Fall in Missoula Montana 2006

Jon got a substitute so he could join Jules at the close of her School Science and Mathematics Association meeting. We had forgotten about how much we enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Fall. Like kids, we took every chance to walk through the leaves. Fall is a sort of non-season in Lubbock as the Live Oak, our most predominant tree, is pretty green all year. The small, college town of Missoula lays claim to much history and provides unique downtown shopping opportunities like tea boutiques and chocolate eateries as well as a small Macy’s. Can you envision both a sushi bar and an Irish bar in Missoula? Jon preferred the Scotch eggs over the raw eel.

Fall Drift Boat Fishing

We were the last trip on the books with the Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop on October 29, 2006 for fishing on the Bitterroot River. We both "got lucky" when it came to finding fish on the river. In this photo, Jon is fishing while he waits for Chris (our guide) to grill a shore lunch of Terriyaki Chicken. You see our drift boat in the foreground. Jon stood to fish from the front of the boat and Jules sat (mostly) to fish from the back of the boat. Chris rowed (and tied lots of knots) from the center. This boat was amazingly steady! We shared the river-view with 5 Bald Eagles, 3 Whitetail Deer, and 15 Blue Heron. What an amazing day!

Jon Caught a Nice Rainbow

The guide might have been happier than Jon was when he finally "hit" on a fairly good sized trout. We fished with bead heads for the entire day. With the storm coming in (wind, rain, and finally snow by nightfall) we didn't see an insect hatch. Chris (the guide) claimed the "leaf hatch" was particularly good on this day. And as we looked up, there were yellow leaves swirling around and looking just like an insect hatch.

Jules Caught a Fish Too

As you view this picture, you can just hear our guide as he said, "Here, I know how to make it look bigger!" This guy, Chris, provided a steady stream of humor throughout the day -- at no extra charge.

Clark's Fork Trail

Jon got to spend leisure time walking along the Clark's Fork River trail that bordered our hotel property. That mountain in the background saw snowcover before we left on Monday.