Trout Park

Eva's friend Barry met us at a trout park here in Ogden to fly-fish a pond for large trout. Many large rainbows in this pond - as well as ducks. Caught my first duck on a fly rod! - she swam across my line and hooked her foot, I immediately broke her off so the barbless hook would dislodge soon and she wouldn't be harmed. Also caught many nice rainbows on dry flies, including the largest fish I've ever caught. The picture doesn't really show how big and we didn't measure because we needed to get it back in the water - but it was big and fat. Barney and Parker were nice enough to come join us and Barney netted several of the fish for me and Barry. He's liable to get the "bug". Very nice sunset over the Great Salt Lake as we returned to Eva's.

Golden Spike National Historic Monument at Promontory Summit

May 10, 1869, a ceremonial gold spike was tapped to complete the first transcontinental railroad in the world, setting off celebrations across the US and the world. The Central Pacific Railroad working from Sacramento and the Union Pacific working from Omaha completed what was considered an impossible project in opening up the west to trade and travel and economic development. The two locomotives pictured were re-recreated to original specifications for the National Historic site. At specified times of the day, they roll out, one at a time, to face each other at the original site. The Jupiter is a steam engine fueled by wood, and the No. 119 is fueled by coal. And yes, they are painted to represent the original colors. Very informative and interesting. With Barney and Della as tour guides, we then traveled into Idaho to Malad City for lunch and back to Ogden on a scenic route that included several stops. One was a humorous lane that featured dozens of old cowboy boots topping fence posts. Also stopped at a farm operated by friends of Barney and Della, which has several hundred acres and dairy cows. Also enjoyed a visit to a cheese factory store and loaded up on some very inexpensive, delicious products. We didn't realize that this area was such an incredible agricultural resource. Last stop was at Willard Bay Gardens, the wonderful nursery/landscaping business owned by Barney and Della. They have a great view of Willard Peak in back and a great sunset view over Willard Bay in front - Willard Bay is a fresh water lake that is separated from the Great Salt Lake by a system of dikes.

Click on the pictures

We know there are several friends and family that are just now starting to view the blog - a reminder to click on each picture for full size viewing.

Great Salt Lake; Antelope Island

After we all enjoyed a great Sunday lunch prepared by Eva (she is spoiling us with great meals), we toured Antelope Island today with Eva, Barney and Della (Eva's son and his wife),and Parker and his wife Danielle (Parker is the son of Barney and Della). The state of Utah has created a State Park on this island in the Great Salt Lake, which is a major habitat for birds, native and migratory. It is also home to large bison and antelope herds. According to the crew, the water levels of the lake are the lowest they've ever seen. It was unusual to see bison and antelope on the beach. As the afternoon got later, the bison started moving to higher ground, so we had to stop and let them cross the road. I have included a video of one big, bad bison that was off by himself making use of a boulder to scratch an itch - wish I could put it to music - it was pretty hilarious.

Saturday in Ogden

Eva took us on a tour up Ogden Canyon, where we stopped at The Oaks and had lunch beside the Ogden River - a great place to enjoy a meal outside on the cool deck. Visited the Trappist Monastery and some of the small communities outside of Ogden. Finished the day in the shade of Eva's porch, watching the hummingbirds. Hummingbirds have been regular visitors at every stop on our trip from New Mexico to Utah.

Flaming Gorge to Ogden

We took another designated Scenic Byway (state highway 191) up through a remote section of Wyoming to hit Interstate 80/84 to Ogden, UT. Along the Interstate, we could see many of the trains that are prevalent out here – Charlcie couldn’t resist snapping a picture out the window, since it is not a good idea to stop in the highway. Also had to get a picture of the windmill farm, which is similar to the ones we’ve seen in West Texas and East Kansas. A bonus on the road was a stop at an ice cream shop in Green River to share a fresh huckleberry shake – we look forward to more huckleberries as we move northward. Our purpose for traveling to Ogden is to visit my cousin Eva. She has been a favorite of mine since I was an early teenager and she used to visit us in Ft. Smith when she had breaks from college in Springfield, MO, and didn’t have the time to return to home in Wyoming. She, as much as anyone, unknowingly had an influence on my decision to attend college. Our families have always been very close and so we always look forward to any opportunities we have to get together.

Green River

The author of one of my fly-fishing reference books refers to the Green River as the best fly-fishing river in the country (well, actually tied with the White River in Arkansas). I would be hard-pressed to argue the point at this juncture in the trip. This is a fishery that I have to return to. It is obvious why John Wesley Powell named this river the “Green” when discovered on his western expedition. At the dam, unless you can have someone drop you off at the boat launch, access involves a steep descent down a well-maintained trail (the ascent at the end of the day would be the issue). But, there is a great trail that follows the river and provides uncrowded access for seven miles down to the next access area at Little Hole. Outstanding fishable water at the base of a 1,000 foot canyon and packed with many wild fish. Rainbows dominate the upper section, while browns are prevalent in the lower section. And I have to say, I restored my fly-fishing confidence on this river. From nymph fishing the areas below the dam, to terrestrial fishing on the edges at Little Hole, the fishing was successful and enjoyable. It is obvious what runs the economic engine in Dutch John, the very small community near the dam – two café/convenience/fishing/gas stores are the only commercial interests. As evidenced by the row of over a dozen mobile homes, with a drift boat outside each one, the guide business in the summer is huge – in fact, we have been advised that we need to do a float trip on the river to fully appreciate its bounty – hopefully next time!