CRUISIN' FOR CHROME
Vantage Points And Access
it's a social thing
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.. We were invited to an interesting social event along the Oregon coast. Of course 
we attended. The informal gatherings are pleasant, informative, and require an enormous amount of gasoline consumption... The venues change periodically as the season progresses. Currently the big party is at the ELK RIVER bridge. Since Highway 101
crosses these rivers near the coast, and since the bridges are high above the water, and since the sun moves across the sky, (or so it seems,) - it's possible to anticipate the correct viewing conditions for spotting steelhead in their holding water... In some instances the access from the bridge right-of-way coincides with good holding water.
.. Bridge pools along U.S. 101 are similar to bridge pools elsewhere. They are stable, predictable, and provide constrictions for aerated water and viewing for fisher folk.
.. Information is exchanged as the folks peer over the side at the fish. Where are the fish concentrated? What are they eating? Have you seen Hank's new girlfriend? Etc.
.. We enjoyed the experience. We also enjoyed the enormous prevarications, misinformation, and silly demeanor of the local guides as they did their best to protect their insight in the face of so much local "TRUTH."
.. We bypassed the Elk River and sallied down to the Chetco River. It proved to be worthwhile.
.. Time for some jelly donuts and green tea. It's the local equivalent of a healthy breakfast.
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