Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Whip on August 16, 2009, 11:34:00 AM
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Morning comes late in Wyoming. The temperature reads 35 degrees, and sun hasn't been able to burn through the clouds yet. There is an inch of coffee left in my cup and I still can't see the bottom - strong and dark is the order of the day. Sitting around the kitchen table with Charlie and Vance, watching mule deer bucks graze their way around the ponds, there is no rush to do anything just yet.
Yesterday was a whirlwind of renewal. We don't see each other nearly often enough, and we all savored just being here together. This gathering began as an item on the St. Jude auction last year. Vance donated a trout fishing trip on some of the finest waters of the west to the highest bidders. Jeff Springer (Tippit), Woody Blackwell (Knife River), and myself schemed to make sure we won that one. This trip is the payoff.
The timing couldn't have been better. Charlie Lamb left early for a Utah hunt and joined the fun here this week. Doug Campbell found a break in his schedule and made the trip down from Montana to join us. The stage is set.
Rest assured, there will be time for adventures in the next few days.
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I've drooled over Doug's knives for long enough to know that someday I wanted one for my belt. I now have a new weapon at my side :goldtooth:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/R0010620.jpg)
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Beautiful knife! Beautiful pic! Can't wait to "hear" the rest of the adventure.
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WOW that is purty!! Joe I sure hope you get to break it in proper this fall :archer:
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The only way that could look any better is to have a little red on it! Hap
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:campfire:
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This is going to be good..
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There's a little town in western Wyoming called Eden. Not much more than a wide place in the road it's got all the bases covered- the post office, a bar and the only church in miles.
That's just about it too. A couple of old tumble down buildings that I'm sure were the pride of the area in 1920 sprout greasewood and sage and give a home to packrats.
My kind of town!
You come through town from the east and in a flash exit from the west. It's a quick transition and while the city limit signs have their own posts, they could just as well be on the same one.
It's a landmark for me. A place that marks the beginning of my little slice of the west and near the end of miles and miles of sage brush.
The highway climbs steadilly from Eden toward distant mountains which lay on the horizon like misty sirens.
As those same craggy peaks grow and come into sharp focus I begin to recognize landmarks and the transformation from mid western country dweller to mountain stalker begins.
It's always a homecoming. In more philosophical moments I've opined that my soul lives here. It feels like that anyway.
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And the hunter's soul within me resonates upon detecting the familiar tones that Charlie has plucked upon his golden lyre...
The katydids argue through the night, the crickets thrill among the sedges, velvet itches, summer is waning and the hunting seasons loom. Lead on, and may your arrows fly true!
Killdeer
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:campfire:
I'm all ears!
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Keen edged words and lyrical knives. This is gonna be good. Hunt on my brothers.
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Mornin Folks.....Before we really get this rolling with photo's and such :bigsmyl:
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Looking forward to some great stories and pictures!! Sounds like quite the crowd you got hanging around your place Vance!! :campfire: :archer:
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No worries Vance...St Judes always gets a 'free pass' on items won whether they are bowhunting related or not....looking forward to the stories and pics.... :campfire:
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Nice guys. Really nice.
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Whip on Iron Bulls log in.....
No, this really isn't a hunting trip. And it really isn't a fishing trip either. What it is is a gathering of good friends that don't get to see each other nearly often enough.
The St. Jude auction was the event that got the ball rolling, but it started with bonds formed as a result of contacts here on Trad Gang. Most of us never knew each other before, and likely never would have met if it hadn't been for this site. This gathering is more a celebration of those bonds than anything else.
But as long as we are here, there are adventures to be had. Jeff, Woody and I were high bidders on a trout fishing trip. A few weeks ago Vance called and asked if we might be interested in dow antelope tags as long as we were here. Turns out by some magical coincidence that the season opened on the day we were scheduled to arrive. What a silly question! Jeff and I bought tags, and Charlie would join us. Woody and his young clan along with Doug Campbell concentrated on the fishing.
The front porch serves as a primary antelope scouting spot.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/P1000052e.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/P1000062e.jpg)
Charlie an I took a ride yesterday to see what was out and about. We eventually ended up in the forest where Charlie shared some of the spots of many of his past adventures and campsites.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/P1000060e.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/P1000058e.jpg)
I'm a newbie to this flyfishing stuff, so I signed up for some leasons in the yard. Vance has a special technique for teaching rookies not to use their whole arm in the cast, and brought out the rope. I hadn't realized bondage was involved, but eventually got the point.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/P1000056e.jpg)
The afternoon we found time to try one of the Ryegrass ranch trout ponds. Wyoming winds played havoc with the fly casting, but we made the best of it and had a great time.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1497e.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1516e.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1556e.jpg)
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That looks great. Glad you guys got a chance to get together. Having lived many years ago in a construction camp located in the booming Wyoming metropolis of Farson, the pictures bring back some great memories.
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Joe you have ben around Charlie to much :)You are becoming a good story teller :notworthy:
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This is awesome!
Joe, that is one beauty of a knife you got there!
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Angry clouds cloaked the Windriver's as I passed thgough my old home town of Pinedale. I slowed down only enough to keep the local constable from getting in my pocket and was soon headed west toward the Wyoming range and Vance's ranch.
As I topped the last hill that would block my view, the clouds opened like the parting of the Red Sea showing the granite giants behind me.
A velvety white shawl of fresh snow lay across the shoulders of the peaks.
It was a far cry from the weather I'd left at home.
I'd gotten up extra early so that I could make it to Vance's place before he left to pick up Jeff "Tippet" Springer and Joe "Whip" Lasch.
With time to spare I rolled into the yard. A quick hand shake and hug and Vance and I were soon on the road to the Jackson Hole airport.
I'm going to lay back on this thread a little. For one thing, it's about the guys and their St.Jude's winnings.
They've been fishing in several locations so far while Joe and I have been scouting for antelope.
With any luck the guys will get to try their bows on the local speedsters.
The other thing that's going on is that my back has been bothering me greatly after the long road trip and I'm nursing it so I'll be in some kind of shape for elk camp next week with another bunch of Tradgangers.
Doing lots of resting, Naproxin and ice for the time being.
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I guess since I'm caught up to this point that I should mention that I've already had a shot at an antelope and failed to draw blood.
A yearling doe stood around being curious for just a little too long this morning and I was able to get the shot off.
The yellow fletched shaft flew without a flutter an inch or two over it's back.
A guy wants everyone to think he's infallible, but I can assure you that's not the case here.
Disappointed with the miss, I was however pleased that the antelope didn't budge until the arrow was past her.
I'm shooting a new longbow this year and am very tickled with the way I shoot it. It's also dead quiet on release.
Joe and I had been seeing the odd ground squirrel here and there and we took time out in a little meadow down by the creek to harass them.
Only one shot was taken and that too missed. I'm not claiming this miss however.
I do believe this tale is going to grow into something pretty special. For now we're off to more adventures.
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Good to see Joe Blackwell again, that is quite the rainbow he is holding in his hands! You all are quite lucky to be spending some time with him.
Killdeer :thumbsup:
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:campfire: :archer:
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(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/Simles_Whip_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/Funny_e.jpg)
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Boy, you know the fishing has got to be good when a novice can catch fish like that!
Prior to this trip I think I had caught a grand total of maybe three trout on a fly rod. Within the first 10 minutes of fishing I had already doubled my lifetime achievement total. And every one of them was larger than any I had ever seen before. Not only is the fishing outstanding, it is taking place in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. I might just as well give up any thoughts of becoming a real flyfisherman, because I think I have been spoiled for like. It can't possibly get any better!
Keeping up the posting on this thread is difficult with so many things to do with our limited time. Rest assured there will be more to follow, both in stories and in pictures.
The antelope seem to have different patterns than in prior years here from what I am told. But we have found some spots with potential, and it is time to see what we can make of those opportunities. Stay tuned......
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Looking forward to more updates Joe! Nice catch by the way, congrats!
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What unit are you guys hunting? I'm heading over to 87 with a couple doe/fawn tags on thursday.
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Check on willow tree hunt club Barry got a date if it works
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Sitting at the cabin with the dog on a gorgeous late summer day after checking stand locations and reading your thread brings thoughts on how special each day can be.
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This only serves to remind me that life is too short. There is not enough time to spend with good friends or to be able to squeeze in all the hunting and fishing you would like. I feel the urge to retire early or maybe change to part time work. Enjoy these days while you are able.
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Well said John, the Mondays appear faster and faster. The time in camp goes so fast also, but those times carry us through till the next year.
I am so glad you guys are living the high life :campfire:
And by the way NICE FISH :D I see a very nice meal right there Vance :D
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Talked to vance today and everyone is having a big ol' time.....but he was bummin' because Woodie and gang where getting ready to leave :(
I can tell you one thing about Vance for guys that don't know...there is nobody that appreciates time spend with good people any more than Vance Brewer.They just don't come any better :notworthy:
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After the usual leisurely start to the morning accompanied by copious amounts of coffee Charlie and I decided to take an inventory of the antelope herd. We found them in the same spot as yesterday, and some seemed to be favoring a small stock pond. Closer inspection showed some taller sage brush within shooting distance that could provide cover to a well camouflaged hunter.
I decided to spend a few hours tucked in with a ghillie suit and see what might come my way. Two and a half hours of sitting on a small chair started playing havoc with my back so I took a break and lay flat on the ground. I don't even think it is necessary to tell you the rest.
No more than five minutes laying on the ground and I heard a commotion at the pond. The slight raise of my head to see what was going on drew the immediate attention of an antelope doe. She was with a fawn, another doe, and a buck. And I was busted.
Dang! :banghead: Double Dang! :banghead: :banghead:
The corner buck.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1571.jpg)
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Vance and I just got back from a run to town. I walked in the house to find Joe, fingers flying, composing on the computer.
Not wanting to bother, I sat down and started reading a few threads on the other computer right beside him.
After a bit I could stand it no longer. I asked how things had gone thinking perhaps it had been a slow afternoon by the waterhole.
All Joe had to say was, "wait a minute and you can read what happened".
I admit to being suddenly more attentive, visually checking his fingers and hands for telltale signs of field dressing.... nothing.
So I went ahead and waited and opened the thread as soon as he hit "Add Reply".
I gave him a good thump on the arm for everyone for his lapse of attention at the water.
:banghead:
Of course nobody will be tougher on him than he is himself at this point.
He's got plans for tomorrow and my money is ridin on Joe.
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The best laid plans. :banghead:
:biglaugh:
Sorry Joe, I could not resist :D
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Now that's good. :notworthy:
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I had to save that pic... beautiful! Catches the essence of the place.
What great wallpaper that would make. I mean in the living room!!
Killdeer
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Awesome pic and posts. Hey Joe Shell says I can EAT all the trout you catch on my diet. :saywhat: <><
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Whip get it out your of system this week and get ready for next week :)
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:campfire:
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Yeah Killie it's my wallpaper now, but on my computer. Sounds like a fun time for all.
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(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/smiley_crying_2.gif)... (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/flo13.gif)........ :wavey:
Woodrow & Fun Sizers You were a TOTAL BLESSING
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Bout the onlyst things left are Security Check Gates and the Goodbye Hugs.
Oh and the wait for the REST of THE STORY :bigsmyl:
When they get home............ :clapper:
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Geezz....did the cat get the answering machine's tung?
I need a call on my cell please Sir Vance....and I need for Sir Charles to also be available......
:coffee:
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Beautimus, just beautimus.
:campfire:
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Hmmmm.....just revisited that beautiful picture...and those two peaks sure looked familiar....
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1571.jpg)
Here's a view of those same peaks from a little different angle and lighting....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/lopy1.jpg)
Ah....the memories.......I'll be back next year :readit:
Thanks for sharing guys....much appreciated. :campfire:
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Thats awesome Terry!
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Danged Corner Buck! He smoked me too Joe...never could get within 75 yards of that booger. He probably has the dubious honor of whoopin more Tradgangers than any single individual animal still alive :readit:
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Just got back to Boston aftyer a full days travel from the Ryegrass. Being with Vance, Charlie, Doug, Whip, Woody, and the Fun Sizers was one of my best weeks afield. I'll get some pictures up tomorrow. But just remember one thing...my handle here is tippit ;) Doc
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Great story telling here and can't wait for more. thanks for sharing!!
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As we sat on the porch being warmed by the rising rays of the sun and sipped the morning java I found myself torn in three different directions. The company and conversation was as good as a man could hope to find and it was tempting to linger.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1567.jpg)
But this would be our last day at the Ryegrass, and the antelope had been at the water hole in mid morning yesterday. I wanted one last crack at them badly. And although I don't claim to be a hard core fisherman we had unrestricted access to world class trout fishing. To pass up an opportunity like that would border on foolish and I don't like to be thought a fool.
I wanted to do it all, and would try my best to squeeze it all into what time remained.
As I drove toward the pond the antelope seemed active and I passed a couple of bunches on the way.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/P1000120.jpg)
As I pulled up to where I could see the pond there were already a half dozen of the speed goats near the water. I had lingered on the porch to long! They ran off as I slowed the truck to watch, and I could only hope that they hadn't yet had time to drink and might return later. I set a goal of staying for at least four hours to give them a fair chance to develop a thirst.
Activity was slow, but I remained alert, having learned my leason the previous day. The smell of sage brush is the essence of the west, and one of my favorite odors in the world. I crushed it between my fingers to release more of the sweetness and overloaded my olfactories.
Clouds drifted lazily overhead while a chipmunk scampered back and forth through my little hidey hole. A ground squirrel kept a watchful eye for trouble from the top of the dam. A sparrow lit breifly on my pant leg before apparantly realizing this bush wasn't quite right. The plains look barren from a distance, but there is plenty to see.
A flash of movement in the sage brush made my heart jump a beat. A badger appeared over the top of the dam, working its way down and around the waters edge, his regal cloak of gold and black shimmering in the sun. A special treat to a hunter from the badger State - could this be an omen?
Finally, shortly before noon, two does and a fawn appeared on the hillside to the north and began to give the pond a good looking over. After a number of false starts the lead doe couldn't take it any longer and came in on the run. She went straight to the water while the other doe and fawn began feeding on grass around the edge of the pond.
I was tucked in behind sage brush sitting on the ground. I rolled to my knees unseen and eased my bow into position. As the tension on the string began to bend the limbs the head of the doe in the water snapped to attention and before I could even think about it she blew out of the water and out of my life, taking her girl friends with her.
As Charlie would put it when I related the story to him later, she was 29" away from having a really bad day! But she won this contest, and although I did see other goats in the distance, they were the last to come to the water before I decided to pack it up.
There were fish to catch.
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First off a little quiz, which one do you figure really runs the Rye Grass? ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/R0010624.jpg)
I only got to stay a short time but it was great to get to hang with some of my favorite Brothers! Here's a pic from Jeff's and my first day on the river! It was one of the best days I've ever experienced on the water. Thanks Vance and Jeff for making it special!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/R0010630.jpg)
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Sure am injoying reading this thread, thought I'd make that little comment to get this back up where it's easy to find for you guys to finish the tales :campfire:
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I flew in from Boston on the 15th...90 degrees and humid. Coming into Jackson Hole, I was welcomed by the Teton peaks and sweater weather...in fact it went to 28 degrees by Saturday morning :eek:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09075.jpg)
Whip was waiting for me as he got in about a 1/2 hour earlier. As we were talking all of a sodden I get this big bear hug from Vance along with Doug & Charlie. The journey begins!
After lunch at Bubba's Bar BQ, we head south to Pinedale and the Ryegrass Ranch. I'm a New England boy used to congestion, houses, etc...but in my home town all the houses are hidden by Trees! You can't see very far and hunting doesn't get good until all the leaves fall around the end of October. Holy Cow you can see sky 360 degree here :) The Ryegrass Ranch.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09005-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09002.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09004.jpg)
The Man who got this shindig into action...Iron Bull :notworthy: Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09042-1.jpg)
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Luv that fella :clapper:
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Oh, we need to add the obligatory food descriptions. Let's see, where do we start....
Burgers As Big As Your Head
Melt In Your Mouth Ribeye Steaks
Tender Chicken cooked on the Smoker Grill
Enchilladas and rice followed by Flan for dessert
Oven Roasted Beef Ribs
An entire flat of huge juicy cheeries that Woody brought along.
Cheese by the pound. (Note: be VERY wary of anything called Beer Case Cheese :scared: )
To busy eating most of the time to remember to take pictures, but I did get one.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1576.jpg)
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One of the true joys of the time we spent together was getting a chance to know Woody's brood. A finer trio of Fun Size people you could not find anywhere!
(L to R) Joe, Emma, Annie (and of course Mr. Toughy)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/P1000063.jpg)
Woody and his kids had spent the previous couple of weeks wandering around the west on a classic summer vacation. The rest of us were blessed that they were able to join us at the Ryegrass.
What a great family activity.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1491.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1509.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1516e.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/WY2009/IMG_1556e.jpg)
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What a great thread, but I'm finding it difficult to add my part. No matter how hard I try to capture the last few days in words and photos, it will never compare to the real deal. Some things are easy enough to rate. The fishing for example: it was the best I've ever experienced. The food? Delicious and plentiful (I gained five pounds). And but for late afternoon breezes that made casting hard for mere mortals (unlike Tippit), the weather was dead perfect. But when it comes to describing the deep friendships and comraderie, this keyboard fails me. For me, this was a gathering of close friends disguised as a fishing trip.
For me and my kids, it started at Daniel, Wyoming. We waited at the gas station for Vance to pick up Whip and Tippit. I think we were the only customers that day. Maybe the only customers this decade... ;)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20091.jpg)
Soon enough, we were slapping backs and bear-hugging. Niceties settled, we got our priorities strung and hung.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20094.jpg)
When Charlie's around, I try to keep my mouth shut except to needle another great story out of him. If we don't get a book out of him soon, we oughta think about filing a civil suit against him. :readit:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20092.jpg)
One of these guys is the boss. I'll let you figure out who...
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20093.jpg)
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Whip and I were talking about how we wonder what other people's computer/trophy/man caves look like. Here's a pic of Vance's inner sanctum, with Mr. Lamb hard at work on the keyboard. It's hard to see, but hidden among a zillion cool things there are two computers plus a big photo printer. The other three walls are just as rich with treasures and memories.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY200912.jpg)
Outside the man cave is a hat rack. One of three, I think. Maybe four. Vance's collection of hats is as impressive as his collection of hatracks.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20097.jpg)
Here's one in action.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20095.jpg)
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Time for business. Here Vance and Doug do some strategizing. Doug had to leave a little early to get back to his ranch, but not before he gave most of the fish in the county a sore lip.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20098.jpg)
Your fly's open.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20099.jpg)
Whip was a natural with a flyrod. Although he claimed to be a novice, he caught a gorgeous brown on his first cast. Within a couple minutes (literally!), he'd also landed a big brookie and a rainbow. Whip, did you ever catch a cutthroat for the grand slam?
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY200914.jpg)
And isn't that one of Vance's hats? Not only is it lucky, but looks pretty darn good!
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY200913.jpg)
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Here's a pic of Tippit working a hole. It was actually his second time at this bend. The first time, he landed six big rainbows. As we walked past it on the way home, he floated another fly out there. Could there be one more nice bow with an appetite? Yep!
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallWY2009-1.jpg)
And now a couple of gratuitous fish pics. If there's anything more beautiful than a brown trout, I don't know what it is.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallWY2009.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY200915.jpg)
It's about time to wrap this up, but here's a pic of some buddies we passed on our way home.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallWY2009-2.jpg)
And here's a pic of the buddies at the Ryegrass. I'm already looking forward to next time. Vance, keep some of those enchiladas in the freezer for me. Love ya, bro!
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY200911.jpg)
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Well, I thought I was done for the night, but somebody who was peeping over my shoulder reminded me that I didn't post one particular pic... :rolleyes:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallWY.jpg)
And that reminds me of another thing. Ordinarily, having kids at a gathering of guys is kinda like having your mom at your bachelor party. It just isn't a comfortable fit. The opposite was true this time, which speaks volumes about the big hearts at the Ryegrass. I can't thank everyone enough for making my little people feel welcome. :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallWY2.jpg)
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On the way to the Ryegrass, we stopped to pick up Woody and the three Fun Sizers...as Vance so appropriately named Woody's traveling mates Anne, Emma, and little Joe. Plus getting fishing and antelope licences.
When this group gets together there is no lack for conversation especially over Burgers & Fat Tire :) To top off an already eventful day, Woody starts handing out little pieces of stone that come with his magic :thumbsup: Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09084-1.jpg)
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Awesome, awesome, awesome!
Woody, you're a blessed man brother, those are some fine looking kids, and from what Vance told me very a fine a kids as he's ever been around....you're doing a heck of job with the fun-sizers brother :notworthy:
What a gathering....I sure hope the TX thing comes together :pray:
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What a gathering! Two things wrong with it... it had to end and I was not there. Hey Vance, your dog has a fuzzy face!
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Yep, gotta agree with ya on one thing Shaun, it ended way too soon for me... And Woody I'll go along with the Gang and say you're raising some of the finest kids I've ever had the pleasure of being around. Thank them again for letting Dad come play ;) And thank you again for the beautiful stone work!! You continue to amaze me. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Nice fish pics! Even better pics of the group and the kids + fuzzy companion!!
thanks again for sharing.
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Vance had a surprise in store for Doug & I. It seems that one of the owners couldn't use a booked fly fishing float trip down the New Fork river out of Pinedale. AND would we like to fill that spot in??? Can you say "You Bet" real fast and in a high squeal :bigsmyl:
The trout fishing in Wyoming and especially around Pinedale is Blue Ribbon World Class! They say that the trout get as long as your arm. Take a look at one of Doug's rainbows :eek: We fished the entire day...needless to say Doug & I had a ball. Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09019-1.jpg)
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Another outstanding thread!!
Thank you all for taking us along!
Woody, you certainly have a beautiful family!
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Good Folks and Good Times...It doesn't get any better than that!!!
David
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I almost forgot. When we got to the pick up fly shop, our guide walked past us a couple of times cause we didn't seem to fit the part of a couple of fly fishing sports dressed to the 9's in Patagonia. Seems camoclad fly fishermen are not the norm :biglaugh: Doc
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Originally posted by tippit:
Seems camoclad fly fishermen are not the norm :biglaugh: Doc
Especially camo-clad fisherman who make and carry functional art like this. Thanks again, Doc!
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/SmallPicsWY20091_1.jpg)
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The next morning after our float of the New Fork, Doug was scheduled to leave for Montana. We decided to continual out Trout Quest on the ranch waters of the Cottonwood Creek. This was 13 miles of snaky riffles, pools, and tail outs with under cut banks on ever bend. Plus there were a plentiful supply of 18-21 inch trout in almost every pool...Fly Rodders Mecca!
Doug & I would leap frog ahead of each other on every pool so we could see if the other guy hit pay dirt. I had a couple hits so did Doug with the landing of a nice Cutthroat. Then he had to head home :( Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09022-1.jpg)
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Nice pictures guys, and what a great experiance with buddys :campfire:
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MMMMmmm Bubbas! No better place to eat in Jackson unless it is breakfast at the Virginian. Looks like a great time was had by all.
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Just magic!
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Well Doug had to head back to Montana around one. Woody, Joe, and I headed out to fish the lower section of the Cottonwood in the afternoon. We all had great fun...but with a handle like Tippit on Trad Gang you can just imagine my excitement to be wading this beautiful creek. I truely lost count of the number of rainbows and cutbows I caught.
Now I had to faced a decision:
1) The fishing was Soooo Gooood!!!
2) The antelope were very dispersed this year with how green the prairie was.
3) I love fly fishing equally as well as bow hunting.
Usually this kind of decision doesn't crop up as the seasons don't compete with each other. Now what to do...my 4wt Winston with hoppers bouncing off the bank to stealthy waiting trout hiding in the under cut called the loudest in my head. I would fish the next two days and wade most of the 13 miles of the Cottonwood! Thanks Vance...Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09033.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Ryegrass%2009/WyomingRyegrasssTrip09036.jpg)
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I now sit trying to collect my thoughts on this most wonderful of events.
Resizing and cleaning up photos, trying to mentally compose a post to this thread all through a very confused mind ( What Just Happen these last few days)
I will be back with my minds view....Thanks to all and SPECIAL thanks to TradGang....You make St. Jude's happen in addition to connecting the strings of these many hearts...................
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Sounds like great times were had by all, Vance.
Did everybody take home their complimentary wolf?
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There was another cool off shoot from being in Pinedale. The Green River runs through it...plus the site of the original Green River Rendezvous was 15 minutes from the Ryegrass. So much history of the Fur Trade right in front of me. I came home and went back to forging more Old Time Fur Trade Era blades. In my effort to keep improving my bladesmithing, I was striving to make more refined blades. What I really like are the rough trapper's accoutrements. Vance showed me a couple original Green River blades. It was like a breath of fresh air for me.
One last thought---bow hunting, fly fishing, and forging knives are my passion. St Judes brought this all together in one beautiful spot for me this past week. Spending time with friends of like mind...nothing better! Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Knives/PrimativeStyleKnives001.jpg)
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Great stories, great pictures. Heading out to the Pinedale area myself in about a month to visit the kid and throw some big streamers in the Green. Can't wait!
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Tad, you really owe it to yourself to look Vance up while you're there. He is the best of the west and a joy to visit with!
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Joe, If Vance would have me, I'm there. (Would be really great to introduce my son to him, he needs a Traditional friend out there!)
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Awesome Guys. What a great time! Thanks for taking us along.
I know good fly-fishing....thats great fishing right there. Man!!!
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Very cool thread!!! I really appreciate the chance to participate vicariously, thanks for including us all!!! :thumbsup: