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WB29_D7oGaH2gYFH0pNWYV7xEQe9__fMZENKggxLepNm0c05o4ChATn-_6LXDaOhfPaZ11f_yXkk5ABfNreuv6DI6tyUsxN8khD5GxonYLO96ccz5s9_mpWBBrbVDzmDQK4FqCQ7Nuo/s2048/IMG_4825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WB29_D7oGaH2gYFH0pNWYV7xEQe9__fMZENKggxLepNm0c05o4ChATn-_6LXDaOhfPaZ11f_yXkk5ABfNreuv6DI6tyUsxN8khD5GxonYLO96ccz5s9_mpWBBrbVDzmDQK4FqCQ7Nuo/s640/IMG_4825.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;">I wish I had taken more pictures of both sides of the park. Most of my photos are from the West side but the East is a lot different. The east side of the range has more scrub brush and less forest. It seems dryer and has more of a high desert feel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWGSwjKUrzVfPn8tgvcse4ZY_frNiLVWcDBvBgF3yfFPnvf004VR7sDalDjjHFy2woCmBaW0z1O07m5ZjP3YEeVJQykYiswhwsUNbtTbD3jYoxfB_c0bG3AsMq-JjRvaiEJUcZm_Ed88/s2048/IMG_4780_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWGSwjKUrzVfPn8tgvcse4ZY_frNiLVWcDBvBgF3yfFPnvf004VR7sDalDjjHFy2woCmBaW0z1O07m5ZjP3YEeVJQykYiswhwsUNbtTbD3jYoxfB_c0bG3AsMq-JjRvaiEJUcZm_Ed88/s640/IMG_4780_original.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;">Both sides have their own beauty and should be explored. </span></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-40366334436219917372020-08-03T08:46:00.004-07:002020-08-03T08:55:42.044-07:00Family Vacation - Rocky Mountain National Park Pt. 1<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">My family has been trying to hit a National Park every year. This year the goal was to check out Rocky Mountain National Park. With the current pandemic we kept going back and forth and with the overwhelming concerns we considered canceling the trip. The current state of things have made everyone long for a distraction to get a feeling of normality. What better way to get distracted than to visit the Rockies. We were spending 4 days in the park and our first day there was tame. We were staying in Granby on the west side of the park and we took our time just exploring the area. We did a hike at Monarch Lake which is just south of Grand Lake. </blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSHzch6at9UKa0N5RToJgsYKVh66TKjxVx3CO5h26GmJDVdoSgJlxcpZTzviurvs4yi-yvXgXmDNfh5IkJb8pa5wvT_Ejtyv0rag-BpQy38ZmtfJE02FNsb7-FUX8JVuj4HMy9uoX4Hg/s2048/IMG_4075.CR2_original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1364" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSHzch6at9UKa0N5RToJgsYKVh66TKjxVx3CO5h26GmJDVdoSgJlxcpZTzviurvs4yi-yvXgXmDNfh5IkJb8pa5wvT_Ejtyv0rag-BpQy38ZmtfJE02FNsb7-FUX8JVuj4HMy9uoX4Hg/w426-h640/IMG_4075.CR2_original.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">It was rumored to be a good moose viewing area but we didn't see any. The scenery was great and it was a good hike to help us get acclimated to the altitude.</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The next day we actually went into the park and with the timed entry system we didn't have any wait at all. The plan was to explore some of the things on the west side and find a moose. Coyote Valley was our first destination and the a place I couldn't resist trying my luck for some trout.</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS6ws3B33Eee2nB9PDPmiNhIUlXdnybXEPZlXKGuH3geUfCcIaEtA7nCY3fl9oOcnp_BCBM__cpEiLWix8ZEB75bglhkQapb5l2y9TfVBjxa5uKD5CmMXVF5ivjmiR8pqRmrdKahjqZM/s2048/IMG_4108.CR2_original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS6ws3B33Eee2nB9PDPmiNhIUlXdnybXEPZlXKGuH3geUfCcIaEtA7nCY3fl9oOcnp_BCBM__cpEiLWix8ZEB75bglhkQapb5l2y9TfVBjxa5uKD5CmMXVF5ivjmiR8pqRmrdKahjqZM/w640-h426/IMG_4108.CR2_original.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The stream wasn't that deep but it had great access and plenty of places for trout to hold. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXKlJplaZqefOU_m2c4-06NuCtSJ3QY3bfzxO4ApoFpDJlZ83FUYSOwXCDYaByLLHN09X42niAvuN189jw1iqFxo6bznhUR8b08Lxzsut_3_dUe3sl5WgzQx8MYTyp1F6-fjqzeFOWes/s2048/IMG_4126.CR2_original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXKlJplaZqefOU_m2c4-06NuCtSJ3QY3bfzxO4ApoFpDJlZ83FUYSOwXCDYaByLLHN09X42niAvuN189jw1iqFxo6bznhUR8b08Lxzsut_3_dUe3sl5WgzQx8MYTyp1F6-fjqzeFOWes/w640-h426/IMG_4126.CR2_original.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">It only took a few casts with a small caddis to get some action. I was able to hook the fish but it came off after a couple seconds. Every few casts yielded the same experience a small fish would get hooked but come off shortly after. I was a little frustrated but also relieved. I knew a fish would come eventually but I wasn't sure what I was doing wrong. I tried switching to a smaller fly but the same scenarios would keep happening a fish would get hooked only to come off. We kept searching for moose along the valley but were unable find any. The scenery kept us entertained.</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQuRmFNOJCdJLuN3NtrMMaoRMNus9pR0q1gzVjNMf9xekHywMRFqy8fWH4qN_8MN3fSuD8O5dm4O3TMHR3igcWl61hEVR1T6ibvzLX0NOedXAz0O4Qd086_Gu86KstU8p3_79-LKXngA/s2048/IMG_4119.CR2_original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1364" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQuRmFNOJCdJLuN3NtrMMaoRMNus9pR0q1gzVjNMf9xekHywMRFqy8fWH4qN_8MN3fSuD8O5dm4O3TMHR3igcWl61hEVR1T6ibvzLX0NOedXAz0O4Qd086_Gu86KstU8p3_79-LKXngA/w426-h640/IMG_4119.CR2_original.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The next stop was the Alpine Visitor center and on the way up we saw an elk close to the road.</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqDLJasaN6UNYGxnr93sfZLcB5Ga345vKmUuaOdvfgY3vpf5sWi9n2X9sNHR958trv0WH5HkSOKzqQKYalpnyQMR9vsW9952yAi4J0gEheL2yO4wg9BZNiGer3DeVI8Dc7YelyrODIZA/s2048/IMG_4133.CR2_original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqDLJasaN6UNYGxnr93sfZLcB5Ga345vKmUuaOdvfgY3vpf5sWi9n2X9sNHR958trv0WH5HkSOKzqQKYalpnyQMR9vsW9952yAi4J0gEheL2yO4wg9BZNiGer3DeVI8Dc7YelyrODIZA/s640/IMG_4133.CR2_original.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">It ignored the cars passing by. It was so close to the road it was easy to miss behind the trees and brush. Going higher into the park is where you see the best views in my opinion. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorJNtXqMfn-b1eTVQwT2zD1bJFHrpxjEiD4EPOqxYg-ISZPXLdBxo-osnV6y5VHxIySZeUVG6SwYDtluusCXU6tn17Yye7i1sggqieDMePy9bbFhlsd9UshHY2JoaU5Wrk8D9GxsQ-3I/s2048/IMG_4430_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorJNtXqMfn-b1eTVQwT2zD1bJFHrpxjEiD4EPOqxYg-ISZPXLdBxo-osnV6y5VHxIySZeUVG6SwYDtluusCXU6tn17Yye7i1sggqieDMePy9bbFhlsd9UshHY2JoaU5Wrk8D9GxsQ-3I/s640/IMG_4430_original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Once you reach the upper altitude of the Rockies you really get breathtaking views. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZDGhq-dr1KJPZhAw1oKbbbZpnodV0t7hcAMVLIezYB800O3Xx7VxR2bZMioTy1mwjfUcfrwb9dwTKdryWA-PXW7akrd86vsLvlFL5DKZmfCYeUckCk3VSdQj5n_-yB9f4jzIAGIoeDA/s2048/IMG_4500_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZDGhq-dr1KJPZhAw1oKbbbZpnodV0t7hcAMVLIezYB800O3Xx7VxR2bZMioTy1mwjfUcfrwb9dwTKdryWA-PXW7akrd86vsLvlFL5DKZmfCYeUckCk3VSdQj5n_-yB9f4jzIAGIoeDA/s640/IMG_4500_original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Each direction you look is a postcard. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvbXYZatdAwrI_pBdR1qFerk1kW-sNWjpu5vj8Ru0Ew1yQLwNqNh6b-_9gmfTMGP-svHvR1pRt9m8h4F6X_xndESehO4Nr3M_rqwINPXU43V1dXBHbuthxoUdOc1FwBAwyO1fZpLTJo0/s2048/IMG_4480_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvbXYZatdAwrI_pBdR1qFerk1kW-sNWjpu5vj8Ru0Ew1yQLwNqNh6b-_9gmfTMGP-svHvR1pRt9m8h4F6X_xndESehO4Nr3M_rqwINPXU43V1dXBHbuthxoUdOc1FwBAwyO1fZpLTJo0/s640/IMG_4480_original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">If you visit this park I recommend checking out the Tundra Communities Trail. It's not far past the Alpine Visitor's center and it explained the habitat and animals that live in the Tundra.</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplGbCV8a2H-NFr3kKgZ2GADANVdmutCz_ZOFV1vgwKqWEjVzwSV07KEUWdxHdi3T5WM9GzPFxiQmCxd-wyfEFi3YivD5siWDv5z-Yten9l-DECPclc73BW02ejZM_VMXBowKpOz8y1qg/s2048/IMG_4501_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplGbCV8a2H-NFr3kKgZ2GADANVdmutCz_ZOFV1vgwKqWEjVzwSV07KEUWdxHdi3T5WM9GzPFxiQmCxd-wyfEFi3YivD5siWDv5z-Yten9l-DECPclc73BW02ejZM_VMXBowKpOz8y1qg/s640/IMG_4501_original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">If you have kids they will love the pikas and marmots that scurry around the area. The pikas were my kids favorite.</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89Lav4VKG5weR8a_cim9mFi_Fz-dc_Ip6BBmu4C_NP83lT-zkPYRqzJZe3Ej9lgFWpYAjUs-tBiZkxsYwbo8UIsAUNloYlnYLSVWEsTVqqCm9CmxE8I5MP2nvymUi94VEfC798okW3Tw/s2048/IMG_4451_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89Lav4VKG5weR8a_cim9mFi_Fz-dc_Ip6BBmu4C_NP83lT-zkPYRqzJZe3Ej9lgFWpYAjUs-tBiZkxsYwbo8UIsAUNloYlnYLSVWEsTVqqCm9CmxE8I5MP2nvymUi94VEfC798okW3Tw/s640/IMG_4451_original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The marmots are not afraid of humans and I wouldn't be surprised if some people tried to take them home. They look like friendly mountain beavers just waiting to be pet.</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlR8aA_UToUVGCOIZe47cl5Jr_pPsgCIpM3Si0mKcx49xDqJksoV6akJTqQhO_iWCbRGPOxbmEG5C2OLXrHjP1lR31VEoYTXAJKR1sDhN9cLuhfFuHLxYrnyKUjHx-In_XBxjSSbOqDfA/s2048/IMG_4473_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1728" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlR8aA_UToUVGCOIZe47cl5Jr_pPsgCIpM3Si0mKcx49xDqJksoV6akJTqQhO_iWCbRGPOxbmEG5C2OLXrHjP1lR31VEoYTXAJKR1sDhN9cLuhfFuHLxYrnyKUjHx-In_XBxjSSbOqDfA/s640/IMG_4473_original.JPG" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">We saw plenty of people try to pet them and feed them even there there are signs all over the park saying you should not do that. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">At the top of the communities trail there are interesting rock formations. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_97unpFZGw8Cngq34QVjsHDcsMl9WYznxQocawgUWdEGH3xu10aul9ur5He1WVadu7ApihGVIi9YzqQauyHgznXPJeth76tPSLmq5h05rVw1W3uOwYcKL4V7v_wFd2GiVfDZVW625OAc/s2048/IMG_4521_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_97unpFZGw8Cngq34QVjsHDcsMl9WYznxQocawgUWdEGH3xu10aul9ur5He1WVadu7ApihGVIi9YzqQauyHgznXPJeth76tPSLmq5h05rVw1W3uOwYcKL4V7v_wFd2GiVfDZVW625OAc/s640/IMG_4521_original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The park did a great job of planning the path around the boulders so you can enjoy them while still seeing amazing views of the surrounding mountains. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXF3P75BmVjCDlMavs2ZqQ7la-cx75Lwic9EBtY9OU1Q0fadfJZNYrUiKEqJQKYUEUblXNxO3pyuUj1CIByK-EilJnM1yVuPwEbTlsEPCK2NJG7HooZ83L5sBjbYvbGhTNGy-3OvZ6ms/s2048/IMG_4536_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXF3P75BmVjCDlMavs2ZqQ7la-cx75Lwic9EBtY9OU1Q0fadfJZNYrUiKEqJQKYUEUblXNxO3pyuUj1CIByK-EilJnM1yVuPwEbTlsEPCK2NJG7HooZ83L5sBjbYvbGhTNGy-3OvZ6ms/s640/IMG_4536_original.JPG" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">I feel like this trail is a must see.</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_hqZhq5tf03gAAfteJtYM2zO-AwwmfA_xe3azJJZKWHKWFmF5xvYF-ZawbLa-c25lTTBM7nEvmecq7LfGk6KxcCqdDQLCL2vHsu5zTjyyWIqWFCYAerZc-WW0EJ210TYCWGqRd1Y-nE/s2048/IMG_4549_original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_hqZhq5tf03gAAfteJtYM2zO-AwwmfA_xe3azJJZKWHKWFmF5xvYF-ZawbLa-c25lTTBM7nEvmecq7LfGk6KxcCqdDQLCL2vHsu5zTjyyWIqWFCYAerZc-WW0EJ210TYCWGqRd1Y-nE/s640/IMG_4549_original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't take any pictures of the Alpine visitor center but it's worth visiting. It's the highest visitor center in North America. It also has a neat gift shop that has views of the canyon. </div></blockquote></blockquote><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's too much for one post. I'll add more this week. </div>Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-58117419067304804282020-07-15T12:14:00.001-07:002020-07-15T12:20:43.685-07:00Hot Water.... Literally<div style="text-align: center;">
It's the second hottest summer on record and the lake I recently fished is showing it. I went out last week to let my kids swim and when I got in I thought the water was usually warm. Some guys were treading water next to their kayaks enjoying the warm evening with some cold beers. I asked if they knew how hot the water was and was blown a way with the answer of 91 DEGREES! I didn't believe them and figured it was probably more in the high 80's. A storm was rolling in and with thunder in the distance I decided to get off the water. As I was loading up a guy with a really nice kayak setup came in. He had a fish finder that looked like it had to be in the thousands. If anyone knew the true temp of the water this guy would know. His answer was the same 91 degrees. It blew my mind how can anything live in that? I'm guessing that temp is only so many feet down but still that is hot. I've been in Jacuzzi's that weren't much warmer. I'm worried about what the temps will do to the fishing. </div>
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Catfishing seems to be going fine. A guy in my fly fishing club posted a bunch of pics from his recent outing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXwVINyLIAtFc3yKsXZpIXtVBSdI41wwhwt544Wox7NK9IUHPx8Tc-Mc27_ga1BqsOGo9thri3CaNLS8IPx8Kh-4JCqlPZsWBt35rGTjVQG_wiqyufwxxW5BcT2zSMHSp28DIsCx7Bo8/s1600/andy1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="594" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXwVINyLIAtFc3yKsXZpIXtVBSdI41wwhwt544Wox7NK9IUHPx8Tc-Mc27_ga1BqsOGo9thri3CaNLS8IPx8Kh-4JCqlPZsWBt35rGTjVQG_wiqyufwxxW5BcT2zSMHSp28DIsCx7Bo8/s400/andy1.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
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He's caught a few this size and it makes me sick. If you want to check him out his username is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCmdba1Brnp/">Andy.724</a> on Instagram.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaTkHSsmTQR7aBbgbN20nwFoBDCAWrHRcIMwQL6yNeq8wxdnnPF516hAKUBGm20kQqBWp0laGvgBOLPEtSpWGrJzAfhz1pHIozC1aCJp1X34QfyOPAQl_SclFLrumH59dgXj5oINeuCo/s1600/andy2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="597" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaTkHSsmTQR7aBbgbN20nwFoBDCAWrHRcIMwQL6yNeq8wxdnnPF516hAKUBGm20kQqBWp0laGvgBOLPEtSpWGrJzAfhz1pHIozC1aCJp1X34QfyOPAQl_SclFLrumH59dgXj5oINeuCo/s400/andy2.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
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With the warm water temps I'm reluctant to let my kids swim in the lake. I'm sure it's paranoia but I figure why risk them getting some weird bacteria or crud. If we get some cool rains or at least some days in the 80's I'll try my luck again. </div>
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Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-35634168578941597422020-07-06T10:11:00.001-07:002020-07-06T10:42:24.395-07:00First Fish in the New Kayak<div style="text-align: center;">
I took the kayak out a couple times to see how it would handle fishing. I'm still not confident fly fishing out of it but spin fishing is really easy. The rod holders work great and the material the kayak is made out of seems sturdy enough to with stand hooks. As long as you don't set the hook into the boat like you would a fish I think you'll be fine. I went out over the 4th of July weekend and hooked a nice channel catfish and white perch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3uI2KzR6Z_4ceh8IEE9VDmPJJouS6_7DmCWGahQglMEVY4En8g0_jVqXEuAH2wHcst5M_WCau74dnyPS8pWCLL9WqAZqdjsh_hfXMbOL8K7uXUWBwoy2NQuZagKbcx6qJhMY5d3ZZAo/s1600/IMG_20200703_084709563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3uI2KzR6Z_4ceh8IEE9VDmPJJouS6_7DmCWGahQglMEVY4En8g0_jVqXEuAH2wHcst5M_WCau74dnyPS8pWCLL9WqAZqdjsh_hfXMbOL8K7uXUWBwoy2NQuZagKbcx6qJhMY5d3ZZAo/s640/IMG_20200703_084709563.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9btyHMIS76k6L4vLeCikPoCjoNunNLgXovsqx8MV0_F8qgxnSJDu-VX8OM9_beDdUzOuiOPUXKkLlm7VEYk0pUfQnv0XKwQO7dCeZ4ElPSxvK15yNPy36MMXRnvU26lP9nw6Z2gTYEg/s1600/IMG_20200703_100350922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9btyHMIS76k6L4vLeCikPoCjoNunNLgXovsqx8MV0_F8qgxnSJDu-VX8OM9_beDdUzOuiOPUXKkLlm7VEYk0pUfQnv0XKwQO7dCeZ4ElPSxvK15yNPy36MMXRnvU26lP9nw6Z2gTYEg/s640/IMG_20200703_100350922.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm still trying to figure out the right seat configuration with the foot rests to be comfortable. After about an hour I keep wanting to lay down in the kayak. I actually slid down and laid my head on the seat to see how comfortable it would be. I could have took a nap easily. Really I could have removed the seat all together and just used the boat like a air mattress. Not sure I'm confident enough to do that just yet but I could see someone really enjoying that. I'm having fun with the boat and that's all that matters currently. It's been really hot lately and with no shade on the water the sun and heat have been brutal. I'm hoping to get out more and have some more reports soon. </div>
Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-28939207524976339602020-06-22T10:03:00.001-07:002020-06-22T10:03:09.314-07:00Kayaking as a family<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been wanting another kayak for quite some time and I researched several different options. My wife gave me the go ahead to get a tandem and I had one on order and decided to try a inflatable for the kids. The Intex Excursion Inflatable kayak came and after our first test float I was so impressed I decided to order two and use them with the family. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPs25f67HhGxFb5oVJISrV2d3XQ527YmfHnKdC7ehsaSbTehW08Fvrn9Z15qExgMpx05cWlsAVx_VoPlAAPRzUamJTXaH4ADbl1qiR1PEYXJhDpMzNVK94PHS6tf6-r6o9WV1pmSLTJQ/s1600/IMG_20200530_105926571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPs25f67HhGxFb5oVJISrV2d3XQ527YmfHnKdC7ehsaSbTehW08Fvrn9Z15qExgMpx05cWlsAVx_VoPlAAPRzUamJTXaH4ADbl1qiR1PEYXJhDpMzNVK94PHS6tf6-r6o9WV1pmSLTJQ/s640/IMG_20200530_105926571.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The boat takes about 7-10min to inflate with the dual pump hand pump it comes with. The kayak is very sturdy and although I don't think could stand up in it but the inflatable bottom doesn't feel like a water bed. It fits a adult and child comfortably but the boat was designed to be used solo as a fishing kayak.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jSYXY3SyKaRXT_lpRdG0eZpThFPpCXGB-F-vBb07GvQxqpjSykoGyrccKnx8nRsgYH3R7dDop4qX-mXP_AkYlDOwVHlolqj4mQv-iQxC7xu8cUTOH5GQ-EolrFgZ12b4QsbbRK3riS8/s1600/IMG_20200606_114144564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jSYXY3SyKaRXT_lpRdG0eZpThFPpCXGB-F-vBb07GvQxqpjSykoGyrccKnx8nRsgYH3R7dDop4qX-mXP_AkYlDOwVHlolqj4mQv-iQxC7xu8cUTOH5GQ-EolrFgZ12b4QsbbRK3riS8/s640/IMG_20200606_114144564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The boat comes with paddles, two seats, rod holders, pump and skagit right out of the box. The kayak is very easy to maneuver and tracks very well. It does get caught in a cross wind if it's really blowing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwS8-ao5F7DfWMxaEREr74ddSQz32vmf1R2rpOoQ6MQrZdHEGaw3cDcwBtH6UHYcEJcaWKlG7JjEEbq4MXriOKYBhOSsERShtMV-wgCqKrSFRle-5RmjC4kXp2G2925l14OQhH1WQmyA/s1600/IMG_20200606_114234750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwS8-ao5F7DfWMxaEREr74ddSQz32vmf1R2rpOoQ6MQrZdHEGaw3cDcwBtH6UHYcEJcaWKlG7JjEEbq4MXriOKYBhOSsERShtMV-wgCqKrSFRle-5RmjC4kXp2G2925l14OQhH1WQmyA/s640/IMG_20200606_114234750.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't comment on the durability because I've only had the boats out twice but so far my I've been very happy with them. I'm not sure you can find kayaks that are easier to transport and setup. Breaking them down doesn't take long at all and they both fit in the back of my SUV. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iQdNfSJ3ml1cyU_FThZJE-qi22dhQ-evVPg_z3St3wLYiKXuTW0lAVlPmgnE1Pyhw6bZ4MpdiR3B9vh9grSqQxN704cadfC8_1pOv85xlR3Gin3tUDSMEse02fqQCFxBxX-SR-mIQ1I/s1600/IMG_20200606_114351243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iQdNfSJ3ml1cyU_FThZJE-qi22dhQ-evVPg_z3St3wLYiKXuTW0lAVlPmgnE1Pyhw6bZ4MpdiR3B9vh9grSqQxN704cadfC8_1pOv85xlR3Gin3tUDSMEse02fqQCFxBxX-SR-mIQ1I/s640/IMG_20200606_114351243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I did get one of these boats for fishing and I have to admit I'm a little concerned about fishing out of it. The boat seems durable but I don't think it could handle a decent hook hitting the side of it. I remember with my old kayak my cast would sometimes send a fly right into the side of it. That kayak was hard plastic so there was no concern but with this I wouldn't feel so confident. I do plan on using spinning tackle I'll be sure to post a review once I do. </div>
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Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-29393352710079201052020-05-18T07:34:00.000-07:002020-05-18T07:34:18.221-07:00Stinging Lips on the Eno<div style="text-align: center;">
Took the kids back to where it all started for me fly fishing in this area. I have plenty of posts about the Eno and I think this trip the kids are starting to realize why I like it so much. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifq3LHp32TBxaaWK1v72sZBdGr6-dSSsdRVuGmtYhhq5wPEFlQ9XUCp5h2GSAiILu6CK4y8EJmQgdUejfIe3mAOEePtzMDsquOsJiqfp-CJvIqQMbYupfqFiY5x9XXdgebHwlH6q4gYl0/s1600/IMG_20200516_162946106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifq3LHp32TBxaaWK1v72sZBdGr6-dSSsdRVuGmtYhhq5wPEFlQ9XUCp5h2GSAiILu6CK4y8EJmQgdUejfIe3mAOEePtzMDsquOsJiqfp-CJvIqQMbYupfqFiY5x9XXdgebHwlH6q4gYl0/s640/IMG_20200516_162946106.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My daughter didn't care about fishing and spent most of her time using her hat as a seining net.</div>
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My son was eager to fish more than he's ever been. </div>
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The Eno is a great place for beginners. The current is fairly mild and the water is knee deep in most places. The sunfish are always happy to hit flies.</div>
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It's also a great place to hike with old homestead features and bridges.</div>
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It was great to get away and forget about this virus stuff for at least a few hours. </div>
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The distraction was welcomed and we look forward to more days like this.</div>
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Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-28219255808147643532020-03-09T09:44:00.002-07:002020-03-09T09:45:24.996-07:00First Trip of 2020<div style="text-align: center;">
I took the day off to head to the mountains and try for some trout. The weather forecast said the high was 50 but the snow showers we experienced said otherwise. It was still a great day with plenty of fish caught.</div>
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The river has been through quite a lot with the amount of rain we've had recently. I didn't recognize parts of it because the topography has been totally changed. </div>
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The flies of the day were the usual brown and green soft hackles I like to tie. I'm always confident on this river and feel like I it dialed in. I went with a friend who hadn't fished here before. He had his first fish on with in 10min. </div>
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I hope this is the first trip of many for 2020. </div>
Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-31077786446607312402019-12-16T06:19:00.000-08:002019-12-16T06:19:11.349-08:00Fishing With Troy<div style="text-align: center;">
I've had the pleasure to fish with <a href="https://featherchucker.blogspot.com/2014/06/quality-and-quantity.html">Troy</a> quite a few times. We've had some epic days on the water especially one morning chasing redfish. He's one of the best fishermen I know. This is a great video demonstrating his fishing prowess. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0hwx0po7XX0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0hwx0po7XX0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-86805282079358320252019-12-09T11:16:00.000-08:002019-12-09T11:16:05.003-08:00Smoky Mountain National Park<div style="text-align: center;">
The Mammoth Cave trip had been such a success we were excited about what the Smoky Mountain National Park had to offer. The drive went up through Pigeon Forge, TN and what I saw there concerned me. The main strip going through Pigeon Forge is lined with tourist traps. It reminded me of Branson or a attempt to be like Vegas. Traffic was very heavy and I couldn't believe people would drive from all over for a vacation to deal with more people. Gatlinburg had some of the same problems but it wasn't as bad as Pigeon Forge. What Gatlinburg has going for it is the proximity to the SMNP. The park is within walking distance and it's a great place if you have someone who hates the outdoors in your party and just wants to shop. </div>
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My daughter had been hounding me for years to do a horseback riding trip. I had wanted to try it in Yellowstone but the prices were outrageous. The prices at the <a href="http://www.sugarlandsridingstables.com/rates.html">Sugarlands Riding Stables</a> are reasonable and the people there did a great job with my family. Especially the kids.</div>
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The ride we did was a few miles but you felt like you were actually riding in the country and one section followed a creek as it gained elevation. </div>
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The scenery was breathtaking and I couldn't think of a better way to start our trip. My daughter was on cloud nine.</div>
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The family experience was well worth the price. At the time we did this a family of 4 could do a hour and a half ride for around $200 that's including tip. </div>
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The next day we decided to try a hike at Grotto Falls. What attracts people to this water fall is you can walk behind it. I had heard so much about the wildlife in the Smokies and the drive to the falls gave us our first taste. Right in the middle of the road was a turkey doing a mating dance around a female.</div>
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We kept our distance and just watched but other tourists weren't as respectful. Driving right up to the birds as they did their business. </div>
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We had to park a little further than we intended because of the upper parking lot being closed. This actually helped us enjoy the hike more. I was worried the 2mile hike to the falls might be too much for the kids but I think they were distracted having their friends along.</div>
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The kids got a kick out of this log they could climb through.</div>
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The big highlight for me was running into this guy on the trail who was hiking with his alpacas.</div>
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Eventually we could start to make out the falls from the trail.</div>
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When you first see the falls it's hard to believe you can walk behind it.</div>
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As you get closer you can see it is fairly large and there's plenty of room to fit behind it.</div>
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We took our time exploring the park for the rest of the day. There's a nice rest area right off the Pigeon Forge river where I was able to fish a little. </div>
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This area was great for wading and with the weather being so warm the kids took advantage of playing in the water.</div>
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The water was very clear, cold and refreshing from the 80+ temperatures we were experiencing. When we had our fill of playing in the river we made our way to Cades Cove.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuEwTlFVJgYcvOnoQIFikY4XxSYOSaE8iqn6xgnc8y5D1YIL7VFMaNMvE4fWSuYYYbq8vBcO4YAa4tzQMIum9W1pfQQcdeIBp2_JdTcQeBPguJjeYvPCUZOTOrFsyQe__cnEx-E468VE/s1600/IMG_2919.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuEwTlFVJgYcvOnoQIFikY4XxSYOSaE8iqn6xgnc8y5D1YIL7VFMaNMvE4fWSuYYYbq8vBcO4YAa4tzQMIum9W1pfQQcdeIBp2_JdTcQeBPguJjeYvPCUZOTOrFsyQe__cnEx-E468VE/s640/IMG_2919.CR2.jpg" width="640" /></a>There are old buildings you can visit in Cades Cove but the majority of it is seen by car. There's a road that circles around the area and has a speed limit of less that 25 if I remember correctly. The views are terrific and it's not uncommon to see bears and turkeys.</div>
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We were lucky enough to see both.</div>
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There's some interesting history in this area and it's worth stopping at the old settlements and reading about them. When you drive around SMNP you'll notice right away an abundance of waterfalls and wildlife.</div>
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It reminded me of a condensed version of Yellowstone. </div>
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The fishing pressure wasn't that bad at least when we visited. There are so many places to fish I had water to myself quite often.</div>
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Many of the streams are filled with small trout similar to this rainbow trout.</div>
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The following next few days were spent hiking and exploring the area. Rainbow Falls is a popular tourist attraction.</div>
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The hike there is fairly easy and paved most of the way.</div>
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The falls are beautiful and well worth the hike. </div>
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Similar to Yellowstone if you see a bunch of cars parked on the side of the road that usually signaled there was wildlife not far. What's great is you can slowly pass the onlookers and ask what they're looking at then decide if it's worth stopping. This one day there was a mother and cub and we decided to join the gawkers.</div>
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The bear was about 100yds from where we were standing and I had never seen a bear in the wild until this vacation. I was a little concerned we were too close and I was ready make my way back to the car if the bear came any closer. It didn't seem to mind our presence and as we watched it we kept over hearing people talk about a cub. Sure enough up a small bear cub scampered up a tree not far from the mother. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKLsTVQA7G1hTyLu-8jAL7ypX48ZZ9qDW8UxxgKBTbEQedsymT21oLRAbKD1NX-mkF9vu5tJmFl4Q9muzGJjLvb-j5cCcnReHlV475gdIw9fJc0rbYFZP_iYYmmj1C4kbWcrdmC0AjFc/s1600/IMG_3110.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKLsTVQA7G1hTyLu-8jAL7ypX48ZZ9qDW8UxxgKBTbEQedsymT21oLRAbKD1NX-mkF9vu5tJmFl4Q9muzGJjLvb-j5cCcnReHlV475gdIw9fJc0rbYFZP_iYYmmj1C4kbWcrdmC0AjFc/s640/IMG_3110.CR2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was neat to witness such a thing and it wasn't long until the cub climbed down and met back up with the mother. We later learned after watching awhile there were two cubs and I was lucky enough to snap this shot. </div>
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Where ever we stopped there seemed to be waterfalls and wildlife I guess that's kind of what the Smokies are all about.</div>
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The best part was experiencing all this as a family.</div>
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Having another family along was huge to help with lulls. When the kids felt tired the other kids would help drag them forward. It really helped with the kids moods and overall moral.</div>
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The last day we checked out Clingmans Dome. The hike to the dome was kind of brutal. It's a paved trail but it's up a ridiculously steep grade. I'm not in great shape but I 'm not super out of shape either and I had stop to rest because my calves were killing me.</div>
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The drive up to the dome dropped the temperature over 10 degrees. We went from hot and sweaty to thinking we needed a sweatshirt. There was a brisk wind which made it feel even colder. </div>
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The path up the dome was a marvel in itself.</div>
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The curve of the path as it raised in elevation was pretty neat.</div>
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The view back looking over the valley.</div>
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You can see both sides of the Smokies from the top of the dome. It was a great view but I'm sure on a clear day it's spectacular. </div>
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If you haven't visited the Smoky Mountain National Park before I'd say it's a must visit. The crowds may seem bad going through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge but once you're in the park it's easy to get away. There's plenty of places to fish, hike and see wildlife. It's not hard to find your own spot where you can relax and admire the scenery.</div>
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Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-58357593515520586422019-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:002019-12-02T08:00:52.926-08:00Mammoth Cave National Park<div style="text-align: center;">
This year in the spring my friend talked me into doing a dual family vacation. The plan was to hit Mammoth Cave National Park and visit the Smokies on the way back to NC. The drive to Mammoth Cave NP is about 10hrs from Raleigh so the drive isn't horrible. We stayed in Cave City, KY which gets most of its business from tourists. The first thing the kids did was play in the parking lot to get out their pent up energy from sitting in a car all day.</div>
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The next morning we hit the park. </div>
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There are several hiking trails and places to visit around the park but to tour the caves you have to pay for a guided tour. The main cave entrance is a stair case that leads down to a large door that blocks the entrance of the cave.</div>
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The first thing you notice once the cave doors open is the air temperature. The temps in the cave stay near the same temperature year round. This cave system is one of the largest in the world. You can fit a football stadium in some of the larger space areas. </div>
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The expanse of the cave is hard to grasp and the history is very interesting. People lived for many years in the cave and it was even a quarantine for tuberculosis patients at one time. When the caves became a tourist attraction slaves led most of the tours. Most of the cave is natural but there is plenty of evidence of settlements and mining activity. </div>
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Several places have graffiti written by tourists going back as far as the early 1800's. There's several tours you can choose from and they range in times and distances. We did 3 and my favorite was probably the lantern tour. You walk behind a guide with the only light being a gas lantern you hold. </div>
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It gave you a sense of what it must of been like to be an explorer. It's hard to believe people first explored these caves with candle lit lanterns. During all the tours the guides will turn off all the lights just so you can see how dark it is. Supposedly the other place you can see total darkness like this is in the deep ocean. You literally can not see your hand in front of your face.</div>
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The features in the caves are incredible and the engineering to weave paths around the caves was impressive. In one tour you have to squat, squeeze and maneuver your wave through several areas. </div>
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The kids loved it and felt like they were having a real adventure.</div>
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Water dripped down along the walls in several areas creating amazing stalactites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7Ip_WAMbc9bnzPI4ukyUV0KcHL6QvDCI-13DE5cMtQtJRCyJ91hTdqe79ZEctmKmnILxSYA78OTFyi2hbxjvUWB9VGhs7BUAHBO8rZqR27oprvQtNAH05Hi3OZblg3C9EIKrHOQlfXQ/s1600/IMG_2599.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7Ip_WAMbc9bnzPI4ukyUV0KcHL6QvDCI-13DE5cMtQtJRCyJ91hTdqe79ZEctmKmnILxSYA78OTFyi2hbxjvUWB9VGhs7BUAHBO8rZqR27oprvQtNAH05Hi3OZblg3C9EIKrHOQlfXQ/s640/IMG_2599.CR2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was annoyed at first that the only way to see the caves was having to pay for a tour. I quickly changed my mind after brief moments in the cave. Paths lead in all directions and you can easily see how someone could get lost. A cave can get dangerous quickly especially if you have no light to guide your way.</div>
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Another value of the tour guides was their knowledge of the caves and stories they'd tell. All of the guides were entertaining and seemed to have a genuine love with the caves. They also did their best to me make sure everyone was safe and having a good time.</div>
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Because of the artificial light it was difficult to get great pictures. It's a very humid environment and with the water dripping I had to take extra care to not get my camera wet. There were some features I couldn't resist taking pictures of.</div>
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It's worth mentioning these caves their own wildlife. There's blind crawdads and fish, salamanders and insects that only live in these caves. We were lucky enough to see a couple bats but unfortunately they are suffering from a fungus that is killing them off. The caves have a special walkway you walk across at the end. The walkway is filled with a substance that kills any fungus spores that might be on your shoes to prevent spreading it to another cave</div>
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This park truly is amazing and I don't know how I had never heard of it before. Perhaps I had but living on the west coast when I was young I figured I'd never get to it. I'm not sure when we'll be able to visit this park again but it's something everyone should see at least once. </div>
Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-61894577010436880092019-11-25T05:55:00.000-08:002019-11-25T05:55:38.666-08:00Fun at the Farmhouse<div style="text-align: center;">
For a family get away this fall we booked a stay at a farmhouse in the NC mountains. It wasn't far from my favorite creek to fish and hiking spot. While we were unloading our stuff at the farmhouse we were welcomed right away by this kitty.</div>
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My kids spent a good majority of this trip trying to let the cat come in the house with us and asking if we could keep it. The cat was a sweetheart but I tried to explain that cat was going to be more happy on the property than at our house. The cat did its best to try to change my mind.</div>
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The farm was previously a working dairy farm converted into a rental property. The owners still run cattle on the property. The scenery was amazing and the house we stayed in was very comfortable.</div>
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There were donkeys and a horse you could pet and feed treats to. </div>
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This miniature donkey was cute but it could be really ornery and every once in awhile it would try to nip you.</div>
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We spent the majority of our time hiking at <a href="https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands">Grayson Highlands</a>.</div>
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This is a great place for kids. The hiking trails meet up with the Appalachian Trail. There's plenty of places to climb rocks and if you're lucky you'll see wild horses.</div>
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The trees were still showing some of their fall color but I think we were late to see their true splendor.</div>
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The wild horses here are smaller than your average horse. most people call them ponies and some of them have hair that has a shaggy look to it.</div>
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They aren't afraid of people but you're discouraged to try to pet or feed them. They are really wild animals. </div>
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My kids love climbing rocks here.</div>
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There's plenty to mess around on most aren't that dangerous to climb. There's some that have a easy trail that leads to the top of one side.</div>
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The views were pretty even with the clouds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV-addi89lOW79yWjwZX5qlD_nIW6rwdGYyHXphZZBklEnLxugoCh0m3ubJ8tRL3eGSbpG1FLLNVuHKdzfYtzaACgxCrcDZMSD086hmOspV6EkzqBuZeSd99Ozi0Z4aYBjQUJQJM6LtI/s1600/IMG_3621.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV-addi89lOW79yWjwZX5qlD_nIW6rwdGYyHXphZZBklEnLxugoCh0m3ubJ8tRL3eGSbpG1FLLNVuHKdzfYtzaACgxCrcDZMSD086hmOspV6EkzqBuZeSd99Ozi0Z4aYBjQUJQJM6LtI/s640/IMG_3621.CR2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's not uncommon to see Appalachian Trail hikers lumbering 50lb packs looking exhausted. The elevation difference can be a little extreme in places.</div>
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This is a great place to get 3-5 hiking miles in and not feel spent. The weather was perfect and a nice breeze kept us from getting over heated.</div>
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It's always neat to see the horses and I like seeing the variety of their coats.</div>
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If you're ever near Grayson Highlands it's worth checking out. You can camp here and there are some decent sized towns that aren't far. There's West Jefferson on the NC side and it's not far from the 81 in VA.</div>
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Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-42048697311266584792019-11-18T10:05:00.000-08:002019-11-18T10:05:00.303-08:00Fly Fishing PodcastsThis has been a strange year for me. I haven't had the desire to fish as much as in the past. Recently I started listening to podcasts. I find them entertaining when I'm driving to work or running errands. The podcasts hosted by comedians are what I started with then I slowly migrated to fly fishing podcasts. I've found two in particular that perked up my interest in fly fishing again. One is called <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anchored/id951475911">Anchored</a> with April Vokey and the other is the <a href="https://www.remotenopressure.com/">Remote No Pressure Fly Fishing </a>Podcast.<br />
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Both of these podcasts have great guests and the hosts to a good job of keeping the conversation engaging. You'll feel like you're sitting right in the same room with them. If you're looking for something different to entertain you while driving or doing odd jobs check these out.Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-61670683599288036092019-11-15T13:28:00.000-08:002019-11-14T06:25:18.398-08:00Large Mouth Bass Are Snobs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbksJt8PAsSUoLEhUwQ01EGQf86B2khU8r0W83gQ27qzLQXgmZRpsf7VqWwY2ZmmtrEefnz4NUpMU4tDHZR0jjVYM3m7aZG-Xx0v665fSjYFHYL8CygukZCs6pshvnt_yflH4pg7n9DkM/s1600/largemouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbksJt8PAsSUoLEhUwQ01EGQf86B2khU8r0W83gQ27qzLQXgmZRpsf7VqWwY2ZmmtrEefnz4NUpMU4tDHZR0jjVYM3m7aZG-Xx0v665fSjYFHYL8CygukZCs6pshvnt_yflH4pg7n9DkM/s400/largemouth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There's talk of picky fish like carp and trout feeding on specific bugs but few fish swim away with the smugness of a largemouth bass. Bass don't just refuse your fly they do it with a fishy version of giving you the finger. I recently found some huge largemouth bass holding close to downed trees near the bank. I cast a few flies and the large bass just ignored it. One fish in particular gave my fly the same look cute girls gave me in school. Like they had just stepped in gum, it was annoying and they wish it never happened. They don't even swim away a lot of times when your fly falls near them they just ignore it and act like you were stupid for even trying. Few fish give more of an indication of who is more clever than the largemouth. I guess I love to hate them because I keep going back for more punishment. More looks of pity and anger from the bass as they wait for this idiot to stop raining trash into their fishing space. I think maybe that is the only reason they hit at times. They think ENOUGH and just hit out frustration and the desire to be left alone. We think we're smarter as we take pictures and release them back to where they came from. More often though we leave empty handed cussing under our breath and the bass watches us walk away with that dumb permanent frown. </div>
Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-51317189421830313632019-11-11T04:45:00.001-08:002019-11-12T07:52:55.574-08:00Son's First Trout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Took my son to a Delayed Harvest stream to catch his first trout. These streams are great for teaching children to fish. The waters are stocked heavily and the fish love nymphs especially soft hackles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBATqsR52m1s4OrA7bX3bvOGLalWQRGlIY-cOao9o2GxKSOxyO7t10DS_7o1SQMdT_4Db3SJgI-TBZ95rl6qzVoBBMWvapZvaoq0athCWia2Wq2_7PtSPlSK6cGpB61c3EHbAVTAaCsgA/s1600/IMG_20191110_135445312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1600" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBATqsR52m1s4OrA7bX3bvOGLalWQRGlIY-cOao9o2GxKSOxyO7t10DS_7o1SQMdT_4Db3SJgI-TBZ95rl6qzVoBBMWvapZvaoq0athCWia2Wq2_7PtSPlSK6cGpB61c3EHbAVTAaCsgA/s320/IMG_20191110_135445312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz3FUtsh9oxGAk_vyt6t_ItEnHrncEf1EYKutwypSVzZJe_fUR9PBb77WqdEA4U7VgFUy-hr2s3onFaxMNwiL3Thg43M9OS1-I-eMD2xT13Y3KtXyW2vV8Pzobb1xXDTi-y7uiGuKEBI/s1600/IMG_20191110_135438929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz3FUtsh9oxGAk_vyt6t_ItEnHrncEf1EYKutwypSVzZJe_fUR9PBb77WqdEA4U7VgFUy-hr2s3onFaxMNwiL3Thg43M9OS1-I-eMD2xT13Y3KtXyW2vV8Pzobb1xXDTi-y7uiGuKEBI/s320/IMG_20191110_135438929.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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He was able to cast, hook and bring this fish on his own. He didn't catch any more but he was content having me hook fish and then hand him the rod to bring it in. It was a wonderful day. </div>
<br />Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-33879589055143890572019-04-08T10:11:00.000-07:002019-04-08T10:31:07.141-07:00Daughter's First Trout<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been trying to figure out the right timing to fly fish for trout with the kids. I tried last year and it went great until about 20min in my son fell in the river. He wasn't swept away by the current but he did go in face first and got soaked. This time instead of taking both I decided to try just going with my daughter. The weather seemed to cooperate and I knew a stream had just been stocked. My mother was able to come along and things were adding up to make a great fishing trip. We got to the river and only one other car was in the parking lot. I rigged up our gear as fast as I could and my mother talked to a gentleman who was recently fishing. He said he didn't think it was stocked at all. My heart kind of sank when I heard that but I was skeptical and decided to check for myself. I looked in a location I knew always had fish and sure enough there were 4 or 5 just hanging in the calm water.</div>
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Fish were here and I knew a run where they stack up after stocking. I put my daughter in position and watched her cast upstream. I tried to explain how to watch the drift and keep an eye on the indicator. On her third cast the indicator dipped. She lifted the rod late and felt the tug of a fish and instantly had that smile you get when you hook a fish. "I felt it fighting!" she said. The next several casts she had several strikes and her timing was just a bit off from setting the hook. I figured this is how it would go most of the day then all of sudden she shrieked "I GOT ONE, I GOT ONE" and I saw a shimmer in the water. Before I could say anything she hauled the fish out of the water and brought it over to the bank. I ran over and put the fish in the net and I told my daughter "try not to slam the fish on the bank but that was awesome!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc28_Ke26XR_Kng0qc-nqGQkPJitEOrMjMHkBLCx2BzN-x8lp1NldsHSSd_PtQOKeYDbZpo0Wav690CTsPSkvOWkIhTMQf1f30aae7eMNDJzCWP4Yoftr0Ux-ZhEotRp7pqJwPhPPhujo/s1600/IMG_20190404_094919351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc28_Ke26XR_Kng0qc-nqGQkPJitEOrMjMHkBLCx2BzN-x8lp1NldsHSSd_PtQOKeYDbZpo0Wav690CTsPSkvOWkIhTMQf1f30aae7eMNDJzCWP4Yoftr0Ux-ZhEotRp7pqJwPhPPhujo/s640/IMG_20190404_094919351.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was still amazed at how fast she caught a fish. I knew she'd probably catch one but not in the first 10min of fishing.</div>
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We were both a little giddy. I thought it was beginner's luck but a few casts later she had another fish. Then while I was helping my mother untangle her line I heard behind me "I got another one!" </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Gvu1PixCqrfng_EFzJMRVZyC4raD7kQZyFqRNKmYdx_Q5dZ1L9g8hY0ZwEYHDzkblpDM8LZPc-rf38GpuEFg-t1xcis1LpwFygvv56N4WyioBw3GAsyvI56XP126Y3Mrz3B8LbGiJVI/s1600/IMG_20190404_100430495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Gvu1PixCqrfng_EFzJMRVZyC4raD7kQZyFqRNKmYdx_Q5dZ1L9g8hY0ZwEYHDzkblpDM8LZPc-rf38GpuEFg-t1xcis1LpwFygvv56N4WyioBw3GAsyvI56XP126Y3Mrz3B8LbGiJVI/s640/IMG_20190404_100430495.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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She caught another fish shortly after and then asked if she could take a break.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVzXYhbV1aE-MJFtPezxrZdUlWA7l4EtFjH7t9Cke2S0yg1dhUD6qMO2T_T2qhSHrMEf3A8MR300-tftuU7gD-8mHaNMZiAZu2rwtplQeZpWqgUM1spnAERf5MoVmC2_D8AyCwGtSgBE/s1600/IMG_20190404_094950639+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVzXYhbV1aE-MJFtPezxrZdUlWA7l4EtFjH7t9Cke2S0yg1dhUD6qMO2T_T2qhSHrMEf3A8MR300-tftuU7gD-8mHaNMZiAZu2rwtplQeZpWqgUM1spnAERf5MoVmC2_D8AyCwGtSgBE/s640/IMG_20190404_094950639+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I explained that fishing isn't always like this and some days you don't catch anything. She knew that and wanted to take a break to check out the flowers and do some other projects. She proceeded to start building something using the river rocks. I thought about talking to her about how those are a home for other animals and some of the consequences of doing that but just left her to her fun. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8FOHVYKdmYAfIJhC57wOsa4Qsa-MvZ0pZZz8ODLTvWbhDi2Pwe0IhvFjOBBcRLFfz2pAynbT7tQ1OAXMxIXithPPaxha589-HNxz8PzRdNSHnO9WolT7TtpJ0nsaYaOqaCCO93J3nfo/s1600/IMG_20190404_114033166+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8FOHVYKdmYAfIJhC57wOsa4Qsa-MvZ0pZZz8ODLTvWbhDi2Pwe0IhvFjOBBcRLFfz2pAynbT7tQ1OAXMxIXithPPaxha589-HNxz8PzRdNSHnO9WolT7TtpJ0nsaYaOqaCCO93J3nfo/s640/IMG_20190404_114033166+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love that she enjoyed just being outside and it wasn't about how many fish she caught. She learned this a lot faster than I did. It was an amazing day for everyone and the best part is that I could share it with family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H01tGJxcdaQuURUvEHztVOeCtcZmEXScLSfQo3_i20kU9p8XV9ZLGWdae1Rah0C0FtgaSp5oGCN_gOOiRNhR0z_vsZVBL7BqexPh46AHd7aIhQVzi4dDEP27yHFjlXJmmCPW0ogCJCQ/s1600/IMG_20190404_103929114+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H01tGJxcdaQuURUvEHztVOeCtcZmEXScLSfQo3_i20kU9p8XV9ZLGWdae1Rah0C0FtgaSp5oGCN_gOOiRNhR0z_vsZVBL7BqexPh46AHd7aIhQVzi4dDEP27yHFjlXJmmCPW0ogCJCQ/s640/IMG_20190404_103929114+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We all caught fish and the weather couldn't have cooperated better. I can only hope the future trips we have will be half as successful.</div>
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Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-36634560749490227952019-02-08T08:13:00.002-08:002019-02-08T08:41:05.737-08:00Spring Like Temps<div style="text-align: center;">
80 degrees today and it was too nice to not get out. I went to one of my favorite spots for lunch and the fishing was slow but I did get one good one.</div>
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So nice to get out and cast a line again. I was in such a hurry I missed a guide when setting up the rod. </div>
<br />Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148053610537598768.post-58524696316857519952018-08-23T08:55:00.000-07:002018-08-23T08:55:49.054-07:00Cody Wyoming<div style="text-align: center;">
God, Country, Family, Rodeo. That's Cody Wyoming's motto and after staying in Cody and attending the rodeo I can believe it. It's a must do if you're ever visiting this town. It's fun for the whole family. My kids had an absolute blast and even got in on the action. </div>
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The rodeo has always fascinated me. It's where man and beast work together or against one another depending on the circumstances.</div>
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Women look just as tough as the dudes and there's an intensity watching this live that can't really be matched with other events.</div>
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These people risk their lives on a weekly basis to do the thing they love for hardly any money at all.</div>
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It has to be a hard life living in the rodeo scene but all the people that were participating genuinely loved it. </div>
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The audience sits on the edge of their seat most of the night and it was fun to see the kids get involved.</div>
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They had an event where the kids tried to get a flag that was tied to a calve's tail. You might think to yourself poor calf but compared to some of these kids the calf probably had an advantage. I was surprised that in a time where people can be so litigious they'd let something like this happen. The calves and kids were fine and everyone had a good time. </div>
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Feather Chuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816824282816730471noreply@blogger.com6