Question:

"LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they

didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019. This reminds me of something I learned the hard way….. on I-95 heading north in Florida there’s a billboard…. LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA… Oh, I think to myself… better buy now. So I did. Then I crossed into Georgia and gas is much much cheaper…. oops. Hunter

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019. This reminds me of something I learned the hard way….. on I-95 heading north in Florida there’s a billboard…. LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA… Oh, I think to myself… better buy now. So I did. Then I crossed into Georgia and gas is much much cheaper…. oops. Hunter

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g". — bill Theory don’t mean squat if it don’t work.

Response:

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g".

Nope, It was my first visit driving to Florida….. and driving back out of Florida.  I wasn’t pulling the trailer, I was in my 1996 Suburban.  I didn’t know about the price difference, I hadn’t bought gas in GA on the way down. /-: I thought it was funny that they had that LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA sign….. it cost me, but it was funny. Hunter

Response:

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g". Nope, It was my first visit driving to Florida….. and driving back out of Florida.  I wasn’t pulling the trailer, I was in my 1996 Suburban.  I didn’t know about the price difference, I hadn’t bought gas in GA on the way down. /-: I thought it was funny that they had that LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA sign….. it cost me, but it was funny. Hunter

I have successfully restrained myself from commenting further. — bill Theory don’t mean squat if it don’t work.

Response:

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY.

I probably should have posted a link in my previous message. Here it is: http://www.taxfoundation.org/variousrates.html — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

Response:

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY. I probably should have posted a link in my previous message. Here it is: http://www.taxfoundation.org/variousrates.html

        I assure you those tax rates are *way* wrong- heck, we have a $.05/gallon *county* tax. The table at http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/gasol… (which is from a little more than a year ago) give the Florida state gas tax as $.136/gallon-($.259 for diesel)  with a footnote that various other taxes add an average of $.123/gallon.         That said- Florida has no income tax, so gas taxes are, IMHO, the best way to charge the user for the service. — Chris Bryant Bryant RV Services- http://www.bryantrv.com

Response:

I saw a clever gimmick when we were in California in July.  We were staying just outside of the west entrance to Yosemite and there was a gas station there with a big sign – "LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019.On the other side, at Wawone, there is also a station selling for the same price – just nothing in the valley.

Response:

Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters.

Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking!

Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking! Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

I’m sure most people do the same as we do.  If traveling gas is higher than expected, we just cut back in other areas, usually dining out.  Too bad for the restaurants but we allot a certain amount for traveling and we would rather cut back on dining out than miss some side trip.  We’ll remember the scenery long after we would have forgotten the meal. LZ

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking! Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

Wail, down here WM’s gone into the used car business – put up a building in the parking lot for a sales office, roped off a couple of lanes, and installed a heavy-duty turntable. Of course, if the CGs in the area are getting $10 for full hookups, WM might only charge $3 for dry camping and $7 for full … (c8

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that. Yep, and everything else we buy.  How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

Nope.  It’s because there are alternatives and therefore competition. If beef is high, you buy pork or chicken and soon beef comes down.  If you need gas to go to work, you jolly well pay the price.  I appreciate those who stop traveling when gas prices go up, as it takes the pressure off those who still want to travel. The part about what the market can bear is only partly true where food is concerned.  Many foods are seasonal in nature, so you eat your fill when they are cheap and pass them by when they are expensive.  Freezers allow you to take advantage of sales and stockpile food but it is not easy to stockpile gasoline and still have it with you on the road.   It’s true our gas is cheap compared to most other countries but we don’t tax gasoline to pay a good share of our social welfare costs as these countries do. LZ

Response:

How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

True, they don’t. But gas stations need to post only four prices to cover just about everybody. Anyway, to answer your question, assuming you were serious (and maybe you weren’t): RVers are probably more aware of fuel prices than food prices, because we have lifestyles that can be directly affected by fuel prices (over which we really have no control) — and while everybody has to eat, on the road and at home, there are food choices to suit every budget and taste. GB in NC

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets. True, they don’t. But gas stations need to post only four prices to cover just about everybody. Anyway, to answer your question, assuming you were serious (and maybe you weren’t): RVers are probably more aware of fuel prices than food prices, because we have lifestyles that can be directly affected by fuel prices (over which we really have no control) — and while everybody has to eat, on the road and at home, there are food choices to suit every budget and taste. GB in NC

Yeah, I do the same thing.  I buy where I get the best price.  Always have.  And it is not just RVers that complain about the prices.  I used to commute 35 miles to work.  Fuel price was pretty important to me then too.  But when you get down to it the extra cost for gasoline is not as much as one might expect.  Of course it depends on how much travel you do.  Assuming 20K miles per year and if you get 10 MPG = 2000 gallons. If you pay as much as 20 cents extra that is $400 a year.  A little over a dollar a day.   10K miles per year would probably be more reasonable = $200 a year extra.   Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. But as with any commodity you charge what you can get.  The like the hotels the RV parks would charge $100 a night if they thought they could get the customers.  Watch out!!  WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking!  I guess they figure the goodwill is worth that much.

Response:

   I assure you those tax rates are *way* wrong- heck, we have a $.05/gallon *county* tax.

I see that, and that some counties are over 10 cents. It is clear that Florida is grossly represented in the table I pointed to, but many other states are right on or very close. It is probably impossible to compile a simple table that takes everything into account, since some states tax only on dollar amount (fuel-specific, not referring to the general sales taxes), and many add sales tax, including tax on the other taxes. The net effect, though, is that with only a couple of exceptions, most states have "final" rates in the 15-30 cent range, with the point being that it does not come close to explaining the 70-80 cent range typically found around the country. — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

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You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices. I believe you.  That is, I believe you’ll never be convinced to anything about which you’ve made up yer mind.  It is, of course, foolhardy to believe there are NO "local cabals", but what some folks perceive as conspiracy is more often snooping around to see what the market will bear. Not illegal OR immoral. Will KD3XR

In that case I need to hang a big sign on the side of a truck and park it near the freeway.  I could let people know that gas is 15 cents per gallon cheaper not too many miles down the road. Wonder how they would like THOSE apples?  Think gas prices would come down?  I bet they would. LZ

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that.

Yep, and everything else we buy.  How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ You might check on variance in local taxes. Some Metro areas include extra taxes for mass transit or anything the govmint decides.

Not applicable in this case.  I don’t know where Detroit Lakes is, but seem to remember lots of Indian Reservations in Manysoda.

The White Earth reservation is not far north of there but I doubt that is the reason.  Last week I took the same roads and bought gas for $1.30 only 45 miles up the road, at least a hundred miles from the nearest res.  We have one in East Texas selling gas with no taxes, so much cheaper.

We travel through many Indian reservations and I have never seen a significant difference.  A few cents at most. LZ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – MTV — "MTV" Reply needs modification to work, or in Outlook Express send New Norton AV for any virus.

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Prices over here vary by state, largely due to variations in the state gas taxes. That is commonly mentioned, but hard to work out in reality.

Okay, I bow to your greater wisdom. I haven’t bothered to check tax rates — I just watch the prices as I drive. You saw a variation of 26 cents per gallon. As of December 31, 2001, only two states had rates less than 4 cents per gallon, Florida and Alaska, neither on your route. North Carolina was 24.3 cents, and Vermont was 19 cent.

That’s interesting. Gas at stations throughout VT was a nickel to a dime more than at comparable stations that I know about in NC. And while of course I didn’t encounter GA or FL on this trip, GA always has *far* lower prices than FL. I would have assumed the tax to be lower in GA. (I know — that’s what I get for assuming.) I don’t know your route, but the highest I can find in states you might have passed through was Rhode Island at 28 cents (highest state of all). Connecticut was 25 cents per gallon. At the other end, the lowest would be New Jersey at 10.5 cents.

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY. We paid the most in CT and MA and the least in VA — but of course we didn’t buy gas in every state. We have a range of "up to" <g 500 miles, but I usually refuel at between 250 and 400. GB in NC

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ

Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that.

Response:

We drove 2600+ miles in nine days and averaged 15+ mpg — using mostly secondary roads and driving more slowly than usual. We paid anywhere from $1.199 to $1.459. (Prices over here vary by state, largely due to variations in the state gas taxes.)

That is commonly mentioned, but hard to work out in reality. You saw a variation of 26 cents per gallon. As of December 31, 2001, only two states had rates less than 4 cents per gallon, Florida and Alaska, neither on your route. North Carolina was 24.3 cents, and Vermont was 19 cent. I don’t know your route, but the highest I can find in states you might have passed through was Rhode Island at 28 cents (highest state of all). Connecticut was 25 cents per gallon. At the other end, the lowest would be New Jersey at 10.5 cents. Out here where I am in California, the state gas tax is 18 cents. Prices locally vary between 1.839 and 1.859, down about 4 cents over the past 3 months. Reason given is the cost of barging it into Humboldt Bay is high. There are only two distributors (regardless of the brand of station you go to, you will find the same plain silver tankers filling them up). The argument falls apart, though, when you visit smaller communities 50 miles away serviced by the same tankers filled from the same barges, and the price will be lower. Presumably, as Will says, the demand/supply ratio is higher here in the population centers around the bay, so we pay more because they can get more. — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

Response:

Hi from a newbie,

Hi, Andy, and welcome. $1.50 a gallon, makes me wish I lived in America, prices over here in UK are

Question:

Oh my heart is won, there is no doubt, but I would be a most unworthy lout, were I to dally, with a gentle lady gay, quite apart from what my wife would say! So be it then, friendship

Question:

It all depends on the type of fishing and the material the rod is made from.  I don’t care for Bamboo rods over 7.5 feet, Fiberglass rods over 8 feet and Graphite rods over 9 feet.  When fishing small streams I prefer shorter rods because you can move through the brush easier. When fishing lakes and large rivers long rods are better. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have decidet to buy Loop green line rod aftm 5-6. Only problem is the rod`s length, 8,8 feet or 9,3 feet(no 9feet  )? What is the differense between these length in fishing? Im castin in a midle size river. My previously rod was 9 feet.

Response:

For general fishing purposes the longer the rod the better, up to a certain point, so I would go for the nine foot three inch model.   A great fly-caster I once knew was of the opinion that 9

Question:

I’m getting away from DC for a weekend soon.  Any recommendations for a good fly fishing spot near the Blue Ridge in VA or WV?  Thanks.

Response:

J. A nice weekend would be one of three places.  Closest to you would be a B&B in Edinburgh Va. over in the Valley.  Harry Murray’s fly shop is there and he can direct you to Big Stony Creek and others.  Next closest would be Warm Springs VA. about 3.5 hours away.  For cheap lodging I recommend the Roselow Motel.  About $40 or$50 a night and nice accommodations.  Try the Steak house across the street next to the high school.  To fish head to the Poor Farm Road (Rt. 621) area of the Jackson River.  Follow the road to the end (becomes dirt) and park at the LAST possible parking area.  Hike about 1/2 mile south along the river to the Special Regs. section.  Lastly try Damascus Va.  About 6 hours away.  So many streams I can’t list them all. Try the South Fork of the Holston or Laurel Creek.  Two trout streams converge in town.  Several nice B&B’s in town.  Now, Stay the hell off the Rappahannock this weekend!  Above Fredericksburg the smallmouth WILL NOT be hitting everything you throw at them.  The water temperature WILL NOT be perfect!  The rains HAVE NOT flushed and oxygenated the water!  The guy flailing the water fruitlessly with terrible casts knows NOTHING about fishing and is a danger to everyone around him.  DO NOT GO THERE!!!!  GO FAR AWAY!! Wayne (from Spotsylvania) To fish is human…to release Divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m getting away from DC for a weekend soon.  Any recommendations for a good fly fishing spot near the Blue Ridge in VA or WV?  Thanks.

Response:

Question:

I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there.

You found no guidance because Sage has a dirty little secret.  They do not make any rods in Seattle.  All they do is relabel Orvis’s seconds. All the best conspiracy theories are utterly groundless. Keep your stick on the ice, Thos.

Response:

Anybody know if GLoomis does factory tours / sells seconds(blems) since they are also in Washington (abeit the Southern end). Hatch – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there. Thanks in advance, Sid remove thisaint for email

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there. You found no guidance because Sage has a dirty little secret.  They do not make any rods in Seattle.  All they do is relabel Orvis’s seconds. All the best conspiracy theories are utterly groundless. Keep your stick on the ice, Thos.

Orvis rods are built by St. Croix.

Response:

Yea they do, but I am not sure there prices are all that great.  If you are real serious and can build something with your hands, then you need to look at Sage seconds on their blanks.  A store in Seattle, I beleive it is Anthony’s Fly Shop (if that ends up being wrong, let me know and I will see if I can dig up the correct info) used to sell Sage second blanks for $80.  I built my first one this way and I love it. Just a thought, Curtis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anybody know if GLoomis does factory tours / sells seconds(blems) since they are also in Washington (abeit the Southern end). Hatch I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there. Thanks in advance, Sid remove thisaint for email

Response:

I believe it is actually Patrick’s Fly Shop in Seattle (on Eastlake Avenue) that sells Sage seconds. They’re pretty close to the Eastlake Zoo tavern, if that helps (and I know it helps me). Sid remove thisain for email replies – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yea they do, but I am not sure there prices are all that great.  If you are real serious and can build something with your hands, then you need to look at Sage seconds on their blanks.  A store in Seattle, I beleive it is Anthony’s Fly Shop (if that ends up being wrong, let me know and I will see if I can dig up the correct info) used to sell Sage second blanks for $80.  I built my first one this way and I love it. Just a thought, Curtis Anybody know if GLoomis does factory tours / sells seconds(blems) since they are also in Washington (abeit the Southern end). Hatch I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there. Thanks in advance, Sid remove thisaint for email

Response:

I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there.

I stopped by the Sage factory yesterday. Nice place with a casting pool behind. Does anyone know how a rod factory got built in such prime land. Ron Looi www.geocities.com/RainForest/2730/

Response:

I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there. Thanks in advance, Sid remove thisaint for email

Response:

I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there. Thanks in advance, Sid remove thisaint for email

Hi Sid, Sage does not sell direct or from the factory. The best bet is to get a blank if you are looking to save money. Get a part time job in a fly shop? Open a fly shop? Date a girl who’s father has a fly shop? Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Do you have a daugther available?   On second thought, my wife my object and she’s been pretty supportive of my fishing "habit" so far.  ;-) Hatch – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, I was thinking about visiting the Sage factory on Bainbridge and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Has anybody tried this? Does Sage even have a customer facility at their factory on Bainbridge? I checked their website, but found no guidance there. Thanks in advance, Sid remove thisaint for email Hi Sid, Sage does not sell direct or from the factory. The best bet is to get a blank if you are looking to save money. Get a part time job in a fly shop? Open a fly shop? Date a girl who’s father has a fly shop? Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

I’m thinking about buying a Sage rod. Since I live in Seattle, … and seeing if they sell anything direct from the factory that I might be able to get at a lower cost. Date a girl who’s father has a fly shop?

Rather few and far between! most of the fly shop owners proprietors of my acquaintence are too obsessed with FF to have time for things as mundane as wives, families or sex. Ralph H

Response:

Question:

The main thing is, beef up your terminal gear. 0X fluorocarbon is a greatchoice. Nine foot is a goo length, tapered. Intermediate shooting head seems to be better than a floater – cuts wind and waves better. Charlies and gotchas are usually good, but when in doubt and in the usual 3-4 ft of water, I tie on a lightly weighted size 2 ultrashrimp. Nice chunk of meat substitute for big bones. Probably too big if the water is shallow. The Battenkill is a tough call. I caught bones on a Battenkill 8/9, but took care to clean out the salt afterward. If you hook a 9-10 lb bone, you might get spooled. I caught a 29 inch bone in Aruba (9.5lbs?) that almost spooled me with an Abel 3 reel (8wt head, 100 ft running line, 200 yds 30lb dacron backing). Think about it. One other thing: Before you make cast number one, just stand still and watch the ebb and flow of the water around you for 10 – 15 minutes (if you can stand it). Bones are like trout – find their feeding lanes and cruising lanes, and cast where they live. Be prepared for the time of your life. Salt water can ALMOST spoil you for anything else. FlyFisherRay

Response:

I have never been bonefishing before and I’m wondering if any of you have any advice for me. I have an 8wt Sage and regular floating line on a Orvis Battenkill reel. I don’t own any bonefish flies. I am wondering what I will need to make my trip this C-mas to the Bay islands of Honduras a successfull one. Will a regular floating line work? What type of leader size and length is typical? Can I wade in TEVAs or tennis shoes? Should I bring a 6wt rod as well? Has anyone been to or heard anything about the Bay islands? We will be at the largest one called Roatan or something like that. Any advice I could get that would help me get my first Bone would be appreciated. What about barracuda? I know some of you out there have experience in the salt, won’t you help a poor landlocked chump out? Brady

Hi Brady, Your outfit will be fine. I would get the stiffest 9′ 0x knot less tapered leaders with matching 0x tippet material. Use a bead eyed Charlie type bonefish fly for sand bottoms and a snapping shrimp type pattern for turtle grass flats. good colors are brown, tan, olive and pink. Take some small crab imitations in tan or olive for permit. Get a long needle fish imitation with a wire leader for cudas. I always take some light colored small/medium salt water poppers and some small/medium salt water streamers. A hat, Polarized glasses and sun screen are important.  Casting skill is very important in salt water fly fishing, so be sure to work on that a bit. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

I’ve been to Belize a few times but not Honduras. The 8wt should be fine but the Battenkill reel probably won’t hold up. Get a disk drag saltwater reel (SA System 2 or equivalent at least). The line should be OK too but there are some special lines made for salt water that you should look at. They tend to be more of a shooting taper and a little stiffer so they don’t sag as much in hot weather. I have had the best luck with Crazy Charlies and Permit Puffs as flies. For barracuda try a needlefish imitation and strip _real_ fast with both hands. As far as wading, it depends on the bottom. Some flats are very soft and can’t be waded very well. I fished primarily from a boat in Belize. Have a great time and try to see some ruins as well. I have never been bonefishing before and I’m wondering if any of you have any advice for me. I have an 8wt Sage and regular floating line on a Orvis Battenkill reel. I don’t own any bonefish flies. I am wondering what I will need to make my trip this C-mas to the Bay islands of Honduras a successfull one. Will a regular floating line work? What type of leader size and length is typical? Can I wade in TEVAs or tennis shoes? Should I bring a 6wt rod as well? Has anyone been to or heard anything about the Bay islands? We will be at the largest one called Roatan or something like that. Any advice I could get that would help me get my first Bone would be appreciated. What about barracuda? I know some of you out there have experience in the salt, won’t you help a poor landlocked chump out? Brady

– Charlie…

Response:

I have never been bonefishing before and I’m wondering if any of you have any advice for me. I have an 8wt Sage and regular floating line on a Orvis Battenkill reel. I don’t own any bonefish flies. I am wondering what I will need to make my trip this C-mas to the Bay islands of Honduras a successfull one. Will a regular floating line work? What type of leader size and length is typical? Can I wade in TEVAs or tennis shoes? Should I bring a 6wt rod as well? Has anyone been to or heard anything about the Bay islands? We will be at the largest one called Roatan or something like that. Any advice I could get that would help me get my first Bone would be appreciated. What about barracuda? I know some of you out there have experience in the salt, won’t you help a poor landlocked chump out?  Brady

Response:

Question:

I am going to be in the Dominican Republic in the next month.  Has anyone heard of any fly fishing there, either fresh or salt water?  Any information would be appreciated.

Response:

I am going to be in the Dominican Republic in the next month.  Has anyone heard of any fly fishing there, either fresh or salt water?  Any information would be appreciated.

Chris, I lived in the DR for a couple of years back in the 60s. Can’t say there would be much freshwater flyfishing; it’d be dangerous in any case. The fresh water streams are infected with Bilharzia. The eastern end of the island has a nice relatively shallow bay, Samana, bordered on the north and south by the eastern ends of the Cordillera Septentrional and the Cordillera Central. It is (or was) a great area for scuba diving, and probably is for fishing, too. Good luck. I envy you, especially at this time of year. Luther

Response:

Thanks for the information.  By the way, what is Bilharzia?   It sounds like some kind of unpleasant parasite and doesn’t seem encouraging for any backcountry exploration.     – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am going to be in the Dominican Republic in the next month.  Has anyone heard of any fly fishing there, either fresh or salt water?  Any information would be appreciated. Chris, I lived in the DR for a couple of years back in the 60s. Can’t say there would be much freshwater flyfishing; it’d be dangerous in any case. The fresh water streams are infected with Bilharzia. The eastern end of the island has a nice relatively shallow bay, Samana, bordered on the north and south by the eastern ends of the Cordillera Septentrional and the Cordillera Central. It is (or was) a great area for scuba diving, and probably is for fishing, too. Good luck. I envy you, especially at this time of year. Luther

Response:

Question:

For some reason I got a notice that said this group has been deleted?  Does it still exist? Pete – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – someone has posted a nekkid .jpg in the fishing pictures group.   Have you reported it to net.abuse.*?

Response:

CAN I SEE SOME PICTURES

Response:

CAN I SEE SOME PICTURES

 what do you wnat to see? naked fish?

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: Have you reported it to net.abuse.*? : Unfortunately, that’ll be akin to blowing against the wind… : The professional spam artists (how’s that for an oxymoron?) seek out groups : with "binaries" as part of the name and bombard them with ads for their porn : sites. Get used to it – it’ll only get worse as the group propagates around : Usenet… Which is one reason I hate GUI newsreaders. All they do is allow stupid people to abuse the newsgroups. Even the binaries newsgroups had little trouble before Netscape and others like it allowed you to view pictures directly from the newsgroups. USENET predates the internet but if things keep up like this USENET will soon be just a minor website. It sucks. BiNM

Response:

someone has posted a nekkid .jpg in the fishing pictures group.   Have you reported it to net.abuse.*?

Unfortunately, that’ll be akin to blowing against the wind… The professional spam artists (how’s that for an oxymoron?) seek out groups with "binaries" as part of the name and bombard them with ads for their porn sites. Get used to it – it’ll only get worse as the group propagates around Usenet… Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.       Alpha Server Engineering < < Parker Street Campus            Maynard, Massachusetts   < <        Charter Member of "Curmudgeons Unlimited"       < <<<<<<<<<<<< AMA 548313 <<<<<<<<<<<< Disclaimer: Opinion and content is mine alone, and unlikely             to be shared by my employer, etc…

Response:

TimW Of course, one could argue that this is a pic showing the source of fly tying materials for the "Hairy Mary".

Well, at least you made your post fly-tying related.  Just be glad it wasn’t a related photograph showing the source for Tup’s Indispensible. *<|:-#)=-   (Santa Smiley) -Clyde

Response:

someone has posted a nekkid .jpg in the fishing pictures group. Have you reported it to net.abuse.*?

No, but I will… TimW

Response:

Further evidence that people like us that venture forth into the malodorous backwaters of the unmoderated usenet need to be on our toes for *anything*, and that maybe this is *not* a good place for the squeamish and children, someone has posted a nekkid .jpg in the fishing pictures group.   Someday, the usenet will sport a web-page like rating system, but until then, please consider the neighborhood you are driving into… Just a warning… TimW Of course, one could argue that this is a pic showing the source of fly tying materials for the "Hairy Mary".

Response:

Question:

-40F temperatures

(Bud Kuenzli) writes: No no non! I straightened the boy out and reminded him how miserable it is here in winter. Another posting like that and I’ll look this guy up in the phone book and….ah hell, I’d probably end up buying him a beer and chuckling. Damn!

Yeah, you musta found that eating place. Yeah keep reminding people about the cold. In cyberspace after you get where you’re going you still don’t know where you are.

Yep.  Phone system too.

Response:

vacation, stick with Hawai -that’s what Alaskans do!

True, true, but when you live in Paradise, you must get Outside occasionally, and what better place to visit than Hawaii (aside from Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan 8^)? I still say miserable is in the eye of the beholder… Dave

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vacation, stick with Hawaii -that’s what Alaskans do!

Yeah what’s what some of my friends do: go ski Mauna Kea.

Response:

It was a great trip!

It was a tourist trip.  Not representative of life there (the sampling bias included summer, near the ocean, etc.).  Small details. However…. While it is a nice place to visit, I myself wouldn’t want to live there. From what I saw, my conclusion was this: To live in Alaska, a person should       (1) be nearly independently wealthy

Not necessary. and/or (2) be a rugged self-sufficient individualist.

The Alaskan women’s lament:         The odds are good, the goods are odd. It came at some distress to me that a couple of my male friends might be guilty of some of the abuse one hears about up there (not all just a couple).  Not an easy picture. Living in or near a major city (Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau) wouldn’t

"Lost Anchorage != Alaska"         [Not my words, merely a quote from friends in Fairbanks.] I don’t have any climate records handy but heard about winter temps that can be as low as -20 and -40 degrees F.

This is highly dependent upon ocean proxmity.  Interior temperatures get much colder and have other interesting consequences. Don’t allow my pessimistic statements detour you from your dreams. However, I STRONGLY advise you to VISIT Alaska BEFORE moving there.  

You aren’t pessimistic, in fact, your notes were on the tame side. You can read books, looks at pictures, and tabulate statistics, but there is no substitute for the actual experience.           Bingo. Go and spend a month traveling around the cities and rural areas.   Most cities/towns have some sort of Chamber of commerce, or a visitors information center.  Get to know the local people;

Panel 26: alt.culture.alaska.

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It was a great trip! It was a tourist trip.  Not representative of life there (the sampling bias included summer, near the ocean, etc.).  Small details.

Alaska is nowhere. Don’t bother going there. It’s cold, dark and miserable in winter. In summer the prices are jacked up for the tourists and the people are rude and the roads are lousy. It rains in the south and there’s nothing to see around Fairbanks at all. Talk about a crummy place – I’d just drive right through that place! But Anchorage is pretty with the Mountains and ocean. It’s a nice spot that’s worth spending time at. (hi, Eugene   ) — Bud Kuenzli WL7CIK XLTRMK In cyberspace after you get where you’re going you still don’t know where you are.

Response:

Suitably warned! (Bud Kuenzli) writes: Alaska is nowhere. Don’t bother going there. It’s cold, dark and miserable in winter. In summer the prices are jacked up for the tourists and the people are rude and the roads are lousy. It rains in the south and there’s nothing to see around Fairbanks at all. Talk about a crummy place – I’d just drive right through that place! But Anchorage is pretty with the Mountains and ocean. It’s a nice spot that’s worth spending time at.

You left out infested with killer, blood thirsty, man-eating mosquitos (female). Then there’s winter stagnent air which hangs over Fairbanks….. Square tires. We need to introduce you to the high religion of Vail.  R.s.a. has started moving to the fine are of selective editing. (hi, Eugene   )

Hi Bud!  You must have found the crab place 8^).

Response:

: Alaska is nowhere. Don’t bother going there. It’s cold, dark and miserable : in winter. In summer the prices are jacked up for the tourists and the : people are rude and the roads are lousy. It rains in the south and there’s : nothing to see around Fairbanks at all. Talk about a crummy place – I’d : just drive right through that place! But Anchorage is pretty with the : Mountains and ocean. It’s a nice spot that’s worth spending time at. Bud, I guess there are some things you can control and others that you can’t. No sense complaining about the weather but… You forgot to mention how nice Vail is. Vail.  That’s the ticket. Dave Mann           | "It is impossible, or not easy, to do                     |  noble acts without the proper equipment."

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – says… I would suggest to visit in the not so pleasent Winter also before moving up here. Winter. Winter is quite pleasant. 8^) I agree… fewer tourists, more relaxed pace, less crowded and, winter colors are wonderful…

NONSENSE ! Winter in Alaska is MISERABLE. It’s COLD, it’s DARK, there’s NOTHING to do. NOBODY would enjoy it unless they are masochists. If you want a good winter vacation, stick with Hawai -that’s what Alaskans do! — Bud Kuenzli WL7CIK XLTRMK In cyberspace after you get where you’re going you still don’t know where you are.

Response:

(Fuminous Bandersnatch) writes: …Beautiful sunrises of pinks and purples and fluorescent oranges. Also,  sun dogs, air pockets that refract light commensurate with their varied temperatures.  It’s not unusual to have ground level -40 and 100ft straight up a temperature of +20.  The differences in air density can produce "double vision" i.e., two suns.

Keep those -40F temperatures coming. Continue injecting some of that reality! Where else can such meterological oddities be seen???

South Pole, Antarctica, Siberia, Greenland, NWT, Yukon. Ref: Rainbows, Halos, and Glories by Greenly. and nifty people, too.  Yep… winter’s OK by me… for a month.

Yep.

Response:

(Fuminous Bandersnatch) writes: …Beautiful sunrises of pinks and purples and fluorescent oranges. Also,  sun dogs, air pockets that refract light commensurate with their varied temperatures.  It’s not unusual to have ground level -40 and 100ft straight up a temperature of +20.  The differences in air density can produce "double vision" i.e., two suns. Keep those -40F temperatures coming. Continue injecting some of that reality!

No no non! I straightened the boy out and reminded him how miserable it is here in winter. Another posting like that and I’ll look this guy up in the phone book and….ah hell, I’d probably end up buying him a beer and chuckling. Damn! — Bud Kuenzli WL7CIK XLTRMK In cyberspace after you get where you’re going you still don’t know where you are.

Response:

I would suggest to visit in the not so pleasent Winter also before moving up here.

Winter. Winter is quite pleasant. 8^)

Response:

says… I would suggest to visit in the not so pleasent Winter also before moving up here. Winter. Winter is quite pleasant. 8^)

I agree… fewer tourists, more relaxed pace, less crowded and, winter colors are wonderful…Beautiful sunrises of pinks and purples and fluorescent oranges.  There is/was an ice cream bar, I think called "sidewalk sundae" that’s vanilla ice cream covered with orange sherbert.  Those are the colors but with pastel grape and hot pink bubble gum thrown in.  Sunsets aren’t from the pastel palette rather, hunter orange, a narrow band of turquoise blending to an ever darkening grape jello.   It’s hard to look at.  The orange so bright and the jello so dark, contrast is beyond what my eyes can comfortably accommodate. But, because sun set/rises occur slowly (at this latitude), there is a point that viewing is possible- provided ice fog will allow.  "Icebows"- like a rainbow but from ice occur too…  Really neat.  Also,  sun dogs, air pockets that refract light commensurate with their varied temperatures.   It’s not unusual to have ground level -40 and 100ft straight up a temperature of +20.  The differences in air density cane produce "double vision" i.e., two suns.  Where else can such meterological oddities be seen???  and nifty people, too.  Yep… winter’s OK by me… for a month.

Response:

I would suggest to visit in the not so pleasent Winter also before moving up here.  I and my family love it but it is not for everyone.  That’s one of the reasons I love it.  It will take a long time before the "Californacators" get up here.  You won’t how-ever find a more friendly, caring and energetic bunch of people anywhere. Ace in Two Rivers, Ak

Response:

Am interested in moving to Alaska.  Would like to visit first.  Anyone here been there?  Please share as much information as you wish concerning topics related to weather, jobs, favorite spots, village life, etc. Thanks to all.

Response:

Am interested in moving to Alaska.  Would like to visit first.  Anyone here been there?  Please share as much information as you wish concerning topics related to weather, jobs, favorite spots, village life, etc. Thanks to all. I went to Alaska for six weeks in 1984. It is, without question, beautiful all over. I was in anchorage for a couple days, then off to Fairbanks. We spent a week on the Tanana river, two weeks mountain climbing at Black Rapids (Gunnysack Mountain), and a week up at the Glacier in Denali. The other week was spent goofing off. We got there the last week of July; spent all of August there, and then a week of September. There was 24 hours of daylight at first, and by the end of the trip, it was snowing. Contrast. Big contrast. I noticed that everyone I talked to Loved Alaska. I thought, well, that makes sense. But then I got talking to this old lady taxi driver, and she made a profound observation. It was Summer, and all of the people who had spent the last winter there, and realized what the winter’s were all about, had left Alaska for somewhere else. Probably left during the last winter. She said people usually stay a season, and if they’re cut out for it, they stay. If they can’t they leave. Alaska just isn’t a wishy washy kind of place.  I kept noticing how healthy everything was. Everything from bugs to bears are like the top of the line. There isn’t much polution (yet), and living things just flourish. I Loved Alaska. There’s a piece of me still up there, and like the Grand Canyon, I would recommend anyone with even the vaguest of opportunities go! Go without question. But then, I haven’t wintered there. It’s a significant consideration. db

Response:

Am interested in moving to Alaska.  Would like to visit first.  Anyone here been there?  Please share as much information as you wish concerning topics related to weather, jobs, favorite spots, village life, etc.  Thanks to all.

Joyce –  I just spent 16 days (Aug 23 – Sept 7) in Alaska.  It was a package tour; traveled by bus, train, boat and foot.  Visited Anchorage, Valdez, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Tok, Chicken, Eagle, and then followed the Yukon River into Canada, visiting Dawson City and Whitehorse. We continued south back into Alaska and went to Skagway, Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Sitka, and finally flew out of Vancouver. (Whew!) Scenery was/is spectacular; mountains, meadows, rivers, islands and glaciers. It was Autumn up there during that time; the Popular trees were golden yellow. Weather was mild; temps = 40s to 60s F.  Saw much wildlife; bears (Grizzly, Black, Brown), caribou, moose, Bald Eagles, Daw-(spelling?)-Sheep (mountain goats), swans, seals, whales, salmon, etc.  We spent time in all the major cities as well as some of the rural outback towns.  Talked to permanent residents, part-time (summer) residents and the native (Indian) peoples. It was a great trip! However…. While it is a nice place to visit, I myself wouldn’t want to live there. From what I saw, my conclusion was this: To live in Alaska, a person should        (1) be nearly independently wealthy and/or (2) be a rugged self-sufficient individualist. The cost of living is rather high. Due to the remoteness of the entire state, most everything has to be shipped-in from the ‘Lower-48′ (generally out of Seattle).  This transportation by boat/plane/train can raise the price of an item anywhere from 30% to 80% (my rough estimate).  95% of all food has to be imported (fact).  I would guess similar percentages would apply to clothing, hardware, building supplies, etc.  Houses that would sell for 100K here in Tucson, cost 250K in Alaska.  Building over permafrost can add significant costs to a house.  Most sources of employment are dependent on the major industry which is tourism (running neck and neck with industrial fishing and logging). All of these are seasonal.   Tourism season runs from May through Sept; a five month window to earn an annual salary.  Some people I talked to had one job in Alaska during the summer then spent the winter working at another job somewhere else, someplace warm. Living in or near a major city (Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau) wouldn’t be too difficult.  But those who live in the rural ‘outback’ areas have to deal with some unique logistical problems.  Most of these towns have no (or very limited) grocery/hardware stores.  Getting something a simple as food or a tool can be a major project.  In the town of Eagle we were told that all groceries were ordered out of a catalog and delivered once every two weeks.  Eagle has a dirt road to it. Many towns do not have roads connecting them to the world; bush-planes are the only way in/out.   In these places, food and other supplies arrive about once a month or so.   Less often during the winter.  If a person has a medical problem and it is necessary to be flown to a major city, the transportation bill alone can run several thousands of dollars.  Many medical plans do not cover transportation costs. I don’t have any climate records handy but heard about winter temps that can be as low as -20 and -40 degrees F.   Any good local public or university library near you should have historical records from the National Weather Service.  While there you might also find some books on living in Alaska.  Please do some research to verify or disprove my impressions. Don’t allow my pessimistic statements detour you from your dreams. However, I STRONGLY advise you to VISIT Alaska BEFORE moving there.   You can read books, looks at pictures, and tabulate statistics, but there is no substitute for the actual experience.   Go and spend a month traveling around the cities and rural areas.   Most cities/towns have some sort of Chamber of commerce, or a visitors information center.  Get to know the local people; find out about the costs and living conditions/problems.   Best of luck to you on your journey.  |  Bruce Russell  : AZMET Lab = (520) 621-9742 : FAX = (520) 621-9796    |  |  Soil, Water Science Dept., 429 Shantz Bldg #38, Univ of AZ,           |  |  Tucson, AZ  85721                    http://ag.arizona.edu/~brussell  |

Response:

snip…chuckle chuckle I don’t have any climate records handy but heard about winter temps that can be as low as -20 and -40 degrees F.

You must have got a good laugh at those balmy temperatures. 8^) -75F (where our thermometer bottomed out – might have been a bit chillier) is our house’s record.  :) We keep a portable generator on-hand  in case we would have a power failure when it is cold. We need power to run the oil-furnace, but we have two fireplaces (not efficient) to help out when needed. I live outside Fairbanks. It gets fairly chilly at times.

While it is interesting visiting friends, there’s the little touches which make life there more bearable like the plugs for block heaters at every decent parking spot.  I had a chance to see the new elementary school (I should have taken a look at your high school while I was there). It is every things which I think most people are clueless about (you have running water at your house? none of my friends do).  First time I ever met some one with a Clivus at home (it was fun, as opposed to certain public places). I might be back toward the end of Feb. or early March to go climbing. Depends what happens winter 97-98. So did you get all-you-eat king crab?  Or have the owners folded and head South? 8^)

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snip…chuckle chuckle I don’t have any climate records handy but heard about winter temps that can be as low as -20 and -40 degrees F.   Any good local public or university library near you should have historical records from the National Weather Service.  While there you might also find some books on living in Alaska.  Please do some research to verify or disprove my impressions.

  There have been days when -40F seemed like a heat wave and that’s no exageration.  -75F (where our thermometer bottomed out – might have been a bit chillier) is our house’s record. We cut holes in our walls to let the air in the room get to the pipes in the walls so they wouldn’t freeze. We’ve just placed those sections back and take them out as needed – not often.  :)  :) We keep a portable generator on-hand  in case we would have a power failure when it is cold. We need power to run the oil-furnace, but we have two fireplaces (not efficient) to help out when needed. I live outside Fairbanks. It gets fairly chilly at times. — Bud Kuenzli WL7CIK XLTRMK In cyberspace after you get where you’re going you still don’t know where you are.

Response:

Wood – Tikchik State Park Kayaks are an enjoyable means of water- based transportation.  One need not be a seasoned kayaker to learn how to paddle effectively.  Our guides, all of whom are experienced paddlers, have a flare for teaching the various techniques. Come paddle with us through the nation

Question:

I’m only a few days from heading up to Yellowstone and southern Montana type of flys might work best?  I suppose that some elk hair caddis might be good.    thanks,            drex

I could help more if you had mentioned which areas of which rivers you plan to fish?  However, this time of year I never go to the Yellowstone area without flys for these hatches:         1. Baetis (Small blue wing olives):             – nymph ( size 18 Pheasant tails)         – emerger (size 18 & 20 RS2’s) usually fished as a nymph            before the hatch.         – Renee Harrop no hackles (in sizes 18 & 20)         – Adams (without wing)         2. Trico’s (females black size 20 to 22, Males olive size 20):         – Spinner ( blue dun wings) split tail and I add a  third             parachute wing so I can see the bloody things.  White             parachute wing for days).  When the fish are on trico             spinners don’t even bother fishing anything else.         –  Dun: dun hackles body colors above don’t bother with a              wing unless you need it to see it.  I clip the hackles to get             a lower float and I usually carry parachute versions.  I              don’t find the duns to be as inportant as the spinners.             Note the same flys work for baetis duns and Trico males,              i.e. olive no hackles and size twenty adams w/o wings.         – Dun

Response:

I’m only a few days from heading up to Yellowstone and southern Montana for a glorious week of fly fishing.  A few months ago, when I was planning this trip, I sent out requests for places to fish up there.  If there are any others that would like to share their knowledge of the area, I would certainly appreciate it.  My current plans are pretty loose, but we intend to fly into Jackson Hole(the one fly competition is going on there), and then drive up to Yellowstone.  Then we’ll make a big loop that will include West Yellowstone, up to Bozeman, across to Livingston, and then back down into Yellowstone.  Does anyone have advice on fishing this time of year and what type of flys might work best?  I suppose that some elk hair caddis might be good.         thanks,                 drex

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