Miracle Mile Section of the North Platte River

Another iconic fly-fishing destination is the Miracle Mile (actually 5-6 miles) portion of the North Platte River in Wyoming, beginning below Kortes Dam and Pathfinder Reservoir. Again, I couldn't fish because of my shoulder surgery, but wanted to scout out river access sites for future reference. I will be back! Charlcie enjoyed the trip also - we traversed some very remote territory.

Alcova Dam (actually not part of Miracle Mile, but this is where we started our tour)

 

Upper reaches of Miracle Mile below Kortes Dam

Fremont Canyon

Fish on!

Not very many fisherman on this famous trout water

Another view of the upper river



2015 Trip Out West: Alcova/Grey Reef

Even though I couldn't fish, our plans didn't change. We spent 3 fun days scouting the wading access for flyfishing along the the iconic Grey Reef and Miracle Mile sections of the North Platte. Also, checked out the fly shops in Alcova and Casper. Lots of quality water available and I can't wait to get back. Each evening we drove to the same spot on a high bank above the river to observe the movement of all the wildlife at dusk - beautiful sunsets, with antelope, raccoons, pelicans, ducks, rabbits, deer, all feeding/drinking prior to moving on to their night time destinations.

 Alcova Inn: our cabin for 3 nights

 Alcova, WY; semi-arid and very colorful

 Grey Reef stretch on North Platte River view to the North

Same stretch, view to the South 

 Antelope getting a drink before bed time

 Raccoon family on their way to get a drink before bed time

 Pelicans are everywhere on the North Platte - who knew??

Big buck that sneaked up the hill above us

2015 Trip Out West: Enroute to Wyoming

This year our trip out west was sandwiched around another family get-together, this time in Saratoga, Wyoming. I had been wanting to fly fish several stretches of the incredible North Platte River, so we headed out a week ahead of the family gathering. Unfortunately, I had shoulder surgery at the end of June, so fishing was out of the question. But we decided to continue on with our plans and just enjoy being able to see some new places. We broke up the trip enroute with overnight stays in Lindsborg, KS, and Cheyenne, WY, which worked out well and allowed us time to enjoy the long drive.

 Swedish welcome banner

 Yes, it's in Kansas!

 Swedish Inn B&B Breakfast

 Fishing buddy Bruce Ritter, a Nebraskas native turned us on to runzas, sort of like a fried pie that we are used to, but with meat/veggie fillings - yummy!

 York, Nebraska water tower getting a new paint job - note the fella waving.  Brave souls!

 We like quirky eating joints with local flavor - this one in Cheyenne, Wyoming

 And this one in Casper, Wyoming.  These joints have been around a long time

Ugly Bug Fly Shop in Casper, Wyoming



Destin vacation

We didn't know what to expect, but it turned out to be a fun week. In spite of long hours driving with the six of us in the car, it all worked out - we were especially proud of Charlie and Tucker for being little troopers during the journey - only a couple of short-lived meltdowns. Of course, rotating entertainers (especially reading books) Myka, CiCi, and Ben kept the show going and the little men happy. I did all the driving which meant I missed out on some time playing with the twins, but on the other hand, I enjoyed full leg room for the entire trip :). We just had a great time, in spite of the hordes of people and long waits for dinner on some nights. I can't imagine that Charlie and Tucker could have had a better time anywhere else - the sand, waves, helicopters, boats, planes, etc. - always something going on to capture their attention and imagination. Although a much pricier vacation than Charlcie and I usually indulge in, I'll have to say that having a 3 BR condo on the beach, with umbrellas and chairs each day, was pretty cool.

 CiCi relaxin' while twins enjoy their private pool under the umbrellas

Bluebird days

We have five bluebird nesting houses scattered around this year and each has produced two sets of babies. It is so much fun watching the numerous bluebirds we have handing around here now. Country living is special!

 New address sign

Bluebird family: parent on the flanks and four juveniles in the leaves along the trunk

Visit from our friends Doug and Ann

Doug is my closest friend from the Navy days and we have stayed in touch and get together as often as we can (which is not often enough as careers, families,etc. tend to influence schedules). Doug and I enjoyed many adventures while on shore leave in the Mediterranean and actually took in a lot of European cuisine and culture along the way. We once obtained passports at the US consulate in Trieste, Italy, and enjoyed an 11-day independent train tour from Salzburg, back down to meet the aircraft carrier down in Taronto, Italy, with stops in Munich, Paris, and other stops along the way. We rented a car in Naples to journey to Rome for a week-end. I could go on about our adventures pre and post-marriage. We have had some wonderful times together over the decades. Doug could write an extensive book about his world travels and Doug and Ann, together, could fill volumes detailing their world travels. They spend most of their time living on their sail boat, most recently in South and Central America. They currently are dry-docked in Mexico and are attending to their home in coastal Maryland. They certainly thrilled us when they decided to detour for a few days to come visit us while enroute to Maryland. The four of us can always have the most enjoyable times without much fanfare, simply through hours of conversation, relaxation, and a lot of hearty laughter. We always look forward to our times together. There is nothing so valuable as truly great friends.

 Great friends Doug and Ann

 On the Cotter trail

 Looking for trout in the stream at Cotter Park

Water temperature check

Tami and Chris visit: May 2015

Tami brought Chris down for his first visit to Mountain Home. The plan was to do some kayaking, but high river flows and inclement weather ruined those plans. We did have a great visit and hope we get to do it again soon and are able to float the river next time.

 Chris and Tami

Charlcie and Tami

March Snow

With a full propane tank to keep the heat going, stocked cabinets and refrigerator, and nowhere we gotta be - nothing to do but enjoy the beauty of a fresh 6" snow, have a cup of hot chocolate, and relax. That, and for me, get back to tying flies for when the weather is more conducive for wade-fishing. I did manage to get a few hours of fishing with my fishing buddy Mark on one fine sunny and relatively warm morning at Bull Shoals Dam Catch and Release area.

Bottle tree in the snow

From our studio windows to ravine in back

Fly-tying desk - good place to spend some time in the winter

End game: 20" brown trout

Something Special Every Day

We look forward to each day around here - we very much enjoy what nature brings our way in our little cottage in the country.  We are so blessed!

 Massive Sycamore tree growing up from the ravine in back

 Wild turkeys come to visit frequently

Animal Kingdom

"Cabin Group" week-end

February is the month for our annual week-end cabin get together with our great friends - continuation of our road-trip days as soccer parents traveling all over the country. This was our 14th year together for this fantastic and fun week-end. My side still hurts from laughing at all the stories told, and my tummy is still too round from consuming all the wonderful meals. We returned to Lake Ft. Smith State Park this year - such a beautiful setting, immaculate and cozy cabins, and a very nice staff make this a special place. Next year, instead of renting 3 2-bedroom cabins for our six couples, we have reserved the Kingfisher Lodge so we can all be in the same facility. Plans are already underway!

 

Christmas in Mountain Home

Last year was the first year that Ben (and Myka since they have been together) was unable to be at our house for our annual Christmas with our little family. We did our traditional get together last year at their house in Little Rock since it was unwise to travel with the twins at that time. This was a great year in that they were able to bring Charlie and Tucker to our house for two visits this year - this being their first Christmas at CiCi and Grumps. As you might know, we had a fantastic time - it so exciting this year to watch the wonderment in those little guys.

Is it OK to open now?

This sock is too big for my foot!

Charlie looking for trouble under the tree

Tucker found trouble under the tree 

Who knew a vent deflector could be so much fun?

Showing off the family to our friends at Rim Shoals Ramp gathering

Christmas 2014

Had a great time with most of our family at Christmas time - unfortunately the reality these days is that it is impossible to get all together at the same time. But we enjoyed our time with those that could be there and we certainly missed those that couldn't. I should have taken more pictures, but I'm easily distracted.

 Papaw's prized gift!

 Some of the Tabor family

 Some of the Pickell family

Charley with his girls