HO, Ho, ho . . .

SHORT TOO SOON

Longer Starts Tomorrow

the midges are out

WALLPAPER:   HERE'S TO A MERRY

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.. As soon as it got above zero and the path to the fish truck was cleared the bravest youngest neighbors were out and, in it.
.. So, it snowed. So what! There was snow and shine and it was bright. The midges came out to play and got gobbled for their efforts.

DOWN FOR THE SALT

.. It seems a bit gray today but the trucks are already gone. The wind is sluggish and intermittent, the sun can be bright, the visitors are home under the tree and all is right with the world: - mostly, up here.
.. There was enough snow to drive the sheep down to the road for some salt licking.

DOUBLE MIDGE

.. There was enough snow to give us hope for the Spring runoff. There was enough snow to make the visitors to Yellowstone National Park believe it's winter.
.. And there's not enough snow to keep us from fishing. Certainly not enough to discourage testing the first of this Winter's rejected flies.
.. Foot traffic has already trampled some nice paths in the section of the Madison River Between The Lakes. Happily the berms along the road section right below the dam are tall and wide.

MADISON MAULER

.. Parking right on the curve is discouraged by both common sense and, the State Patrol and, the Sheriff's Deputies.
.. Until the trout figure out that all that floats is not midges there is a fine catching fest going on.
.. Along with this year's newest creations the neighbors are tying on some old neighborhood favorites.
.. The first reports in the bitter cold of the evening, {{pub time starts earlier on these short days,}} are positive for fish of the non-selective variety.

Sz. 20 SKITTERING MIDGE

.. Nothing giant or monstrous on the cell phone images but, the fish are, in guide parlance, "good fish."
.. With the lack of observed winter visitors for our fishing over the last few years - AND, with ownership changes in a couple of feather merchants, there is less opportunity for aisle hopping among the dusty caverns where feathers and musty smells hang out.

SHOP VAC

.. This only bothers the few that do show up. They are limited, right now to just one feather merchant that is dependably open. Some feather merchants can't stand the cold and close for the winter and hang out in warmer and more tropical climes. Some just pack it in, layoff the staff and sit at home counting shekels and sipping toddies.
.. Some folks do need a break from catching. Some need a break from marketing and merchandising. Some will even reluctantly take a break from counting money.
.. Now it's even warm enough for us to gather up the implements of destruction: W.D. 40, Vaseline, wool jock strap, thermos, flask, cold burritos, and, - most certainly the fishing and catching stuff.
.. No trout for breakfast. Maybe some of yesterday's cranberry turnovers.

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WALLPAPER:  CRANBERRY AND NEUFCHÂTEL  TURNOVERS