Transplantion

FROM THE OZARKS

To The Madison

a very nifty midge

..

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.. Every now and again our neighbors "borrow" a fly or technique from afar.
.. This time they have visited a shop just on the other side of Yellowstone National Park. Since we are in the midst of our 'midge madness' this little fly is very attractive to the neighborhood fishers.
.. They are using our extended period of whiteout  to tie up bunches handfuls assemblages of these little darlings.
.. We want to thank Walter Wiese from Parks' Fly Shop for posting the video. It keeps the neighbors from our door at ungodly early hours begging for coffee.

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DEEPER AND DEEPER !!

.. We gleefully report that the snowfall continues with only brief letup. The wind has piled up the snow in our village. The wind has also created enormous overhangs and cornices in the mountains of our Continental Divide. We are now at over 100% of normal for the important snow pack indicators. [LINK]
.. The high country is fraught with danger from avalanches. Check these following resources for conditions and updates:
>>  Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center - details
>>  Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center- maps
>>  Post Register - now

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.. Now it's time for our daily aerobic shoveling exercise. The coffee is gone. The neighbors are busy going blind with little bits of fluff. The plows are out. The breezes are light and it's a bright overcast day. Small flakes are twinkling in the air.

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WALLPAPER: BURGER STEAK & BROWN MUSHROOM GRAVY

Snowin' 'n' Blowin'

DRIFTS TO 6'

Big Time Bluster

shovels get workout

WALLPAPER:  GETTING VERY DEEP

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.. Some wonderfully wet snow is banging our windows and doors. The wind is whistling through our stovepipe. We'll get a bit of an aerobic workout tomorrow.
.. We are looking forward to seven days of snow and up to 3' more by this time next week.

CHECK OUR STATS         [LINK]

.. Looks just like winter - or - SPRING. The snow is wet. The temperatures are moderate. The wind is warm. And, daylight starts at a sensible hour and lasts until at least 6:00 PM.
.. As we said: "We'll keep you informed."

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RESCUE AT CABIN CREEK

.. Snowmobile accidents, injuries, and death have been piling up over the last few weeks. Broken bones, helicopter flights, rescue teams and wonder dogs have been getting a workout, [LINK-1, LINK-2, LINK-3, LINK-4,]
.. This kind of weather is highly conducive to tying flies - or - baking bread. We'll opt for the bread. Slow rise sourdough can benefit from this weather and time.

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WALLPAPER:  FRY SOME

Midge Madness

WINTER CREATIONS

Neighbors Fun

very dinky fluff

SOME SAY SNOW FLIES

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REAL SNOW FLY

.. Truth be told "Snow Flies" are different than "Midges."
.. Midges are aquatic flies that emerge like other aquatic flies from a sub aqueous larvae and have wings.
.. Snow Flies are wingless and produce glycol attached to their hemoglobin and just revel in walking on snow banks and, (speculation -> eating rodent poop,) and, mating indiscriminately in the afternoon sun.
.. Both midges and snow flies come in various colors from  brownish to blackish.

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.. The neighbors have produced their latest crop of better than ever midge, (snow fly,) imitations. Like all the previous generations of winter marvels these are more spectacular than any other flies on the planet.
.. We are loath to challenge the veracity of the neighbors and refer you to the images below. Each is better than the others. Each will wear out your arms landing the hundreds of fish that you catch each day. Sizes are 16, 18, 20.
.. None is probably ever going to grace the pages of an Orvis catalog nor will they be produced in Indonesia by the tens of thousands to be sold for $4.00.

BLU BOTTOM MIDGE

.. The 'BLU BOTTOM' is the absolute best midge fly for Between The Lakes.
.. It is a simple recipe with all the magic ingredients: peacock herl tail, golden antron dubbing, silver Mylar ribbing, clipped hen hackle and a dyed blue small white goose-flat feather. This fly will wake up even the post coital bucks that slowly drift downstream.

MYSTERY MEET MIDGE

.. The 'MYSTERY MEET' is the absolute best midge fly for Between The Lakes.
.. This recipe contains no secret ingredients or techniques. It is peacock herl with  a floss rib. The wing is stacked and clipped hen hackle that is interwoven with longer mallard fluff.
.. It is named for the surprised piscine mental processes that take place shortly after sucking it up.

LITTLE SOFTIE MIDGE

.. The 'LITTLE SOFTIE' is the absolute best midge fly for Between The Lakes.
.. This is just a very small rendition of the ubiquitous soft hackle fly.
.. The peacock herl body is fat enough to keep the long hackle from matting down or forming a torpedo shape in the water.

GOLDEN HAYSTACK MIDGE

 .. The 'GOLDEN HAYSTACK' (not to be confused with last year's golden shower,) is the absolute best midge fly for Between The Lakes.
..  A dyed barred wood duck tail and wing case is accented by copper colored antron with dark brown flat wool rib. The furnace hen hackle is triple wrapped and then clipped on the top.

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.. The snow in town is finally deep enough to bury the small Toyotas and Volkswagens. The next stage is buried Subarus and pickup truck beds. Our final snow phase is the one where snow has crept to the half way mark on the lifted pickup truck windows. Haven't seen that in about 25 years.
.. Warm days in the mid to high 20's are blessing our village and the winter birders. Bright sun is infrequently streaming between the thin overcast and occasional broken low clouds. Mornings are still on the foggy side.
.. Night time temperatures should grace -12°F to -15°F through the rest of the week.
.. We're due for a nap. Hope the kids bring us a few snelled midge flies [[;-)

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WALLPAPER: CHORIZO CON HUEVOS Y PAPAS

.

Such A Day

FOR GEORGE

For Presidents

for shopping

GEORGE WASHINGTON  . . .  gilbert stuart - 1797

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 .. George Washington's  birthday celebration is Monday, February 18 2019. Mark your smart phone.
.. At one time it was a just a celebration of the birthday of George Washington: first president of the United States Of America.

GENERAL OF THE ARMY

.. George Washington’s birth date was Feb. 11, 1731, according to the Julian calendar, which was in use when he was born, but under the adjusted Gregorian calendar adopted in 1752, his birth date was Feb. 22, 1732.
..  The commemoration of his birthday was first made a federal holiday in 1870, though that only applied to workers in the District of Columbia. In 1885, the holiday was extended to federal workers in all states.
..  We remember that in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Act, which fixed some federal holidays not to a specific date but to a particular Monday in order to create three-day weekends, (Pub.L. 90–363, 82 Stat. 250, enacted June 28, 1968.)

HOW 'BOUT ABE ??

..  While the holiday bill was being debated, some people proposed changing the name Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day to also honor Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday, Feb. 12, was celebrated as a holiday by some states. That proposal failed, and the federal holiday remained Washington’s Birthday.
..  But because federal holidays are not binding in states, many states do have a holiday on the third Monday of February called Presidents Day. North Carolina doesn’t have either as a state holiday.
..  Incidentally, the day is sometimes also called “President’s Day” or “Presidents’ Day.” The Associated Press Stylebook,  lists it as “Presidents” without an apostrophe, rather than being possessive or plural possessive. Such a deal!
.. So then, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE!"

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ALL THESE FOLKS' DAY

.. The biggest push for a national 3-day holiday has been from the American retail community. One more long weekend equals more shopping and more spending.
.. Presidents,  while holding office,  usually pay lip service to the day and provide a simple ceremonial recognition.
.. The migration of this specific day, (in our cultural mind,) from a birthday to a generalized shopping day is endemic to our wonderfully self indulgent society, [LINK-O, LINK-W, LINK-T.)
..It's not over until it's over. Get with it and spend some money.

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.. The winter warmness continues and we are looking forward to a week of mid to high 20's with nights brisk enough to slow the melting of the snow pack.
.. Long range forecasts suggest that a significant warm up will occur by mid March. Consider this eventuality in planning for the early Spring pre-runoff fishing.

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OUR PRESIDENTIAL HEROES

.

FLASH SALE

RIGHT HERE

Right Now

such a deal

A MODEST PROPOSAL

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.. A new Change.org petition proposes selling Montana to Canada for $1 trillion to pay off the national debt. "We have too much debt and Montana is useless," the petition reads. As for getting Canada to go for the deal, "Just tell them it has beavers or something," It's garnered 1,000 signers since its launch. Many are from Montana.

.. As noted by Kristen Inbody of the Great Falls Tribune: "We have some questions."
.. CHECK IT OUT !!

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.. Now that really is something. By the way; review the other most recent NATIONAL EMERGENCIES HERE.

Right Next Door

CWD KNOCKING

Latest Survey

yellowstone infected

CWD NOW CALLED ZOMBIE DEER DISEASE 

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.. The latest survey from the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL shows the rapid expansion of chronic wasting disease (CWD) throughout the nation.

OH DEAR, DEER !!

.. As of January 2019, CWD in free-ranging deer, elk and/or moose has been reported in at least 24 states in the continental United States, as well as two provinces in Canada.
.. In addition, CWD has been reported in reindeer and moose in Norway and Finland, and a small number of imported cases have been reported in South Korea.
.. The disease has also been found in farmed deer and elk.
..  So far no known cases of human infection have been documented. However, research has shown that the disease can cross species lines and even into primates.
.. Current data show that all of Yellowstone Park has infected deer. So far no reports are catalogued from Gallatin County. We suspect that infected deer are just down the road. Just not reported from tested critters.

RESOURCES:

USA Today,
Center For Disease Control.

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.. It's not yet 'old news.' But our snowfall frequency and, it's moisture content is becoming common. We are pleased to report this and suggest that we deserve it after our long standing drought.
.. The kids down the block are taking a break from catching. They are jumping on snow machines and heading to the slopes where avalanches are the soup of the day.

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

.. In town the hotel rooms are full and grocery shopping is an exercise in bumper cars.
.. Visitors in snow suites become giant black renditions of the Michelin Man.
.. They travel in packs. They flood the wine aisle and crowd into our tiny liquor stores.
.. They are over heated and fragrant: makes shopping in the produce section an enormous challenge.

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.. Time to mark your calendar for some of our upcoming end of winter fun:
>> Taste Of Trails, February 17, 2019.  This event is designed to encourage skiers of all ages and abilities to try cross-country skiing in a simple and festive format.

ELBOWS APLENTY

.. A 5km (3.1 mile) course takes skiers and 'snowshoers' around the Rendezvous Ski Trails.  Four feed stations are staffed by volunteers who offer snacks and beverages to participants.
>> Rendezvous Ski Race, March 2, 2019. There are six different races:  2K, 5K, 10K, 25K classic, 25K and 50K.
.. The races are run concurrently on the Rendezvous Ski Trails, and skiers of all ages and abilities participate every year. The event is the culmination of cross country ski racing in our region.

THRILLS  AND  SPILLS

>> Skijor West Championships, March 9-10, 2019.
..  Equestrian skijoring consists of a team of a single horse, a rider and, a person on skis who navigates a specified course.
.. Skijor USA is currently the leading sporting organization for equine skijoring in the United States and, in 2019 has presented a circuit of 12 races covering three regions: Northern, Central, Southern and, the Championship Final in West Yellowstone. Teams of all skill levels are welcome to compete at the Skijor West race. Spectators are welcome!
>>  Snowmobile EXPO, Powersports & Races (March 15-17, 2019). This is where manufacturers unveil their new 2020 snowmobiles at the same location, for the first time.

SPILLS  AND  THRILLS

.. The 3-day event also includes Bingo Night, M120 and vintage snowmobile races, a Saturday night WOW event, exhibits, demo rides, and culminates with the 'AMA Snow Bike Championship.'
.. For the fisher folks: just in case you are not into frozen rod guides and blue fingers there are other activities, shopping, attractions and, an interesting array of pubs in this little village.
.. Y'all come !

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WALLPAPER:    SIMPLE BREAKFAST FARE

Dietary Necessity

PURELY VEGAN

Purely Organic

purely satisfactory

WALLPAPER:  PERFECT VEGAN MEAL

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.. We've decided to join the wave. It's sweeping our neighborhood. Many folks are professing their veganism. Many are proclaiming the benefits of a vegan diet.
.. We are now joining the movement. Beer and french fries for us: forever!

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.. Well now, the snow has come and, is coming. Our annual precipitation statistics are in good shape for now, [LINK-A].
.. We are still on the warm side. Yesterday NOAA proclaimed the official recognition of "EL NIÑO," [LINK-1  LINK-2.]
.. The warm mass of Pacific Ocean warm water is a bit further north than the typical placement. It is also more concentrated in the  western Pacific Ocean than usually seen.
.. Persistence will depend on too many variables for our gray matter to comprehend but, the expectation is that it could last through summer, (or there about.)
.. Should you care to follow the official monitoring and to receive an e-mail notification when the monthly ENSO Diagnostic Discussions are released, just send an e-mail message to: ncep.list.enso-update@noaa.gov. 

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.. The neighbors have tromped down a pseudo trail to the water at the Hebgen Dam Tailwater. Parking is hazardous on the blind curve.

OLIVE DOUBLE MIDGE

.. Citations are being gifted to cars that impede the normal flow of traffic.
.. There are a few safe places to park. Walking is involved. Only the brave should undertake this journey to the eager fish that are lit up with sexual energy.
.. We may ride along tomorrow to view the redds. We suggest that a bit of discretion and gentility be used with these fish. Perhaps just leave them alone.

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WALLPAPER:  AS GOOD AS IT GETS: USE LARD

For Today

MY VALENTINE

..

The Moment Of Truth

COMIN' DOWN

Sledhead Paradise

nifty forecast

WALLPAPER:  FINALLY:  GETTING DEEP

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.. After a stuttering start, winter is finally knocking on the door.
.. There was some wind and a couple of inches of snow yesterday.  Today it is dead still and the white fluff is coming straight down. Post card views abound in the village and the dirty smudges are covered up.

FIND THE FRONT DOOR

.. There's about 3 feet on the level and, we have a forecast to make a fly fisher smile. Up to 2 1/2 feet of snowfall is forecast for the next 5 days. The high country should get more.
.. This week and next will push the statistics to the 100%+ range for the year to date [LINK]. We're still having warm days in the mid 20's and low 30's but that is also forecast to change.
.. Sledheads love the fresh powder. They are less happy about the avalanches and the alerts. The rescue squads are on their toes and, rescue dogs are busy running the test courses.

REALLY ??

.. For now, we're optimistic about the continuing accumulation of our snowpack. We're a bit worried about the coming runoff events. If the warm temperatures continue, downstream reaches of our rivers might have some antsy moments.

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.. National pizza day easily out-competed national bagel day in our neighborhood. There was even a grilled pizza for the tasting - the black stuff is good for digestion.

SOME NEIGHBORS ARE TOUGH

.. Today "ALL THUMBS McGURK" is holding a master class and the ukesters are  serenading the few visitors that have stayed in town for lunch.
.. We're about to strap on the snow shovel and dig our way out to our fine horse. Tomorrow is a work day and it would be a good idea to be able to find the steed.

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WALLPAPER:  BEHOLD THE PEPPER !!

Day Of The Pie

PIZZA, THAT IS

We Participate

neighbors yuk it up

WALLPAPER:   CAST IRON PIZZA

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.. With a "DAY" for every imaginable thing and occasion our national mercantile mentality invades everything, both sacred and profane.

NEVER SAY DIE

.. We are waiting for the national fly fishing day. Or perhaps, the national dry fly day. Or even, "I WET MY WADERS DAY."
.. There are a few of us here in the neighborhood that enjoy the many ways to enjoy pizza and, we happily participate in today: we started yesterday.

MICROWAVE PIZZA IN A CUP

.. We have a pizza pan. We haven't used it in years. We have a couple of fly rods made by Leonard. Haven't used them in decades.
.. We had pizza in Hawaii in the 50's. We think that Spam and Pineapple are a novel combination for the Hawaiians to enjoy. We preferred the mango sunday.

HAVE A SLICE

.. Pizza can be made in a cup - in the microwave in five minutes - we're still perfecting that one. Toppings range from classical to idiosyncratic. We usually stick with the classic - sometimes even an anchovy or two - spinach pairs well with mushrooms, basil and a few hot pepper flakes.

PIZZA FIXIN'S

.. Despite the street wisdom that pizza was invented in America, it can be traced to neolithic times. Flat breads throughout Europe were augmented with garlic and other herbs and were common with many regional varieties.
.. The pizza that we know is definitely Italian in origin. With the adoption of the American tomato the first pizzas, (that we would recognize,) were probably innovated in NAPLES. The word is older than the pie. 10th century manuscripts from southern Italy often refer to augmented flat breads.

THE OVEN AT 500°

.. Today the pizza pie is one of the world's most popular foods. From China to Australia and from Chicago to Johannesburg there are many local varieties that go by the name.
.. Recent pizza foodies are busy with inventing toppings to match their favorite national or ethnic foods: Mexican Pizza, Canadian Pizza, Icelandic Pizza, Tierra del Fuegan Pizza, Peruvian Pizza, Mississippi Pizza, New Orleans Pizza, etc.

VERY DEEP DISH PIZZA SLICE

.. Chicago prides itself in a supposedly unique deep dish pizza. In actuality the 'deep dish' pizza is a regional variety from Southern Italy and Sicily. The Sicilian form is essentially focaccia bread topped with tomato sauce, olives, and some sort of sausage. Cheese is frequently added. It is called "sfincione."

CAST IRON PEPPERONI & SODAS

.. The nice thing about pizza is that it can accommodate many palates and eating habits. Fold it, roll it, knife and fork it, eat it cold, eat it tomorrow, freeze it, etc., it's a great way to indulge.
.. We've got the oven heating up. It will hold a little bit higher than 500°F. That's good enough for us amateur pizza folk. A proper pizza oven, (electric, gas, wood fired or not,) should be about 700° F. That temperature does the crust justice and briefly gets the cheese to a molten state.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE TOMATO

.. Our standard pizza is a slightly thick crust that resembles a thin focaccia with crisp outside topped with too much Mozzarella, a bit of Asiago, some Parmigiano Reggiano and thick sliced pepperoni.
.. Happy pizza day. Time to indulge.

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TIME TO TRY THE WINTER REJECTS

.. Some wispy white flakes are falling out of the sky. This is a foretaste of good things to come. Our snow pack and snow water are finally acceptable. BUT, there is a little bit of winter left. Predictions at this point are fraught with danger and we remain hopeful that the Spring and Summer will be filled with good rivers, good fish and good friends.
.. For an excellent and, pretty sagacious prediction of the coming fishing conditions. Check out the blog post from PARKS' FLY SHOP, [LINK.]

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WALLPAPER: MUSHROOM, PEPPERONI, MOZZARELLA, ASIAGO