GSMNP

Me and my son decided to take three days and hit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this weekend. What an awsome time we had. In every direction you would turn, beauty everywhere! Friday we fished Bradley Fork, worked our way toward Elkmont taking pictures along the way and finally ending up in Gatlinburg TN for lunch and a visit to the local Fly Shop that just happens to have a Papa Johns Pizza below it! Water was way low and fish were few and far however, I was able to get several nice stikes by some wild bows. After seeing the low water was it didn't seem right to pressure the fish so we started scouting. Later Saturday the rain started deep within the mountains which related to Bradley Fork turning into a muddy soup but who could complain, rain was very much needed.

In the evenings we decided to drive onto the Cherokee Reservation and enjoy a meal and walking town. Stopped in one of the locally (Cherokee Indian) owned store where Valeria designed us yet another handmade bone bracelet, something that has became a tradition for us to get together. Later that evening, my friend James "Grizzly" Cates from TN came by to visit where we shared a thought or two, a nice bowl for the pipes and wondered why we haven't won the lottery yet! Always great to catch up with Jim!

Here are some pictures of our journey, they tell the best story. Sorry for the lack of fish pictures but given the water level issues it quickly turned into a scouting trip for future trips, and did we see some good stuff! It's great to see your son grow into such a fine young man, carrying on his fathers tradition of Flyfishing and enjoying the outdoors. To see him delicatly land his fly, appreciate the land and understand, it's not just about the fish. I'm very proud of him!

Ps.. He cooks a mean breakfast too! :)

The 2011 calendar from our artist Tommy Ellis is available now! Beautiful Water color paintings of the outdoors including The Great Smokey Mountains National Park from Photographers John Dollar, James Cates and others displayed beautifully by Tommy. Cost is $10.00 + $2 S&H. Contact Tommy and get yours today at ghost1066@gmail.com Thank you for supporting a National Treasure and great Artist Tommy Ellis.

The Beauty of Pisgah

Taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and by far the best weather this season, I decided to head back into my familiar stomping grounds, The Pisgah National Forest. I would usually camp in a more primitive setting however, given the holiday, they were long gone when I got there. Stopped by the Davidson River campground and fortunatly I was able to secure a site from people that decided to leave early. Honestly, for $20 a maintained campsite, bath houses, some history and being along a Trout Unlimited top 100 stream is not a bad deal. The Mrs was along for the trip so it was equally devided into showing her the beauty of the area and some Flyfishing. Started at Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock and of course the Hatchery to show her the HAWGS that call it home. Excellent fishing on Wild Waters, the fish displayed some beautiful colors and a good fight as usual. My usual M.O. is to take pics while fishing however, being the trip was split between two activities, the camera got a little extra workout.


Ps.. So many pictures, so hard to decide.. Maybe another post in order? I have to add one more comment to complete this. If the Great creator of all things Flyfishes..He does so with a Winston Fly Rod. After enjoying the new rod this weekend, I'm sold... Simply an amazing rod, period.