There's a song by Tim O'Brien that says something like this:
"We ate a lot a bog,
Drank a lot a grog,
Slept by a log,
Came back in a fog."

Pretty decent description of our Spring Fishing Trip 09. We did manage to catch a few fish too. Looking forward to our fall trip folks!

North Mills - a comfort zone

After much debate, we've decided to stick with the North Mills River for our base camp for this spring trip. Since we will have a pretty early start on Friday and nearly a full day of fishing, options for Saturday will be wide open. We'll go with the flow.

The Raven Fork trip we had previously considered will still happen, but on a different weekend. That weekend will be a bit more adventurous and exploratory. So, Dan & I will set aside time accordingly and report back.

I am excited people! Good times ahead!

Dan visits Raven Fork

Last month, Dan Singletary sent me an email about a recent trip to Raven Fork. I have his permission to share with you the informative excerpt:

I went back to the Ravensfork this past Monday and as expected it was fantastic. We absolutely slayed em. And I saw the largest fish I have ever seen (30+ inches...an absolute mule) The only question for us is where to camp. There is a monstrous field right by the river but it doesn't look like it is frequented by tent campers. There are, however quite a few spots for RV style campers (cough cough) that would be pretty much perfect for an airstream/ adjacent tent. Big Don's is right down the road and it looks awesome in a rustic, flyshop/RV hookups and breakfast kind of way. "Unique" in the best sense of the word. And just to clarify, I am not being sarcastic. This is destined to be good. A buddy of mine also told me that they have free crab legs on the weekends at Harrah's. There's a little of everything on the reservation!

Dan

Thanks Dan!

Sping Trip Planning: April 17 - 19

Where shall we fish?

Info on Raven Fork

Info on North Mills

October 2008 Trip

I don't particularly like camping in the rain, but it does keep the crowds away. By Saturday morning, the sun was out and a beautiful weekend was upon us. Sort of bizarre that there were virtually no fish in the North Mills River. Still, we had fun. The leaves were bright. The air was crisp. Sarcasm and criticism were thick. It was great.

Next trip - October 24, 2008

Time for you to get approval from your head of household. Good luck. Hope to see you on the fall trip. Maybe the Davidson River this time!

April trip - good times!

Trip Checklist for April 18

Sleeping bag - this is the only real essential. I think it's safe to say we are all unwilling to share. I also recommend a sleeping mat or cot.

Waders - If you plan to fish, this is also pretty essential. Sharing doesn't work for various reasons.

License - Click here, buy it online today, including the special trout stamp, print and bring it with you.

Shayne will provide for community use:

• Rice
• Beans
• Oatmeal
• Bread
• Bologna
• Mayonnaise
• Water
• Paper plates
• Plastic utensils
  
• Paper towels
  
• Stove
  
• Grill (Tim - I'm bringing the grill.)
• Lantern
• Cards
  
• Firewood & starter logs
  
• Cooler (2)
• Fly rod & reel (1 extra available for the group)
• Fishing Vest (2)
• Net (1)
• Polarized Sunglasses (2)
• Flies (2 boxes with limited selection)
  

The following items are optional but recommended:

• Chair
  
• Meat for the grill
• Flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
• Warm clothes
• Cigars
• Beverages of choice
• Mug or cup
  
• Rain jacket
• Fly rod & reel
• Net
• Knife, small pliers, and nail clippers for fishing
  
• Flies (Charleston Angler is a good place. Generally I use small stuff - sizes 18-24)
• Leaders & tippet (Generally I use a 7.5' leader 5x, and a 5 or 6x tippet.)
• Your sense of humor (Actually, this is not optional; it's required.)
  

April 18 - North Mills River

Just over two weeks to go. We've decided on the big tent at the North Mills Campground (no Airstream). I am excited people!

Next fishing trip is April 18

Leaning towards a trip to the Davidson River with the Airstream.

I still owe you pictures from the fall trip to North Mills. (Scott - send me those pictures homey!)

The Meal Plan for this week

Friday lunch
Bread (Nature's Own wheat)
Mayonnaise (Duke's)
Bologna (Carolina Pride or Oscar Mayer)
Chips (Cape Code)
Drinks (Cherry Coke)

Friday Dinner
Steak (Ribeye, 1" thick)
Rice (Lipton Parmesan)
Green beans
Dessert (Pecan Sandies)

Saturday Breakfast
Grits (regular)
Eggs
Bacon
Onion
Bell pepper
Cheese (slided American or shredded cheddar)

Saturday Lunch
Bread (Nature's own wheat)
Mayonnaise (Duke's)
Bologna (Carolina Pride or Oscar Mayer)
Chips (Cape Code)
Drinks (Cherry Coke)

Saturday Dinner
Chicken (cooked white meat in pouch)
Rice (Lipton)
Bean (Bush's Baked, Original)
Dessert (More Pecan Sandies)

Sunday breakfast
Oatmeal (Honey & Nuts)

Sunday lunch
Drive-thru (or maybe BBQ place in Davidson)

General
Water
Coffee
Creamer
Spices
Paper plates
Paper towels
Plastic utensils
"Grape Juice"

October 19

The October trip is approaching fast. Get your act together!
Yours truly,
Shayne