What I Wish I Could Write About

Yes, that's me finally with a fishing rod in my hand again. I wish I could write that I spent the day reeling in all kinds of big trout, but I'm opting for the real story behind the picture for the sake of blog integrity.





I woke up Saturday morning incredibly idealistic. So, soon after finishing our morning cup of coffee, I proposed to Nate that we load the truck with our camping gear, fishing gear, biking gear, stroller, and large, unruly dog (a tall order even for a full size pick up) and head to either the Madison or Big Hole River for the night. I thought we could trade off fishing/biking and watching Claire while enjoying the great outdoors. Thankfully, my more pragmatic husband brought me back to reality, and we settled on a day trip to the Ruby River with fishing gear, Nate's bike, and no dog. We've still been having fairly wintry weather around here, so the rivers aren't in great fishing shape, being very muddy and high, still, I was optimistic. Of course, after a two hour drive to the Ruby River, it wasn't fishable, Claire is over being in the car seat, and there's no good spot for Nate to ride his bike. Now what? At least the scenery is nice. (see picture below) We decide to head back to the Madison River and try some fishing in that area. On the way back we stopped at a little creek, Alder Creek, famous for being one of the first big gold mining strikes in Montana. We decide I should try fishing there, though I'm thinking it's still toxic from all the mining and there probably aren't any trout in there anyway. At least I got to wet a line, though after about 15 minutes I had it completely snarled from lack of casting practice. So, no fish.



We did finally make the Madison River about six hours after leaving home. (It would have taken us about an hour to get there if we had just gone there to begin with.) And I can report that Nate did catch two trout while I managed a short hike with Claire. However, we spent about seven hours in the car for those two fish. By the time we got home Claire was screaming, the car was trashed (filled with soggy goldfish, crumpled newspaper, dirty diapers, and tossed aside toys), and though we didn't earn it, Nate and I just wanted a beer!

P.S. I do still have high hopes for a day on the river this summer; I just think we'll suck it up and hire a babysitter next time.

P.P.S. Nate is enjoying part of his Father's Day gift this morning by going on an outing (fly fishing for carp) all by himself.