First Ride & Miscellany

Hoping to get mountain bike out for a couple of rides this weekend. Michigan spring weather's been pretty wet and chilly until a few days ago. We seemed to go from 50's into the high 80's overnight. Unlike some masochists, I don't feel that I need to be completely mud-marinated to have a successful ride. I'll likely hit either Island Lakes loop or perhaps start out at the more manageable Olson Park on Ann Arbor's north side.

Also, some prep for next weekend's UP/northern MI fishing trip. Dad and I are doing a float trip on the Upper Escanaba with Brad Petzke of Rivers North. Really looking forward to this trip. This river's supposed to be very remote and beautiful - and hopefully full of trout!

Best part of this warm-up has been the pleasant evenings - done some great grilling this week (one of my other favorie outdoor activities).

Whatever you're doing this long holiday weekend -- enjoy!

-Sean-

WTF?

As a sportsman, I see the BP oil spill debacle and just shake my head. While bureaucrats and corporate executives finger-point and navel-gaze, millions of acres of critical coastal area edge closer to obliteration. Every time I see TV footage of the fishermen of Louisiana I cringe.

Meanwhile, dozens of other countries and thousands of technical entrepreneurs offer help and solutions. The EPA response seems to be a variant of "Uh, we don't know ... did you talk to BP?" Meanwhile BP is trying to find a rock they can hide under until this blows over (note to BP -- IT WON'T).

This is looking rather like the asian carp issue of the Great Lakes on a FAR larger scale. During the hearings, it became very clear that bureaucracy had caused complete ineffectiveness.

These government officials aren't stupid - many have advanced degrees and years of experience. But somehow once they get that cushy pension and easy lifestyle they turn into functioning idiots. But best of all? These people are paid by the taxes of individuals and businesses who are impacted by these catastrophes.

President Obama - I'm most disappointed in you above all. The environment was a key part of your campaign. And you've already demonstrated that you're not all that interested in it. You've got the power to make this happen (just as you could have by closing the Chicago locks). How about if you step-up, smack a few heads, and get this done. Oh, that's right, BP was one of your largest campaign financiers and you'd like to get re-elected. Time to stop pandering to the special interests and do right by the people who elected you.

Knuckleheads, all. Monkeys could do a better job than BP and the EPA. Yeah, I'm pissed.

-Sean-

G3 = Great Fit, Great Function, Great Features

I've written plenty about how impressed I am with Simms Fishing gear. It costs more, but it's invariably worth it. A year in with my Simms G3 waders, I couldn't be happier. Regular readers may recall these were a replacement for my thoroughly disappointing Orvis Silver XT's. At the time, this mean throwing in some $$$ (ok, actually quite a few $$$) that I wasn't too happy about. But a year later, it was worth every penny.

When you think about it, waders are a pretty critical component to a safe, comfortable, enjoyable day on the water. You're basically wearing plastic pants for 8-10 sometimes. Fit,breathability, function and a million other little variables can make such a difference.

Simms got the G3 right. First the fit is unlike any wader I've tried. After the G3's, everything else just seems baggy and floppy. Yet, even in full winter steelhead layers, everything fits. I've never quite figured out this piece of magic, but I'll just accept it. And since abrasion is a leading cause of wear, I figure these are in for a long life.

And then there's functionality. Can't say enough good things about fleece-lined handwarmer pockets. On a chilly steelhead day, it's nice to shove your hands in for a quick warm-up. Also several Velcro and zip pockets give you a place for all your stuff.

Initially, I had some reservations about the gravel guards. The seemed a bit flimsy and had a raw neoprene edge. But after a year, they show ZERO signs of wear, so I think this concern was unfounded.

If you're in the market for waders and haven't tried the Simms G3, I highly recommend you hit the local fly shop and try some on. Also, a word to the wise - in addition to supporting local businesses, there are about a gajillion sizes and some help from a knowledgable fly shop is invaluable.

-Sean-

Crash Pads

I love finding the local dumpy-but-clean motel as a home base for outdoor antics. Clean bed and a hot shower are my only requirement; other than CHEAP. If there's an interesting bar with digestible food nearby, that's a bonus. The best places are locally owned and genuinely happy to have your business. Here are a few faves:

Red Moose Lodge - Baldwin, MI
Home base for my winter steelhead adventures on the Pere Marquette. Nicely updated recently, clean rooms, and Clint and Debi are about the nicest folks you could ever meet. Plus, in the winter, a single room is only $45. Free wireless (though it only works in the lodge), a hot tub, free continental breakfast - and it's right on the river. Only disadvantage -- it's smaller, so it fills up fast in peak seasons.

BBT Motel - Baldwin, MI
Owned by the excellent folks at Baldwin Bait & Tackle, the BBT Motel is a frequent destination and great alternative to the Red Moose. Fifty bucks a night, it's clean, and a solid choice. My only complaint were the bathrooms that needed some updates - but I hear they were recently re-done.

Metropolitan Inn - Salt Lake City, UT
If you're in Utah to ski, staying in the valley can be the hot ticket. You can reach a dozen resorts in under 45 minutes from downtown. Plus it's cheaper and you have access to great dining and bars. Solitude got a foot overnight -- go there. Next day, Powder Mountain -- cool. I stumbled on this place a few years back. From the outside, it looks a bit sketchy. But the rooms are clean, recently updated and have Tempurpedic beds! Quick walk to Squatter's brewpub at day's end!

Fay's Motel - Grayling, MI
A recent addition, Fay's is outstanding if you want to fish the AuSable or upper Manistee rivers in the Grayling area. When I called for a reservation the owners were just great -- really seemed to appreciate my business. Clean room, hot shower, and a great location. All for $53.60 a night with tax!

Manistee National - Manistee, MI
If you're fishing the lower Manistee river in the winter, a sweet destination and a deal. For $60 a night you get updated rooms with flat-panel TVs, a free continental breakfast, a pool, and a nice pub/lounge area. Bungalow Inn just up the road has excellent food and friendly staff.

Those are my hot locations - now one to stay away from. I thought Caberfae Crossing would be a hot spot -- close to the ski hill, a few miles from Tippy Dam. On my first visit, I find my rate jacked up on my arrival, my TV not working, and a lousy bed. Stay away.

Enjoy!

-Sean-

Let's Get Serious

Lots of gun-related crime in the news in the Detroit area just lately. As a legal, responsible gun owner, this trend is concerning. This type of activity only fuels the anti-gun crowd into an "all guns are bad..." mentality. On the other end of the spectrum, those of us who support the Second Ammendment also need to be reasonable - we can't argue that carrying would have prevented these situations. That only makes us look like nut jobs.

Clearly something needs to be done. How about a crack down on illegal and unregistered firearms? The CPL-holding, legal gun owner isn't shooting 17-year-olds in front of the local High School. Commit a crime with an illegal gun? You get ten extra years on that sentence. Make it a felony to possess an unregistered handgun.

Next tighten the purchase/registration process. Many states have waiting periods. If you have a legal purpose and are competent to own a firearm, waiting a few days is no big deal. And no gun ownership for convicted felons. Period. No handguns, no long guns. Not even a muzzleloader.

The bottom line is simple - as tensions from a bumpy economy tighten, too many people are far too casual about the respect and seriousness gun ownership entails. I think the "guns don't kill people..." logic almost furthers this. Reality is a gun wields tremendous power. If you're not willing to demonstrate respect that power, perhaps you should be prevented from ownership.

-Sean-

Lucky Hat?

I have this favorite fishing hat. It's a simple brown Simms baseball hat. Comfy, fits great. Looking a little rough these days -- some stains, a bit of fading. But I realized last weekend, it's my favorite. When I'm not wearing it on the water, things just don't seem quite right. But when I am, I feel like Master Fisherman.

Thus far, I've caught steelhead, brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, salmon, and largemouth and smallmouth bass in it. It's survived rain, sweat, sunscreen, and bug repellent.

At some point, it's going to look to rough for the river. And that will be a sad day indeed. May need to start considering its replacement!

Tight lines!

-Sean-

Way Cool

Always seem to have flies rolling about in the Element. Whether it's a big streamer that needs to dry out, a hopper-dropper rig that needs to find its way back into a box, or an egg that was the wrong color. As I quickly discovered, just sticking them into the headliner really isn't an option - as they make a mess when you try to extract them.

Enter Cliff Outdoors. Picked up one of their Head Liner patches at Old Au Sable this weekend. PRESTO! Problem solved. Just clip it to the visor and your errant flies have a place to hang out until they can find their way back into the proper box (or until you want to fish them). All this for a lousy twelve bucks!

I was poking around Cliff's web site this morning and found they have a few other items that look interesting. May need to visit the local fly shop to have a look...

-Sean-