Trip Report
High Eastside Obscure Golden's and Such... Going High, Deep and Stripping for Peace & Serenity.
Thursday August 27, 2015 9:38am
*WARNING!!!* This aint your typical Weenie Roast Spray Climbing TR.

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As life rolls along, things change, physically, mentally and emotionally. A major and valuable lesson in ones life is to acknowledge and then totally embrace that reality. Then and only then will one find peace. Not only with themselves but with everything around them that they must continue to live with. In harmony.

I been climbing consistently for well over 45 years all over this planet. My career in the Navy allowed me a vehicle to expand my adventures to locations I most assuredly would have never gotten to, including Antarctica and Wadi Rum Jordan, had I stayed stateside and did the proverbial daily American 8-5 grind gig. Lots and lots of vertical time in all disciplines at locations that no man had ever stepped upon before mine and those I shared a rope with.

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After I very reluctantly retired from the Navy in the Spring of 99', I spent well over a year living in my truck and doing the dirtbag deal all over the southwest. Climbing and adventure sea kayaking. Got into doing some way crazy shet while lots of that time was spent soloing in both disciplines. Little did I know that at the time it was all done as a distraction from the adrenaline Monster that was lurking inside.

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With that said, a little history about what and how I ended up doing what I do today and what motivated this very atypical Supertopo TR.

When I was stationed at SERE Brunswick in Maine back in 94', I got hooked up with a retiring Boatwains Mate "Frog" Senior Chief that had become a Bass Pro fisherman. He originated from the U P of Michigan. He had the proverbial fast flying bass boat and loved his fishing. He had bought a bitchen ass spread on Rangeley Lake just down the hill from our RTL and spent all his down time there in preparation for doing so for the rest of his days on earth. He was single (divorced) and was preparing himself for the next chapter in his life. Hint#1.

I started hanging out with him to keep my ass outta deep trouble. I was a somewhat new Chief (three years or so) that just got back from doing the C-SAR shet in Somalia and was pretty wound up. He clearly understood that so he shared something with me that today I attribute all what will be posted below. He invited me out onto the lake on that badass fast flying Ranger boat of his to go fishing. Awesome I said to myself. Lots of beer swelling and partying out the ass etc. Hoooooooooya!

Well, when I showed up at zero dark thirty at the Rangely Marina on the NE end of the lake one morning in early June of 94' and met up with him, I figured I'd be learning how to spin cast them fancy rigs like ya see them good old southern boys doing on t.v. with one hand and slamming a "Pounder" BUD with the other. I quickly noticed he didn't have any such rigs on the deck of that fancy ass beautiful boat. What I saw flattened me, a large assortment of Singlehand and Skagit fly rigs, which at that time I had absolutely zero idea what they were. 12 setups to be exact. Yup, he was an avid Fly Fishermen and fished everything with fly rigs. I scratched my head cus all I had pictured was the proverbial spin casting bass dude deal. I asked him what was up with all them fly rods and he quickly replied, "You're gonna shet your britches Shipmate when ya see what a fly fishing set up will do to them bass!" I was totally confused but went along with it all. I also noticed that there were NO beers in the cooler well. Hint #2. We got in and took off, literally, to one of his multiple secret spots that he had in one of them many little alcoves that are all over Rangeley lake. Got, or I should say flew, to one of his honey holes in less than three mins flat. Slowed down to almost nothing and then came to a smooth complete stop some 30 or so feet from the bank on the typical glass water that Rangeley is well known for. He pointed at then softly told me to get the small anchor that was located on the bow and very slowly drop it off on the stbd open lake side and to do so very quietly and gently. After doing so, he proceeded to quietly explain and teach me the fine art of real fly fishing. What amazed me right off the get go was all that I had envisioned and assumed a fly fisherman did was all totally wrong. Hint #3. The dude was good, damn good to say the least. I quickly learned that his Pop had taught him the incredibly precise art of Spey FFing back in the U P of Michigan (may I add he comes from a Scottish background) when he was just five years old and had been doing so, avidly, ever since. As he progressed in his FFing he incorporated Singlehand Stick techniques. Who would ever imagine a plank owner of ST-2 would be and do such a thing. Hello. Well, I also quickly learned that Dry Flies really weren't as effective on Bass or any other bigass fish for that matter, as were subsurface emergers and deep water streamers etc. were. WOW. He showed me how casting long, going deep and then stripping in many different manners and pulses got the big boys and got em quickly.

This clip of Chris Rownes displays them precise casting techniques that "Rog" had shown me...

[Click to View YouTube Video]

As time went along and was spent FFing different rivers and lakes throughout Maine the following 16 months with "Rog", I learned some crazy ass cool things about fish, their behaviors and how you need to totally think outta the box to hook em up. I also quickly learned that when them fish are not hungry, well you're gonna get skunked, that there's nothing you can do to change that and that is all part of the deal. "Rog" also taught me the fine art of tying ones own flies. That part of it all was so interesting to me and tied the entire deal together. Tying up some thread, bunched up different colored yarn, rabbit, squirrel, deer hairs and feathers onto a hook then going out and hooking up on a fish with something you created was so badass to me. It sealed me for good on this FF stuff.

OK, now onto the meat of the TR.

Five years ago I was diagnosed with severe PTSD, 18 months ago with acute Hypothyroidism and my knees were totally shot out even after surgeries on both to attempt to remedy the issues that ailed them. My drive and enthusiasm for climbing that had been a major component of my life for so long was very quickly dissipating as was most of everything else that existed around me. My PTSD had flared up big time Jan of last year and was really making my life a hell beyond hell. I wanted nothing to do with anyone or anything except my incredible Wife and four dogs and our hooche here north of Bishop up against the Whites. I had doodled with my FFing on and off for the past ten or so years but never applied it as avidly as "Rog" had after he retired from the Navy.

I finally decided I needed professional help for my PTSD and was on meds for the HT. I began going to EMDR sessions here in Bishop and quickly realized that my issue was not with all them many many "bad" things I had experienced in my 24 year career. Rather, I was totally outta place in this civilian world. My Naval career doing all them things that I learned and did repeatedly had totally and permanently rewired my brain. More specifically, my thinking patterns. I quickly learned from my two "Docs" that this just wasn't something that was short termed and was going to go away. That this was gonna be with me for the rest of my life. I was directed to watch "The Hurt Locker" by one of my therapists so I could conceptualize and start to understand what it was that was going through in my head. Specifically the two clips below...

[Click to View YouTube Video]

[Click to View YouTube Video]

With all that has suddenly come to bear in my current course, I soon realized through my EMDR that in the short term I had to completely disengage myself from society and learn what it was to fully "retire" from all the stuff that I did and was in the Navy. I was shown that being "The Chief" wasn't accepted by most civ's but by no means was I to rid myself of the incredibly long traditions and deep line of honorable character that being one had taught me. But, that I had to learn how to adjust my sails in order to co-exist in this world known as the civilian life.

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OH MAN, does this ever remind me of... ME! This was my first year and a half after I retired. Bigass NO NO in the Civ World as well.
[Click to View YouTube Video]

I very quickly remembered "Rog" and all that he had done in order to do so himself. Amazing how he knew what was in store for him the rest of his life after learning and doing all the badass shet he had done over his 29 year career as an "Operator". WOW... on comes the light!

Now you know the true gest of it all. Does it explain who I am? You're damn right it does. Is it an excuse? Nope. Cus no excuses are required. Is it an apology? No fking way!!! "It just is what it is so shut the fk up and roll with it!" as old "Rog" used to repeatedly mumble to me. Hint #4.

I have over 205 days on the water this year. Half of those are up high in the Eastside Sierra. Most of which are at locations that take some effort to get to that most "civs" won't ever contemplate doing. Ironically, I have had to apply many of my climbing footwork and balance techniques that I learned and frequently practiced them 45 or so years of doing so, to get to and then actually remain at the locations I go in order to chuck my flies and trick them High Sierra beauties into grabbing.

So what's the moral of my story/TR. Refer to Hint #4. And I'm sticking to that, for the time being anyhow.

Oh, almost forgot. It really is amazing how powerful YC's statement is...

"It's not about catching fish. Nope. It's about the fish catching you!"

Luckily for you civ's out there, be glad I have embraced and clung onto that very wise statement and what my good old Shipmate "Rog" had passed onto me.

Enjoy...

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Sooooooooooooooooooooo Now... The Best for last.

I'm Smiling again these days. Yup. Well, at least for the time being thanks to the seed that BMCS(NPJ/DV/SEAL) "Rog" planted some 20 years ago.
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  Trip Report Views: 3,717
The Chief
About the Author
The Chief is a climber from Lurkerville east of Goldenville.

Comments
Wayno

Big Wall climber
Republic, WA
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:08am PT
Chief, have you ever tossed a line up at Royce Lakes or other spots up in Humphrey's Basin? Was it good?
skcreidc

Social climber
SD, CA
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:15am PT
Great TR! Stoked for you Chief! But please don't give much more lake specific beta in these areas. Half the fun is figuring it out for yourself. Let's just say a little common sense (and energy) will take you there.
Wayno

Big Wall climber
Republic, WA
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:20am PT
Cool! I hiked through there years ago before I was into fishing and I always wondered. In fact, I can think of a couple places in the Sierra that I've visited before the fishing bug bit that showed promise. The upper reaches of several forks of the San Joaquin come to mind.

Edit-- Skcriedc, I don't imagine a lot of people that are going to make that hike up to Royce Lakes.
Marlow

Sport climber
OSLO
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:18am PT
That's pretty nice fish... lucky guy...
Vitaliy M.

Mountain climber
San Francisco
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:27am PT
One of the most profound and honest TR's I have ever read on this site!

+1
Thank you for sharing. Actually read and learned something. It is a blessing to find something that keeps you sane...or partially so!
Matt's

climber
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:28am PT
i never really understood the allure of fishing

till i saw the pictures of the fish you caught.

what incredible beauty!
Wayno

Big Wall climber
Republic, WA
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:53am PT
I first started hitting the waters on the Eastside back in the mid-eighties. It changed my world. I moved to Mammoth for a couple years in 1993. Mammoth got really old for me but the fishing was always just incredible. I fished just about every drainage from Bishop all the way up to Topaz. There is so much good trout water there. I moved up here to the PNW and there is some good fishing but it is hit or miss and spread out all over. I really miss those places. There is so much just off the beaten path that I don't think most anglers will ever get there. Too far away from population centers and most novices are just too lazy. The thing that bugs me up here is the crowds. Even the good spots can be elbow to elbow and that just plain sucks. I can't remember the last time I had some water all to myself up here and that seemed to be the norm when I fished a lot on the Eastside. I fished so much there I didn't even think about climbing.
Tony Puppo

climber
Bishop
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:57am PT
Well done lad! Keep up the good psych
T2

climber
Cardiff by the sea
  Aug 27, 2015 - 11:03am PT
Nothing but "RESPECT" for you Chief!

Thank you
Stewart Johnson

Gym climber
top lake
  Aug 27, 2015 - 11:07am PT
Epic...
micronut

Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
  Aug 27, 2015 - 12:24pm PT
Chief,

1. Thank you for your service to this country. A sincere thank you.

2. Proud of your story and look forward to hearing about your continued journey.

3. Holy cow.


If I PM you will you pleeeeeeese tell me where you caught this one? I don't care if I have to bang up my new truck or solo A3 to get to that place. I gotta know.

4. Keep writing and posting good content like this. SUpertopo needs it.



Scott
The Alpine

climber
The Sea
  Aug 27, 2015 - 01:23pm PT
Ever fished the Crabtree Lakes? Monsters in there I tell ya!
MikeMc

climber
  Aug 27, 2015 - 02:09pm PT
Respect
10b4me

Social climber
Lida Junction
  Aug 27, 2015 - 02:13pm PT
Chief,
thanks for this. I don't think we agree politically, but that's ok. I've always respected you for the climbs you've done.
This brings back memories for me. I was a fisherman before I was a climber. My late father, and I used to spend a week every autumn on the eastside, fishing.
I started flyfishing, and also tied my own flies. Then, I got into climbing, threw everything away, except for the rods.
Like you, I no longer climb, because of injuries.
Maybe it's time I got those rods out of storage.
Thanks again.
Ward Trotter

Trad climber
  Aug 27, 2015 - 02:13pm PT
Excellent TR.
All good and great stories involve some sort of personal redemption.

Makes me want to rediscover the fishing I did with my dad when I was a kid.

[Click to View YouTube Video]
BLUEBLOCR

Social climber
joshua tree
  Aug 27, 2015 - 02:29pm PT
Ur a BaddAss Chief ;D

Thanks!
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
  Aug 27, 2015 - 03:19pm PT
Thanks for sharing part of the journey.
And good to see you smiling!!
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
  Aug 27, 2015 - 03:27pm PT
A really great TR! Thanks so much for posting.
kev

climber
A pile of dirt.
  Aug 27, 2015 - 03:49pm PT
Thumbs up to you!
cat t.

climber
california
  Aug 27, 2015 - 05:15pm PT
The tale and the fish are both amazing. Thanks for sharing!
tom woods

Gym climber
Bishop, CA
  Aug 27, 2015 - 06:34pm PT
Thanks for putting so much into this "tr" - a story of adjusting to change and coming through intact.

On another note, my six year old and I appear to be following you around the Eastside fishing holes. I know a few of those, and some others we've been close to. Each time we go up, we try to hit one new piece of water- sort of building a fish inventory in our minds. Some are as expected, others surprise. The six year old has started fly casting thanks to Fish Camp at the Bishop City Park.

You never know till you go.
Bad Climber

Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
  Aug 27, 2015 - 08:14pm PT
Nicely done, Chief. I suspect slappin' those fish is doing a lot of good, rewiring you in the best sense. Keep the faith.

BAd
Larry Nelson

Social climber
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:02pm PT
Thanks for sharing and way to roll with it
Delhi Dog

climber
Good Question...
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:07pm PT
The Chief, I couldn't help but think of these when reading your TR.
http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/

http://www.outsideonline.com/1988036/hooked

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/calming-waters-veterans-learn-to-fly-fish-as-part-of/article_7d3840d9-732c-53a3-9cd8-a52a1cb67c51.html

As you know I'm a kindred spirit when it comes to feathers, water, and things that swim, crawl, and wriggle.
I've been real interested in getting involved with the good work they seem to be doing and wondered a bit if you have any experience with the folks of Project Healing Waters?

I'd love to have a conversation (maybe via PM) about this in the hopes that you might be able to guide me towards being involved if you do have thoughts along those lines (pun intended:-)
I think your TR is a wonderful reminder that each of us have our own stories that lead us to where we are right now. Good for you for keeping your head up and focused forward.


Half the fun is figuring it out for yourself.
You know this is true:-)

cheers
SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, Bozeman, the ocean, or ?
  Aug 27, 2015 - 10:38pm PT
Stunning.
As a Navy brat I get some of it. But you lived it.
Dayum...those fish.
My last catch...wish I could do the fly stuff. Wanted a king...settled for a pink.

Susan






phylp

Trad climber
Upland, CA
  Aug 28, 2015 - 07:37am PT
Thank you for the beautiful TR.
Best Wishes, Phyl
guyman

Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
  Aug 28, 2015 - 11:17am PT
Beautiful TR .....

Thank you for your service to our Nation, without men and women like you we would be totally hosed.

Thank you for the sage wisdom about Fly Fishing rigs... it made me make the move and spend the bucks. Now I get to enjoy finding out how to make the curve and the no splash landing.... that takes some practice.

Hope to see you around soon.

Guy Keesee

Adventurer

Mountain climber
Virginia
  Aug 28, 2015 - 11:38am PT
Great TR and story of an uncompromising life, Chief. All the best!

and of course, I still say "RANGERS LEAD THE WAY"
G_Gnome

Trad climber
Cali
  Aug 28, 2015 - 01:12pm PT
Way to go Rick! I knew you were struggling some and I am really glad that you found your way back. We should get together sometime and get some flies wet.

Guyzo and I are heading up that way tonight to let the fish catch us.
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
  Aug 29, 2015 - 08:49am PT
Pretty awesome tr sir, glad you are on the mend.
Thank you for serving out country.
snowhazed

Trad climber
Oaksterdam, CA
  Aug 29, 2015 - 10:15am PT
Thank you
F10

Trad climber
Bishop
  Aug 29, 2015 - 11:05am PT
Good for you !! Keep it up.....
ruppell

climber
  Aug 29, 2015 - 11:06am PT
I may not be as strong as I think, but I know many tricks and I have resolution.


Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea
Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
  Aug 29, 2015 - 03:57pm PT
Chief, nice to hear from you after a long silence. Glad you're doing well. Keep on keeping on.
rottingjohnny

Sport climber
Sands Motel , Las Vegas
  Aug 29, 2015 - 08:25pm PT
The Chief...I think Lake Pend Oreille is going to suit you just fine...
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