Our trip, “Wyoming’s Wild Trout and Wild Flowers”, begins on July 9, 2011 in Pinedale, Wyoming. This is the first of three pre-trip letters I’ll send you. You’ll receive the remaining two letters around the first of June and July. This pre-trip letter will provide general information about the trip and the area you’re visiting. In June you’ll receive a detailed equipment list to help you with your packing, and in July you’ll receive driving directions to our lodging as well as contact information for the other people on the trip.
Our trip has its own website at www.wildtroutwildflowers.blogspot.com which I created especially for our group. It’s my hope that we can use this website to build a small sense of community before we meet in person. The site will be my primary means of communicating with you, but I hope you’ll use it to contact the rest of the group, too. Be the first to post entries on the blog and get the conversation started!
Last July I had the opportunity to take a scouting trip to Pinedale to meet our fishing guides, to visit our log cabin lodge, to fish in the rivers and creeks we will visit, and to gather general information that will make your trip special.
Our guides.
Our guides come from Two Rivers Emporium, an Orvis endorsed outfitter. Head Guide, Mike Kaul, is a legend in the Pinedale area; he’s been fishing the local waters for almost 50 years. Mike and his team of guides will take us in their drift boats for two full days of fishing on some of the larger rivers.
Lodging.
We’ll be staying at a quaint, comfortable, rustic log cabin resort. I met with proprietor, Sofia Wakefield, to make plans for our stay. The resort is on the National Historic Place that has been updated to offer all modern conveniences. Sofia strives to keep her establishment on the leading edge of environmentally responsible hospitality management. She emphasizes re-cycling, natural fiber bedding, and “green” cleaning products. Her husband, Forest, is a baker who will provide us with freshly baked, whole grain, organic breads, rolls, and other goodies. The resort is located on a beautifully landscaped acre right in the middle of Pinedale.
Fishing.
This area has an abundance of productive fisheries ranging from deep, wide, slow moving rivers to rushing creeks born in the snowfields of the Wind River Range. We’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of these streams and rivers. Check out the photos on the website in the right margin. These are some of the places I fished last July.
You’ll need to bring ALL your own fishing equipment. If you don’t own your equipment you may be able to rent it. Two Rivers Emporium has a limited amount of gear for rent. Let me know right away if you need to rent and I’ll contact Mike. In the third pre-trip letter I’ll send a list of recommended tackle and flies, but be prepared to buy additional flies when you arrive so you can closely match whatever bugs are hatching and the trout are eating.
You’ll also need to buy a fishing license. A non-resident license is $14.00 per day. The website to purchase online is: gf.state.wy.us/elso/elsowelcome.aspx. Once you’re on this page click on the button labeled Individual Sportsperson Purchase and follow the prompts.
Day off activity.
Our current itinerary calls for five days of fishing and one day-off. Our day-off is called “dry-your-waders-day”, but you can still fish if you want. Buy your daily license accordingly – you’ll need at least five days, six if you fish on our day-off. Please see the section on general information below for ideas on how to spend your day-off or for pre-trip or post-trip activities. Remember: your day-off activities are NOT included in the price of the trip.
General Information.
You may decide to arrive a few days early or stay a few days after our trip to explore the area. Here’s a brief list of suggestions for exploring the area before or after our trip or on your day off.
Please note that these activities are NOT included on our trip; they’re provided for your information should you want to spend more time in the area.
Green River Rendezvous –
Our stay in Pinedale coincides with the Green River Rendezvous. It relives the early Mountain Man history of the area. During Rendezvous, the town of Pinedale comes alive with activities and events surrounding the Mountain Man theme. In the evening you’ll be able to walk to many of the Rendezvous activities, most of which are free.
See www.pinedaleonline.com/RendezvousDays.HTM
The Museum of the Mountain Man-
The Museum presents a visual and interpretative experience into the romantic era of the Mountain man and provides a comprehensive overview of the Western Fur Trade's historical significance. Situated in the heart of the country that was once the hub of the Rocky Mountain fur trading, the Museum stands as a monument to the men and the commerce that opened the West. See www.museumofthemountainman.com
Grand Teton National Park –
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. The park's world-renowned scenery attracts nearly four million visitors per year. See www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
Jackson Hole and the town of Jackson –
Summer in Jackson Hole offers unbeatable weather and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking and camping may be the most popular summer endeavors, while whitewater rafting, golfing and horseback riding provide some of the nearly limitless summer entertainment possibilities. See http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/about/join.php
Yellowstone National Park –
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. See http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
This is just a very small sample of the activities that are available to you before or after our trip, or for your day off – they are not included in the trip. If you’d like more information on any of these activities please let us know. For more information about other activities we suggest you explore wyomingtourism.org, the official tourism site for the state.
There are some spots still available for the trip so tell your friends and families in case they want to join you on this adventure! Look for your next pre-trip letter in June. In the mean time, don’t forget to visit our website at www.wildtroutwildflowers.blogspot.com
That’s all for now, travelers.
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