Let's skip the resolutions...so where is the first place you'll fish in 2011?..

I'm guessing here, but most of you probably have "I want to fish more" on your New Year's Resolution list, am I right??  At least that is what I have been reading the last few days. 



So, let me hear where your first journey will be for the year 2011...(You see, if it is written down, instead of just in the back of your mind...chances are, you will actually do it!) 

Here is my first river of the New Year 2011...WEBER RIVER, UT. 

sows, midges,  partridge soft hackle, wd40's...

And maybe throw in an Alpaca...(well, they do live next door!)

'Twas Almost The New Year!!

No, I'm not going to break out in poetry, song, or dance!  I promise you that...

As there was a "Writing Prompt" on OBN after I finished my 2011 New Year's list...

I have added a few additionial items that I would like accomplish in the year 2011!!!

(I guess that you could call it "The Addendum")

5.  Try to smile at the guy who is looking up river wondering how I caught that fish in my net. (Like I'm just a girl...yeah...I know I am!) Even though I am a little tomboy...

4.  Teach one member of my family how to fly fish so they can better understand why the river beckons me... 

3.  Add to my knowledge of bug life...take another class in entomology. (Damsel, right?)

2.  Fish with a few of the OBN bloggers... (Hoothoot!)

1.  Learn to tie a fly (or two)!!!!! (heeeheee)

And as midnight approaches...my quiet little New Year's Eve will include, dinner and a movie, setting off a few fireworks, and banging a few pans together!  And then, to load up the car for my New Year's Day fishing trip!  Oh, I hope my $25. "Online Special"... Cabela's 4 wt. rod, arrives at my doorstep in time to give it a whirl this weekend!! 

With 3 layers of clothing, two pairs of socks, faceguard and beanie -  it's going to be a bit chilly...I will journey out on New Year's Day on the freshly, fallen snow and hopefully catch a few nice trout in those deep holes. Someone told me that it is "hot" fishing this week...ha.

Those felt sole boots almost did me in last week.  A very close call with a slick rock underneath the snow last time...ugh.  Can you say "face plant" ??? No, it would not be pretty.  So, these puppies have seen better days...for the winter, at least!

Hopefully,  my friend, the brown trout, will be there to greet me on New Year's Day.  And I will be saying, "Incoming!!!" faster than you can say "it's 0-10 degrees...are you crazy?"!!!!

Journey 2011 Is Looking Good!!

Well, the Christmas vacation is good for a lot of things...one being, that I can get the new calendar out and start planning next year's fishing trips!  (Outside of Utah where I fish at least once a week..."fish bum"???)
Whoohoo!!!  Here we go!

1.  March 2011... Steelheading! On the Salmon River...Riggins, Idaho.
2.  March 2011... South Fork of the Boise...Idaho
3.  April 2011...   South Fork of the Snake..., Idaho
4.  May 2011...    River X (Sorry, undisclosable location)
5.  June 2011...    "The Box Canyon", Island Park, Id./The Lamar & The Firehole...Yellowstone, Wy.
6.  August 2011...Greys River...Star Valley, Wyoming
7.  Sept 2011...   The Madison and The Gallitin...Montana
8.  Nov 2011...    Steelheading somewhere!!! TBA... (Don't want that Steelie rod to collect too much dust!)

That's it folks!!! Well, I do have to go places so I can write about my adventures, don't I?  And hey, you are always welcome to join me if you feel too left out!  <"(((><<

To Each And Every One Of You...

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season...

From,
Emily
aka: The River Damsel

Do Reindeer Fly?

Ahhh...the week that we have all been waiting for...Christmas Day is approaching faster than you can reach the front of the Walmart checkstand!  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a cashier during the holiday season?  Ugh...nevermind.  I decided to brave the snowstorm this morning at 6:00 am and finish up my Christmas shopping.  Yes, indeed...that in itself was a crazy idea.  I made a decision last night.  My #2 Christmas wish on my Santa's list...well, it is going to be kind of held by Santa's elves a little bit longer.  I got a Christmas bonus and was already to order away for that Steelhead rod that I want so badly.  But, my senses came back to me...What is priority #1?  Well, in my case, it is my family.  So, the Steelhead rod with the nicely engraved "River Damsel" will have to sit in Santa's workshop awhile longer.  And in exchange, I will see a few smiling faces at the hacienda! (And what's better than that?) They have been pretty darn patient with my fishing endeavors (twice a week sometimes!).  So, it's time to give back. 

On, Dancer!, On Prancer!...Looks like the reindeer will be leading a sleigh with a new T.V. for the male contingency in the house to watch the Bowl games this holiday season!  Do reindeer really fly?   Hmmm... In my case, they do. Just needed a few miracles for it to happen.

This Christmas, cherish your family and friends.  Cherish your health.  I know that I take these things for granted too often.  My hubby is in the ICU today with a bout of pneumonia and it isn't looking too promising that he will make it home in time for Christmas.  But, I'm sure that he will be home soon thereafter! I'm just so thankful for family, friends, and neighbors that make everything a little easier when there is a bump in the road!  A little service with a smile is very infectious!  And it makes you all warm and fuzzy inside...try it!  Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and many tight lines for the New Year!