“One word sums up probably the responsibility of any Governor, and that one word is ‘to be prepared’.” – George W Bush
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Fishing the Beaverkill
Among the top 10 fly fishing sites in the US, a few are in the Northeast and the rest are in Montana. Some will argue there are some in Wyoming (West Yellowstone, for example), but the western sites are all pretty much located "up there". Of those in the Northeast, one of the most famous is the Beaverkill River in the Catskills. And, I've had fishing the Beaverkill on my secondary bucket list.
Rick fishing the Beaverkill
Lynne bought me a wonderful birthday gift this year! She got me a 1/2-day guided wading tour on the Beaverkill. She purchased it through the Beaverkill Angler Catskill Fly Fishing Shop in Roscoe, NY -- the heart of fishing in the Catskills. They put me with a great guide, Oleh Czmola and we spent Saturday late afternoon fishing. I caught a very nice 10" brown trout (returned to the river) and had a few other strikes. Enough to make it a successful trip and make me a happy camper! Thanks to Oleh for his guidance and patience. (I've developed some bad habits with my casting.)
Speaking of a "happy camper", we turned the trip into a wonderful camping weekend by pulling the T@B up on Friday. It was raining a little, but we got a fantastic camping site along Russell Brook and got set up before it rained hard. Saturday and Sunday were beautiful fall days and we enjoyed the weather and the fall colors immensely.
Our camp setup. We parked in one of the tent sites, and it worked fine for our tiny trailer.
We have a new tent that connects to the side of the trailer. We got it up before the rain hit, and so we were able to sit in the tent and watch and listen to the rain while sipping on a glass of wine. The silver storage box on the trailer tongue is also new and provided us some much needed additional storage. Note that we put up a ring of exercise pens for the dogs.
We had campfires on Saturday and Sunday -- even s'mores for dessert!
That is an old water wheel in the background of the above photo. It was used to run a DC generator many, many years ago.
I'm sure Lynne will post more on her site or on the T@B site.
Posted under: New Jersey • Travel • by Rick on 10/15/2015 at 08:59 AM
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Wednesday, June 11, 2014
June 11, 2014
Original title, huh?
Just wanted to get it on record:
1. Saw the first firefly of the season last evening.
2. Had a nice swim in 80 degree water tonight. (The pool heater is great. Down to about 50% propane, which means we are using far less than I had calculated.)
3. Off on a camping trip (without dogs) on Friday!
Posted under: New Jersey • by Rick on 06/11/2014 at 07:01 PM
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Sunday, June 01, 2014
This Week’s Cocktail - Mojito
The pool isn't open yet, but we had a nice day by going to the Warwick market, having lunch at the vineyard, driving Mia, and then hanging out at home. We sat out by the pool and had a Mojito.
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle a few fresh mint leaves. Add 3/4 shot of simple syrup, 3/4 shot of lime juice, 1-1/2 shot of white rum. Add 6 ice cubes and shake well. Pour, unstrained into a highball glass. Add club soda to taste, about 3/4 to 1 ounce, stir once and serve garnished with a fresh mint leaf.
Posted under: New Jersey • Stuff You Gotta Know! • Food and Cooking • by Rick on 06/01/2014 at 03:24 PM
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Monday, May 12, 2014
Pretty Perfect Day
Yesterday was pretty perfect.
We had great weather. It go up to the mid-70s with low humidity. Sunny with a light breeze. We washed Mia first thing and then went to the farmers' market in Warwick. We bought a few things there including some potatoes for potato salad, then headed to Penning's for lunch and to buy some herbs. We also got a couple of new Spring flags including one with a lady bug theme for use with the T@B. We picked up some baby back ribs at the Shop Rite in Warwick.
When we got home, I did a few chores. I planted the herbs, so now we have rosemary and mint leftover from last year, plus: sorrel, cilantro, sage, thyme, chives, oregano, and even a borage plant. Most are freshly planted in soil I dug out of our compost pile. A little water and TLC, and we will be set for summer.
We opened up Lady Bug to let her air out. We are planning our first away-from-home camping trip next weekend. We sat with a glass of wine and chatted for a long time.
I hung the hummingbird feeder because it is Mothers' day. And, we were amazed when a couple of hummers started using it!
We had baby back ribs with potato salad on the deck. There are a few bugs around, but nothing that bites so we were very comfortable.
A Pileated Woodpecker paid us a visit.
Later, we built a fire in the outdoor fire pit and sat by it as we talked. I even saw a couple of bats.
I know it doesn't sound like much, and maybe I've leaving some things out. But, short of a bear siting, it was a pretty perfect day.
Posted under: New Jersey • by Rick on 05/12/2014 at 11:09 AM
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Sunday, September 15, 2013
Final Swim - 2013
It is a nice day today. In the upper 60s with mostly sun. No wind.
Mostly, we've been getting ready for our annual trip to our cabin in Colorado. But, we took a couple of minutes mid-afternoon to get in our final swim of the season. We cranked up the heater while we went for a drive in Mia, put Robbie in the pool to clean it up as best as he can. Then, when we got home, we got in the 85° pool and swam. I did 30-something lengths, I think Lynne did too. It was nice, but it is time to give it up for the season. Leaves are starting to fall and nights are getting very cold. It would cost a fortune to keep it going any longer. So, goodbye for this year, we'll see you at Memorial Day next year.
Dennis comes to close the pool tomorrow.
Posted under: New Jersey • by Rick on 09/15/2013 at 01:05 PM
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