Swimming the Skykomish River

Decided to do a little fishing Saturday, up by Sultan. Once I got to the spot, I got real excited about the lack of people, and how good the fishing looked. Donning a pair of chest waders, I quickly made my way through the shrubbery to the banks of the Skykomish. After tossing the line a couple times, I ventured into deeper waters. Keep in mind that the river is still very high from the spring run off.... About 8 steps into the water I stepped into a hole, or off a shelf, or something because all of a sudden I was neck deep.

The #1 thing to enter my mind: "Holy f@#K this water is really cold"
The #2 thing to enter my mind: "Why can't I swim in this swift water?"
The #3 thing to enter my mind: "Waders are filling up with water"
The #4 thing to enter my mind: "My camera and wallet are in my pockets!"

I finally made it out, spent about 45 minutes fishing (soaked and freezing), and didn't catch a god damn thing.

Better luck next time.

Mess with the bull, you get the horns.

Dustin almost lost a toe this morning.

Mom's 60th B-Day

Really good weekend getaway. I left Seattle Wednesday evening and spent Thursday through Sunday up at Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol's ranch up near the Rawah Wilderness area. I'd never been here, and it's simply amazing. They have about 600 acres that Carol's dad purchased 35 years ago for just over 100k. The place is worth millions and millions now, and it's easy to see why.

The whole mom's side of the family showed up, and we had the best reunion - probably ever. Uncle Jim, Aunt Carol, Joe, Claire, Uncle Don, Aunt Linda, Leslie, Lindsay, Nolan, Juanita (and family), Nolan, Mom, Pop, Kristine, Julia and myself. A great time was had by all. Spending time catching up, riding 4-wheelers, fishing, drinking a lot, eating too much, and etc...

Sunday was a sad morning because nobody wanted the weekend to be over. After a few tears were shed, everybody went on there way. Joe's girlfriend Gina drove me back to civilization and dropped me off at the airport. Got back to Seattle around 10 and now it's back to reality.