tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24979225827149838932024-03-05T22:15:31.086-08:00Random Stream of ConsciousnessHiker, biker, nature liker! Outdoor related stories and gear reviews from a Michigander!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-62519665507725453532015-09-25T04:29:00.001-07:002015-09-25T04:29:52.866-07:00Recharge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took a birthday trip up to Copper Harbor, seemingly the end of the Earth. People asked why I would go there to celebrate my birthday. Well..</div>
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To sleep under the stars and hear the world.</div>
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To listen to the water and watch the clouds march across the sky.</div>
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To sit and think without distractions.</div>
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To spend time with my best friend looking for adventure.</div>
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<br />In other words: to be myself.<br />
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-JAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-26152967549017162092015-09-25T04:23:00.000-07:002015-09-25T04:23:30.904-07:00I Got FatWhile living in Ann Arbor I got hooked on biking. It's where I developed my passion for bike commuting, gravel riding, and mountain biking. However, the one type of biking that I never got into down there, due partly to a lack of riding space, was the fat bike. Oh, how I wanted to buy one to bound around on the single track in the summer and float through the snow in the Winter, but the chance just never came. Even when we would get a "bad" snow Hunter and I still took the crossbikes out on gravel roads.<br />
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Cut to 2015: we are in Marquette and after living through half a winter without being able to ride my bike it was time to solve that problem. Finally I had a real reason to pick up a fat bike.<br />
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After much consideration, of which budget is always pinnacle, I decided to try a bikes direct bike. I had read some horror stories written by people with super high expectations and no apparent ability to adjust their own bikes. There was a thread on MTBR and an article on PinkBike that really changed my mind. The article spoke highly of one of the "higher-end" fat bikes from bikes direct. More researching and poking around led me to cross my fingers and order the Motobecane Sturgis Bullet. It came with a Rock Shox Bluto and 2x10 drivetrain as nice little shiny additions. But what really sealed the deal was the Kinesis-built frame, through-axles, and Nova-tec hubs. I'm not claiming that these parts are top of the line, but they are far better than the components found on most of the bikes in the other tiers on bikes direct.<br />
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The bike shipped to my door, free of charge, in about 6 days. I tore out of work to unbox it as soon as it arrived. It came mostly assembled, however, I took the time to adjust, tighten, and properly lubricate all of the parts. (Take care of your things)<br />
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Once it was set up I took it for a shakedown spin on Marquette's South Trails of the NTN (Part of the Noque). The road getting to the trail shook my confidence a bit because the bike handled like a big fat cow compared to the cyclecross bike that I have been used to riding. I put 10 miles of twisty single-track consisting of deep berms, punchy climbs, and a few descents. I was impressed at how nimble this big cow is on the trail. I have put about 400 miles on it so far this Summer and I am very happy with the purchase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo86mL26jY-txXanYWdWOMyjgQ8yzQUgqeqMcV1NzD2CEsFSBW-OUoc7zGoIPXmZ1eccJSzTViiBwHraa_GIYp1gliPw2mzzh1IFafOzK7Pa9Wvmj6yVCX9fJNMUuFuB1SbAcE5FOBovI/s1600/IMG_3696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo86mL26jY-txXanYWdWOMyjgQ8yzQUgqeqMcV1NzD2CEsFSBW-OUoc7zGoIPXmZ1eccJSzTViiBwHraa_GIYp1gliPw2mzzh1IFafOzK7Pa9Wvmj6yVCX9fJNMUuFuB1SbAcE5FOBovI/s320/IMG_3696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My Fatty on one of the overlooks on the South Trails.</div>
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The welds are smooth and appear to be holding up to my abuse. All of the other components are functioning well as expected. I will be dedicating a future post to the Bluto fork. I am not ready to write about it yet because I have never ridden a fat bike without a suspension fork. That being said, the bike handles noticeably better on the descents and berms when the fork is not locked. I will be purchasing a rigid fork soon to compare the two.<br />
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The long-term forecast calls for the first measurable snowfall on October 11th. While I am quite doubtful of that date, I am nonetheless looking forward to snow. (I even bought a new kit to deal with the temps UP here).<br />
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Fatty readying herself for Down Dogger. It's a blast on this thing although it would probably be a lot more fun on a full-squish bike.</div>
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I watched the new Jurassic World movie and then took the bike out... this happened.</div>
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Border Grill delivery machine.</div>
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As you can see from the pictures I have some cheap flats on it right now. Upgrading those is a priority right now, looking for some flats that will also work for winter. I also plan on shortening the stem, upgrading the BB and cranks, and putting in some lightweight tubes. I will update on performance and durability as time progresses. For now, it's fun, it was affordable, and it is getting me outside more often and after all, isn't that why we ride bikes? Bike snobs need not reply.<br />
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-JAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-58704454895567700682015-05-25T18:04:00.002-07:002015-05-25T18:04:34.254-07:00Heritage Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've signed up for the Iron Range Roll, a point to point fun race from Ishpeming to Marquette. It's my first sanctioned race of any kind. From what I have read, the race is all down hill; sixteen miles downhill. In preparation I have been riding it backwards (uphill) and then blasting the whole way back home.</div>
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There will be no time to take pics like this during the race. I wonder if there are fish in there....<br />
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So much rock. Rock everywhere. I kinda wanna hit this on race day.</div>
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-J</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-29799649493117664902015-05-19T17:28:00.000-07:002015-05-19T17:28:13.223-07:00GratefulnessWhile out riding tonight I was listening to TED Radio Hour. The theme was happiness: what it means; how to achieve it; and the science behind it. All of the speakers made insightful points. However, Monk, David Steindl-Rast made the biggest impression on me. He posited that we cannot and should not strive to be happy, rather we should strive to be grateful for for each and every moment and opportunity. (Hear David's talk here: <a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/02/14/267202113/what-does-it-take-to-be-grateful">David Steindl-Rast: What Does It Take To Be Grateful?</a> Thank you NPR).<br />
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That sentiment really resonated with me.<br />
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Be grateful for everything and every moment. Your gratefulness will birth happiness.<br />
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-JAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-23369664852665044052015-05-17T16:01:00.002-07:002015-05-17T16:01:48.058-07:00I've found my human natureWhen I was a Troll I regularly peeped Aaron Peterson's social media outlets. He does most of the Marquette area tourism work. His work also regularly makes its way into many of the magazines that find their way onto my coffee table. (http://aaronpeterson.photoshelter.com).<div>
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Seeing the UP through his lens pacified my desire for the serenity and adventure that is found up here. His newest piece, an ode to John Voelker's Testament of a Fisherman, is called "Testify." Testify brings all of the feels to me. I have watched it over and over since it came out in late April. It brings me to the water no matter where I am. Watching Testify will no doubt bring the delightfully musty smell of a riverbank and the smell of "Off" and sweat to mind. Peterson totally nails it.</div>
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Enjoy:</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-85867895458130116862015-05-17T15:48:00.000-07:002015-05-17T15:48:21.796-07:00Stripping for Lake PikeThe pike and walleye season opened up in the Upper Peninsula on Friday. I have been waiting for this season to open up since moving here. I have been reading old fishing reports and talking to locals every chance I get in order to hone in on a perfect spot to enter the season. Last weekend I prepped for this quasi-holiday by tying up some fist-sized fur fish. <div>
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While in Traverse City I picked up some materials from The Northern Angler. The Northern Angler has an honest staff and a great selection; one of my favorite fly shops anywhere. They had 99% of what I needed, the rest I got from Orvis Streamside down the street.</div>
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When I woke up this morning fog was rolling in from Superior and the forecast called for an overcast morning with possible light showers. I strapped on the kayaks and we headed to the lake. </div>
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The first hour brought much stripping and not a single fish. I was pretty discouraged; maybe I had the wrong bug, maybe the fish weren't hungry, maybe maybe maybe... The wind was also a dampening factor.</div>
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In an attempt to get out of the wind for a bit we holed up on the leeward side of rocky island. Seeing the remnants of last year's weeds and reeds I drew out some line. I found a beaver dam and cast toward some of the surrounding riprap and litter. The fourth or fifth strip following a rather ungraceful presentation resulted in a solid tug on the line. I set the hook and the little hammer-handle was ready to play.</div>
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I thought for sure this juvenile esox was a loner and that his bigger brothers would be in the deeper basins. Luckily, I was very very wrong. </div>
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Chelsea loves pointing out my ridiculous hook up face. Priceless.</div>
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Kraken boils...</div>
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Up to this point I have not truly understood the need for a Boga Grip, however, after several close calls I definitely need.</div>
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Here's a nice thrash shot from one of the bigger pikes. He came up to the boat a few times and then dove back down. I need to rethink my GoPro POV for the kayak. I am thinking about engineering some sort of third-person style above boat view. Any ideas or plans would be greatly appreciated. I am not against making alterations to my deck to achieve a proper POV.</div>
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Yesterday I read the short piece in The Flyfish Journal about pike on the fly. That piece really resonated with me. The name of the author is escaping me at the moment, but he wrote very passionately about sight-fishing pike. I read the intro to Chelsea aloud. He described the intense rush of seeing the golden underside of their throat flash as they swipe at your fly. I have been the disappointed witness to that scene dozens of times. </div>
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Running across that piece tomorrow was the perfect way to introduce Chelsea to the world of apex northwoods predators on the fly. After several fish, I switched bugs and put on one made from Icelandic sheep and craft fur; a pretty neutrally buoyant fly. I kept my strips short and fast. He was swimming about 10 inches below the water when we both saw the lightening-fast swipe and roll. I paused between quick strips and the fish again came out of nowhere and took the fly hard. (Check out this video for an awesome slo-mo pike strike on "Mike the Pike" lure: <a href="https://video-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xfa1/v/t42.1790-2/11100306_862351750503543_599885733_n.mp4?efg=eyJxZSI6ImZiY2RuX3ZpZGVvX3JhdGVsaW1pdF9yb2xsb3V0Mix2X3JvbGxvdXQifQ%3D%3D&oh=d065bf242bb179eb6c973029892dd391&oe=55593B95">11100306_862351750503543_599885733_n.mp4</a> )</div>
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I brought several 30" fish into the boat. Definitely the biggest pike that I have ever caught, but nowhere near trophy fish. Guess I will have to keep trying. </div>
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The fog continued to sit on the lake as we paddled back to the launch.</div>
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We are very fortunate to live here, this is God's Country: what a wonderful place to spend a Sunday morning.</div>
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Next weekend: more teeth, bigger teeth, longer fights, more smiles and paddling.</div>
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-J</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-60814557800968654632015-04-19T17:19:00.001-07:002015-04-19T17:19:44.317-07:00A Winter's Worth of Cross Country SkiingThe snow has only been gone for a few weeks, but I already miss it. I always get this feeling; Spring's coming doesn't fill me with the same sense of rebirth that others get. The ability to move around more easily is appreciated, however I don't long for the death of snow, never have.<div>
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This year Winter was much more pleasant than the past 4. Over the past few years I got into riding my commuter and cyclocross bike as much as possible. The weather patterns in South Eastern Michigan make it fairly easy to run semi-skinny tires year round. Our first week in Marquette I quickly found out that my semi-skinny tires wouldn't cut it up here. It works just fine to run down to the co-op for groceries but taking it anywhere that's not plowed or well-traversed is a poor idea. Next Winter I will have a fat bike and things will be a little different.</div>
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Luckily, Marquette has so many snowy-weather activities to make up for my lack of winter biking. In the late Fall I got Chelsea into cross-country skiing.</div>
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She isn't interested in going downhill and I am fine with that. We like to be able to get out away from people and quietly enjoy nature so xc skiing works really well for both of us. We picked up some wider touring-style models. The extra width is no bueno on groomed trails and track which is totally fine because we usually go places where we have to break the first tracks. </div>
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So much solitude: miles of trails along the southern shore of Superior in Marquette County. So many areas that are difficult to access when the ground is bare open wide up when the snow comes. The woods are a blank canvass for you to write your story. Get out of your chair and do it.</div>
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Nice use of the ski pole bipod.</div>
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She's all smiles at Presque Isle. (Her first day on her new skis)</div>
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Chelsea loves breaking trail. I took her on one semi-groomed trail one time and she quickly determined that it was not her cup of tea.</div>
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My little fatties. The Marquette Backcountry skis are hybrid snowshoe-like contraptions that really allowed me to go almost anywhere this winter. Next year they are going to get some serious use! (They will also be getting a binding upgrade. More on that later)</div>
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Skiing during a blizzard.</div>
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More Marquette Backcountry skiing on a bluebird February afternoon. We were blessed with quite a few of these days.</div>
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When you live in an area that has so many months of Winter you need to either be super stoic and not say anything or get outside and enjoy each and every flake. We choose to do the latter. Next Winter I will be much more diligent posting daily trip reports complete with stories. This year we were all about getting out there and exploring.</div>
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If you are a Marquette or UP native and you have some secret spots that you would be willing to share please get a hold of me, I am always looking for new places.</div>
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-J</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-62187272726682381392015-04-12T15:12:00.001-07:002015-04-12T15:12:56.092-07:00HiggledepiggedlyThursday brought 6-9" to the marquette area. Friday we had a high of 38; the weekend's prospects of pleasant adventure looked grim. Then came Saturday: 55 and sunny with a slight shore breeze. <div><br></div><div>I started the morning off searching for some steelhead. I got skunked but it was great being knee deep in the river. </div><div><br></div><div>After splitting a muffin and draining Bany Cakes' coffee urn we headed north on 550 and pulled off into the Harlow Lake parking lot. </div><div><br></div><div>The last time I was here we had several feet of snow on the ground and the the going was kinda slow. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfnrLr4tC7Qj9ssKOmYtLNFtj3wBJQSuKCxXxcxgrG_MuckxEL2UK1TYkivFaErG8xu8CgwjbZ3Yl-elvpjJUdhQgLObXG2RCC3TFxgpOD36KlaSs9fh-TcGu7s29qPdMSa-WHuzDNoU/s640/blogger-image--1476812263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfnrLr4tC7Qj9ssKOmYtLNFtj3wBJQSuKCxXxcxgrG_MuckxEL2UK1TYkivFaErG8xu8CgwjbZ3Yl-elvpjJUdhQgLObXG2RCC3TFxgpOD36KlaSs9fh-TcGu7s29qPdMSa-WHuzDNoU/s640/blogger-image--1476812263.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The sun did a number on the newly fallen snow and turned most of the trail into a creek. We walked on the built up snow berms along the trail. The view from the top was totally worth it though. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zksj1SJAybWmTR_wZXxoacY4dqmhiJWb8cVOHf8daQqGbNQdYgLJDWB_5_GqghdMHgXhyphenhyphenlpN48VGGH8SilYhGZ5bF05jdP6KeyUgxXQ6P8Y6kmXboDfmNpHWaBv_YSeBxw5JMGEQPWA/s640/blogger-image--337403194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zksj1SJAybWmTR_wZXxoacY4dqmhiJWb8cVOHf8daQqGbNQdYgLJDWB_5_GqghdMHgXhyphenhyphenlpN48VGGH8SilYhGZ5bF05jdP6KeyUgxXQ6P8Y6kmXboDfmNpHWaBv_YSeBxw5JMGEQPWA/s640/blogger-image--337403194.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This could be one of my favorite places. I know that it's way too early in my transformation into becoming a Yooper, but it's true. Beautiful views without people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGY3YdfQ3RFlTA6LaXZDJwAeqHPNMXmQCe-GJJvG_FQkHcrWxqtqckAgXvh8ujoJrmy7lYhuqDAudsDDFpXIeDiV68LU_ukWNf3eUbSqNGEJPjr19Jgn4L419Vao9itb_uT9oZJfXOOE/s640/blogger-image--1843411361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGY3YdfQ3RFlTA6LaXZDJwAeqHPNMXmQCe-GJJvG_FQkHcrWxqtqckAgXvh8ujoJrmy7lYhuqDAudsDDFpXIeDiV68LU_ukWNf3eUbSqNGEJPjr19Jgn4L419Vao9itb_uT9oZJfXOOE/s640/blogger-image--1843411361.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very glad to have been able to share such a lovely place with a wonderful person. I drag her all over the place doing silly things that leave us with soggy wet feet and windburned cheeks. If you don't have someone like this then you should keep looking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVLIoJb6oc42PCQNDTpZRw19wqywxG5IKcD67YpNbHenwVYX1idbV6PlejNtEViSHGJQrrUiRyiMxII42uAdjBpnJqlds9at-HtigNhfva71N5CMAisWzNoDhMEUBo4m3_wsnaoTdFuM/s640/blogger-image-600504569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVLIoJb6oc42PCQNDTpZRw19wqywxG5IKcD67YpNbHenwVYX1idbV6PlejNtEViSHGJQrrUiRyiMxII42uAdjBpnJqlds9at-HtigNhfva71N5CMAisWzNoDhMEUBo4m3_wsnaoTdFuM/s640/blogger-image-600504569.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Great weekend outside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-j</div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-9491924800582557712015-03-27T04:49:00.001-07:002015-03-27T04:49:18.846-07:00Sunday SteelThe sun is out; it looks unseasonably warm but you put on extra insulation just in case. <div><br></div><div>Public Radio pundits provide a thoughtful soundtrack for the trip. But you are somewhere else in your head. </div><div><br></div><div>The parking lot has a few other vehicles; don't worry there's enough to go around. You pop the rear hatch and begin the ritual of putting on your waders and boots, rigging up the rod and taking an educated guess at the fly de jour should be.</div><div><br></div><div>The crusty snow crunches underfoot at you take the goat trail away from the cars. </div><div><br></div><div>Bend one: two spawn dunkers. </div><div><br></div><div>Bend two: fruitless after working a yarn egg and a nymph. </div><div><br></div><div>Change it up: maybe there's a hungry, active fish in this place. Guides start to ice up: no one said that spring fishing was easy. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsdHsvtEk-3CIqdpFq0O_6nos9LXNQj2Ss3KaRE_E4AUmxL92p1vm7OvVZCx0NYRp4L-_badDOlLgzFHIOuvFAHo09IJT3srfXtZc4JKM5nAoD58PzZBOb5Y4a1QG01fxqwHMUKyh5VA/s640/blogger-image-1937690824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsdHsvtEk-3CIqdpFq0O_6nos9LXNQj2Ss3KaRE_E4AUmxL92p1vm7OvVZCx0NYRp4L-_badDOlLgzFHIOuvFAHo09IJT3srfXtZc4JKM5nAoD58PzZBOb5Y4a1QG01fxqwHMUKyh5VA/s640/blogger-image-1937690824.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Bend three: strip, breathe, strip, breath, strip, breathe. Chuck it back out. Strip, breathe, strip, breathe, stri-........ Give him some room to run........ Take you time..... Enjoy the fight; this is why you put the time in. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFahsHqII-XL6OgQy-av1rgon4FFZB7Unu5m82U_9u6qCTQHVz3qrHdAVF6nvmvgdnx3r93AKz2GQfCgCe_9I972ubY93-qt9KYuZgOZErbdHwJqgqngZEvYGm8oycLcTc0Q47_4UG0o/s640/blogger-image-919254846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFahsHqII-XL6OgQy-av1rgon4FFZB7Unu5m82U_9u6qCTQHVz3qrHdAVF6nvmvgdnx3r93AKz2GQfCgCe_9I972ubY93-qt9KYuZgOZErbdHwJqgqngZEvYGm8oycLcTc0Q47_4UG0o/s640/blogger-image-919254846.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Take pleasure knowing that you tricked the beautiful beast and honor him by letting him go. </div><div><br></div><div>-john</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-3433906277794929492014-12-14T07:30:00.001-08:002014-12-14T07:31:39.863-08:00Sugarloaf Mountain and some big news<div><br></div><div><br></div>Last weekend I found myself in Marquette; a delightful town on the southern shore of Lake Superior. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnaRaQqQMmBjBJlDhwRFuMPe88pLunj7Hq1_OH5cU50iFx8L22sxNVULtmooA3xCF0p0fFqNqvAoSyqGBvRHcWekpbT7V1XTm5VBDqql3NEU6p0Yw6MWBnUI1scyXqgG9XEwATR7YrXA/s640/blogger-image-110775164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnaRaQqQMmBjBJlDhwRFuMPe88pLunj7Hq1_OH5cU50iFx8L22sxNVULtmooA3xCF0p0fFqNqvAoSyqGBvRHcWekpbT7V1XTm5VBDqql3NEU6p0Yw6MWBnUI1scyXqgG9XEwATR7YrXA/s640/blogger-image-110775164.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I had the morning off so I took to the Subaru to roam about the area. I haven't been to the area in 12 or 13 years. While the town had changed a considerable amount, the natural surroundings remained exactly as I remembered them: beautiful, raw, and clean. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvym9dSjR8fG0C7zYtskiKi7La93CV_-_UFLTkJ650hgew5HMs592ai0-H4EyRSh15L8XWcAzRK0DPihH1-ei-05Sg2ag35cUWGPvaXxQEAPpFHUmg1cDIWosYWE6wIEKitPDasIZ84s/s640/blogger-image-976681407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvym9dSjR8fG0C7zYtskiKi7La93CV_-_UFLTkJ650hgew5HMs592ai0-H4EyRSh15L8XWcAzRK0DPihH1-ei-05Sg2ag35cUWGPvaXxQEAPpFHUmg1cDIWosYWE6wIEKitPDasIZ84s/s640/blogger-image-976681407.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PbHG_Cw6J_ZfixqkNyVyISg02gh-TVjRGG_HG-EzP3voL1cK8g1TpqyNBQduA662kHK8aZ8mm6ElnpPCdm-y-kOCkVxpW2nBWesASXMrhCOJTiBfdyVYQpVCyNlZDiNfe-6e_3upiWk/s640/blogger-image--1346318353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PbHG_Cw6J_ZfixqkNyVyISg02gh-TVjRGG_HG-EzP3voL1cK8g1TpqyNBQduA662kHK8aZ8mm6ElnpPCdm-y-kOCkVxpW2nBWesASXMrhCOJTiBfdyVYQpVCyNlZDiNfe-6e_3upiWk/s640/blogger-image--1346318353.jpg"></a></div>Hogback Mountain sits in the distance just waiting to be explored and I can't wait. I figure that is a nice way of telling you all that I am moving to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's not everyday that a dream job comes up in the perfect location but I guess it did for me. I cannot wait to be able work with a great group of people during the weekdays and then spend the whole weekend communing with nature and enjoying life finally. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Outdoor Research's latest catalog had a section on living a Complete Life that talked about being able to spin your adventures alongside your everyday happenings. That advertisement really stuck with me, and that's how I am going to start living. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's to our move up north and a new chapter in our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-J</div></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-28754424731866090592014-10-28T04:22:00.001-07:002014-10-28T04:22:24.402-07:00Pot roast in stout with herb dumplingsAlthough it is unseasonably warm in Michigan at the moment it was a blustery weekend around here. Dare I say I thought the gales of November had come early. <div><br></div><div>Spurred on by the dropping Mercury I prepared a hearty one pot Irish supper. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqgnyfRwwzRIGY8-YYYAc8H_eIVazC-S_XlmBhQn1iFjehSqXZ5xVdOqhu6XlsWycuVdietTTRNODcYeCi7w-w0Ot1Q2M2XIxC52uILxQ0ErotK0i8K6O7vPjyyECVjsF2ts4dqUyIYc/s640/blogger-image--57203407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqgnyfRwwzRIGY8-YYYAc8H_eIVazC-S_XlmBhQn1iFjehSqXZ5xVdOqhu6XlsWycuVdietTTRNODcYeCi7w-w0Ot1Q2M2XIxC52uILxQ0ErotK0i8K6O7vPjyyECVjsF2ts4dqUyIYc/s640/blogger-image--57203407.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It wasn't the healthiest choice but sometimeseals like this soothe the soul. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I cannot claim the base recipe but I definitely made this my own. The recipe suggested Guiness as the base for the stew/gravy, but I'm not a fan of the "legendary" Irish stout. I opted for a much richer, full-flavored milkshake stout from Rochester Mills Brewery. The beer complemented the carrots and infused both the meat and dumplings with an umami quality that is near impossible to describe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Needless to say, that page in the recipe book is now dogeared for a snowy winter Sunday. I can almost see the flakes falling while the pot gurgles and the house fills with the thick aroma. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-J</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-90266880659716506552014-10-28T03:30:00.001-07:002014-10-28T03:30:50.926-07:00Dryfly ArtI've never ever considered myself to have any artistic talent. Most of my "drawings" feature stick figures. I do enjoy art. One of my favorite art forms is block printing. My favorite block prints come from Greg Jaris at Trick Dog in Elberta, MI, and Bad Axe designs. <div><br></div><div>After wrapping up a tie session the other night I looked up at a Jaris print that I picked up last summer. It's a flamboyant trout-like fish flailing in the air. Knowing that Chelsea had some printing materials in her art pile for www.thebiglake.etsy.com I asked her for them. </div><div><br></div><div>With speedball carver in hand I sat down and created the first of hopefully many stamps that represent the things that I do. It's far from being a piece of art, but I think it's very cool in a raw way. That's what I appreciate about block printing; it can be extremely detailed and clean or a little more emotive and raw. Tell me what you think:</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_RptAEY55yH6mQYb1kYXquaXl56JYW0w68ARW86qWAYYNwblJNaJM-n41fHuRkj3TI1sw8f8ctiH_ZeckQKJn71VEa-n8ctresYtkKfRZ99sQQDWNHfFhTZKGw2TQJtGUUx4Mr5gkVQ/s640/blogger-image-1663247562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_RptAEY55yH6mQYb1kYXquaXl56JYW0w68ARW86qWAYYNwblJNaJM-n41fHuRkj3TI1sw8f8ctiH_ZeckQKJn71VEa-n8ctresYtkKfRZ99sQQDWNHfFhTZKGw2TQJtGUUx4Mr5gkVQ/s640/blogger-image-1663247562.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's the silhouette of a wingless Adams fly, or as I call them: gnats. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More will follow. I just need to get outside and get some inspiration. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Big news coming down the pipeline soon. Don't want to say anything until we are 100% ready. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- J</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-45079866090780908492014-10-17T13:44:00.001-07:002014-10-17T13:44:58.135-07:00RevivalTo anyone who should stumble upon this:<div><br></div><div>I have neglected this blog because I have been very busy. Work has come before fun and honestly when I have time for fun I rarely have time to blog about it. It's time for this to change. I miss interacting with the types of people who choose to follow blogs; they're good people. Those who take time to read blogs are not as fickle as Facebook users; they play an active role in the blogosphere and largely shape that landscape with their comments. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fLwcTgtwswHw-M6zrvhWOkaYWoc5uKfqp322OXX17LehoaWcRrHRQCt7Ez66aEJbMDKVX9cFWFip4h8ZPICWl1Rz8YBWQz5sQiGKteKO7h68EVXW3MZclyCW8k108kKgfnpY_UEAbRo/s640/blogger-image--621951104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fLwcTgtwswHw-M6zrvhWOkaYWoc5uKfqp322OXX17LehoaWcRrHRQCt7Ez66aEJbMDKVX9cFWFip4h8ZPICWl1Rz8YBWQz5sQiGKteKO7h68EVXW3MZclyCW8k108kKgfnpY_UEAbRo/s640/blogger-image--621951104.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>No more radio silence on my end. As part my personal resolutions following my birthday I am going to post more frequently, daily perhaps. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tkvozYLuORhmlWgoC_0AT9AHZmEy9PQkjgbUMlo8mQlilQSwIuhEKXv400Cm3DseLRfn46U9r3f3tbeuF5VNwxoLUVavgS0QwEqIOInhb_voRFG5fySz9cSa0z9i6RNaZZbum0s3do0/s640/blogger-image-267770198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tkvozYLuORhmlWgoC_0AT9AHZmEy9PQkjgbUMlo8mQlilQSwIuhEKXv400Cm3DseLRfn46U9r3f3tbeuF5VNwxoLUVavgS0QwEqIOInhb_voRFG5fySz9cSa0z9i6RNaZZbum0s3do0/s640/blogger-image-267770198.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Expect more content. Hold me accountable. </div><div><br></div><div>J. </div><div><br></div><div>ps the direction of the blog is changing for the better. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFwX8Sao7DdH7ymiG6AWGFlz_Kt4xV7QvHdebvCWOt9AcmUDZDkhAQU5VKsdUNolPlwIfGmn_csrDa4WOYphsw0DXEORowr0A437p_QvfrPY7kTTsgYNb-fsho1aJHCVFYt8rnhv31UY/s640/blogger-image--866267554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFwX8Sao7DdH7ymiG6AWGFlz_Kt4xV7QvHdebvCWOt9AcmUDZDkhAQU5VKsdUNolPlwIfGmn_csrDa4WOYphsw0DXEORowr0A437p_QvfrPY7kTTsgYNb-fsho1aJHCVFYt8rnhv31UY/s640/blogger-image--866267554.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-14640362130570902302014-06-08T06:59:00.001-07:002014-06-08T06:59:22.211-07:00Demo Days at SchultzI biked into Ypsi to check out Demo Days at Schultz Outfitters on Saturday. I had the chance to meet Cam Mortenson of <a href="http://thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot.com/">The Fiberglass Manifesto </a>. He put on a great presentation about glass rods. I am definitely in the market for a new piece of glass now. Very amped up after seeing his presentation.<br />
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After meeting Cam I went to the Temple Fork Outfitters tent to catch up with Ray Schmidt who is now at TFO rep. Ray rigged up a TFO Pro Series II and sent me out to toss some glo yarn around in the grass. The Pro Series II had been on my radar for a while. I was looking for a medium-fast 5 wt fly rod with enough backbone to launch big dries as well as medium streamers, but enough finesse to lay small dries with precision.<br />
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I think I found just what I was looking for in the Pro II. I played with it for 10 or 15 minutes before heading back into the shop to snag one at the KILLER DEMO PRICE!<br />
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The entire bike ride back to the apartment I was like a kid on Christmas morning dreaming of chucking fur and feathers with my new toy. I showed Chelsea (she was stoked as all get out because this means she gets my St. Croix) and headed to one of my favorite spots. After not being able to get any interest from dries or topwater of any sort I switched to a clouser bunny streamer and hooked up on the second cast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_BHbUzDArhFk3oQQPdVmojoxi9Qn23fDjQv_a9hpRuUBHh1o9XN7Rrx69AplLOKzqbcyhoErLdsVLnQ0aNDDu_c_oq6GS0FEcTD3G_Ns71hPnfjh9IF6BBNEiZJVthM1nfxq2dIrXRo/s1600/IMG_8271.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_BHbUzDArhFk3oQQPdVmojoxi9Qn23fDjQv_a9hpRuUBHh1o9XN7Rrx69AplLOKzqbcyhoErLdsVLnQ0aNDDu_c_oq6GS0FEcTD3G_Ns71hPnfjh9IF6BBNEiZJVthM1nfxq2dIrXRo/s1600/IMG_8271.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My new toy did great job bringing this guy in. He was no monster, about 13 inches, but he still put a decent bend in the rod. I have no doubt that the 5wt Pro II could take a much larger fish. I can't wait. Rod profile/overview coming soon.<br />
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If you have some time to kill today Schultz' Demo Days are still going on. They have a great line up of presenters and gear reps too. Check them out... and bring your wallet.<br />
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-JAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-45425655764851523912014-06-08T06:38:00.000-07:002014-06-08T06:38:03.309-07:00Huron River Bass Fishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I brought my kayaks down to Ann Arbor a few weeks ago. Living as close to the river as we do we should have brought them down years ago.<br />
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Going out for a paddle is a great way to unwind after a day at work. It's tranquil, smooth, and The boats also allow me to fish in new places that were unreachable by foot, BONUS!<br />
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The closest part of the "river" is a long oligotrophic lake that happens to have a vestigial vein of the Huron River running through it. It is totally choked with plant life and nearly unfishable with anything other than topwater flies right now. That being said, smallmouth and largemouth will rise to take a frog pattern all afternoon.<br />
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FISH ON. Captured from my deck-mounted GoPro.</div>
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I hope to do some recon on other parts of the river soon. Pics to come.<br />
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-JAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-40272581172785616732014-05-29T07:42:00.000-07:002014-05-29T07:42:16.239-07:00Spring Bass in Southeast MichiganSpring fishing is turning up to 11 on the Huron. I have been doing well with clouser minnows, woolly buggers, and leaches.<br />
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I hear that the hatch may be on. Time to bring out the big bugs.<br />
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-jAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-48084899423042912612014-03-13T07:48:00.001-07:002014-03-13T07:48:48.086-07:00Change your attitude just a bit."This winter is too long," "I am tired of snow," "I can't believe that there is more snow in the forecast." Blah blah blah.<br />
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Making the most out of winter.</div>
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I get it, there is still snow falling in Michigan. You could look at this as a bad thing, a bummer, one more reason to sit on the couch and press play on just one more episode of ____________ on your DVR; or, you could make the most of it and go have some fun.<br />
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Face it: this winter is not stopping, and neither should you! Get outside and do something already!<br />
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Winter storm "Vulcan's" impact on my bike, no biggie.</div>
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-JAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-9854861535943778972014-03-10T18:01:00.003-07:002014-03-10T18:01:32.613-07:00No snow days... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
... from fun that is! </div>
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When the winter weather hit this year I slapped a mountain bike tire up front and kept trucking. With the exception of one miserably slow slog through new snow in December and a few spills on the ice I was able to ride whenever I wanted to this winter due to this setup. This is definitely the most versatile bike that I have owned.</div>
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-J</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-83632707064014918972014-03-10T17:55:00.001-07:002014-03-10T17:55:16.660-07:00Hard Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Several years ago I blogged for Pure Michigan about the ice formations that are found on Lake Michigan. At the time it was no big deal. In fact the post did not receive too much traffic. However, this year it seems the Big Lake's ice features have been receiving rave reviews. </div>
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When I was younger exploring the lake ice was a yearly occasion for me. I remember spending quite a bit of time out there the first winter that I had my driver's license. I thought that as I "grew up" the excitement of the ice on Lake Michigan would lose its majesty as most memories of youth tend to do; fortunately, that was not the case.</div>
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Every year I find an entrance to the icy playground, and every year it's just as much fun as the first time.</div>
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This is what a beach is supposed to look like; in 3-4 months there will be a few hundred people staggered along this section of beach.</div>
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While these are only about 1/2 to 2/3 the height of those in Leland I did not have to brave any sort of crowds or wait for parking to experience these.</div>
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The weather is quickly warming up and the season of playing on the ice is drawing to a close. If you haven't made it out there yet you probably have missed your chance. Better to play it safe and wait for next year than to wind up in the frigid drink.<br />
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I am eagerly looking forward to next year's ice season.<br />
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-JAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-6396640164779896112014-01-23T08:33:00.000-08:002014-01-23T08:33:19.266-08:00Dusk SnowshoeingAlways look for the extra in what would otherwise be an ordinary day.<br />
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Get out there and do something.<br />
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-j<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-2580580614324590292014-01-23T07:36:00.003-08:002014-01-23T07:36:41.694-08:00Filling the BoxesI am currently working on filling my fly boxes for the upcoming season. If I were in the northern part of the state I might be doing some midge fishing or looking for stealhead in some other way, but that is not the case.<div>
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If you don't know this about me, I am currently studying for the Michigan Bar Exam (February 25th and 26th) and I really needed some stoke to keep my sails full. That stoke came in the form of some FlyFishing Film Tour Tix (F3T). Two days after the bar exam I will be sitting in the Michigan Theater with a clear head and the excitement of a kid on Christmas. Go check out the trailers and head over the Schultz Outfitters in Ypsilanti to get some tickets; it is going to be a good time.</div>
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Anyhow, the boxes are getting filled with patterns that seem sort of odd to me: big meaty streamers. It is not how I normally flyfish, but I am told that it is one of the more productive approaches to take with warm water fish in southeast Michigan. We will see.</div>
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Check them out.</div>
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-J</div>
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Clouser Minnows</div>
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A couple Hex tied as a break from streamers.</div>
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My copy of Morlock's CrawBunny</div>
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CrawBunny up close.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-23429977188542707302013-12-06T05:28:00.000-08:002013-12-06T05:28:03.080-08:00Atlanta Orvis Shop<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have gotten back into fly fishing and tying so while on a recent trip to Atlanta I high-tailed it over to the local Orvis shop on Peachtree to pick up some necessaries.</div>
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My first metro Orvis visit.</div>
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Like most Orvis shops, their tying section left much to be desired but had some of the zonker-style things that I was looking for. Also like most Orvis shops they had all of the periphery gear, garb and lifestyle "stuff" attributable to those who fish. (I would love their Mission style fly tying bench.)</div>
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That being said the guy in the fly tying department was very helpful. Just the kind of person that I like to talk to behind the fly counter; not too over-the-top with the bro attitude, and not super secretive about what works locally. He was a well traveled fly fisherman who could bend your ear for hours will well crafted stories about "a perfect night," "matching a hatch," and how "that fly will catch fish any day." He was also familiar with northern Michigan waters and had nothing but good things to say about them... but then again, who wouldn't?</div>
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So kudos Atlanta Orvis shop. If I ever have to be in Atlanta again I will surely be stopping in.</div>
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Shameless GoPro selfie. </div>
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-jAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-62089516282719726962013-12-06T04:32:00.001-08:002013-12-06T04:32:27.709-08:00Remembering a Hot Summer Afternoon<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I've lived in Ann Arbor for just over three years. In that time I have made numerous trips to the closest section of the Huron River to to try my hand at catching whatever would bite. I was never impressed with the mutants that I was pulling out; rock bass with white eyes, all-black bluegills, and other varying offerings that I refer to only as "panfish." Due to the many dams on the Huron I regarded it as a few long, slow-moving, oligotrophic lakes strung together that could only support halfbreeds and muttfish.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">But this summer I found out that people catch some sizable carp on the Huron. The sub/ counterculture of carp fishermen deserves a post of its own. Pictures of people landing 10 lbs + carp not far from where I live got me super stoked. I picked up appropriate tackle, but the season's best time coincided with my last set of law school finals. Needless to say, my dreams of horsing in copper-colored softmouths yielded to the necessity of my school duties.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Fast forward a few weeks: I'm done with law school for good (graduation in a week and a half). Now, barring preparation for the Bar Exam (honestly, not a pun) my free time is truly free time. Today I put some of my free time to good use: I gave the Huron another shot.</span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I'm very glad that I made a serious effort to find a fishable portion of the Huron. It will give me one more resource to call on when I need a reprieve. We caught many Bluegill, a few smallmouths and quite a few decent-size rock bass. There were no trophy fish willing to suck up our flies but they were out there, in the water... and that will keep me coming back.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br />
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You get that Chernobyl Hopper little man!</div>
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Carp carp everywhere and me with my little 6 wt. Next time.</div>
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Hunter with his prize of the day.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">J.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-21547764966618091432013-12-06T04:28:00.000-08:002013-12-06T04:28:39.542-08:00Beavers Make a Dam Mess<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4;">A few weeks ago while on an overnight hike my brother and I stopped to admire the handiwork of some furry little engineers.</span></h3>
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While we were initially amazed at the pond that the beavers had created we were more than a little bummed when we discovered that their calculations were just a little off in determining how much area they would flood with their project.</div>
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The next section of the North Country Trail was flooded as a result of their dam. What a mess. In order to keep our shoes dry for the rest of hte hike we had to "ford the river" barefooted. </div>
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After drying our feet we stopped to check out the area below the dam that continued to flow. To our surprise there were fish making their way up to spawn. </div>
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Once their business is done the fish expire and give themselves over to help sustain other creatures of the forest. It is such a beautiful little drama.</div>
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More on the remainder of our hike later.</div>
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-j</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497922582714983893.post-75906406389874091742013-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:002013-05-16T19:33:00.359-07:00Spring Golden Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Bullfrog Pond"</div>
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Lower Peninsula Splendor</div>
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"Beauty and the Beast"</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14968395062854331063noreply@blogger.com4Brown, MI, USA44.309201330189168 -86.18051463828123844.263753830189167 -86.261195638281237 44.35464883018917 -86.09983363828124