Saturday brought the Mayor back to West Marin to a very local spot to investigate reports of steelhead entering the watershed. With fly rods in hand, the deputy director of wildlife management and the mayor entered the stream channel late in the morning with high hopes( like all fishermen). After several casts and nothing to show for them, we began the trek downstream, searching the surface for any sign of the salmonids. After an hour or so, it was obvious that conditions weren't right and the steelhead were someplace else. We met a local who was testing the same waters and he mentioned that the Walker was not the best spot over the last 2-3 seasons. He advised the Russian River, where reports indicated some fish being caught near Healdsburg.
So, off we went to the Russian River. We decided to try the confluence of the Russian with Austin Creek- homes waters of the Mayor and the clan McLaughlin. Regs prohibit any fishing in the Austin, so a wade of 150 yards brought into the river proper. The river was running pale green and the creek clear and fast, too fast! No fish took the fly and we retired to Guernville for a road coffee and some advice. The team at Kings' said the reservoir was no longer releasing and flow rates would soon slow to raise the bite.
Next time, maybe.
Can't wait to bring Aj for a visit to the Dito-McLaughlin summer stomping grounds. Sounds like Grannie plans to be up there for some part of the summer and we have an open invitation for a visit.
ReplyDeleteSorry I have been out of the net somewhat. As the self appointed padre of Tahoma, I am eat up with guilt. And, thank you for those postings of the adventures of late and your decisive partner. Sorry I missed the drinks: don't give up on me. I have lots of OPA duties these days which we hope will be less as James Raz gets into school. He was recently rejected for Day Care at the Harvard of Marin: the GG Seminary Daycare but is 7 on the weight list. Not sure what that means.
ReplyDeleteOK, new subject. Don't know if this is like twitter and will only let me post so much. I'm going to try. As an example of what I want you and Larry to do for our book, I'm doing this, as of yet, you both are in zero territory. You actually could write a war story here if it were to help. Anyway, the example: Jackie aand I have watched two movies of late. Both very religious. It happened by accident as I am in charge of selecting our Netflix movies. The first one was called Faith and Potatoes. It was very evangelical, not subtle at all. Good story, farmer in South Africa, well done but bad theology. Meaning, of course, that life does not work where God rewards the good and righteous and zaps the others, just makes God too arbitrary. "OK, I'm zapping this one, giving this one cancer." See what I mean. Please. The second one was done by the Catholic Church, very subtle. Also, a good movie but bad theology. A handsome young guy comes into town and transforms it: rebuilds the Baptist Church which are mostly AA. Encourages Priest who wants his own parish but has another senior priest looking over his shoulder and not likeing his approch, etc. Then he restores sight to blind girl to show that some faith healer who has a tent revival is scamming the people. And, he takes a black man, stuttering who wants to be preacher and raises him from the dead and he no longer stutters. (Are you still with me. This is why I love to write, could you imagine telling this story to the GFs)) And, finally he is summoned to Rome where he tells the Pope that the Church needs more love and less judgement. In the little town back home, they are all a bunch of Republicans loving each other and saying "yes." Just kidding. But, amazing to contrast the two movies. Jackie and I had long discussion as we were both raised in the environment of the first movie; much of it is still with me but more healthier I hope. Amen. God bless.
Therein is the lesson for you and Larry to write your stories and I'll collect them. Why not start with your joining the merchant marines. People would love it. God bless. I am going to attempt to be more on top of my responsibilities. Let's plan a trip but GFs to Tahoe. I'm ready for one night.