Winter Winners

A GROSS OF THESE

Not Too Easy

passes the time

THE JELLY BUG

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.. It's both a blessing and a curse to have our daily 'dark time' end late and, start early. Burning the midnight oil starts at about 5:00 PM. But, then again, there's time for some fly fun.
.. MAKFLIES (LINK) has been cranking out some spiffy offerings. You'll not find these in the bins at the corner feather merchant. Tying a few should be entertaining. Don't do 144 of them unless you have a lot of down time.

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,, We had a request. Materials are not too cheap. Skill can be acquired. Time flies, (sorry Alice,) when you're having fun. If you have the time and dexterity it might be worth your efforts.

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.. Sled heads are increasing. Turons are in-migrating. Ski types are here with their own popcorn. The town is enjoying the cash flow and the fresh white that has enhanced the holiday spirit.

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.. While not our preference we managed to distress our standing rib roast. For those that abhor the deep pure pink of a proper joint we managed a tender, medium or medium well, lean roast.
.. Simple formula = dry age + Santa Maria Rub, (usually used on a Tri Tip,) + gentle microwave + oven sear + slow roasting yields a crusty chunk. Once is enough for us.
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SLOW ROASTING WITH SANTA MARIA RUB

JUICY STILL, VERY TENDER,  JUST A LITTLE PINK

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WALLPAPER:  WE LIKE WHITE BREAD - DONE RIGHT

Ready, Set, Go . . .

SUNDAY DASH

West Entrance Open

over some snow travel

BIG TIRE BUSES READY TO TRAVEL

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.. Ready or not, (low snow and all,) the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park opens tomorrow, (Sunday, December 15, 2019 - at 8:00 AM.)
.. According to informed sources in the tourist industry around town a light booking is in the offing. The Christmas and New Year rush is yet to start. Be here tomorrow for a high quality experience.

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WALLPAPER:  SHRIMP AND GRITS

Winter Fun

FISH FLORIDA . . .

OR STAY HOME  ??

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WALLPAPER:  PRIME AND POTATO

River Watch

STILL HIGH

Air Temperature Too

water warm as well

WALLPAPER: MADISON: WATER UP, SNOW DOWN

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.. Not to put too fine a point on it BUT, Our neighborhood rivers are at discharge rates above normal for this date.
.. Average air temperatures are running 2°F - 6°F above normal. Even the water temperature is a little bit above normal.
.. This is good for current catching but not so good of a prognosis for the coming summer conditions.

Briefly:

MADISON RIVER, PARK = 114%
HEBGEN DAM, OUTFLOW = 100%
MADISON RIVER, CAMERON = 103%
MADISON RIVER, ENNIS DAM = 143%
HENERY'S FORK = 116%
.. Interestingly the Gallatin River Canyon is cooling the Gallatin River and allowing some anchor ice but there is an unusual temperature shift - warmer water here than at Big Sky.
.. Even with the ice in and around the Gallatin River the flows at Gallatin Gateway are 113%.

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ALL PURPOSE

.. We got enough snow to shovel last night. It wasn't as much as predicted. We'll take it.
.. Another warm week ahead with temperatures climbing above freezing. No 40's predicted but, we'll see!

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WALLPAPER:   TWO PUMPKINS

Adios Nissan

WE NEED ONE

Another Video

a new trend setter

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.. Well the Nissan crew has departed wonderland and left all of our neighbors with damp jeans and a fresh insight into over-the-snow travel.

UBER IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

.. Now we will have to give up on our tried and true backyard ski adventures and convert some local roadsters into toys that are a bit more modern.
.. We do look forward to seeing the new iterations of winter recreation.
.. Good grief, Murgatroyd, you can't fish all the time.

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WET DREAM OF SOME LOCAL CONVERSION MECHANICS

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.. And then the snowfall quit and then, has started again. If the moisture content stays up there may be a real spring runoff event this year.
.. We're back to seasonal temperatures and the days keep getting longer. Daytime activities are beginning to crop up around town. Construction sites are getting cleared. Covers are coming off of the charcoal grills. Two wheel drive automobiles are emerging from garages. Some of the high school kids were caught wearing shorts to school.
.. During this time of year 'the weekend' is just an artificial frame of mind. The banks and the Post Office close so it's off to the hardware store for a bit of gossip, news and rumor: then it's for breakfast of pizza and beer at the pub.

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WALLPAPER:    FUDGE WITH SHAVED ALMONDS

Minutia

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Current Visitation

just winter fiddling

GOOD PLACE TO FISH ON THE GIBBON RIVER

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.. In the winter, even when we don't fish there are just so many thrilling things to do in our neighborhood.

RIDE A BOMB

.. We have some neighbors that take visitors on little rides in the park.
.. On occasion we tag along to make sure that Yellowstone National Park is still there: you never know.
.. There is also the exciting adventure of walking along the shopping streets to see just which shops are open: some are.
.. Pubs do a brisk business during the mid day break from  the kidney bruising adventures on the rocket sleds.
.. We can get in our aerobic licks and fresh air by shoveling the white stuff: one of the gentle nuisances of winter.

GOOD PLACE TO FISH THE FIREHOLE

.. Then, there are the chores around the house.
.. We're getting a head start on our spring cleaning. We do, however, get some minor pulmonary distress with vacuuming and dusting.
.. For some unexplained reason the winter is just as dusty as the summer around here.
.. Such a busy place in the winter and we don't ski, or ride sleds, or use the snowshoes, or clean roofs anymore.

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..The neighbors are clamoring for more. Here's a small preview of coming attractions:

..There are also  some nifty names of the Coachman variants.
.. How about a Coachman Royal Ginger? How about a Coachman New Zealand?
.. Do you need a Coachman Royal Black or a Coachman Red?
.. Would you ever fish with a Coachman Bucktail or with a Coachman Royal (Bivisible?)

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.. Well, as our linguistic relatives across the pond say: "THE HOOVER IS CALLING."
..There are also melodic whimperings from the hobby table hobby room.
.. Out in the kitchen the pleasant aromas emanating from crinkled beer cans and small scraps of steak and potatoes seem to need some attending to.
.. Of course we could change the bulb in the front porch light. We could also restring a couple of sadly neglected instruments or patch the bellows on the old Linhoff and Graflex cameras.
.. Maybe we should jettison the sweats and don the civilized attire with matching socks and mittens. 
.. The head spins with possibilities for very diverse and rewarding recreation. Apoplexy is distinctly possible. Or not!

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WALLPAPER:   YELLOWSTONE WINTER SOLITUDE

Anticipation

UKESTERS ARRIVING

Big Doin's In Town

plastic, wood strums

WALLPAPER:   UKULELE FEST IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

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GREEN PLASTIC

.. We never knew that there were so many ukulele players in our neighborhood. There are plastic, waterproof, wood, coconut, and metal ukuleles. Who knew.
.. Visitors are coming from miles around: even from foreign countries like Idaho and Bozeman.
.. The celebrities are firmly ensconced in luxury accommodations and strolling around  -  with the little guitars  -  or whatevers.

BROWN PLASTIC

.. In two days the strumming and plunking will echo in our village. Maybe the visitors will serenade the dusty aisles of the feather merchants that are still open. Could wake them up.
.. The big event starts on "Groundhog Day Eve," (February 1, 2018) and, concludes on Groundhog Day, (February 2, 2018.)
.. If, and only if, the concertmaster sees his shadow before noon on February 2, 2018 there will be two more months of winter.
.. If, and only if, he does not see his shadow on February 2, 2018, then there will be two more months of winter.  Hey, we're here in West Yellowstone.

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CUTE_n_FUZZY

.. Aha, brief break in the snowfall: warming up, more to come, nice wet and heavy snow, can even make a snowman  -- bring it on.
.. Just enough time to visit the grocery store and the Post Office to catch up on the rumor mill.
.. We'll let you know.

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WALLPAPER:    BREAKFAST SERVICE

Birds Of A Feather

RESURGENT PATTERN

Neighborhood Variants

pardon the rust

WALLPAPER:  FORGOTTEN BUT NOT GONE

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.. For a myriad of reasons the original COACHMAN fly pattern (LINKS: #1, #2, #3,)  is gaining popularity in our neighborhood.
.. The fly is quick to tie, it is cheap to tie, it is easy to tie, variation is easy,  AND: it works!

TIME FOR ICE

.. It can be wet or dry. It can be hackled or not. It can be drifted, floated, jerked, bobbed, dapped, jigged etc.
.. Right now the neighbors are selecting and tying their own variations for use through holes in the ice of Hebgen Reservoir.
.. With our recent cold temperatures the ice on the reservoir has firmed up very nicely and a couple of weeks early. Most ice fishers use bits of worm or, maggots or, meal worms or, coarse ground hamburger or, minnow jigs or, even a Swedish Pimple.
.. Our neighbors do the same but frequently put a fly in front of the offering. Sometimes just a fly will out fish anything else.
.. It's a catch-as-catch-can sort of game and multiple rods and lures are the most successful. Hanging around and telling stories in the lee of a shelter is also a requisite talent.

BEAD HEAD SOFT HACKLE COACHMAN

.. Right now there are several variants that are emerging as favorites for the sub ice fishers.
.. Each is, (interestingly,) a successful fly in our local waters during the conventional fly fishing fiasco that exhibits itself in the neighborhood during warmer weather.
.. The "BEAD HEAD SOFT HACKLE COACHMAN" is similar to the 1847 "MARLOW BUZZ" fly. It was also known as the "LADY BIRD" fly, "HAZEL FLY," and "WELSHMAN'S BUTTON." 
.. It was initially fished dry in supposed imitation of a trapped and buzzing fly. Today the neighbors usually drown it and use it as an attractor fly.

BEAD HEAD COACHMAN

.. This fly is most often fished beneath the ice all by itself. It is usually found in the arsenal of those ice fishers with a fish finder and, used for luring big fish.
.. The "BEAD HEAD COACHMAN"  is a rather standard neighborhood variation that is fished as a dropper beneath a large dry fly for searching in the early Spring. 
.. Beneath the ice this fly is frequently paired with hamburger or a kernel of corn. It is dropped near weed beds and the edge of structure. It is a deep fly and a useful bit of weight for the ice fisher.

HACKLED COACHMAN

.. The "HACKLED COACHMAN" is a favored fly for both dry and wet fly fishing during the Summer months.
.. This is very close to the original coachman fly. It is a persistent pattern that is tied by most fishers and should be in all boxes.
.. Under the ice it is used with both maggots and meal worms. It is frequently used as 'depth specific' fly once the cruising fish are found. The choice of 'meat' is an individual preference.

ALBINO EMERGENCE

.. The "ALBINO EMERGENCE" is a Summer fly that has made it's appearance under the ice as the bright head of a bit of earthworm.
.. It was initially designed to work the film during those periods when fish are seen rising and nothing else works. It is an excellent ice-out fly as well.

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..  Yes indeed there is rust on some flies in the pictures. Sad, but true, these flies have been used to catch fish. We're not selling flies. We're not winning photo contests. We're showing flies that work.
.. Some have been 'retired.' Some have been lost for some time in the organizational system of a less than anal fisher. What ever the reason these rusty flies have been in the water and poorly curated. Most of them can be, (and will be,) salvaged with a few quick swipes of a diamond hone. Some certainly will break: absolutely earth shattering and devastating. Probably put us off our feed for months.
.. So there you have it.

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PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

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WALLPAPER:  PRIME AS PRIME CAN BE

Road Work

WINTER SEASON OPEN

Elite Visitors Arriving

bunches of $ to visit

WINTER ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

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.. Soon, (tomorrow or the next day depending on Federal funding bills,) the West Entrance Station of Yellowstone National Park will accept affluent guests to the winter wonderland for the wealthy.
.. The joys of Yellowstone, (two days: Upper Loop and Lower loop tours,) for an average family of four can cost a couple of week's wages - or more:
>> Travel, to West Yellowstone = variable,
>> Lodging = $300.00 / night x 2,
>> Eating =  $250.00 / day x 2,
>> Entrance Fees = $40.00,
>> Snowmobile Guided Tour = $400.00 day x 2,
>> Snow Bus Guided Tour = $300.00 - $450.00 day x 2,
>> Postcards, trinkets, etc. = $0.00 - thousands,
>> Travel from West Yellowstone - variable,
>> Total = at least $1,740.00 (plus travel.)
.. All visitors are required to take guided tours, (save for a select group of individuals that are drawn by lottery and must have best available technology snowmobiles.)
.. Entrance on skis is available for $40.00. Old Faithful is 30 miles from the West Entrance Station - should you care to try:  + lodging at each end.
.. Y'all come.

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WINTER WONDERLAND

Rare Indeed

SIGHTS TO SEE

Asphalt In February

vehicles with skies locked out

WEST ENTRANCE ROAD: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.

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.. Despite rumors to the contrary; Yellowstone National Park is open year 'round. Access varies with the season and transportation varies with the snow conditions.


ROOT OF THE GALLATIN MOUNTAIN RANGE

.. Currently the west entrance is only allowing vehicles to enter that have motive power presenting "Rubber To The Road".
.. This means that snowmachines, and other vehicles with metal skis, grousers, or cleats cannot enter the west entrance. Those vehicles, on the other hand, can enter the south and east entrance where snow still covers the road.
.. Snowmobiles, van conversions, and vintage tour vehicles with skis are parked at Madison Junction for those visitors that prefer those modes of transport to Canyon, Norris, Lake, and other points in the interior of the park.

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..  Depending on the mountain range and exposure of our neighborhood snowtel stations we're showing somewhere between 70% and 84% of our seasonal mean snow pack. Not too terrible considering the warm spell we just endured.

ELK AT 7-MILE BRIDGE

.. Fishers and foresters are keeping a close watch on weather systems. Should Springtime bring warm rains in the coming weeks the snowpack will diminish considerably. Should the grasses grow rapidly in the absence of snow and should the Summer dry out there could be a precarious fire season. Fishers are constantly concerned about runoff, stream flow, and discharge rates. We'll keep you informed.
.. These mild winters are easy on most wildlife. There are not too many elk with prominent displays of ribs, nor too many bison with slow gaits. Both predator and prey seem to be doing well. There are fish rising in the west side rivers and so far the shallows look to be deep enough to allow hatching and nursery habitation.
.. We're headed up the road. It looks like some of the estuaries are open enough to allow legal fishing. If not then dances between the lakes will be entertaining.

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WALLPAPER: HOE CAKES, HAM STEAK, BLACK EYED PEAS