A new Fisherman

We launched the SS Rolinco last week on Wednesday for a five day tour!

The launch

Baxter is ready to go!

We traveled to the St. Joe River, just above Avery, Idaho to my dad's favorite fly fishing spot.  Alicia is interested in fly fishing and this is the perfect spot to learn.  Dad has taken her shopping and outfitted her, so at least she looks the part!

Alicia in with her new fly fishing vest.

In one of the many pockets is a crimper to take the barb off the hook.  The St. Joe river is all catch and release so barbless hooks must be used.

Grandpa Jim and Alicia with some of their gear.

The last morning grandpa wanted Alicia to try out her waders.  She wears them well!

Crayton and Beth joined us as well.  Beth has an interest in learning to fly fish, so Grandpa held a casting class shortly after we arrived and set up camp.

First, instruction in the parking lot.

Now you try it!

Next, the live demonstration.

And away we go.....

Alas, it turned out to be a difficult fish catching week at the St. Joe, which meant that there was a lot of casting practice!

Alicia, Beth and grandpa watching on.

Grandpa Jim in the professors chair where he could see all his students!

Crayton wet waded and tried a few casts.

I even tries a few casts.  It's really fun but super challenging.  

Sometimes a tangle!

Mornings and evenings are the best time for fishing, so in between we went for jeep rides.  We took one really long trip that took us to the top of a high peak, where we could see for miles.  The bear grass was in full bloom and spectacular.

Crayton and Reynald planning the jeep route.

While dad and Alicia were talking flies!

Looking down the canyon to dad's favorite fishing hole.  We didn't try to hike down!

Such a view

Bear grass in bloom

The forest clearings were thick with blooming bear grass.  Entire hillsides of white.

The next day's jeep ride was a bit shorter.  Alicia was interested in checking out the Hiawatha bike trail.  Crayton and Beth have ridden it in the past so were good tour guides.

The Hiawatha trail is the old Milwaukee railroad grade.

There are several tunnels on the grade.

Going through a tunnel

We had terrific meals, wonderful conversation, fly fishing lessons, and time to relax.  It was a great break from the hustle and bustle of summer time work.

Even Baxter relaxed between worrying about the chipmunks and mice in the SS Rolinco!

Next up......harvest!