A "Berry" Good Time...

When the wind started blowing and it wasn't getting any warmer, it was time to move to a new location...and fortunately, two great reservoirs are relatively close to each other.  And saying that, it is funny how different they are.  A 15 degree difference today.  Strawberry was a balmy 44 degrees and Starvation was a much warmer 59 degrees!  haha.  A couple fish...your normal 16" rainbow and cutthroat...The Berry can deliver up to 26-28" fish on occasion.

   

At a 5,710-foot elevation, Starvation Reservoir has a surface of about 3,300 acres when full.  Fish species include walleye, smallmouth bass, and brown trout. 

   

Strawberry Reservoir is at 7,600 feet with a 17,200-acre surface area.  Ice fishing is very popular during the winter months. (And there was still scattered snow pack on the hills surrounding the lake)  Fish species include rainbow trout and cutthroat trout and Kokanee salmon.

In between the two reservoirs, is the Strawberry River.  And it surely has the snowpack run off going on!  You can see the nice "chocolate" color today...Yep, this river won't be ready to fish until July.  Quite a bit of flooding in the surrounding areas too.

A nicer, more friendly Strawberry River in the Fall...A very peaceful place!  The water flowing from Soldier Creek Dam into the wild Strawberry River is clear and cold, even during the heat of the summer. One reason I love it...cools you off!!  It supports a good population of large browns and cutthroats. If managed properly, this stream could become a "little Green River," offering excellent fishing for trophy-sized trout. 

So, Day 1 of my 4 day weekend has started with a couple fish and some clouds rolling in...again!!  Now, it would be just my dumb luck to have rain the next three days...  Oh, wait!!  Check that.  The weather report said that only Sat. and Sun. will get rain... And guess what we get for Monday, Memorial Day??  A "Frozen Mix" on the Provo River and 39 degrees!!!  Would June come already???!!!  : )  I'm ready to go to Sea World where they are training their whales to do some new tricks!

 

Footnote:  Not worried about the "Frozen Mix"...It could actually be a very good fishing day!  Now, where are my thermals???



 











The Miracle Whip Blogger Challenge...You Decide!

MIRACLE WHIP OR MAYONAISE????  WHICH IS YOUR CHOICE TO SPREAD ON THAT SANDWICH??? AND TOSS THAT POTATO SALAD WITH???  AND DIP INTO WITH THAT ARTICHOKE LEAF???

                                               Miracle Whip Commercial Review: I Love It!


Leave a comment below and give us your vote!  I'm thinking that I have to throw my vote to the MAYO side...there you go...now you choose.  Oh, and you have to have a reason too.  Mine is simple...who wants a sour tasting sandwich???? Hmmmm....I like the taste of my pastrami, salami, swiss cheese on sourdough or rye with a smooooth taste.  And Hellmann's (Best Foods) get my vote.  And to liven it up just a bit, a little deli mustard and don't forget that kosher dill on the side!...There you go.

OR     ????

And we are adding this option...NEITHER! (Looks like this option is getting more popular)

The tally will end on Sat. May 28th!  (Well, you know...we have to make room for "Tippets" on Sunday!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly...Tippets to Remember

What a weekend!!  There was much anticipation for my Czech Nymphing class on Saturday.  And what I had hoped for...the "Tippets", came to fruition!  Of course, I am a diehard.  I never give up.  I took my first class last year in this very effective type of nymphing.  I like thinking "outside of the box"...and also to fish without an indicator!  I usually will take one or two classes each year from my favorite fly shop, Western Rivers, here in Salt Lake City.  It just helps me to be an overall better skilled fly fisher.  This class on Saturday was taught by Nick Teynor. 

  



Trying Eric's Tenkara rod...

I met Nick a couple years ago.  He is the most courteous guy first of all...and really wants to see his students succeed.  He has a very positive attitude...I never feel like I am defeated!  I know if I will listen, watch, and practice...it will all come around for me.  I thank Nick for sharing his talents and skills!  : )  And the seine samples were sure money!  He calls me Miss Emily (didn't know I was The River Damsel until this outing!)  and believes that fly fishing should be fun!! 

Oh, that was kind of funny...alas, another perfect stranger has read my blog.  Someone in the parking lot that I was talking to was surprised to see my RD hat!  He had many questions about the Smoky Mountains and what I thought...(Don't worry Owl, I only said good things!)  He agreed that the Southern food is something not found everywhere.  Boy, am I missing fried pies!!! : )  But, Saturday was a day for fish...and I found a few...in those fast, deep pockets! 

And a few more...in the more fast, shallow pockets...Yes, I think that this Czech nymphing is coming along quite nicely!!  Thanks, Nick!!  And with all of the high waters and more rain and more snow melt...I'm thinking that fishing is going to be good for me when others might not like the high water.  Ka-ching!   Life is good.  And so, another chapter of RD's Continuing Education of Fly Fishing 101.   

Next Chapter...

Now, there was "Good, Bad, and Ugly"...as I stated in my title of this blog.  And so it goes...a day on the river isn't always perfect.  The "Good", of course, was the class and all the brown trouts that I caught. (Why is it that I am only finding 10 in fish ever since I got back from my Smoky Mtn. trip???) hmmm...Southern Karma???  I don't know.  But, I have never caught so many little guys...

The "Bad" ...I was so excited that I caught #1, that I let go of my fishing net and it roared down the river with the current.  On the bright side...I was ready for a new net anyway.  Just kind of sped things up.

The "Ugly" ...And this is reeeeel UGLY!!!  As I searched for my favorite C&F fly box yesterday, it had disappeared.   It kind of shook me up a bit in class, but I was hopeful that it just fell out in the car.  After hours of searching...home, car, packs...it is officially MIA.  (Sniffle, sniffle!!!)  Now I know how others have felt...HORRIBLE!!  I had collected flies over three years into this box and 300 plus flies and most of these were bought.  My go-to flies...So, I will pull on Owlee here...if any of you wonderful fly tiers want to donate to a good cause...just a few flies here and there, this starting over might not be so painful!  I still have my Czech box, but I am missing all of my other nymphs and dries. Ugh.

Tippet of the Day:  Don't put all of your eggs in the same basket!!  You know that I will now select a dozen of my favorites and only take that box with me to the river.  No more carrying everything I own.  Another "Tippet" today would be to search out that flyfishing class that will put you to the next level...If you haven't tried one technique, but are curious...for sure...learn it!!  It just adds to the fun!

Paradise Island...Take Me Away!!! Again...

When you are stuck in winter for longer than four months (snow yesterday), strange ideas start popping in your head.  Like, maybe it's time to go to the Bahamas!!!  Ok...Las Vegas is closer, but really...So, I look back at my vacations and start day dreaming about the ones that had nice beaches and warm weather.  And a slight breeze to relax you and fan off the bright sun glistening over your tan body.  Sound good???  Oh yeah.  Believe me...it is!

Ahh...Paradise!

I want to go back...to ATLANTIS...On Paradise Island!!!  Where the beaches are filled with white sand and the ocean is a beautiful turquoise blue.  Where you can eat the most delicious meals and be pampered by day spas. Ok...I don't know about that...but, it would be nice to enjoy a one hour massage. When we went to Atlantis, it was on an all expense paid company trip.  Dave had earned the trip by being at the top of the sales team for the insurance company he worked for.  So, we just enjoyed...

 

The only part that didn't go over too well with me was the "small" plane that went from Orlando to Nassau.  I wouldn't call it a crop duster, but it sounded like one!  A very loud engine.  Ugh...yeah, well once there, it was all forgotten.  And I swear that the other plane coming back was bigger!!  When I saw the ocean below from the plane...and the beach, it was breathtaking!  And when I landed my feet on the tarmac...I was definitely ready to get on with the fun ahead!





You will never find me...way out there!!

 The hotels that are part of the Atlantis Resort are remarkable.  They are well taken care of and the amenities are amazing.  You can pretty much get your fill of fun.  From waterslides that go through shark tanks to jet skiing in the ocean to chartering a boat to scuba or snorkel or fish!!  It's all there.  If I had only been interested in bonefishing at the time...darn it!  Another reason to return someday.  Adventure to the max at this resort!  Golf anyone??  A beautiful course.

And if you are not as adventurous and want a lower keyed vacation...they have marvelous entertainment and casinos.  Karaoke anyone?  Dancing?  And you can go over on a boat to Nassau and visit the straw market.  But, beware...it's not the same as Mexico.  They do have higher prices for the Americans and you have to really work at the bartering to get a good deal!!  I did pick up some purses for my girls that were a deal. 

There are many restaurants and choices for meals while you are there.  From expensive to moderately priced to snacky type stuff.  It's all there.  But, if by an ocean, why not try the seafood...right?  Our meals were mostly catered for the company meetings.  But, we did get to try some of the food in the restaurant and it had a great presentation and tasted wonderful.  And bring on the drinks and snacks while laying out in the sun or under your covered/ cabana like lounger. Ahh...a perfect way to relax!





Inside the hotels, they have fish aquariums everywhere...you feel like you are walking through the ocean!  All the walls are glass with all types of fish and ocean fauna.  It is breathtaking!  Tropical paradise inside as well as outside.

And so many pools for you to enjoy and even pools for a few stingray!!   I enjoyed this guy feeding the rays..."Here kitty kitty!!! They were amazing to watch.  





The highlight of the trip had to be the waterslides...They are the most amazing slides I have been  on...The  Aztec style slides allow you to race against another person (clock included).  There are also other slides that you just go down by yourself, or you have the option to slide down and under the water through a plexiglass tunnel that goes through a shark tank and back outside into the wading pool!! 



I got sprayed!!!

 

The opposite glass is where you slide through the tank underwater!



And everyone loves a dip in the hot tub...at the end of the day!
(Or anytime!!!)

Well, I'm feeling much better now that I have refreshed my memory with what warm weather is like...I was starting to forget!!  So, if you think that this looks like fun...I highly recommend going someday!  You won't be sorry you did...And bring a little extra change for that bone fishing lesson!!!  Next time, I am!!!... ; )  Sorry to run a travel log here, but, I figured if I threw in a few fishy photos, you wouldn't mind...





"Southern Soaked" To "Southern Fried"! Finale

 



Our Signature Hats!

Continuing on with final chapter of being "Southerned Soaked"...Yes, Friday gave us our best fishing day on "Blogger Weekend" until it started raining in the late afternoon.  And then the rain continued until mid-morning on Sat.  But, no worries!  There still was much fun to be had.  I mean, you have three crazy bloggers who love the adventure of fly fishing as much as actually fishing!  (Well, at least I do)  And so, the next morning we headed out to see how much havoc the rains caused the night before.  Yep, pretty much 2 ft higher and blown out.  We had our fried pies and cinnamon rolls for breakfast and we were off again!  

Water seeping from rock walls along the Smoky Mtn. loop...



In search of higher elevation water that might bring some clarity and fishable waters...we journeyed on.

Saturday's road trip brought me to many beautiful areas of the famous Blue Ridge...The Smoky Mountains are amazing!  Everything was so green.  The guys were feeling bad for me traveling out so far to not get ample time on the waters.  But, they really didn't get it.  I came out to meet them!  And to see some beautiful country that I haven't seen before.  Owl was great to drive all over creation! 

  

In front of the Blue Ridge



We took many pictures and videos...oh yes, Owl's favorite thing to do.  Watch out if you ever go visit  Owl...heehee.  But, seriously, I thank him for doing that, because I never get pictures or vid of me on the river.  : )  So, the search for streams up high in the Smokies of NC and TN continued...All around the Blue Ridge Parkway we went...I brought my music, but we always ended up talking instead!!  Bloggers...

Nature Walk

We stopped at a visitor landmark and now I can say that I walked on the Appalachian Trail...And so can cardboard Rebecca and Howard!!  We had made it to Tennessee...and it was beautiful also.  Just to find a few brookies!  Ha.  After finding out that another river wasn't going to flip the bill, we headed towards a campground that was one of my favorite parts of the trip.  

A fun picnic w/ some gourmet hot dogs!! 




Owl loves to cook...and he treated us to  "gourmet" hot dogs and more of that awesome Stewart's Key Lime soda...yummy!!  And of course, more boiled peanuts.  And something that I passed on, but the guys like pork rines...ugh.  Pass the BQ chips, please!  There were also some nice bear claw marks on the dusty trash cans...

The campground was like the prettiest thing that I have ever seen...thick with foilage and green, green, green!!  And so many little waterfalls trickling through...awesome!   The river was well...High and Fast!


A "Time Out" as the waters are up 2 ft the next morning!


    

 After visiting Mark's favorite little "secret river", (where I learned to do a bow and arrow cast for the first time), we headed back to camp for dinner.  The skit for Owl's "Saturday Night Live" video took place around a campfire.  A little fire turned into kind of a raging inferno!  Owl put just a little too much timber in the pit and we soon had a bonfire!  Nothing like grabbing bottles of water to tame it down with...haha.  The meal was delicious as promised.  We had big, juicy ribeye steaks with taters, squash, and peppers...grilled perfectly.  And a few s'mores too...My compliments to the chef!!

 

                              Owl letting Rebecca fish..

The next morning, (Sunday) after a comfortable night on the air mattress in the SUV... (no  mice), and I'm not too sure if the guys in the tents were as comfortable btw...I thanked Owl for making the reservations of this fine campground as it had hot water/showers and a heater in the bathroom!  No roughing it this time...!!!  We said our goodbyes to Mark as he headed back to South Carolina (and caught some rainbows on the way).  Owl drove me over to Bradley's Fork and although still high from the storm, we were able to get out and wade it for a few hours.   It reminded me of the Amazons or something!  It was like fishing in a jungle...I want to go back there someday for sure! 

 All in all, it was a trip where a few outdoor bloggers met for the first time "offline" and enjoyed their time together, telling stories and joking around.  The "Southern Hospitality" and a warm welcome made this trip one to remember.  A few new friendships, a few fish, a few days being a roadie and finding beautiful, scenic terrain in three different states, NC., TN., and GA. ...what more could I ask for?   And to cap it off, when we got back, Mr. and Mrs. Owl brought me to the BEST BBQ that I have had in some time!!



 YUM!!!!!!!

Does this look good???  Burnt Ends, Fried Green Beans&Okra.



 So, I could say that I started as "Southern Soaked", but in the end... it was the "Southern Fried" that reminded me that this was what it was all about...a cross country trip for a "Western Yankee" to meet some "online" friends from the South that quickly turned into "offline" friends.

  


I think that Owl likes his hat!!! (A little thank-you)