flyfisherguy
IMG_1289
Good Thursday Afternoon,
Time for my weekly batch of photos.
Last Friday, my mom, the twins, and I jumped in the car and took off for Lake Almanor.
Our goals:
1) Have a fun summer excursion
2) Give Chelsey a few days of peace and quiet
We succeeded on both fronts.
The boys earned their 'road tripper badges' with another outstanding performance in the car. Nana played the role of iPad, successfully entertaining the boys for a good seven hours out of the Bay Area, up I5, through the foothills, and into the Sierras. Nana has skills.
The most eventful portion of our trip came on Highway 36 just west of Payne's Creek. A wildfire fire reached the highway just before we did. Stopped by CHP, I jumped out to snap some photos of the fire fight. There were 4 planes, 1 helicopter, and dozens of CalFire personnel working in remarkable unison. Most of the visible action was in the air. The spotter planes would swoop in, and scout for the bigger DC-7 bomber that followed with the flame retardant. I felt like such a tourist when I turned to a guy next to me and asked if he had any info on when they might re-open the road. Through crooked teeth, and a funky, graying, goatee he said that he wasn't sure, but that he hoped they stopped the fire soon enough to keep his place up the ridge from burning down. He never took his eyes off the 'show' as we spoke. "Go guys, Go!" he said as the bomber dropped another red payload below his house. I wished him luck and walked back to the car. My 30 minute inconvenience paled in comparison to what that guy was facing.
Today, it felt pretty good to read that only one, non-residential, structure was lost in the 100 acre "36 Fire". CalFire's hard work saved that guy's house, and everything inside it. Way to go guys.
After a quick stop in Chester, we arrived at Aunty Tuna's house. The Imai clan arrived not long thereafter.
First night in camp. Catchup conversations in full-swing. Amazing Almanor sunset. All's right in the world.
Sunday morning opened with a bike ride. Yuji lead the way down Peninsula Drive and back up Lassen View. County Sheriff pulled the boys over. Said they were going a bit fast. Their fine was a firm handshake and a smile.
Monday, we went to "The Hole" on the Feather River. I'm happy to report that the jumping rocks are still high, the water is still very cold, and the Orange Crush tastes just as sweet.
Tuesday, we rented a pontoon boat and cruised the lake. We raced birds, saw an island, contemplated a snow-less Mount Lassen, and lunched in Prattville. On the way home, we anchored in a cove. Yuji, Will, & Rob took turns jumping off the boat into the lake. Life jackets were a revelation. All the benefits of floating, none of the work. Out, and back, the boys took turns captaining the ship. Our only close call came when this old man tried to get the boat back into dock. Took a few tries, but we got it done without any insurance claims or major injuries.
Amidst all the fun, Nana watched the boys so I could sneak out fishing with Uncle Bruce and Bill Elliott. Fish per hour were low. Satisfaction quotient was off the charts. Being in those mountains, on the Feather River, is definitely is my happy place.
The photo of the photo was taken on the steps of the Elliott cabin outside Chester. My mom's dad, Papa, is in the front row on the right. The photo had to be taken 60 years ago. I smile every time I it.
Growing up, I always looked forward to our two-week vacations to Almanor. I loved the time spent fishing, lounging, and bonding with my family. Especially my cousins.
Watching my kids, the 4th generation of our family, build their own memories at the lake is pretty awesome.
We have heritage there.
You can see all the photos from our trip here: www.flickr.com/photos/michaeltadlock/sets/72157656799199920
Big thanks to Aunty Tuna and Coach for hosting this year's adventure.
Have a great weekend!
Mike
IMG_1289
Good Thursday Afternoon,
Time for my weekly batch of photos.
Last Friday, my mom, the twins, and I jumped in the car and took off for Lake Almanor.
Our goals:
1) Have a fun summer excursion
2) Give Chelsey a few days of peace and quiet
We succeeded on both fronts.
The boys earned their 'road tripper badges' with another outstanding performance in the car. Nana played the role of iPad, successfully entertaining the boys for a good seven hours out of the Bay Area, up I5, through the foothills, and into the Sierras. Nana has skills.
The most eventful portion of our trip came on Highway 36 just west of Payne's Creek. A wildfire fire reached the highway just before we did. Stopped by CHP, I jumped out to snap some photos of the fire fight. There were 4 planes, 1 helicopter, and dozens of CalFire personnel working in remarkable unison. Most of the visible action was in the air. The spotter planes would swoop in, and scout for the bigger DC-7 bomber that followed with the flame retardant. I felt like such a tourist when I turned to a guy next to me and asked if he had any info on when they might re-open the road. Through crooked teeth, and a funky, graying, goatee he said that he wasn't sure, but that he hoped they stopped the fire soon enough to keep his place up the ridge from burning down. He never took his eyes off the 'show' as we spoke. "Go guys, Go!" he said as the bomber dropped another red payload below his house. I wished him luck and walked back to the car. My 30 minute inconvenience paled in comparison to what that guy was facing.
Today, it felt pretty good to read that only one, non-residential, structure was lost in the 100 acre "36 Fire". CalFire's hard work saved that guy's house, and everything inside it. Way to go guys.
After a quick stop in Chester, we arrived at Aunty Tuna's house. The Imai clan arrived not long thereafter.
First night in camp. Catchup conversations in full-swing. Amazing Almanor sunset. All's right in the world.
Sunday morning opened with a bike ride. Yuji lead the way down Peninsula Drive and back up Lassen View. County Sheriff pulled the boys over. Said they were going a bit fast. Their fine was a firm handshake and a smile.
Monday, we went to "The Hole" on the Feather River. I'm happy to report that the jumping rocks are still high, the water is still very cold, and the Orange Crush tastes just as sweet.
Tuesday, we rented a pontoon boat and cruised the lake. We raced birds, saw an island, contemplated a snow-less Mount Lassen, and lunched in Prattville. On the way home, we anchored in a cove. Yuji, Will, & Rob took turns jumping off the boat into the lake. Life jackets were a revelation. All the benefits of floating, none of the work. Out, and back, the boys took turns captaining the ship. Our only close call came when this old man tried to get the boat back into dock. Took a few tries, but we got it done without any insurance claims or major injuries.
Amidst all the fun, Nana watched the boys so I could sneak out fishing with Uncle Bruce and Bill Elliott. Fish per hour were low. Satisfaction quotient was off the charts. Being in those mountains, on the Feather River, is definitely is my happy place.
The photo of the photo was taken on the steps of the Elliott cabin outside Chester. My mom's dad, Papa, is in the front row on the right. The photo had to be taken 60 years ago. I smile every time I it.
Growing up, I always looked forward to our two-week vacations to Almanor. I loved the time spent fishing, lounging, and bonding with my family. Especially my cousins.
Watching my kids, the 4th generation of our family, build their own memories at the lake is pretty awesome.
We have heritage there.
You can see all the photos from our trip here: www.flickr.com/photos/michaeltadlock/sets/72157656799199920
Big thanks to Aunty Tuna and Coach for hosting this year's adventure.
Have a great weekend!
Mike