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View Full Version : Crumb-Catchers Invade the Sierras !! (COMPLETE VERSION)



Fisher-of-Men
09-06-2007, 09:35 PM
Labor Day Weekend 2007

For some time now my daughter has been asking me on a persistent basis to take her back up to the Eastern Sierras in close proximity to where we camped last year. The opportunity finally came our way and the packing began! :banana: I picked up the kids on Thursday evening and had everything loaded by noon the next day. Having a checklist to work off makes things so much easier. :wink: The kids first taste of the "Great" outdoors began last summer and they've been hooked ever since! So at 12 noon on Friday, August 31 we headed out from Chino, CA. We took the 15 north to the 395 and preceeded northbound for Bishop, CA.
:banana:
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After numerous little pit-stops, we made it to Bishop by about 5 pm. We turned on Line St. and began the climb from about 4,000 feet to 9,000 feet. The airconditioner was pumping the whole way up until now. We started counting elevation signs: 5,000 ft........6,000 ft........7,000 ft etc...
At 7,000 ft the airconditioner was turned off and the windows rolled down. Awwwwh :!: The temp. was cool and the scent of pine trees and sage brush fill the air. We arrived at the last campground just before Lake Sabrina about 5:45 pm to find out it was full. :( This is where we were at last Labor Day weekend. So we drove down 168 to the North Lake turn off and headed up the mountain goat trail. Once again, all the campsites were taken. :( The sun was gettin lower and lower in the sky and the clock was ticking. I sugested that we scout the South Lake area, so back down the dusty mountain goat road we went. We begain hitting the campgrounds from the top down. Finally, we found the one! This campsite was an absolute jewel. :D There were a total of 5 sites here and ours was tucked into the bushes and trees apart from all the rest.
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras1.JPG
This picture was actually taken on the morning of our departure. We quickly started unloading the car. By this time it was about 7:15 pm and the light was disappearing rapidly. We assembled the tent and my daughter arranged the inside as I started the fire. By 8:30, the ice chest and all the food was in the bear box and we were sitting around the campfire enjoying hot chocolate and a Cup-of-Noodles. MMMM! MMMM! Good! We counted shooting stars for awhile and the kids showed me where the Big and Small Dipper were. They rememberd! The way the stars stand out up here in contrast to the black sky is amazing. :shock:

The next morning, it was up and atom. Places to go.........things to do........and animals to see! (oh! and tummies to feed!)
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Yes.........I even packed the Flintstone Vitamins. :lol:
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After breakfast, it was time to blaze a trail and do some exploring. The South Fork of Bishop Creek ran just below camp.
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http://fishingnetwork.net/images/tmp3/AddonCreek.JPG
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Our first obstacle was to find a way across to the other side. I told the kids its just like the game Frogger. Lol!
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Once across, it was back to whacking and hacking. Blazing a trail can be some hard work but it was part of the game we were playing. After about an hour it was time to find our way back the exact way we came. I told the kids to lead the way; to look for footprints and freshly cut branches and brush. This was allot of fun :!: I made sure at the same time the kids were learning an important lesson as well. I want them to be able to find their way back if they should ever get lost during one of our outings. Having a good sense of bearings in the "Great" outdoors is essential.
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras10.JPG

Once we found our way back to camp, it was time for some lunch! We were starving. Thank goodness for the Bear Box to keep my carne asada safe and sound. MMMMM! MMMMM! Yum :!:
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After filling our bellies with that delicious lunch, it was time to get down to business. I told the kids that we had to go out and catch our dinner. So the hunt was on!

South Fork of Bishop Creek
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http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras_14.JPG

We moved to the North Fork just under Lake Sabrina because of the pressure that the creek was getting from every Tom, Dick and Harry that stopped where we were fishing. I didn't drive all the way up here to have someone fish just ten feet away. Some people have no consideration. :x

Here is a picture of our Honey Hole. :D
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Fresh Fish :!:
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My daughter feels very safe by the blazing fire with her Bear/Pepper Spray on her armrest
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras22.JPG

This picture was taken at the end of the day on Sunday. I felt it fit the story line better here. :) This is where we began our hike into the backcountry. We arrived at the trailhead that leads out of the back side of Lake Sabrina at about 7:30 in the morning. The weather was cool and the air had that fresh morning scent. We were off with fishing poles in hand and our day packs filled with food and water.
:banana:

http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras23.JPG

Lake Sabrina (9,100 ft.)
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Up the trail we go!
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The first lake we came to was Blue Lake. Blue Lake is a 2.4 mile hike from the trailhead. It took us about 3 hours to get there. The switchbacks were pretty challenging and the air was getting thinner and thinner; but the hike so far was to say the least "breath-taking!"

Blue Lake (10,200 ft.)
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Time to peal some layers of clothing off.
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After a short break, we continued on up the mountain from Blue Lake. According to the map, we had about another mile and a half to go before we reached Baboon Lake. Thank goodness we had a trail guide to show us the way. :lol:


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Approaching the 11,000 ft mark; we take some time for a group photo and do some carb loading. (Blue Lake in the backdrop)
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras33.JPG
View of Blue Lake
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http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras35.JPG
Daddy's Little Girl
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Finally :!: After countless switchbacks and water breaks we get our first glimps of Baboon Lake. Baboon Lake is 4 miles from the trailhead at Lake Sabrina. 4 miles at these elevations is quite an accomplishment; especially for 10, 6 and 5 year olds! I am still amazed that they did so well. It looks like a real backpacking trip is just a couple of years away :!:
:banana:
Baboon Lake ( 11,000 ft +)
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras37.JPG
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras38.JPG
Just to the back of the lake on the right hand side is where we would finally hit our stopping point. It's where you see some very large boulders and a small cove below. I would guess it was at least another half mile or so back there. This would be a grand total of 4 1/2 miles + one way. This looked like a nice deep area of the lake that we could access from the shore and it was also close to the inlet. Getting back there was no easy task!

Crossing the Log Dam of Baboon Lake
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Taking another break! (Whew! Easily winded)
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Still making our way to the Honey Hole. :)
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http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/easternSierras43.JPG

Everyone Ready For Some Bendo ??

Okay Crumb-Catchers........let's see some action :!: :!:

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Its a Brookie!
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My little Junior gives the fish a kiss. :lol:
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My 5 year old
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Out of the 3 kids, my youngest was the only one who attempted the "Lip"
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras51.JPG
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras50.JPG
Duel Hook-Ups :!: :!:
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The Brookies went crazy over this lure!
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras53.JPG
This is as close to Lipping as we're going to get! :lol:
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras54.JPG

All fish were safely caught and released. It was a 4 hour hike down the mountain and we didn't want to carry anymore than we had to. The total fish count for Baboon Lake was 20+ in about a two and a half hour period. The kids had a blast and so did ole Dad! :lol:

Thanks for stopping by! See ya Later............... :D
http://bluehuntercatfishing.com/images/tmp2/EasternSierras55.JPG


The End !

Troutman65
09-06-2007, 10:06 PM
Very nice report and great pics.

The kids look like they had a blast catching the trout. Lunch looked great too!!!

Thanks for sharing on FNN.


:thumb:


Troutman65

Oban
09-06-2007, 10:09 PM
Very nice report. Labor day weekend must have been pretty bad, luckily you guys found the perfect spot!

Hope to see those other pictures soon.

gwjones00
09-07-2007, 06:40 AM
Fisher:

Thanks for the report! Makes me remember the days that my kids were all gung ho about exploring and camping. These days it's about which condo we're going to stay in. Only my youngest (15 yo) is ready to drop everything for a quick fishing trip in the backcountry. Cherish the time - they will grow up so quickly......

In fact, I can't wait until they start taking the old man (*me*) up there.

fleaflicker
09-07-2007, 07:21 AM
Incredible report!

Great times with your kids in a beautiful place. The time spent up there with dad is burned in their memories forever.

Awesome!!!

fish4lunkers
09-07-2007, 08:19 AM
Thanks for the great report! cant wait till you finish it.

City Dad
09-07-2007, 08:58 AM
Great post! You are the man. Thanks, Fisher.

Taking crumb-catchers afield is the best thing ever.

Granny Fish
09-07-2007, 09:02 AM
Good job on keeping the hungry mobs fed. :lol: Great pictures! I loved seeing all the smiling faces and the matching camos... too cute. Loved the report, can't wait for the rest.

Troutoholic
09-07-2007, 09:27 AM
Nice report and pictures. It looks like all the kids were happy, nice job!

Wingnut
09-07-2007, 10:34 AM
Wow, what a great report. Fun times!

Headhunter
09-07-2007, 11:09 AM
Sweet, Sweet Photos!

Nice looking Family......thanks for sharing that!

Fisherman57
09-07-2007, 11:43 AM
Perfect! :thumb:




57

Nessie Hunter
09-07-2007, 01:35 PM
Fisher-of-Men, How cool is that, simply awesome. :D

Your kids will never forget that quality time with you..... :group:

Looking forward to the finish...:shock:


.

Fisher-of-Men
09-08-2007, 01:38 PM
Fisher:

Thanks for the report! Makes me remember the days that my kids were all gung ho about exploring and camping. These days it's about which condo we're going to stay in. Only my youngest (15 yo) is ready to drop everything for a quick fishing trip in the backcountry. Cherish the time - they will grow up so quickly......

In fact, I can't wait until they start taking the old man (*me*) up there.

That would be a dream come true "gwjones".
I hope that when they get into the late teens and 20s, we can still find time to get away and enjoy times like these. I still believe that if you turn kids on to things of this nature when they're young, they will continue to enjoy it when they become adults; at least that's the way it worked for me. :D

johnsfishing
09-08-2007, 04:28 PM
W :shock: W

GREAT POST!!!

Congrats on the trip! nice pictures!

johnsfishing

Poseidon
09-08-2007, 05:04 PM
seemed like a fun and exciting trip :D

fishfinder
09-08-2007, 09:44 PM
Totally awesome. makes me wanna go now.

steve092
09-09-2007, 12:15 PM
Nice job on the trout. What kind of spinner was that?

Fisher-of-Men
09-09-2007, 02:19 PM
Nice job on the trout. What kind of spinner was that?

I believe it was a size 2 Roostertail. They loved the green color but white was working well also. :)

Fisher-of-Men

Beancounter
09-09-2007, 06:46 PM
Pops...You are the man :thumb:
I think they're hooked!
Keep up the good work.
Great looking kids 8)
Thanks for sharing you trip.

Ronira
09-09-2007, 06:59 PM
Dude your my vote for Dad Of The Year. Wonderfull report and great looking crop of younguns. Thank you for a real treat of a report. Peace Ron

Fisher-of-Men
09-09-2007, 07:11 PM
Thanks Ronira and Bean......... :)

I'd rather be up there anyday compared to a trip to the amusement park or an afternoon at the beach. Its such a good feeling to watch the kids embrace these type of activities. Being in places like this is as close to heaven as we're going to get in this life. Its like a completely different world up here where all your cares are left behind and the fast pace of today's living comes to a screaching hault. The peace and tranquility is intoxicating!

Fisher-of-Men

TroutOnly
09-10-2007, 08:10 AM
GREAT REPORT AND PICS , LOOKS LIKE YOU GUYS HAD A GREAT TIME,,,t/o

bones
09-10-2007, 07:50 PM
Absolutely awesome report. I love that area and the last time I was up there I treked about half as much as you guys did but my lady fell in love with the area. We are going up again for her birthday on 10/10 and then at least one more time before the season closes in the high country.
Thanks for the beautiful pics and report. I've got three kids also ages 8,11 and 13 and they love the high country. As a matter of fact last year my whole family expressed that they would love to actually move up there to live.......I'm still working on it!

Fisher-of-Men
09-10-2007, 08:01 PM
Absolutely awesome report. I love that area and the last time I was up there I treked about half as much as you guys did but my lady fell in love with the area. We are going up again for her birthday on 10/10 and then at least one more time before the season closes in the high country.
Thanks for the beautiful pics and report. I've got three kids also ages 8,11 and 13 and they love the high country. As a matter of fact last year my whole family expressed that they would love to actually move up there to live.......I'm still working on it!

I'm looking forward to your report "Bones"! The day hikes are a blast. If you decide to venture back one of those trails, make sure you have a map and plenty of water. Your kids are a bit older, so they could help carry the load more. I hauled a canteen up there and had to refill it and add water tablets just in case; you never know if its drinkable or not. I am going to make sure I have two "Camelbak" hydration packs the next time. Way more comfortable to carry. :D

Fisher-of-Men

Granny Fish
09-10-2007, 11:08 PM
F.O.M. - Awsome report! Best I've seen in a long time. Thanks for sharing your family adventures with us.

zZaNg
09-11-2007, 05:50 AM
Very nice report/trip/fish/family. You all look really cool in the matching camo. Great job.

steve092
09-11-2007, 08:52 PM
Nice job on the trout. What kind of spinner was that?

I believe it was a size 2 Roostertail. They loved the green color but white was working well also. :)

Fisher-of-Men

Whew!!! That's five less bucks I'll spend on more fishing related equipment. I have that exact one.
I ask cuz I'm gonna try something new at Silverwood Friday.

Skyler
09-11-2007, 10:36 PM
Fisher of Men, how many men have you caught so far this year? LOL, just messing with you. Seriously though, this is by far the best report I've seen so far on this forum. Everything was there. The only way you could make it better is to hire a good director to make it into a movie, he he. I nominate this for 'post of the month.' Is there a post of the month here? If not, there should be. Peace.

-Skyler

shy_boxer
09-12-2007, 12:21 AM
Fisher of Men~!! WOW!!! What a report and the pics were just awesome. Thanks for sharing your family trip with us. I am sold~!! I wanna go!!!!to the sierras. :appl:
Nothing beats camping and fishing with your family~!!! :D

Fisher-of-Men
09-12-2007, 07:10 PM
Fisher of Men, how many men have you caught so far this year? LOL, just messing with you. Seriously though, this is by far the best report I've seen so far on this forum. Everything was there. The only way you could make it better is to hire a good director to make it into a movie, he he. I nominate this for 'post of the month.' Is there a post of the month here? If not, there should be. Peace.

-Skyler

Thanks Skyler! :D

I have scrapebooks that I have put together for the kids at home that are in many ways very similiar to this report. I like to construct the picture books so they basically tell the story themselves without me being there to explain each and every pic. I try to make the story come to life for the reader. We had so much fun; I felt this story deserved the effort to make it seem like you guys were right out there with us. :wink:

Fisher-of-Men


Fisher-of-Men

troutdog
09-13-2007, 10:09 AM
Hey Fisher,
Fantastic report and pictures....very, very well done. I was very impressed with your culinary skills, breakfast was looking straight out of a fancy restaurant! My hats off to you in making that trip happen for your troops. Having a daughter myself, I know kids can be a handful....let alone having 3 on the trip! Impressive hike you took them on! You must have quite a bit of patience and a true love of the outdoors. You are awesome dude, keep up the good work and keep those reports coming!


TD

FemaleFishinFool
09-13-2007, 02:02 PM
:appl: Breath-taking pix! Unbelieveable scenery! Illustrative narrative!

Wow! Kudos for instilling in your kids a deep-seated love for nature & fishing! With memories such as thiers, they are certain to carry on the tradition with your grandchildren - all the while holding dear the images of themselves, their siblings and Dad trekking the high country!

FFF

one_leg
09-14-2007, 02:54 PM
I missed this report because I was loading up all my stuff to go visit the very same spots, sans the day hike.

This was one of the best reports I've read in a long while.

Congratulations on the trip. The food looks scrumptious.

Oh yeah, I think you've set a new record for number of edits on one thread...Ha Ha...j/k

Here is the link to my report.
http://fishingnetwork.net/forum1/viewtopic.php?t=7987

One_Leg

P.S. I know I ain't supposed to be envious, but I am. :D

mamafish
09-14-2007, 03:26 PM
Beautiful family and kudos to you dad for taking the little ones on such a great adventure they will cherish forever! Here's to more of them for your family!

Fisher-of-Men
09-14-2007, 06:28 PM
I missed this report because I was loading up all my stuff to go visit the very same spots, sans the day hike.

This was one of the best reports I've read in a long while.

Congratulations on the trip. The food looks scrumptious.

Oh yeah, I think you've set a new record for number of edits on one thread...Ha Ha...j/k

Here is the link to my report.
http://fishingnetwork.net/forum1/viewtopic.php?t=7987

One_Leg



P.S. I know I ain't supposed to be envious, but I am. :D

Thanks One_Leg! (Alan) :wink:
I was hoping you would find my post. It took me two days to put it together because of all the resizing of my pics. I had a clause that said, "More tomorrow". Lol! The site kept crashing while I was working on it; so I had to keep saving things as I went every 5 minutes. I learned the hard way.... I had spent over an hour typing and pasting and the site booted me off. :cry: Lost everything.

I am going to look at your report now. :thumb:

Fisher-of-Men

PONTOON
09-20-2007, 12:13 PM
Fisher, Thanks for sharing your report and all the awesome pics! I say two thumbs up to you for spending quality time with your children and teaching them the importance of the country and resources we have for all of us to share. :thumb: :thumb:

Fisher-of-Men
09-23-2007, 07:37 AM
Fisher, Thanks for sharing your report and all the awesome pics! I say two thumbs up to you for spending quality time with your children and teaching them the importance of the country and resources we have for all of us to share. :thumb: :thumb:

Thanks Pontoon! :wink:

I'll keep the reports coming for sure. The outdoors is such a refreshing change from the city life. There is always something new to show them that facinates their interest.

Fisher-of-Men

hawgbuster
09-24-2007, 10:31 PM
Awesome Report!

The world would be a much better place if there were more dads like you!