Dad couldn't make it this year, neither could the horses. Long story, but that wouldn't stop us. My second son turned 5 earlier this year. That means you're old enough to go. He was excited but I think more amped that he got his very own head lamp! Three cousins came along with three more young'uns and a 61 year old uncle/dad/grandpa that was there for our first trip many many years ago. Perfect company for a great trip into the backcountry.
I aint gonna lie, I do enjoy taking the horses. It was good though to strap on the old pack. Heavy, but good. My oldest was packing about 13lbs, the greenhorn had about 2 lbs and I was packing the rest for all three of us. Maybe +60lbs, not too bad.
As you know it's been a weird weather year. Seems like the highcountry is about a month behind schedule. Still spring like conditions. Very green, very wet and the mosquitoes were unreal! Worse than I've ever experienced. 100% deet several times a day made it barely tolerable. The scenery was great though.
Took a good hike up and over to the next drainage to check out a couple hot prospects for fish?n. On the way over we found a pond full of HUGE salamanders. Undoubtedly the highlight of the trip for the boys catching those creepy looking suckers.
Coming over the pass we had to cross a big snow field. Skiing in August!
If the fishing didn't pan out, who cares with a view like this!
Just as pretty when we got down to the lake.
Fishing was pretty slow, but we weren't really fishing prime time at noon. Ate some crackers, cheese and summer sausage then headed over to another near by lake. On the way over we peaked into a small little inlet stream and saw a giant (relative to brookies). We dropped to the ground so as not to spooking him. A little dangle, a little jig and BAM! Fish on! One of, if not the biggest brookies I've caught in the Uintas.
Met up with the rest of the crew and fished this gorgeous little lake. Take note though, don't let the fish get into the lillys!
Fishing was good. My oldest at 7 has got it down.
One morning while everyone else was waking up he grabbed his rod and headed down to the shore solo. It wasn?t long and I heard him yelling with excitement. I would too with a nice fish like this.
And the greenie with his first highcountry brookie. Hopefully the first of thousands more to come in the future. I can't tell you how rewarding it is to watch their excitement and love for the outdoors grow. I see them do and say things that takes me back 30 years to when my dad took me on my first trip. And how grateful I am that he did! With a smile like that, I've got to think he'll be grateful some day too.
I aint gonna lie, I do enjoy taking the horses. It was good though to strap on the old pack. Heavy, but good. My oldest was packing about 13lbs, the greenhorn had about 2 lbs and I was packing the rest for all three of us. Maybe +60lbs, not too bad.
As you know it's been a weird weather year. Seems like the highcountry is about a month behind schedule. Still spring like conditions. Very green, very wet and the mosquitoes were unreal! Worse than I've ever experienced. 100% deet several times a day made it barely tolerable. The scenery was great though.
Took a good hike up and over to the next drainage to check out a couple hot prospects for fish?n. On the way over we found a pond full of HUGE salamanders. Undoubtedly the highlight of the trip for the boys catching those creepy looking suckers.
Coming over the pass we had to cross a big snow field. Skiing in August!
If the fishing didn't pan out, who cares with a view like this!
Just as pretty when we got down to the lake.
Fishing was pretty slow, but we weren't really fishing prime time at noon. Ate some crackers, cheese and summer sausage then headed over to another near by lake. On the way over we peaked into a small little inlet stream and saw a giant (relative to brookies). We dropped to the ground so as not to spooking him. A little dangle, a little jig and BAM! Fish on! One of, if not the biggest brookies I've caught in the Uintas.
Met up with the rest of the crew and fished this gorgeous little lake. Take note though, don't let the fish get into the lillys!
Fishing was good. My oldest at 7 has got it down.
One morning while everyone else was waking up he grabbed his rod and headed down to the shore solo. It wasn?t long and I heard him yelling with excitement. I would too with a nice fish like this.
And the greenie with his first highcountry brookie. Hopefully the first of thousands more to come in the future. I can't tell you how rewarding it is to watch their excitement and love for the outdoors grow. I see them do and say things that takes me back 30 years to when my dad took me on my first trip. And how grateful I am that he did! With a smile like that, I've got to think he'll be grateful some day too.
