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On to Missouri

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We left off having dinner with Jake in Bozeman.

Next stop was our favorite camp ground on the Missouri, the thriving metropolis of Craig, MT. Located below Holter Dam, it has lots of big fish, a nice controlled run off and more people fishing than we expected.
First, we stopped at Three Forks, MT where the Jefferson, Madison and Galatin rivers converge and the Missouri begins.
After a thorough scouting, we settled on the section just below the confluence of the Jefferson and the Madison but still up stream from the Galatin.
Really beautiful but cranky fish.

Rog was very stealthy, to no avail.

We finally left them alone, ate lunch and moved on to Craig.

Last year we stayed at the same campground and didn’t find out until our 50th high school reunion (later that year) that an old high school surfing buddy ( Vance Hanawalt) had a summer house in the next town downstream, Dearborn. And he was probably there when we were.
So after many phone calls and emails we resolved to get together this trip. We checked in with Vance and his wife Valerie before setting up camp. They live on the hill 500 ft above the river; here is a shot from the road below.
Their house is photo center on top of the cliff above the bridge. The next is a zoom in from the same location so you can actually see their house.

And the zoom in.

And here is the view upriver from their yard.

And looking downriver,

I have no idea why I didn’t get a panoramic view, probably because it was just to big to capture.
I took a few photos of fish then decided to quit harassing them by making them pose. It was much better to get them back into the water after apologizing for the interruption.

They sure were purdy though.

On our last day Vance took us up river from Holter Lake into the Valley of the Giants.

Nice canyon

Some rugged terrain.

The giants remained elusive however. We all promised not to wait another fifty years before doing this again.

Once again I must apologize as I neglected to get a photo of Vance’s terrific wife, Valerie. Sorry Valerie, you will be featured after our next meeting. And I swear it had nothing to do with the fact that she was a much better fly fisher than Rog or me. We were both humbled, but if you have fished with us you know that is nothing new.

Anyway, we are both back safe to Denver and Rog is already tearing down walls in an effort to remodel the only bathroom in the Denver house. Lath and plaster, what a great time!
We got back in time for me to see the super moon eclipse with the Sodens. The clouds were scattered so we got to see it all. Luckily, it was a slow event.
Weather was perfect; never got to wear the winter clothes I took. Not to worry, winter is coming.
Stay safe.
About

So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!