Old Water, New Water

Many years ago when I lived in Massachusetts my buddy and I fished this gem of a small fishery every Wednesday after work.  He moved away and life took me away from this drainage.  Now years later a group of fishing friends invited me for a little fishing on this river and I had a blast learning some new water along with some old water. Here are some of the pics.

Spring is Right Around the Corner

With spring right around the corner the yearly ritual of readying gear is on full force.  Been having fun with these saltwater influenced streamers for trout and bass.  Can't wait to give them a go.  Although it might be a little while before that becomes a reality.

Five Year Anniversary

Five short years ago, I made a purchase that literally opened up a bunch of new water.  Water that otherwise would have been beyond my reach.   The work that it took to complete this project transformed the way I feel about this boat.  It literally has my blood, sweat and tears embedded in the surface of it's hull.  I really didn't know what I was in for when I purchased this hull.  It was functional and the hull was solid, no water in it.  I built a dolly for the boat and moved it in the garage.  The transformation took 4 months.  It could have gone faster but at first I didn't know what I was getting myself into and the only time I had to work on it was after work.  Once I decided that I was going all in on this boat the work moved forward at a good pace.  All the work on the hull was cosmetic in nature, some good gouges and dings to flare out.  Then came the joy of gel-coating.  At first I was intimidated by the process but once I got the hang of it the task went quickly and was easy. I am very pleased by the results. 

 

 The biggest gouge

 Yeah it's been sitting in the back yard for a while.

 Sad to see the teak so far gone.  Sold it all for some cash.

 Its been a well used boat.

The trailer needs new springs

 Springs installed, one of numerous little side jobs that I never know about until they hit me in the face.

The materials needed to get the job done.

 

 Now were getting smooth.

 Closeup of the repair to the bow.

 Bottom of the transom.

 Close up of the bottom of the hull.

 After the first coat on the old gouge areas.

 Looking good.

 This stuff is expensive

 Now were talking.

 Now to put Humpty Dumpty back together.

 Everything but the motor.

Ready to hit the water. 

Up next will be some pics of the species and the places she's taken me.

Snow Shoeing

We finally got a little break in the weather.  Decided to head out with snow shoes, gaiters and a fleece plus camera in tow.  Didn't have a plan but as soon as I got near a spot I knew exactly where I was going.  It was in the low 30's which felt warm given our recent period spent in the single or negative digits.  

 A nice barn that I came upon on my travels.

 
The trail was clear and I was excited to be the first one on it since our last big snow.  With the warm up in the weather the snow really changed consistency, from light and powdery to clumpy.  Breaking trail was work, but well work it.

 Things are looking up.

The snow was out of the NW.

 This is what I came for.

 Kids tagging anything.

On the way out with the end in sight.  It felt great to feel with sun and warmth it radiates and to feel the snow, wind and my muscles get a little workout. 

Winter Outings

On my outings a few things have caught my eye for pics.  Here are a few of the latest.

White

Given the conditions, white seemed like a good subject to take pictures of both inside and outside. 

Florida Revisit

On a snowy day its  good time to review some more pictures from Florida.  Warm weather, sun and shorts seem like a long time ago.