Friends of Smith
Here’s another round of images from the Smith River, mainly folks and smaller scenes. There will likely be another ‘people post’, but in duotone, which I’m looking forward to. I’m headed down to Jackson Hole, WY, this weekend, but am in the process of creating auto-posts for both Sat. and Sun. both…maybe Fri. too if I can get to it. I’ve been liking the ‘Fridays off’ thing, but I’ve got plenty to post so we’ll see.
Last but not least, there’s a story to go along with the close-up photo of the fishing fly about halfway through the set. You’ll notice that the tip of the hook is covered with something, which is actually a small caddis fly shell. They create these using tiny pebbles and whatnot and are protection against hungry birds and fish…pretty ingenious, really. If you could see it up close it looks just like a tiny tube, closed at one end and the bug lives safely inside for a portion of its life. That Russell might catch one on his hook is just crazy, especially being as small as it is. I’ve seen these things almost a couple of inches long, but never one so little.
Glad to see these up of the folks you floated with. Such thought going on Max’s face in the first shot, and like the light on the 6th one, pulling line. Its a great close up of the fly and neat that you photographed that abandoned(?) little bugger stuck on a hook.
You’re right Vicki, there was some serious thought going on. That picture was taken when we were broken down ten miles out of Livingston in a fully loaded truck and two rafts on the trailer. My mind was racing with doom, but nothing short of luck got us a second truck from a friend and fellow floater that could accommodate all our gear, pull the boats and fit us inside. We made it, as the great photos attest.
Thanks for your comments guys. As Max said, Vic, lots of thought there in the first image…good catch on that. We were all kind of in shock for about 10 minutes when we realized the truck wasn’t going any farther and neither were we until we got organized and came up with a plan. It was actually a pretty cool process, but I guess I can only say that because things worked out alright in the end. I’m very grateful to you, Max, for including me in such a fantastic adventure, I’m glad to have been able to make your maiden voyage with you. Vicki, don’t stop hounding Dave about putting in a permit next year. It doesn’t come around again until January, but let’s get you out there so you can see it for yourself!
Great shots CR. Looks like you had a great trip and with good weather. Reminds me of the old days. Did you happen to see our friend Beaversquatch?
dg
Thanks, Dave, it was a blast. I didn’t see the massive Beaversquatch, but I did visit its lair below the crystal formations…pretty cool. I think the water level needs to come up and bring sticks and such with it so the beaversquatch can build back up, the place was in shambles.