Salsiccia To Drool Over

SELDOM SEEN AROUND HERE

Better Than A Pizza Parlor

seek it out for pure pleasure

WALLPAPER: THE WAY IT OUGHT TO BE

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.. Ready for the oven,
.. Rustic bread pizza crust, tomato sauce, olives, mushrooms, sausage, salsiccia, sliced mozzarella, shredded mozzarella, grated parmigiana, secret blend of herbs and spices, -- all lubricated with a bit of olive oil.  10 or 12 minutes at 450°.
.. Better than a mashed sandwich with a cold one for shore lunch.

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WALLPAPER:  Recuerdos de Yellowstone

Sunny Shore Lunch

NOT REALLY FISHING

Summer's Last Hurrah

it'll hold us through the winter

THE STUFF OF STORIES

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.. As seasonal weather approaches we can look back on the soft and salubrious days of Summer when the willows had only a hint of yellow. Of course the days ahead have their own charm - if not much warmth.
.. Our village is experiencing an exodus - of sorts. Hard core headhunters are streaming in while the majority of visitors are headed to more gentle weather in the southern parts of our country. They will miss the beautiful bluster of the impending FALL. Their loss.
.. The snow will put down the ragweed and bring the submarines home. See you in the conga line.

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WALLPAPER:  PLENTY OF ROOM AT THE INN

Really ?

MONTANA BLOGCON

We're The Token Fisher

a pleasant escape to luxury

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.. So then; we've been invited.
.. We accepted. We're not sure what it's all about but we'll let you know.
.. Right now it's raining and we're headed out the door for some catching.

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A Different Sort Of Slab

LOW AND SLOW

Don't Insult The Pig

eat as is or finish otherwise

WALLPAPER:   PORK SPARE RIBS

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.. We're trapped in the neighborhood merry go round. We cook. You cook. They cook. We all eat. It's the celebration of a few days without snow in what passes for Spring in the high country.
.. The neighbors enjoy the taste of pork - not BBQ sauce per se. Sauce in our part of the neighborhood is served alongside the meat. It's not used to disguise poor cooking technique or shoddy cuts of meat. They have told us that meat drenched in oceans of sauce is an insult to the animal and the cook.
.. Recipe:
     RUB,
          - Hungarian Sweet Paprika.
          - Spanish Smoked Paprika,
          - Minced Garlic,
          - Kosher Salt.
          - Fresh Ground Black Pepper,
          - Fresh Prepared Dry Mustard,
          - Fresh Ground Cumin,
          - Dark Brown Sugar,
          - (combine in proportions to taste.)
     THE PIG,
          - Slab of spare ribs.
     THE PROCEDURE,
          - Remove membrane,
          - Pierce rib meat with fork, (many times - both sides,)
          - Apply rub to both sides of slab,
          - Place slab, bones down, on large sheet of aluminum foil,
          - Add 1/2 cup of beer - or Dr. Pepper, or  Coca Cola, (under slab,)
          - Wrap tightly in aluminum foil, (use lots of foil in layers,)
          - Park package in refrigerator for no less than  12 hours,
          - Place on foil lined baking sheet,
          - Pop in preheated 350° F oven, (bones down,)
          - After an hour reduce heat to 225°- 250° F,
          - Don't look for 5 or 6 hours,
          - Pluck a piece to test for tenderness,
          - Eat as is or finish on BBQ grill or with smoker.

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WALLPAPER:  WINTER'S LEAVINGS ON THE FIREHOLE

           

Lowland Expedition

BRIEF VISITATION

Altered Agenda

ain't got no button box

RELICS FROM A BYGONE ERA

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.. A funny thing happened on the way to Missoula, Montana. We paused for some sightseeing and spent a couple of days on a pretty little river.
.. It sometimes runs along the side of Interstate 15 and is most inviting to fishers of the fly. It's original name was the Wisdom River: good enough for us.
.. We'd been thinking and driving and driving and thinking. We don't have a plastic button box with hundreds of super synthetic latest fashion flies in all sizes and colors.
.. We don't have a fly reel decorated with a dead head. We don't wear a ball cap advertising a mega corporation. We don't put that cap on our head so that the bill shades one ear or our neck.

WISDOM SPRING

.. We certainly don't have a fish pole with strands of unpronounceable fibers and girdled with twinkly spots of the latest resin. Our sticks are of bamboo and fiberglass. They have trained our muscles and reflexes. They fit. We're too old to change now.
.. We generally only drink beer with meals and would rather sip a fine malt with friends in quiet conversation.
.. We have an array of digital cameras but shoot more film for production work and publication. Our raiment is dated, tailored, mostly of wool and keeps us warm and doesn't change with passing fancy and the latest marketing campaign.
.. Our fedora is waxed and old. It's held up for several decades and still sheds water and shades us from the sunlight. We don't have to look forward to having bits of our ears whittled away because the bill on our cap was shading our neck.
.. We wear a tweed coat and carry some hand crafted fly boxes. Many of our reels were hand fitted and tuned sixty years or more ago. They still work fine and the fish don't seem to mind.
.. The torch has long since passed from us to the new breed of gonzo fishers. Beer for beer's sake. Drown fish in the air for an ego satisfying portrait. Go Pro to elevate personal accomplishments. Travel to exotic venues for "ad - venture."
.. Driving along the Montana byways is good for the soul. We no more needed to see the Orvis dog and pony show than we needed another hemorrhoid. They have decided that traditional dinosaurs like ourselves, (who wear tweed and sip Scotch Whiskey,) are a market that is unworthy of their marketing efforts. It's absolutely true. The market has shifted to the new royalty of fly fishing. That royalty has new ideas. It has new goals. It has caprice and whimsey. It has new money.
.. We enjoy a bit of solitude. We don't text our latest conquest to the world. We don't even cram our blog with advertisements to the detriment of information. We have the ability to change our itinerary and fish a spell on one of Montana's unsung jewels. Wisdom comes in many forms - even if the skwala didn't show and even if we don't have a button box. We caught a few fish too.
.. CLICK HERE FOR REPORT.

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WALLPAPER:  PULLED PORK, COLESLAW, BEANS, CORNBREAD, CAROLINA SAUCES

Melting

THREE 40° DAYS

Cool Nights

slushy tank traps in streets

WALLPAPER:  MELTWATER ICICLES

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Your Basic Nymph

.. The bottom has fallen out in town. Meltwater is under the snow.
.. A few redds have been spotted on the Madison River, (below the dam,) Between the Lakes. Can Spring be far behind? Probably!
.. We're taking our cue from the neighbors and laying in a supply of basic subsurface flies for the early part of the season. Even the itinerant guides are tying a bunch of basic nymphs. Fly size and depth will be important early on.
.. Obsessing about snow depth and snow water content is beginning to  dominate conversations at the post office, grocery store, hardware store, and at the pharmacy.
.. Despite the few warm days we've had there is still a bit of winter to come. For an excellent prognosis about the upcoming spring and the water situation check out the News Page At Parks' Fly Shop.

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WALLPAPER, (loaf #11):  SOURDOUGH HOAGIE BUNS

Light and Airy

FOR LARGE MIGRANTS

A Bit Off Center

the neighbors are swinging

WALLPAPER:  THIN WING STREAMER

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.. Into to the hint of Spring march our neighbors and the soon to spawn fish Between The Lakes.
.. Late Winter, (so far,) has been gentle and moist. It seems that the bitter cold has left us for the moment. Our days are bright and snowy. Temperatures just cold enough to keep the snow on the ground and warm enough to stir the catching lust among those that fish.
.. Many fishers, around here, abandon the streams for skiing or sledding or other cold weather activities. Some, (more than you'd think,) keep at it and they catch the hungry fish of Winter. The fisher folk are now switching from midges and other bits of fluff to streamers of various sorts.

THESE WORK TOO

.. Right now there is a brief window of opportunity to beguile large migrating fish that are on their way to sexual revels in the shallows.
.. These fish move, nay - are driven to the spawning gravels and are angry, aggressive, and hungry. Soon they will be just aggressive and there's little sport in that.
.. These two wallpaper flies are working wonders as we write. Simple little darlings they are. They are tied on 6x long Limerick hooks and take advantage of the keel-like properties of that design. They are also very sparse and wispy. Fleeting targets that induce firm or even violent strikes, (some of which miss entirely.)
.. These are fished in the seam between the main current and the soft water along the shore. Drift a bit - then short smooth jerks, - etc.
.. There are no formal names for these two flies. There  could be 50 of them in existence. Maybe a few more or less. The names used here are the current reference names that the fishers in the neighborhood are using at the moment. The flies have become fairly standardized over the last few years but there's always room for innovation. The neighbors have been at it for about two weeks and will now allow us to share them with you.

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SIMPLE RECIPES

Thin Wing Streamer
Hook: 6xl Limerick, (or other of your choice,)
Thread: Whatchagot,
Tail: Wood Duck Sprig,
Body: Gold colored metal tinsel,
Rib: Twisted silver wire,
Wing: Single pair white or light gray,
Overwing: A few bits of peacock herl,
Hackle: Red calf tail hair.


Sparse Wing Streamer
Hook: 6xl Limerick, (or your choice,)
Thread: Whatchagot
Tail: Elk inner thigh hair,
Body: Rear = yellow wool,   Front = orange wool,
Rib: Gold colored metal tinsel,
Wing: Calf tail in sparse layers = yellow, orange, red, chartreuse,
Hackle: White calf tail,
Eye: Herter's flat celluloid spade base eye, (optional.)

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WALLPAPER: SPARSE WING STREAMER

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

CHILLI RELLENO = BREAKFAST

Guacamole = Lunch

pepper steak = dinner

WALLPAPER: CHILI RELLENO

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.. We've been told that a balanced diet is important for success in catching trout in our neighborhood.
.. It's also been said that variety in food and flies is the spice for catching those trout.
.. The neighbors, bless their hearts, say that all food is better if it's made at home. We're doing our best.

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WALLPAPER: GUACAMOLE

WALLPAPER: PEPPER STEAK

Winter Wear

The Really Big Game

SUPER BOWL TAKES BACK SEAT

Neighbors Up Early For Big Race

55 miles at 14 mph

AN HOUR BEFORE THE START OF THE RACE THE CROWD GATHERS

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.. Some of the neighbors went fishing. Some of them slept in. A few even shoveled snow. Most of the neighbors,  however,  helped out with the West Yellowstone Leg of the International Pedigree Sled Dog Stage Stop Race.
.. Second, only to the Iditarod, this is the longest sled dog race in the United States. It covers over 300 miles in eight days and draws the top sled dog athletes from around the world.
.. An international contingent of 17 teams are entered in this year's race. From Scotland, Norway, Michigan, Wisconsin. Idaho, Canada, and other foreign countries, come the competitors. There are teams with ten dogs and those with twelve dogs.
.. There are six stops over ten days, similar to the Tour de France. The West Yellowstone stage is the longest and most complex. It covers over 55 miles and ends in Ashton, Idaho. The course crosses the Continental Divide, five rivers, an old railroad grade, and terrain ranging from flat out to climbing and descending twists.
.. The teams share some trails with skiers, and other trails with snowmobiles. The trail wise dogs take it all in stride and can average between 11 and 15 mph on their run.
.. Our neighbors help out at the start, (and the night before with lodging and other hospitality actions.) Human fences guard the intersections in town along the length of Yellowstone Ave. from the park line to the old airport. Some neighbors run the snowmobiles that hold the eager dogs in check on their way to the start line. Some neighbors handle stop watches for the teams.
.. Photographers from the local and national press are scattered around. Neighbors set up and take down the course markers for the full length of the course. The city road crews berm the street and remove the berms far into the night. Some folks pay attention to the big game on hand held devices.
.. Meet and greet sessions took place on Saturday night in several pubs and restaurants in town. Bedding, food, water, and veterinarian supplies are available for all.
.. Race day brings a tension and excitement for the whole village. Even the visiting sledheads pause to take in the spectacle of the start. All-in-all it's a grand time for the visitors and neighbors. There's even time to catch the big game should you choose.

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PRE RACE PREP AND ANXIETY

PRE RACE PREP AND ANXIETY RELEASE

OINTMENT PREVENTS ICE CRYSTALS BETWEEN PAW PADS

LUNGING AND STRAINING AT THE START

BAREFOOT TEAM HITS THEIR STRIDE

BOOTFOOT TEAM HITS THEIR STRIDE

CRUISING OUT OF TOWN - UP TO THE DIVIDE

TODAY IS THE DAY

TWEET FEST

Beer Flavored Jelly Beans

you can make your own

The effervescent and crisp flavor is packed in a golden jelly bean with an iridescent finish. Beer connoisseurs will find the flavor profile to be clean with notes of wheat and a touch of sweetness. The aroma is mildly bready

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/01/18/6083096/jelly-belly-serves-up-worlds-first.html#storylink=cpy

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.. It had to happen. Jelly Belly has released their beer flavored jelly beans. Beware your Twitter feed.
.. The Beeroness is hosting a Tweet Up at the 21st Amendment, 563 Second Street in San Francisco, today to introduce the new Draft Beer flavor to her beer-loving fans. Of course it's in California.
.. You now know what to carry in your kit bag into those dry counties in Misissippi and other repressed parts of the world.
.. Here's a recipe:

1 cup water, divided

 2 cups sugar, divided 

1/4 ounce gelatin 

1/2 cup juice with no pulp or your favorite beer or other beverage

(Note: If you use a mild juice flavor, you may want to mix it with lemon juice to make it more tangy. We like an actual margarita. If you use a margarita, or beer, or other cocktail, you’ll probably have some leftover to drink.)

1/4 teaspoon salt 

2 tablespoons cornstarch 

Non-stick cooking spray 

Food coloring (whatever color you’d like)  

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.. Jelly Belly is also releasing a chocolate covered Tabasco bean. What will they think of next?

News Releases: LINK.

JELLY BELLY SITE

 (10 pounds for $85.99 - click now)
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Srirachapocalypse Averted

CULINARY DISASTER DERAILED

Resumed Production Guarenteed

texas wants the rooster

NO NEED TO HOARD THIS ANYMORE - BUT - BUY SOME NOW

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.. Last October, [LINK 1,] there was near panic in some well educated culinary circles as word spread that the Irwindale, (Rosemead,) California plant of HUY FONG FOODS came under fire by a citizen lawsuit and health concerns.
.. For a large segment of the culinary cognoscenti there is really just one chili sauce and it is the one with the rooster and the green pour top. It fits with many foods and many palates and is moving from a prime place in the cuisine of S. E. Asia and into the Mexican arena with lightning speed.
.. The very thought of losing this fine condiment was so pervasive in California that it was one of the top news stories in that state, [LINK 2.] When it was announced that limited production would resume there was a giant flood of traffic on TWITTER, [LINK 3.] Woeful tales were turned to cheers and the Boston Globe saw fit to recall it's doomsday predictions, [LINK 4.]
.. The impending disaster of no chili sauce brought an official invitation from Republican Texas state Rep. Jason Villalba who suggested that the tax advantages and lax food regulations in Texas would be to the benefit of Huy Fong Foods, [LINK 5.]
.. As recently as yesterday the celebrations continued in Los Angeles with free giveaways of bottles of the red goo, [LINK 6.]
.. This is not just a "foodie" phenomena. It's an indicator of the depth of American Culture. Huy Fong Foods does not advertise. They do not sell chili sauce with sex. You won't see a commercial at the Super Bowl. My, my, my.
.. Should you care to see how this lovely sauce is made check out this LINK 7. The animations are from a documentary about the search for SRIRACHA.

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.. Midges between the lakes = 16" to 22" trout. Pressure light. Neighbors having way too much fun.
.. Ice fishers scoring huge fish on Hebgen Reservoir in advance of the big tournament. Kids day on the ice was a big success and there were many fish caught by the little fishers as well as the big folks.

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WALLPAPER (LOAF #10): SOURDOUGH WITH YELLOWSTONE STARTER

Lazy Weekend

THE RIVER BECKONS

The Ice Is Perfect

the couch is rather comfy

Sourdough Pancakes, Sautéed Pears, Stilton Cheese, Butter, Sugar, 20 Year Port: Start The Day With Dessert.

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.. Midges are high on the list of trout foods between the lakes on these crisp sunny days. We're ignoring it for now.  Hebgen Reservoir is frozen solid and the local teams are exploring the good spots in anticipation of the upcoming NAIFC Tournament. We're ignoring the ice too.
.. We slept in and started the day with dessert: some snow shoveling, house cleaning, fly tying, baking, sipping, and lounging rounded out the day. The day was interspersed with trips to the couch and a few select DVD's.
.. We may do it again tomorrow.

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WALLPAPER (Loaf #7): SOURDOUGH RYE BREAD

Papas

MEAT AND POTATOES

Kinda Like Hash

more interesting and versatile

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.. Chorizo con Papas is seldom encountered in this corner of Montana: this Mexican dish is a staple among our neighbors.
.. It's approximately equivalent to American "hash," but so much more interesting. It includes home made chorizo, (of course,) plus guajillo chiles, chiles de árbol, white onions, yellow onions, cilantro, boiled and browned potatoes, topped with cheese, and most definitely a small bit of habanero chili.
.. We serve it with a bit of pan roasted Mexican garlic bread and tomatoes. We also make enough to serve tomorrow morning with huevos rancheros - or scrambled if you like.

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