I don’t want your tiny hands

Anywhere near my underpants

With the press crowing about the drought being over I had to see it for myself. Not many pics but we got to see plenty of evidence of an abundance of runoff and snow once you got higher. I skied for the first time in a decade with my son and brother; and was grateful for a half day with no significant injuries at my advanced age. 8-10 feet of powder up top at aptly named Heavenly Valley.

First trip of the new year with Mike and my  brother Raganork. We killed.

The southwestern desert is a vast scarred landscape I  love to explore. Debra tolerates it but  is not keen on broken glass, rattlesnakes and abandoned mineshafts. We spent a couple of days at an RV park in Vegas and got that out of our system.  A day trip to Hoover Dam was crossed off the list.

The agenda then turned to Ghost Towns so  we headed Hwy 95 north

First stop Carrara NV. Historical link here:

http://strayngerranger.com/the-ruins-of-carrara-nv/

We were limited mobility wise to roads the White Whale can handle. I will go  back  soon with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Curious buildings  here with graffiti embellishments.

Next stop Rhyolite  NV. Lots to see here. Ruins from the early 1800’s, countless abandoned mines and piles of tailings. Open-air Hippie Art. Bottle House. Highly recommended.

This was my first time entering Death Valley from the Nevada side. Geologically orgasmic.

I will be back  soon with a pick, shovel, chisels sledgehammer and a 4-wheel drive.

Last trip out on my 2016 fishing license was a resounding success. Back to my home lake solo. It was a cool start to the morning just above freezing.

I took my typical shot of Carson Creek on my way in

The view of the long road down to Glory Hole point

I worked my way east of the 49er bridge and put two rods in one corner toplining with Thomas Bouyants.

It was on like monkey dongs

Mostly small fish in Coyote. I headed further upriver to just shy  of Parrots Ferry. Fish were   biting non-stop. I put the boat in neutral when one rod got hit and noticed I was picking up a second fish as the other line fluttered down. Solo doubles are fun. Water was 56 degrees

I ran all the way up to the South fork chasing rumors of big fish in the rapids but the 43 degree water up there seemed to be keeping the fish further west. Scenery up there is amazing.

No pics but I saw a small duck get plucked mid-air by a falcon but the falcon pulled a Kapernick and fumbled it letting the duck get away.

Back to Parrots Ferry

NO shit 30 plus fish to the boat with many lost. Fished till sundown.

Preparing and agenda for an upcoming trip. Pleasanton to Barstow first day, stay in a hotel. 2nd day Barstow to Vegas for 2 nights at a Vegas style RV resort. Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, a little gamboling at night maybe. 4th day north on 95 to Beatty Nevada. We are on a quest for photographing ghost towns and abandoned mines.

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nv/carrara.html

Brightly Colored Sofa and Sutherland Mountain in Rhyolite, Nevada. Photographed 03/08

I have hammers, chisels, buckets and hope to do some rock collecting.  We will dry camp somewhere in the desert that night. Next day up to Scottys Junction for more ghost towns. That afternoon should put us in Death Valley where I hope to snag a campsite. Who knows after that. Baja? East to the Grand Canyon? Maybe up 395 to Reno and back home on 80?

I met Reel Habit Rod at Glory hole 8 AM. Crisp and cold.

We started toplining in Carson creek and it was on.

It was on in Coyote creek and Horseshoe bend. Toplined Thomas Bouyants were on fire

I had 30 fish to the boat easy with a bunch lost. Rod got at least 20. Frequent doubles. I kept 3 good eaters.