Cali: Freezing Desert, Hungry Trout

After getting back to the river, the temps kept falling and so did the snow. 

That's why good gear matters, and the fish that want to eat big streamers don't really care if flakes are falling on the surface. After starting the day fishing in a down climbing parka, by afternoon the sun began to poke through.

I explored more of the 'hidden' water down by the Nevada border, and there were hungry trout just waiting to smash flies in all the little pockets. The fun thing about getting in tight water like that isn't getting the fish on .... it's trying to land it. Kind of reminded me of trying to land Bonefish in Belize in the coral flats at really low tide --- the fun part is running around, stumbling downstream trying to keep your line off the rocks/trees/bushes and the fish on. 

All in all, it was a pretty action packed 3.5 days in the Eastern Sierra. Looking forward to the next time.

Cali: Whitney Wins

After a restless night, I emerged from the tent hoping for clear skies and calm winds. I knew the answer of course before looking up the mountain from the constant roaring all night, but I was still hopeful. Looking up the mountain, clouds were filling the upper reaches and falling. After some debate, I headed down knowing the mountain wasn't going anywhere and there were still hungry fish to be found.

By the time I got the trailhead, light snow was falling. By the time I got back on the highway, I watched the entire high Sierra get engulfed by the storm. By the time I got back on the river, it was snowing there too. Welcome to Spring in the mountains.

Cali: Heading to Whitney

After another morning on the Walker, packed up and headed South to Mount Whitney. The lottery permit system doesn't start until May, and since the throngs are held away by the snow and cold, late April strikes me at the perfect time to go for a climb.

I picked up my backcountry permit from the Ranger's office and started out around 2 PM, intending to camp around 11,500 ft at Upper Boyscout Lake. It was breezy and forecasts were for high winds further North up near Mammoth, but everything seemed OK. Around 4:30, I crested out of the Lower Boyscout Lake basin into Upper Boyscout ft in heavy winds, falling temps, and bailing climbers. Thinking sleeping conditions would be better lower, I dropped back down to Lower Boyscout and hunkered down in an old snow pit behind a boulder. Despite the cover, heavy winds still hammered me all night, eliminating any chances of a good night's sleep.

Cali: East Walker

I try to make the most of the opportunities I am given. I'm also always on the lookout for new ones 'cause if you don't listen for opportunity knocking, how are you going to ever let him in?

As an example, nearly every chance I get to explore somewhere new, I try to make happen. Knowing I was going to have a business meeting in San Jose, I did a little quick research on fishing and climbing opportunities late April in the Sierra. Two things quickly entered the radar -- big Brown Trout fishing opportunities on the East Walker River, and climbing Mt. Whitney before the lottery permit season began. 

So after meetings concluded -- hopped in the rental and headed straight up over the mountains to the Eastern Sierra -- a high desert which was new terrain for me. Avoided the people, found a few Browns, confirming the rumors.

Thanks to Steve (www.wayupstream.com) and Mikey (http://www.burlproductions.com/index.htm) for facilitating the tugs.