Debra and I enjoyed a 5 day desert run that took us from the Salton Sea to the Grand Lake. The first day was a rather long run down Hwy 5 and east from Bakersfield. We camped at Indian Cove, outside of Joshua Tree proper.

An early start found us using our Golden Pass for free entrance into Joshua Tree. This was our first time there. I love this place for it’s wild plant life and jumbled geology.

From Keys view one can see Cochella, Palm Springs, the Salton Sea and even the Mexico border. Once Palm Springs was spied we had to go there. Very strange place kinda like Scottsdale Az.

Debra was not impressed with my proposal to circumnavigate Salton Sea Salvation Mountain!) so we next headed towards Bishop. We hit some incredible winds from Victorville north which made piloting an RV somewhat white knuckle. Spectacular dust storms in the de-watered Owens Valley. Try Whiskey Creek for dinner and Eric Schat’s bakery for coffee and pastries in the AM in Bishop.

The next leg from Bishop to Reno is an all time favorite for me. 395 east of the Sierras is very photogenic.

We ended up as all pilgrims do on the shores of Grand Lake and Mecca. We enjoyed a nice dinner with our daughter who drove down the mountain to meet us.

Debra and I in the tin can were joined by my brothers Randy and Steve in Randy’s new battlewagon for a Melones session. Fishing did not disappoint. Surprise guest appearance by Mr. Stellman as well.

Patrick A, Debra and I ran up to the Ranch to rescue Aubrey. We were denied by the snow and she remains stuck on the mountain.

The navigator and I stayed a couple of days at Angles Camp in the White Whale (RV). We fished Melones one day in cold but clear conditions. I had some recent intel from Stellman and headed straight for the creek arm. It was non-stop on small trout. Thomas Bouyant and Kastmasters. Colors that worked were brass, chartreuse and hot orange. I sat on the bow and ran my electric trolling motor at 1.8 MPH. All gear ran on top with no weight. I had many doubles and boated 30 fish before weather came in and closed out the year. Off to Oahu!

First crab trip of 2021. We launched from Grand Street and were greeted with a gorgeous sunrise. We dropped 2 hoops off Muir and bounced around on 8 ft swells. Very sloppy outside so we came in early. Excellent dinner!

First Pyramid trip for the year for me with the boat this time instead of bank robbin. Debra and I arrived Friday night in Reno at Grand Sierra. Aubrey joined us for dinner. Up at 5 the next morning with Mike and launched by first light. We beat across the lake fighting Fridays wind chop questioning the wisdom of doing so in a 16 ft boat. We started hitting fish right away on green spoons and fire tiger flatfish. JIgging and trolling worked. Very nice grade of fish and very steady action. Find the bait balls and fish were stacked. They were even chasing the downrigger ball up LOL. We boated an easy 25 with many missed hits and long distance releases. I lost a HOG at the boat estimated at close to 20. Many fish over 10 lbs. Very few small trout on this trip. They were not picky about tackle and many colors and styles of spoons worked. We trolled mostly at 40 feet in 60-120 foot of water. My BEST day trout fishing EVER!