Friday, August 2, 2013

Wyoming RoadTrip Part 3....Fire and Ice

 photo P1060595_zpsf49af0a2.jpg
I sat up on the edge of my cot , watching the sun rise over the redrock hills behind my tent and a solitary thought popped into my head..."It's Monday and I should be at work starting the grind of another week , but instead I'm in a beautiful place I've never been before, exploring new waters and doing the one thing I truly love to do. Life is Good!!"
We didn't have a real plan today , after picking up a few things in town we spent the rest of the day fishing waters that were relatively close to camp. We'd been running and gunning pretty hard since arriving Wednesday night and it felt good to slow the pace for a day.
 photo P1060583_zps6c0ad3b9.jpg
 photo P1060621_zps1dfa665d.jpg
The best part was that we really didn't sacrifice on the fishing , there really is an endless amount of quality waters to choose from in the area.
 photo P1060588_zps80eaa612.jpg
 photo P1060632_zpsc9bea997.jpg
Another quiet evening at camp had us talking about our trip back across the valley for our last day of fishing , we were both pretty anxious to get back.
 photo P1060574_zps0172ae29.jpg
Tuesday we woke early, threw the gear in the truck and hit the road. Our plan was to pack a lunch in with us and spend all day fishing the braided waters for cuts and browns. As we got closer to the valley we noticed the sky getting hazy , almost smokey. The nearer we got to our destination the thicker the smoke got until we were pretty certain that a fire was taking place somewhere in the valley. As we pulled into the access parking lot, the only vehicles in sight were a command unit trailer and three firefighter trucks. A helicopter buzzed overhead as we pulled to a stop. We were here, but it wasn't looking too good for the day. Kevin met someone halfway across the parking lot and was informed that the area was being evacuated due to a fire 10 miles up the valley. The question was asked if we could go ahead and fish the area right below the parking lot , unfortunately the answer was a "definitely not".
We were bummed...a long drive and hours wasted on our last day. We cussed a little and then shook it off and made plans to head over to another river. It was our last day and there were fish to be caught , just not from the waters we planned on fishing. Sometimes it just all works out , we had a stellar day and caught several nice fish on our "second choice" river.
 photo P1060640_zpsc63248e4.jpg
 photo P1060644_zps352ff1bc.jpg
 photo P1060635_zps26dc3ae1.jpg
 photo P1060641_zps4bad7ab8.jpg
We made the most of it and didn't get back to camp until almost dark. A fine ending to what had been one of the best trips I can remember.
 photo P1060652_zps9832f716.jpg
 photo P1060657_zps44d0599a.jpg
 photo P1060651_zps600c3bef.jpg
 photo P1060664_zps4272342f.jpg
The last morning we packed up camp and headed into town to pick up our buddies new driftboat that we were hauling back home with us.
 photo P1060671_zps321b91d0.jpg
After hooking up and saying some more good-byes we hit the road again for the long drive. We made it back safely although it took us the better part of two days. Just across the Nebraska border we ran into torrential rains , hail and 70 mph winds that were just relentless.
 photo P1060673_zpsd0d3e374.jpg
 photo P1060676_zpsccfd49a9.jpg
I'd guess we spent two hours parked on the side of the road off and on. It was a white knuckle drive pulling a buddies new boat for sure.
 photo P1060675_zpsc6ebfa53.jpg
What else can I say , this was one of those trips that I won't be able to get out of my head for awhile...and that's just fine with me.

16 comments:

  1. I have a feeling this may become an annual trip for you sir. Good looking cuts you caught and beautiful scenery to wake up to.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks man. My problem is I've already got too many "annual trips" that I want to do every year , oh well...another one can't hurt.

      Delete
  2. That's a trip that will never be forgotten.
    The sausage just made me head out to the store.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know how it is Alan , good for the soul to get out on an adventure every once in awhile. See things you've never seen and share the whole experience with good friends.
      Glad I could repay the favor...you're posts are notorious for making me head to the refrigerator!!

      Delete
  3. Man, I've enjoyed these posts. Another epic trip. I'd say you made the most of Wyoming. Glad you made it home safe and sound.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Jim...Wyoming was definitely a bucket list destination for me , I'm not sure it has anything on the beautiful scenery and fishing you've got out your backdoor though!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Appreciate it man...for a guy from the midwest making his first (but not last) venture to that part of the country , it was pretty epic!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Replies
    1. Thanks man...It is some beautiful country up there for sure.

      Delete
  7. life is REALLY good! wish i could have had some of that rain! dammit! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. TexWisGirl - Thanks...I have a friend who lives in South Texas and have seen some pictures of a few half-dry lakes in the area , you could definitely use the rain!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Amazing trip! Thanks for sharing the amazing scenery and the fish that definitely left memories that will take ya back! Crazy weather and glad you guys and the boat made it back in one piece. Crazy weather out in this part of the country lately! Always a pleasure!

    ReplyDelete