Higher Elevations

 It is August and it is hot, hot, hot.  In the valley, it is in the 90's and that calls for heading to the hills!  I usually don't do much fishing in August.  Trying to find water that is cool enough to catch and release in is the challenge.  So, the high alpine lakes are the best bet.  We have some beautiful lakes in the High Uintas Wilderness area.  These snow-specked (until July), craggy peaked mountains and trails that weave between ponderosas and aspens, never disappoint.  There are over a 1,000 natural lakes in this mountain range.  They say that one could never visit each one in their lifetime.  Ha!  I know that I won't!  Many beautiful streams wind around these lakes and in all, there are probably 400 mi. of waterways.  Rainbows, brown trout, brook trout, tiger trout, cutthroats, grayling.  A wide assortment!  Just bring a chair and enjoy the solitude.

And the best part...  It was 68 beautiful degrees air temp!! Win win.

When Montana Calls

June was a busy month!  I was able to fish for 4 days in beautiful Montana and meet up with some long time friends on the "Mighty Mo" or the Missouri River.  We have a fishing weekend for one of the group's birthday each year.  I missed it the last couple of years because of this ailing knee.  But, this year, I said that I was going no matter what.  Even if I later found out that one of the hotels that I would be staying in had bed bugs! (Slept in a chair because they didn't have any more rooms and all hotels were full!)  No more cheap hotels that I don't know about.  Ugh... So, there were a few rainbows in the net on a fun float down the Missouri.  A nice dinner with friends.  And down the road again...

 A lively rainbow taking a size 18 nymph.

Best rower award goes to Chaz!

My bestie, Alice! Moving from Oregon to Florida. 

A few of the fleet of drift boats...

My favorite breakfast... Corned Beef! 

Next stop... My favorite little secret creek that always waits for me with open arms.  Always!  There are some beautiful rainbows in this creek.  And I once caught a very big brown that I didn't even know was in this creek... A very big surprise!  It was my biggest brown at that time a few years back.  So, with anticipation, I got out of the car to gear up and set up my rod.  A big smile came over my face when I saw the water.  It was the perfect flow.  Not too high and just low enough for me to cross.  This is where a journal is your best friend.  Writing down the flows each year and what the conditions were at the time is very helpful.  I love the months of April, May and June.  After that, the summer gets too hot for me.  And the trout.

Now you see why I like this little creek. Haha
Yeah, this doesn't look like a rainbow... Hmmm

A couple hours of very nice brown trout! 
(I earned this one... If only the fish would be more cooperative in finding my net!)

Callibaetis were on the menu. 

But, the most important little bug in June was our grandson... #5

He was definitely the catch of the month.

Hello... Is anyone out there???

Let's see...  The last post was in August 2023.  Wow.  I probably lost my viewership.  That's alright, as this blog was mostly for my kids to read about my adventures after I'm gone.  So, I am wanting to write again.  2023-2024 were painful to say the least.  But, I still managed to get out fishing.  It just wasn't as enjoyable as pre-total knee replacement.  Most people heal well and are happy with the results.  I always have to be different!  Enough said.   =)

2024 brought many beautiful fish to my net, never the less.  I bought more flies than ever before, as I was not comfortable sitting at my tying desk.  But, it seemed that the fish didn't care who tied the fly as long as I got it in front of their nose!  That is the secret to success.  A good placement and a good mend!  

I think that I will just drop this end of the year video for 2024.  You will see that fishing on the fly will always bring a smile on my face...  

Thanks for stopping by...  

Adapting... Sunday Tippets, Damsel Style

The hardest thing for me to do is adapting to change.  There, I said it.  But, that is a good first step, right?  Admitting your faults.  I am just a creature of habit.  It could be that it has gotten worse with age.  Or maybe with healing from back and knee injuries. I just know that it isn't the same this year with not feeling as good.  My passion to cast a fly into a river or stream has been a slow process in getting back.  I did get out for a few hours the other day and then it was back in my recliner for the next 24 hours. 

 Is it even worth it? Mmmm...maybe.

I know that I can get through this.  The surgeon says that it is a one year rehab for the knee.  I am at 6 mos.  Halfway there!  At least the back is better.  There's a positive!!!  The word is patience.  I know that.  So, how do I adapt to the changes that have been thrown my way?  I probably need to write this more than you need to hear it.  But,  here are a few "tippets" that I have come up with. 

• Be positive.  Keep an open mind and always remember that you are still in a better place than other people.  Be grateful for what you do have.  When you do face challenges, keep your goals in sight.  Know that your journey is still ongoing.  The best things sometimes take longer to achieve.  

• Plan alternative choices while you adapt to the changes in your life.  You might find out that by giving yourself extra time to get back to something that you can't do right now, gives you the opportunity to spend more time with other things or helping other people.

• Be kind to yourself.  Don't beat yourself up because of an unexpected change in your life.  Learn to laugh at yourself and with others.  Laughter can be the best medicine.  

• Calm your mind.  Fear is our worst enemy.  Try yoga and meditation to relax your body and mind.  Talk to a family member or best friend.  Don't seclude yourself.  Others might have a suggestion or experience that can help you feel better about the situation at hand!

(Sometimes, it is just a balancing act!!!)

 WE can do this!  Especially with a walking stick. =)

 

 

 

In The Kitchen For 2023

 

As we welcome 2023, there have been thoughts on what to do as a new hobby.  Well, at least for the time being!  2022 ended with me having some lingering injuries with my lower back and knee.  Right now, I'm on day 7 of a left knee replacement.  I'm crossing my fingers that I can get back to work on week 4.  We will see if this pain will subside enough to make that happen.  This has been tougher than I thought it would be.  So, let's find something to do while sitting here for another couple weeks.  What do you think about me starting a food blog?  =)  Baking and cooking have always been a second love behind fishing.  RD's cookies have been a hit everywhere I have gone.

Now for a "catchy" title.  What do you think of "The River Damsel Kitchen"???

I was thinking of making up a totally different name, but a friend told me that I would be better off connecting the two blogs and keeping "The River Damsel" theme...

Maybe they are right.  I've got a week to think about it.  Suggestions are welcome.

Now, if you would please roll that walker over to me?  =)

I have a video that I would like you to watch...