Montana Extravaganza 2009

FW: Extravagant Thanks from the Scene of It All!!

2009-07-28T09:05:00.001-07:00

From Group A DVM Jim Clark:

Hi Ron,

Your e-mail brought back such fond memories of the good times and laughs I shared with you, Kathy, and so many terrific new friends alongside Rock Creek at your beautiful home. Thanks again for this great opportunity, and for all of your efforts to preserve this beautiful place.

Warm regards,

Jim "Billtrout" Clark

FW: Extravagant Thanks from the Scene of It All!!

2009-07-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

From Group A's Terry Wilson (who, post-Extravaganza, internally renamed the lake his Napa house overlooks to "Montana Lake"!):

I think about that trip just about every day. I've been snorkeling in Montana Lake and have encountered Black Bass and Blue Gill in the 12'' range. They swim up to check me out, and I'm debating whether to spear- or fly fish--I think it'll be both. I'm going to shop for a rod next time I get to town. Thanks again for including us. Aloha, TW

FW: Extravagant Thanks from the Scene of It All!!

2009-07-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

A touching note from Group B's Montana Wildlife Federation President Tim Aldrich:

Ron and Kathy, this is a great Bow to tie onto this year's chapter of Extravagana. Your words are wonderfully well chosen, the visions you create are lasting and the message you carry so important to so many. Your vision, your actions, your generosity and your seemingly endless supply of energy continue to amaze me and make me thankful for your choice to become so engaged in helping the world know that Montana, in all its parts and pieces, truly Matters. I look forward to seeing you both soon. tim

FW: Extravagant Thanks from the Scene of It All!!

2009-07-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

From Group A's John Rosenbaum:

Dear Ron:

I have been watching the hot off the press Extravaganza-produced music video "Montana Matters," and it is just fantastic. Beautiful music and what a great filmmaking job. Brings back many happy memories.

All the best, John

Extravagant Thanks from the Scene of It All!!

2009-07-26T14:33:00.001-07:00

Fellow 2009 Extravaganzers:

Well, it has taken me the better part of three (count 'em!) weeks and a quick return trip to the Scene of It All (Wednesday afternoon, while at the Pt. Richmond office, I was musing about just what I was going to do the coming weekend and, before I knew it, I was on the phone to Delta Air Lines with a Thursday return flight ticket in hand!), but I think, to the extent humanly possible, I have finally fully recovered from the unabashed awesomeness of Extravaganza 2009...what a blast that was (and, with it now forever etched in my mental hard-drive, still is!)!!! In every sense of the word, 57 strong this year, we came, we saw and we conquered all that this stunningly beautiful wonderful corner of the Earth known simply as "Montana" has to offer.

Indeed, the wonderful sights, sounds and peals of yet-ringing laughter that were part of Extravaganza 2009 may have passed on the calendar but they will forever live in our extravagant history together. Kathy and I each thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts for taking time out of your otherwise busy lives to spend the better part of a week with us this summer--we love you and we loved every minute of the precious time that we spent together. In many respects for both Kathy and me, as witnessed by the attached photo, the Extravaganza has become a permanent part of our joint life, and, simply stated, we just can't intelligently imagine a summer without this event in our lives--it provides us the opportunity to share with you the internal and external beauty that we discovered here just seven short years ago; it also provides us with the special opportunity to extravagantly thank each of your for being the importantly special parts of our life that you each are and have become.

In many ways, each Extravaganza, as it begins, is like a framed blank tapestry--we know its four corners of time but no one in their wildest imagination could fully anticipate the resultant painting that would evolve over our collective three weeks together. Who, by way of example, would have thought that this year's event would be forever known as "The Year of the Girl"--from the Glennon Sisters of Group A, to the Hooters Girls of Group B to the bedazzling smiles of appreciation of both Group C's Eliza Shepard and our Florida-based Rookie of the Year, Olivia Kingsland, yes, this year's extravagant event that, in its early years, was initially thought of a "guys' trip" and that then quickly evolved into a "father-son trip", fully blossomed itself into a trip that will forever be know as a safe-haven and playground for the fairer sex of all ages.

And who in their right mind would have thought in advance that Extravaganza 2009's initially blank canvas would give sight to four (count 'em) new species of fish: Group A's discovered global warming's product of the never-before-discovered "Billtrout"; Group B's brazen discovery of the ever elusive "Bullshit Fish" and land-resident "Deer Trout"; and Group C's first-ever Montana landing of the thought-to-be- venomous-but-probably-not "Snake Trout...indeed, what non-asylum-committed mind could ever have envisioned these discoveries?!?

From (a) the youthful enthusiasm of the Rosenbaum children in Group A to (b) the multi-year return of seasoned veterans like Group A's John "SOS" Reimann and Rich "Pink Panther" Kotoff; Group B's Doug "Popeye" Hamilton, "Squawfish Tim" & "Shanna Banana" Rodgers, Lori "The Fawn" Ware and the Bedfords Two; and Group C's Larry "Moon River" Klaustermeier, Cam "Mend" Carlson, and the now-Shepards Four to (c) the bevy of beauties and brawn that spent their rookie years with us, this year's Extravaganza was, indeed, "one for the ages--all ages" thanks to each and every one of you. And, most importantly, both Kocktail Kathy and I hope that you forever took home a piece of Montana with you...that you do wake up in the middle of the nights to come to re-hear the rustling of the wind through boughs of her trees, that you frequently set aside moments of an otherwise hectic day ahead to reflect back upon the silent beauty that you witnessed here in her bosom, and that, proudly, you know that you were here among a selected few to share all that we did together for the simple reason that you belonged here.

What Kathy and I have learned in our surprisingly few years together here in Montana's Western regions is that all of the beauty that is here is not here by accident, but, rather, by divine guidance. As Group B's Tim Foster so elegantly stated in our Extravaganza-produced music video "Montana Matters" (which you and the world can now view on YouTube by typing in the magic words "Montana Matters"), Montana matters in no small part because "it may be one of the last places where we can prove that we can co-exist with a beautiful environment." What we have also learned is that that co-existence will be a successful experiment if, and only if, we curb the naturally unnatural inclination of man to destroy something that shines of pristine beauty. To that end, as recent extravagant beneficiaries of the intrinsic value of that pristineness, we have to pledge to each other to work together to fight for victory in that co-existence--we each have shown in our own extravagant ways that, yes, we can come into this Montanaesque environment, enjoy its bounties and yet leave it a better place...to that end Montana matters to each of us and, as I did during our awards night ceremonies, I entreat you to visit, often, our Montana Matters website at www.montanamatters.com and to give, and to give often, of your time and your wealth so that this wonderful place known simply as "Montana" retains is natural wealth for time on end. Kathy and I have proudly done and, on a daily basis, continue to do so, and, just as we did while you were here with us this summer, we would proudly welcome your enthusiastic company in this wonderfully rewarding cause...simply because Montana, indeed, matters.

Again, as we put this final bow on Extravaganza 2009, Kathy and I each thank you for being here with us, for sharing your time and your sprit with us all and for remembering that we each now have the solemn duty to preserve for the ages what others before us have enabled us to so much enjoy.

Bless each and every one of you Extravagant Ones!

Best to all from the now-concluding scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

Good Times

2009-07-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

From Group A (former Rookie) Terry Wilson:

First I need to thank you and the Cocktail Queen for including Brian and me in your amazing extravaganza--it was a treat that has no comparison. I would be happy to float down those streams any time, but given the company and all the fun and laughter, it was hard to leave. I wasn't sure if fly fishing would ring my bell, but indeed it is a wonderful activity, absorbing and fun, and not as frustrating as I had feared , thanks to the guides. As I mentioned on the phone, it is a lot like going surfing : the camaraderie, the talk of elemental conditions, the natural beauty all around, and the moving water, which has always attracted me. And some people are really good at it! You're generosity and graciousness to all are exemplary. Rock Creek is like the streams I remember as a little kid up there, and is as perfect as one could imagine. You really picked a classic spot to share with us all.

Ok, back to work. Thank you both for the wonderful experience, the food and wine, the cast of characters,for sharing your beautiful home, and teaching the old dog a new trick. It was amazing! Hope to see you soon,

Aloha, TW

FW: November 7th Montana Matters Napa Concert/All-Extravaganza Reunion: Save The Date!!

2009-07-14T16:11:00.001-07:00

Group C's Fred "The Guitar" Johnson speaks (wisely) from the heart:

Another great idea!! Mark us down for attendance. We'll see how Carole is doing by then but chances are good that we will be there and we will be good for the $200.00 whether or not we can be there. Clearly Montana Matters to us all.

Fred

Frederick A. Johnson, Principal
Total Planning Concepts, LLC

November 7th Montana Matters Napa Concert/All-Extravaganza Reunion: Save The Date!!

2009-07-14T15:32:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

Here it is, gang, the just-scheduled, first-ever all-Extravaganza/Montana Matters Barn Dance Concert and Reunion to be held at the Napa Walsh Vineyards Management Carneros party hall at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7th. Montana Matters' own Troubadour, Shane Clouse, will be present in person to starlight this extravagantly embroidered evening to be filled with bbq, wine, beer, auction and participants/attire from each of our seven (count 'em!) Extravaganzas.

Mark you calendar, save the date, and tell your friends that there is going to be one whale of a time in Napa that evening, keynoted by Shane's written and now videoed newest hit, "Montana Matters", with all proceeds of the evening's event going to benefit the Montana Matters campaign. Two special prizes will go to the person(s) with (a) the most varied genuine Extravaganza-embroidered adorned clothing and (b) the most varied genuine-or-otherwise Montana Matters adornments--go to www.montanamatters.com to purchase and begin your evening's collection!!

For years I have been wanting to do an all-Extravaganza gathering to include the participants from each of our seven years and what better time to do so than now! This event will also be open to the public; as Extravaganza 2009 participants, you have first dibs on the available seating and you can guarantee/reserve your seats @ $100/person now by reply email to me.

Bueno, bueno, bueno, for, indeed, Montana Matters!

Best to all in the post-glory of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

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Double-Up Your pleasure . . .

2009-07-14T15:31:00.001-07:00

A wonderful and most appropriate note of thanks to our superlatively extravagant outfitter, "John The Great But Propaneless" Gould:

John:

I wanted to let you know what an OUTSTANDING JOB you did as our 2009 Extravaganza Outfitter. I believe this was my 11^th or 12^th trip to Missoula to fish the pristine local rivers, and we both were a lot younger when first we met up there. Your assembly of hand-selected guides and management of our entire adventure was nothing shy of outstanding. To my view, your only tree competition would be if Buddy could also learn to row!

“Great White Schloetter” and I cherished the hunt for big fish and the extra efforts you took to make our day on the water with you and Buddy quite memorable. Wishing you much continued success, and be ready for your own extravagant guide gag gift from us next year!

Have a great season!

“Popeye” Hamilton

Extravagant Group C Thanks!

2009-07-13T10:56:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon Ron,

I just placed my order with Craig Sharpe. I know the kids will love the bison and what they stand for. I feel very fortunate that they have you and the group of people you put us in touch with to see how the world should operate. We continue to talk about the trip and not just the joy of fishing but of all the other lessons learned in Montana at the Extravaganza. It is not only great fun for me and my kids but a life learning experience. I cannot thank you and Kathy enough for giving myself and my children the opportunity to enjoy and experience Montana.

Once again thank you and Kathy for your hospitality and open hearts.

Brian

The above is from Group C's (wonderful) Brian Shepard who Extravaganzed this year with all three of his prodigy: Eliza, Josef, and Nicholas

RCR

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FW: Thank You

2009-07-10T07:52:00.001-07:00

A nice note from Group C's John (nee "rookie") John Mowat:

Ron,

I can't thank you enough for your generosity of time, energy and spirit (and food, lodging, transportation, gifts, and more!) in including me in this year's Extravaganza 2009. It was such a special time for me for so many reasons.

It was my first time to Montana and I shudder to think how I could have gone decades from now and never have discovered this gorgeous land and these stunning rivers. And I now can't wait to return to Montana.
It was my real introduction to fly fishing, which, for good or bad, I simply cannot get out of my head; the technique, the water, the never-ending learning, those damn crafty fish... it's got its hooks in me good.
It was a wonderful opportunity to spend 4 solid days with my dad, who is truly one of my best friends. And
I consider myself very lucky to have been able to spend this time with your wonderful family and the entirely awesome Group C gang; I feel I've made some real friends that I hope to keep in touch with, and at the very least, see next year in Montana! As a rookie fly fisherman, I am very grateful for all the valuable advice I received from this group... with none of the laughter my technique probably deserved! My only concern is that my rookie status will no longer be a valid excuse... so by next year I'm going to have to come up a whole new batch of excuses for not reeling in the fish!

Thank you again, sincerely, for allowing me to be part of something so wonderful.

All the best,

John

FW: thank you

2009-07-08T14:35:00.001-07:00

Group C's Spencer Graham signs in:

Many, many thanks for a wonderful time; again truly memorable and fun too!

I will be forwarding you some ideas on how we might be able to help the Montana Matters program by the end of the week.

Spencer
ELIZABETH SPENCER
www.elizabethspencerwines.com

Hello Ron from Napa

2009-07-08T14:32:00.001-07:00

Group B's six-time (count 'em!) veteran Tim "Squawfish" Rodgers speaks out:

Good morning Ron,

Most importantly, I wanted to reach out this morning and thank you and Kathy again for not only including us in your lives but for all that you are doing for everyone.

We are aware and always very appreciative of our friendship.

Having said that, and thinking that you and I did not get to fish this year (good year for you to stand back Ron), and that the fishing was tougher this year, I also have to point out that not only did Todd and I land yellow hats (thank you Scott) and the yellow shirt for group “2-B”,

but the Walsh boys collectively cleaned up in the 2 out of 3 groups they showed up for (2-B and group C).

The total resulting count for Extravaganza’s 3 groups?........2 out of 3 yellow shirts and 3 yellow hats…….. The count would have undoubtedly been more skewed if there were Walsh folks in the first group.

Well I’m concerned the others are going to think you are stacking the deck! Let me know if there is anything we can do to help!

You know what they say….when the fishing gets tough, the tough get fishing!! (especially the dirt farmers in the crowd!!)

Finally…

I was sincere in telling you I would like to support your efforts in Montana and anything else that matters as well.

Let me know if there is anything we may do…

Shanna and I are not long on cash, otherwise we would do more in that way……please put us down for a total of 2 bison figures, I would like to have one for our Napa home as well. Ben Lamb contacted me about the 1^st one, I need to get back to him on that one.

To keep confusion down, I’m going to let you tell him we are going to get a 2^nd Bison and I’ll wait for him to contact me for that one. Or let me know how you would like to handle it.

Hey Ron, thanks again………oh yes!……….INCREDIBLE HOUSE ON THE BLACKFOOT!………..can’t wait to see it again!!

Assuming Bruce is done……we are thinking of spending Thanksgiving up there. Let me know if that fits your plans and is a realistic expectation, I mentioned this already to Brian.

Hope you and Kathy are recovering quickly from your efforts, we are thinking about you guys.

Hope to see you soon!

Tim

Shanna

bravo, bravo, bravo on all counts, Squawfish!

RCR <'///><

A million Thanks

2009-07-08T14:29:00.001-07:00

A nice (redacted in part) effusive note of thanks from Group A rookie-no-more John Rosenbaum:

Dear Ron and Kathy:

I’ve just returned from the rest of two weeks vacation with my kids, and as I sit down to write this, I am just overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for making something as wonderful as Extravaganza happen in our lives.

I cannot begin to express how much we all enjoyed the experience and being with you and part of that wonderful Group A. The entire trip, from picking Tyler up at the house, to finishing with our exploring down Rock Creek Road, was just magnificent. And the time spent with you all, fishing, partying and being together, are times we will never forget and will always look back on with great memories.

I don’t even know where to begin to thank you both. The entire Extravaganza experience was, simply but, well beyond my wildest dreams. You have created a super-paradise among the natural paradise of Montana. Your place is gorgeous, and your hospitality and kindness, magnanimous. I can’t even begin to imagine all of the hard work and planning of each and every detail that went into the Extravaganza. Well, I do know how hard you worked on it, and it really showed, and it really brought people together in a way that we will never forget.

The fishing too, was just incredible. What a treat to be on the Blackfoot and Bitterroot Rivers. And the guides could not have been better. Our guide, Mark Hodek, is a great fisherman, naturalist and a hell of a nice guy. A real gentleman too. We thoroughly enjoyed fishing with him. He was a great teacher of fly fishing and was also great with the kids.

The evenings back at your house too were spectacular. The boat reports were great fun and the dinners delicious food and great conversation and camaraderie. I just can’t say enough about what an unbelievable experience Extravaganza 2009 has been for me, Ben and Adam. ...

Words can’t express our gratitude. The Extravaganza was such a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we thank you both for making it possible and such a marvelous experience for all. We wish you a most enjoyable time for the remainder of your time up in Montana and look forward to seeing you back in California in the near future.

Also, please send our wishes to Tyler for a great experience in New York. I recall that he is leaving today.

With fond regards,

John, Ben and Adam Rosenbaum

Group C Wrap Up!

2009-07-08T14:24:00.001-07:00

Group C arrived on the scene of Extravaganza 2009 with a couple-filled bundle of energy and left on the same high note, with at least one day (the memorable but otherwise fishingly forgettable Fourth of July [as long-time veteran Cam Carlson ably summarized fishing that day, "The adage about fishing and working was wrong today..I would have rather been working!]) better left unsaid other than to say all had as hot of a time on the water that day (temperature-wise only, that is) as Miss Piggy did that same day on the bbq. That notwithstanding, Day 2 for Group C DID see veteran Larry "Moon River" Klaustermeier shown above doffing yet another Yellow Hat for his 19" cuttbow along with Spencer Graham's Yellow Hat tying 19" rainbow.

But, as fishing is, THEN there was Day 3 for Group C when the scoreboard began (for the first time in a while around here, folks) to light up...and light up it did for Boat One (captained by our unsurpassable outfitter "John The Great But Propaneless" Gould and crewed by RCR and 2009 Rookie of the Year, Orlando's own Olivia Kingsland [shown above all smiles], so awarded for her 20+ fish day and for coming one brown trout short of the Grand Slam [five different species of trout caught on the same day] on her very first day of fly-fishing) followed by boat report after boat report of higher and larger fish tallies--fish totals averaging 20+ (a welcome and extravagant sight, indeed!). The big fish of the day went to Josef Shepard for his 19 1/2" rainbow with other stories of "the humungous ones that got away" filling the laughter filled outside boat report deck.

Whether it was "the Clark Fork of the Bitterroot" reported by now-designated-"blondie" Eliza "Blondie" Shepard, the canyon of the Blackfoot or the West Fork of the Bitterroot, FINALLY weather conditions had calmed down enough to provide plenty of fodder for the evening's report. The adjectives "magical", "wonderful", "breath-taking", "father-son bonding" and simply "great" filled each report, from that of the SS Klaustermeier vessel to the Garret/Shawback boat, to the Nici/Johnson report on the beauty of the Blackfoot's canyon, to the best report of them all [to wit: Spencer Graham and Elizabeth Pressler's very wise and poignant decision to put the rods down and "just enjoy the beauty around them"--bravo to that wisdom!] the day was an apt one to cap off Extravaganza 2009--a day filled with indelible memories of God's natural bounty seen as it should be: naturally.

Kudos to Nicholas Shepard, shown above proudly displaying his Yellow Shirt awarded for his 20 1/2" inch catch on Day One, and to the Nicholas-Josef Shepard combo that amassed an amazing three (count 'em) Yellow Hats between them, leaving town to return home to Napa in a golden blaze. Indeed, fish pictures filled the monogrammed frames handed out on Group Three's Awards Night--all except for that given to "Gene, Gene The Fishing Machine" whose greatest catch in the early goings of Group C was the pitcher of beer that he was kind enough to share with his fellow Group Cers (after polishing of the top half solo, that is!).

Best to all from the quieting post-Extravaganza scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

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Group C Fish Pics! [Part 6]

2009-07-07T15:46:00.001-07:00

Group C fish pics (6 of 6)--enjoy!!

RCR
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Group C Fish Pics! [Part 5]

2009-07-07T15:43:00.001-07:00

Group C fish pics (5 of 6)--enjoy!!

RCR
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Group C Fish Pics! [Part 4]

2009-07-07T15:35:00.001-07:00

Group C fish pics (4 of 6)--enjoy!!

RCR
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Group C Fish Pics! [Part 3]

2009-07-07T15:33:00.001-07:00

Group C fish pics (3 of 6)--enjoy!!

RCR
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Group C Fish Pics! [Part 2]

2009-07-07T15:27:00.001-07:00

Group C fish pics (2 of 6)--enjoy!!

RCR
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Group C Fish Pics! [Part 1]

2009-07-07T15:21:00.001-07:00

Group C fish pics (1 of 6)--enjoy!!

RCR
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Der Blog turns 1100

2009-07-06T15:49:00.001-07:00

"Down River Dave" Studeman inquires:

Contest winner (for being blog visitor # 1100) ?

Dave Studeman
Principal
Sage Brandworks

nope--Group C had "gone fishin'" when this blessed event happened!

RCR

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FW: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

2009-07-04T14:00:00.001-07:00

A nice Fourth of July note from Montana Wildlife Federation President, Tim Aldrich:

I thank you for the running commentary on Brian and also the progress of the "C-ers." As I expected folks are having on heck of a good time, enjoying Montana and the Clausen Hospitaliy. I hope you all have a great Independence Day and enjoy the best that Miss Piggy has to offer, with an assist from Jeff. Carol and I are enjoying a quiet day in preparation for the arrival of our daughter and her family tomorrow morning. We hope to see you all at Ben's and Jasmine's ceremony next weekend. Thanks for doing what you Clausens do to facilitate the understanding the Montana Matters whether matters is a noun or a verb. Best from here to you guys! p.s.--Carol is much better and acting more an more like the perpetual motion kid we know. tim

FW: Rare "Snake Trout" Highlights Day 1, Group C!!

2009-07-04T13:44:00.001-07:00

Well put, Group B's Todd "Nipples" Fisher:
I am so proud of Gene that I could just vomit.

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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

2009-07-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

From all of us here in Extravaganzaland to all of you "out there", a hearty HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Shown above are our Extravaganza bbq chef extraordinaire "Cowboy Jeff" Freeman and son Tyler attending to the guest of honor, "Miss Piggy", for this afternoon's traditional bash. Also shown is Olivia Kingsland who hails from Orlando, Florida, wondering "what in the hail" caused Cowboy Jeff to discard his traditional beaten up/well used head topping for one that looks better suited for parts far away from here!

Post-Piggy, Extravaganza Headquarters will also be the site for the Seventh Annual Rock Creek Casting Contest, that will see dozens of expert and no-so-expert fisherfolk vie for the honors of being proclaimed this year's champion (by casting a yarn-doffed fly rod over 80 feet into a hula hoop that most of us couldn't hoop in!).

Best to all from the scene of it all,

RCR

Rare "Snake Trout" Highlights Day 1, Group C!!

2009-07-04T13:25:00.001-07:00

Seldom in the history of the Extravaganza (well, actually, folks, E 09 is, indeed, "one for the books"!) have three groups independently combined back-to-back [without any apparent collaboration] to take the sacred waters of Western Montana by storm and reveal seldom (in fact, never) before revealed secrets of the waters' hidden bounty. Recall with me the wonderful dvm antics of Group A which led to the discovery on globally-warmed backwaters of the never-seen-before "Billtrout;" and, then travel with me down memory lane to the immediately following Group B discovery, by New York's finest educational financier, the one and only long-named "King Whiter" Mike "Pinot Noir" Stakias, of the heretofore unknown "Bullshit Fish" (Whitey still lamenting the undeniable fact, with prerogative as discover to name the beast, that he did not name it a "Bullshit Trout", btw), and now come up to date with me to the discovery just yesterday, on Day 1 of Group C's fishing adventures, by St. Helena's own Elizabeth "Snake Charmer" Pressler of the rare, dangerous, and yet landed "Snake Trout".

Yikes, the Montana history of it all!!

Unblemished by the glamour of the IWFF previous night's debut of Shane Clouse's "Montana Matters" music video, shown above (in one of my all-time favorite Extravaganza pictures) is a Shepard father-daughter Double-Up (showing all why we now fish with "John The Great But Propaneless" Gould's Double Up Outfitters) followed by a pic showing the 20.5" beauty landed by Shepard son/bro Nicholas (which won him not only a trip to the Twenty Inch Board but also his very own Yellow Hat--marking and matching previous Yellow Hats won by father Brian and brother Josef). And then, folks, there it is: a pic of the special "oaring technique" that was used to land a 22" ever-so-rare "Snake Trout" (likewise earning capturer Snake Charmer a trip to the big board!).

Last but not least (actually, unfortunately, that WAS the case on Day 1 for him) is a photo of the very stylish "Gene, Gene The Fishing Machine" whose only bounty of the day was the unanimous declaration of being the "Best Hawaiian Dressed Extravaganzer"--way to go, GGTFM!!

Best to all from the glorious scene of it all!

Rock Creek Ron

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"Operation Hooters" an Operational Success!

2009-07-04T12:48:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

Born out of the innate genius of Group B's one and only Doug "Popeye" Hamilton who, upon hearing of Co-Group Ber Brian "Deer Me" McLeran's motorcycle accident that occurred with a deer encounter of the third kind, reached out to Headquarters "to see if it would be possible to engage in an 'Operation Hooters' to facilitate Deer Me's (wonderful) recovery from his venison quest of June 30th. Well, with all requisite approvals quickly garnered in hand [to wit: of wife Laura and of wonderful Community Medical Center's caring nurse Hill], at 1700 hours on 03 Jul 09, a bevy of four (count 'em) Hooter beauties were captured visiting Brian's ICU Room 330 and bestowing upon him not only their best wishes for a continued speedy recovery, but also a Hooter's mug to imbibe his hospital beverages as well as an autographed Hooters T-shirt calendar and a balloon filled bucket for his selective usage.

The gals came quickly on their own accord at Popeye's beckoning as it appears that our après fishing residencies at Hooters have, in their own extravagant way, have made a remarkable impression on the owlish establishment of hamburgers, beverages and "hooters".

Get well, Deer Me!

Alas, dear me, from the quickly waning scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

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IWFF 2009 Filmmakers Rock Rock Creek!

2009-07-03T13:07:00.001-07:00

"Extravagance" was the world of the evening as the 2009 IWFF/Extravaganza filmmakers unveiled their superlative music video of Shane Clouse's written and sung newest hit, "Montana Matters". Shown above are this year's film crew of (left to right) Producer Margaret Gainer; filmmakers Chad Dawson, Erik Gjetmundsen and Julian Jamerson next to the star himself, Shane Clouse, followed by RCR and filmmakers Indigo Ryan, Mackenzie "Mac" Enich and Erin McCarter; accompanied by Producers Kathy Pasternak and (kneeling in [silent prayer?]) Ali Tabibnejad.

As the first-ever music video to be released in Charles Morrow 3D sound, the eight minute debut to a private audience of over 60 enthusiastic followers saw the words of Shane's magnificent hymnal song unfold in the glory of Montana's many backdrops (its mountains, rivers, and streams with bison, horses, bighorn sheep, peacocks, eagles and osprey as the real-life players) intermixed within which were poignant mini interview segments with folks of all ages explaining why Montana matters to them. The final product can soon be seen by all on the Montana Matters website, www.montanamatters.com and Shane's own website www.shaneclouse.com .

Bravo, bravo, bravo!!!

Best to all from the scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

The Deer Trout

2009-07-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

Extravaganza Hoax Exposed! Cyclist Feigns Injury to Capture Yellow Hat!

After two days of intense investigation, Down River Dave Studeman and Mighty Mini Lynn Turnbull have uncovered a suspected hoax played on Group B (er 2!). More brazen than Bernie’s ponzi scheme antics, Harley Hog Rider, Brian McLeran was secretly spotted fondling this elusive 59” Deer Trout. Having fooled countless well wishers, McLeran stole away on his own to capture the giant fish.

While using his hospital bed as a makeshift Mackenzie River boat, McLeran navigated the canyon section of the Blackfoot River alone and late in the evening, using a special dry fly, fashioned from hospital gauze and suture materials to fool his prey.His inability to let go of the fish resulted in local Missoula paparazzi snapping this shot of a proud but unsuspecting Brian with his prize Deer Trout. They were quick to call DRD – he being a marketing type and with the right press connections to insure that this travesty would not go unpublished. The shame of it all!!

Get well Brian - Love ya! Lynn and Dave

Extravagant Greetings to SGT Thomas Enseleit

2009-07-02T16:52:00.001-07:00

All of us here in Rock Creek, MT extend to SGT Thomas Enseleit (photoed above waving our MT home state flag) of Valier MT and currently a Missoula resident [but now part-time resident of Basrah, Iraq!], our very best Extravagant wishes and congratulations as being designated The Official Extravaganza 2009 July 4th Hometown Hero!!

Safe journey(s) to you--it is because you (and your fellow brethren and sisters) being there that we are able to be here, for which we all are forever thankful and hereby salute you!

God Bless America!!

Best from the Extravagant scene of Extravaganza 2009,

Rock Creek Ron

FW: Group B Wrap-Up!

2009-07-01T18:52:00.001-07:00

A picky, picky, picky b.s. attempted clarification to early properly
reported b.s. from New York's finest, "King Whitey" Stakias:

Ron,

I beg to differ. As you know terminology is important. That's a "Bullshit
Trout" not a "Bullshit Fish".

Have a great weekend!

Mike

FW: Wounded Group B Warrior!

2009-07-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Well, not all things go according to plan as the McLeran brothers learned early yesterday morning on their return motorcycle trip to the Bay Area. Just an hour out of Dodge (read, Missoula) while motoring over into Idaho, "a large deer" unexpectedly lept a onto the roadway in front of front pacing rider Brian, with bro Ralph far enough behind to view and avoid the potentially disastrous scene that then quickly unveiled: Brian hit the deer mid-section and, in talking with him this morning in his ICU Missoula Community Medical Center room, tells of "riding the deer as far as I could until I flipped over her". The resultant damage was (fortunately) only six fractured ribs, a broken scapula, a punctured lung and a damaged spleen--all of which are on mend's way (see, you ARE supposed to "mend" during the Extravaganza!) and arriving wife Laura and daughter Emily, who I picked up at noon today at MSO, proclaiming that, indeed, the events of yesterday will be known as "Brian's Last Ride", forever proclaiming him to be Brian "Deer Me" McLeran!!

Shown above are (a) Brian's now trophy-scarred helmet damaged from where he hit the pavement; (b) bro Ralph pointing to Brian's newest form of preferred transportation (the helicopter than medivaced him to ICU); and (c) Brian in the flesh (all of it via hospital gown, btw) giving us all an extravagant thumbs-up earlier this first day of July and sporting his newest prize--an honorary Yellow Hat (upon receipt of which he proudly proclaimed, "I bet I am the first Extravaganzer to get one of the for t-boning a deer!").

All's well that ends well, but this chapter in Extravaganza history sure had some anxious moments!

Best to all now taking a breath after the scariness of it all,

RCR

Group B Wrap-Up!

2009-07-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Group Formerly Known as B came in like a lion and went out like a larger lion, setting all kind of group records for wine and other alcohol consumption, donations to the Montana Matters campaign and pace-setting additions to our Twenty Inch Club. Not to be overwhelmed by the antics of Lori "The Fawn" Ware and "Shanna Banana Rodgers, the final night of Group B saw four (count 'em!) additions to the Club, including one of the most suspect order, demonstrating that, indeed, size matters, as Tom Thornhill (shown above "signing in") prized 20" brown was upstaged by (a) Dave Studeman's above shown 20 1/4" brown; by (b) Tim Rodgers Yellow Shirt winning above shown 20 1/2" brown and ; by (c) Mike Stakias photographed entry of a one-of-a-kind 60" "Bullshit Fish", awarding the latter an honorary Yellow Hat--yes, gang, talk about b.s.!!

Every Group B third day of fishing boat boasted both more and larger fish than the prior two days, with catches in the 17", 18", and 19" category with the general consensus among both fisherfolk and guide alike that the rivers are still "running large" with runoff water and that they have yet to really "open up" and fulfill nature's bounty to our banded warriors. That bodes well for Group C, as well as for the fact that I can now officially announce that there WILL be sufficient supplies of Elizabeth Spencer wines and other adult beverages as, try though they did, the larder remains laden with ample supplies of each (although Kocktail Kathy WAS seen doing a dynamite run in Missoula earlier this day to restock some Group A and B earlier preferred darker single malt beverages).

Tomorrow night, the first night of Group C, will also mark the unveiling of this year's Extravaganza Film Camp product--a music video of Shane Clouse's marvelous masterpiece "Montana Matters"--the first music video in the world that has been produced in and that wall be released in Charles Morrow 3D sound, courtesy of son Tyler who, on Group C's Monday departure day, leaves for New York City (the home of the now fabled Bullshit Fish portrayer, "King Whitey: Mike "Pinot Noir" Stakias [do you realize how many key strokes that name takes?!?).

Best to all from the quiet scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

Announcing the Line Up for Famous Group C!!

2009-07-01T15:11:00.001-07:00

Here it is, gang, the final line up for the final group, our famous Group C-ful of husbands, wives, veterans and Floridians:

Hailing from the great hanging-chad-ful State of Confusion/Florida are your Hostess With The Mostess' [older by minutes] twin sister Julie "Don't Start With Me" Meier along with DSWM's former sister-in-law Barbie "The Doll" Kingsland, along with her granddaughter "Olivia The Magnificent" soon to be joined by Naples resident and Alaskaganza veteran, yet Extravaganza rookie Jim Nici.

Husbands and wives abound with veteran couples that include (a) "newly weds" Grady Garrett and his bride "Smilin' Penny" Shawback (they had been dating for 23 years and [finally!] last February were wed in Hawaii); (b) Mark "Napa" Grassi and his yellow shirt-winning bride of now 25 years Jami "The Bulltrout" Grassi; (c) returnees after a five year hiatus Spencer Graham and Elizabeth Pressler [donors of our 20 case of yummy Elizabeth Spencer wine (hmmmm...wonder how that wine got its name!)]; (d) Cam "Mend" Carlson and Jeannot "Believe It Or Not" Carlson; and last (and in his case, at least, certainly least) Larry "Moon River" Klaustermeier and his beautiful multi-decadal wife "Ann The Nurse".

Prodigy are also included in this year's Group C, as long-time veteran Brian "The Stick" Shepard is joined by all three of his children: veterans Josef and Nicholas as well as by their sister rookie Eliza. Prodigiously as well, veteran Bruce Mowat will be joined this year by his rookie son John and, in this case last and certainly NOT least, Group C's 18 strong band of warriors is rounded out by none other than both Extravaganza as well as Alaskaganza veteran, the one, the only "Gene, Gene The Fishing Machine" Fegerson who, on a nightly basis, will soon be walking in the door haggardly asking "I am looking for The Rainbow River Lodge..is this it?!?"

With the above, Extravaganza 2009 concludes 57 strong with fisherfolk of all walks of life but with the one common thread: "I came, I saw, I conquered the hallowed trout-filled fishing streams of Western Montana--God's own backyard."

RCR

<'///><

FW: Group B Pics

2009-07-01T06:16:00.001-07:00

A wonderful note from Group A's "Pineapple Jeannie" Cahill:

Hi Ron and Kathy:

Such great memories of the five days we stayed with you and all the wonderful folks we met in Group A. The memories will surely last a lifetime. So many laughs and oh so many barbs amongst us but always in jest! You certainly know how to pamper your guests albeit the 7am departure was a bit difficult after that infamous martini you made for me…did you notice I did not order one the following night??? I really do hope we return once again and at least this time I will have a better idea what I am in for!

Love the photos attached here and can honestly say I appreciate them better now that I have been initiated into fly fishing Rock Creek Ranch style, just a fishin’ all day on the Bitterroot or the Blackfoot and eating pineapple! Tell Scott we miss him too…..Love, Jeannie “Pineapple” Cahill

FW: Montana

2009-06-30T20:03:00.001-07:00

A (very) nice note from Group B's Todd "Nipples" Fisher:
Ron,
I finally had a minute to reflect upon my few days. I now understand what
you are doing in Montana. I didn't before I came.
Montana is beautiful, your home is fabulous, the group was outstanding and
Kathy . . . well she just tops the whole list.
You are truly a blessed man.
Thank you for sharing with me. Again.
Todd

Extravagant Group B Thanks

2009-06-30T18:18:00.001-07:00

A nice note from :King Whitey: Mike "Pinot Noir" Stakias (aka, "The Man From
New York City"):
Ron,

Thanks again for a wonderful time. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait to
send a copy of the pic of my Bullshit Trout to Foster! He's already left
me 2 messages wondering how my 2 days went.

I left a check for you on your desk. I hope it will be helpful. Also looking
forward to having the Bison head decorating my home office.

Thanks again to you both. I'm not sure I deserved a coveted slot in Group
"2" but I enjoyed meeting everyone and all of the activities. Give my best
to Kathy (she must be a saint!) and I look forward to hearing more about
Group 3 and how you're doing with Montana Matters.

Best,

Mike
G. Michael Stakias
President & CEO
Liberty Partners, L. P.

Group B Pics [Part 2]

2009-06-29T16:50:00.001-07:00

Group B Pics - [Part 1]

2009-06-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!!

RCR
<'///><

Day 2, Group B

2009-06-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Now in full rebellion (with such phrases as "We will never be called "B" again--we are "A players in Group Two"; "This is not Hamlet, you know" and "et tu RCR!" and with the mantra "Two, Two, Tatui" being heard around the hallowed halls of Extravaganza Headquarters (testy, testy, they be, err..two). the Group Formerly Known as B hit the waters on their Day 2 with higher temperatures (into the mid-80's) but still chilly water temperatures that had a (continued) tempering effect upon their fish net population.

Keynoted by "The Man From NEW York City", "King Whitey" Michael "Pinot Noir" Stakias [it is actually difficult for a rookie to rack up so many (varied) nicknames in such a short period of time, gang] and his dissertation on "tangled lines, missed sets and early guide releases [it seems he had a bit of difficulty getting fish to the boat and/or into the net], the story was a consistent one of below-historical Extravaganza average fish sightings but a much improved venture over Day 1. Fishing with me yesterday, I had The King convinced until well into the afternoon that, yes, indeed, landing Rocky Mountain Whitefish is a greater feat than betting just any of those "other fish".

Ladd and Kristine Bedford removed themselves from the anals of fisheology to find Kristine bethrowned "Queen of the Browns" with their "17-18 fish catch" {great spread on the numbers, huh?!?] with lengths ranging in the same range and the dynamic duo of Tim "Squawfish" Rodgers and Todd "Nipples" [a new name doffed on him during the boat reports due to his visual excitement in reporting on the days activities] "doubling their Day 1 performance with a 17" Bitterroot best and Tom "Sockeye Shocker" Thornhill/ Angel "To Be Named" Perez landing ten fish on the Blackfoot, many in the 17" category and reporting of "marbles sacks on a nail" sightings at the same barren Blackfoot beachfront of Mz Lori's yesterday find.

The Rookie McLeran brothers lit up the scoreboard on Day Tatui for nee Group Beey with a sterling (yet predominately whitish) two dozen fish performance that featured an apparently common family trait of "premature releases" not to be confused with that other prematurity proclivity that they may well also have in common with Brother Brian outshining "Whitey Bro" Ralph with an amazing tally of TWO [yes, T---W---O!!] (no, not B) rainbow trout--way to go bros, if you were on a subsistence diet you would have earned a negative net calorie day! And then there was Tim "MWF Pres" Aldrich telling Tyler tales of woe, of a 14 day fish experience with the highlight/lowlight being a rainbow that jumped right into sidekick Tyler's lap and thereby possibly endangering the continuation of the Clausen name and clan followed by the "Big three [no, not two or B]:

(a) The dynamic duo of Bumble Bee (now Bumble Two--how appropriate that description is!!) of Lori "The Fawn" Ware and "Shanna Banana" Rodgers who, ignoring the shocking reports of Day 1, went back to the scene of that electrifying event on the Clark Fork only to discover an unmanned raft drifting downriver ("whose multiple later-belatedly-chasing occupants had a collective IQ somewhat south of 100"), of Bumble Bee fish (all two of them) mixed in among "wolfpigs" (the only description being "you had to be there to believe that one, folks") and a 19" beauty of a brown;

(b) The fearful-to-fish husband/wife combo of "Down River Dave" Studeman and Lyn "Mighty Mini" Turnbull spanking the big boys on the canyon of the Blackfoot (see photo above, among others), including one elusive 30"+ Bulltrout that gave chase to a rainbow "headed boatward on a string" culminating with a 20" gorgeous Brown landed by DRD; and

(c) Gould-guided Doug "Popeye" Hamilton telling of his "40 fish day" with partner John "Great White" Scholetter (so named for his blazing saddles white shirt [yes, he IS a rookie) and his proclivity to catch (the much preferred) white fish highlighted by [i] GW landing a whopping 193/4 trout (to which he was overheard saying, "too bad that wasn't a Whitye!") and Popeye stroking it on with a bevy of big boys highlighted by a 20" brown boy, winning both he a DRD a Yellow Hat and a trip to the 20 Inch Board!

The fitting culmination of the day's report was the Tie Die Whining Award going to King "Pinot Noir" Stakias (it seems that he was not humored by the white (fish) trash and slander besmurching his now endearing trout) and the Tie Die Star Award going to Dave Studeman for his (continued) sterling Extravaganza performance(s).

Enjoy the pics above with all of the best from "Group To B Determined" from the scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

FW: Montana Matters

2009-06-29T10:35:00.001-07:00

A nice note from Group A's Steve Glennon, to whom Montana Matters!

Ron,

Thank you and Kathy again for the gracious hospitality during the Extravaganza. The girls and I had a great time in Montana. All they could talk about on the way home was going again next year.

Thanks again for a great time,

Steve

FW: 2B or Not 2B, That is the Question!

2009-06-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

A nice note from Group B's (incomparable) Danielle Glennon:

Ron!!! That makes me so sad! I wish I could be back there again and here I get emails of a wonderful day, and how much fun you have been having with GROUP B. : (
I see where the true love is....
Just joking around but I hope everyone is having a blast!!!
Take Care!

Danielle

2B or Not 2B, That is the Question!

2009-06-28T05:27:00.001-07:00

Arriving on the scene with a furry of motorcycles, missed flights, and on-time Delta connections (note that, Group Aer Brad "Pinko" Colton!), Group Bers all arrived safely here on the scene of Extravaganza 2009 only to pass into stages of immediate rebellion of not having retained their six year historical moniker of "Group 2". Notwithstanding the perpetuation of a virtual "bee colony" by Lori Ware's balloon infestation of the scene with mock bumble bees and table centerpieces of the same wonderful ilk, at last night's Day One boat reports underpinnings of rebellion were difficult to hide.

Consider the shocking story of Tom ""Sockeye" Thornhill telling of a barren day of fishing a stretch of the Clark Fork between Clinton and Turah [wining him the nightly "Wining Tie-die Award from Miz Lori] with boatkick Angel Perez only to find out on the take out that Fish Wildlife and Parks had "shocked the rover" just the day before to do a fish count then ranging afar to the wacky reports of the wacky boat of Shanna Banana Rodgers and Lori "The Fawn" Ware which reported "beavers, anglers and danglers--both long and short"--a tale of hilarity that ranged form landing an 18" brown trout to coming around the bend of the Blackfoot River to see a nude beach consisting mainly of folks who shouldn't have been in that bare state of disrepair!

With the keynote of further reports being "it was a beautiful day" (read, "the rivers are still in a transition mode and the fishing wasn't all that hot"!), Dave Studeman told of his "beautiful day" as did Kristine Bedford of hers--hers, however, requiring her nursing skills for her proctological attempt to disembowel a rainbow, requiring all of those skills to remove the colonoscopy-inserted hook from the bow's backside (winning her the Miz Lori Start Award for the day). Things went further askew before reaching Hooters at the end of the day (see photo above), with Doug "Popeye" Hamilton telling of "another beautiful day" (fishing was tough, gang!) and of his fishing partner John "The Handle" Schloetter landing "his first trout ever on a fly rod"--congrats John for a day that you will never forget! Another "beautiful day" was had by the McLeran brothers on their first day ever of fly-fishing and then the final report from the big fish boat of the day,Tim" Squawfish" Rodgers reporting of his partner's 191/2" rainbow landed on the Bitterroot "after another beautiful day".

The highlight of it all was the revolution in the making: Group B is NOT 2B Group B; rather, the Tatuies (yes, folks, Circle C tattoos rule the realm here again this year), speaking in unison not only about their name but also about their après fish Hooters "bumper award", have decided that for once and for all the second Group of Der Extravaganza must and needs to be known as "Group Two" so here it is, gang, democracy at its finest hour: After a series of "beautiful days" our second group will from here henceforth forever be known as "Group Two" and so it will be!

Best to all from the wonderful scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

Extravagant Thanks!

2009-06-26T07:06:00.001-07:00

A nice note from now-veteran Group Aer Chris "BIIX" Rodi!

Hi Ron:

I know I speak for Jim "Swordbow" Clark as well as myself when I say thank YOU to both you and Kathy for such an amazing and truly "extravagant" time! The movement that you have set in motion is truly special and worthy of all the adjectives you maintain at your fingertips.

At first, I believe we both felt fortunate to be included in your generous invitation to join the extravaganza. We now feel honored to have been embraced and welcomed by not only you, but by all of the wonderful people in the illustrious Group A. Every bit of the trip was a spectacular success that we can only hope continues for the campaign.

Enjoy the ensuing chaos in the coming weeks!

Looking forward to 2010 and beyond!

BIIX

The Package Comments

2009-06-25T19:23:00.001-07:00

A nice comment from seasoned fisherman and Extravaganza veteran Group Aer
"Big Ben" Lamb:
Ron, the Simms wading sandals are perfect for the extravaganza! I wore mine
on the big Blackfoot and wet waded in style. They're well made and will
certainly leave a distinct tan line to show off at work when everyone gets
home. Thanks for the suggestion, I love 'em!

Ben

Group A Thanks

2009-06-25T19:20:00.001-07:00

A nice note from Group A's Yellow Shirt winning Pink Panther!

Cannot say thank you enough. Thank you Ron and Kathy for a great memory. rich

FW: Announcing the Line Up For Group B!

2009-06-25T19:13:00.001-07:00

Attaway, Down River Dave and Mighty Mini!!

With Guide Gag Gifts, high hopes of Giant Bull Trout and Northern Pike, and more fly rods than you can count…we are ready! See you tomorrow!

DRD and L “MM” T

Announcing the Line Up For Group B!

2009-06-24T22:23:00.001-07:00

With Group A "yet winging" (in the case of those errant Aers that flew United Air Lines) or "having wung" (in the case of our preferred Delta Air Lines fliers) their way safely home for Extravaganzaland, it is time to tee up and announce the line up for the veteran-strong Group B contingency that will pay their homage to the riches of Montana this coming Friday.

"Veteran" is, indeed, the key word of this forthcoming group, headed up by six time returnee (he would have attended all seven Extravaganzas were it not for his attempting to birth multiple kidney stones this very time last year) Doug "Popeye" Hamilton, hailing from Santa Rosa, California, bringing with him rookie sidekick John "#650" [he was our 650th blog visitor and soon be be owner of a coveted bottle of '01 Rock Creek Red] Schloetter, and accompanied by the dynamic Napa husband-wife likewise six time returnee duo of Tim "Squawfish" Rodgers [yes, gang, there is a story there!] and his beautiful bride "Shanna Banana" Rodgers. "Down River Dave" Studeman with his beautiful bride Lynn "Mighty Mini" Turnbull also will return to the scene of it all, together with long time veteran Ladd "Litigate'm" Bedford and his [much] better half Kristine "No Nickname" Bedford. Were that not enough of the veteran sort, add three time returnees (a) Lori "The Fawn" Ware of Napa pre-school fame, (b) Tom "Sockeye" Thornhill of Parducci Winery fame and (c) Angel Perez of infame, and, indeed, you have an All Star Group B Extravaganza contingency.

Joining them this year will be rookies Todd "Alaska" Fisher [who has been signed up for this group three times and actually might even make this year's trip!]; Montana Wildlife Federation President Tim "MWF Pres" Aldrich and his dynamic bride, Carol "Can Do" Aldrich; Philadelphia, PA domiciled Mike "Pinot Noir" Stakias and his Montana sidekick Tim Foster; and last, but not certainly least [as they have already begun Harley-motorcycling their way this way] the rough and tumble Bay Area McLeran Brothers, Brian and Ralph.

Eighteen-fold strong, the mighty warriors of this year's Group B will begin their sojourn with us in less than 48 hours under what are predicted to be (and never seen by Group A, I might add) clear skies with accompanying warm(er) weather. Travel safely, legioned Bers, with the confidence of knowing that the A's before you, in keeping with Extravaganza'-first group long standing tradition, more severely damaged the home base liquor supply (much to the chagrin and Cam "Mend" Carlson's C notation, that "there just may be nothing left in the larder by the time we arrive!") than they did the local fish population. Bring your clubs of war with you. Bers, and may good fortune be your friend!

Best to all from the (momentarily, at least) peaceful scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

Group A, Day 2 Boat Reports

2009-06-23T14:54:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

As has been oft said, "you had to be there to believe it" at last night's Day 2 Group A Boat Reports! Not only did it go on for hours, but the sheer zany madness of it all was highlighted by the fact that Steve Glennon's 19 1/2" whopper quickly went from "Big Boy" to forth/fifth apart "Little Boy" before the madness had ended! Over the last several years there have been over 60 (count 'em!) prior boat reports but few have matched the brazen rebaldness of reports from Group A's second day in the wilds of incomparable Montana.

Where does one begin, other than at the beginning: In marked contrast to Terry "Surfer Boy" Wilson's self-description of his boat having been "a statute among a flock of fishless pigeons" and John Rosenbaum proudly reporting his catching and keeping a 27" brown (stick, that is) which was outmatched by his 8 year old Adam's 6" rainbow (the latter still trying to figure out an exit strategy for peeing on/off the boat), from there things went downhill (WAY down hill, believe it or not). Consider John "SOS" Reimann and Demetry "Stealth" Kondratieff's report of rain, hail, and no propane for a hot meal on the upper reaches of the West Fork of the Bitterroot accompanying a "20+ fish day" [after landing a 19 1/2" fish "within the first five minutes"], with sister Nicole of the Glennon sister boat reporting that "she got so excited with her first fish of the day, that my pants fell down!" [see what I mean about "going downhill"?!?] Pants notwithstanding Nicole and sister Danielle then proceeded to post a "15 to 17 fish awesome day."

And then it was Brad "Pinko" Colton's turn to report that all that his boasted pink boa had served to do was (a) attract and cause him to hook "two fish on the back-cast" {as only The Pink One knows how to do]and (b) make a donation to his guide's fly tying materials, all in prelude to fishing partner Steve Glennon's landing a 19" beauty that, one day earlier, would have also landed him a Yellow Hat, but not on this [second] day! The big boat of the first day (literally and figuratively), "Big Ben" Lamb and "Two If By Land" Tawney's craft next reported of a "comparatively tough day on the Bitterroot", boating just five fish (with the largest being 18"), down substantially from their previous day's 60 fish tally (see, I told you things were heading downhill, but, hang on gang, as we are just gaining downhill momentum!), to wit:

(a) The twosome of Ann "In Like" Flynn and Ron "Yellow Hat" Bjarnason reported of a three fish total (with Ann complaining that "she had never been so cold as since when on a ski slope" and then proudly confessing to the two dozen assembled witnesses that "before today, I had never nymphed before"--as in "Hi, my name is Ann and I am a nymph[er]!"), but one of those three was a magnificent 21 1/2" Cuttbow landed by the Yellow Hatter. Ron mistakenly thought that his fine catch (and release) would win him a Yellow Hat only to find out first that he had been mistaken and then, later, that his mistake was actually the mistaken part of the equation {phew, this Blogmastering is hard work, gang!], for...

(b) THEN came along "Pineapple Jeanne" Cahill's martini-sotten solo report on the luncheon repast of her day, followed by her fiancée and fishing partner's report of the hunting, finding, hooking, and landing of a 26" Bulltrout on and from the sacred waters of the Big "A River Runs Through It" Blackfoot river (see magnificent photo above). BUT imagine proud Rich "Pink Panther" Kotoff's disappointed surprise that he was not the last report to be heard from and that his finely photographed and chronicled catch (the up-to-then second largest fish caught in Extravaganza history) was subject to being trumped not once, but twice, as ...

(c) FOR THEN crack fishing veterinary duo of Chris "BIIX" Rodi and Jim "Swordfish" Clark came to the forefront to explain their having experienced the throes of global warming during their second day of fishing, notwithstanding the day "having been colder than a witches tit in January" (their phrase, not mine--I am just a faithful reporter, you know!). It seems that the unidentified waters that they had traversed that day had seen the migration of new species of fish into the sacred waters of Montana's streams, as first displayed photographically by BIIX hooking (on my Winston BII X rod, btw) a monster from the deep, only then to see partner "Swordfish" grabbing and landing the fish by its bill (no less) "after a 50 to 60 minute fight" which was "the biggest fish of our fly fishing life", so big (it was 6' long, gang!) that it was spayed (as only a vet could/would do), filleted and displayed on their portable bbq, taking over 5 hours to cook @ 18" at a time. You can each imagine the crestfallen state of the Pink Panther at this juncture [his catch being but a fraction of the globally warmed veterinary phenomenon]...

(d) BUT THEN the ignored twosome of Marty "Two Hat" Siler and "I am your son" Luke demanded the floor and attention as it seems that where they had fished on the Blackfoot "it had been 72 degrees, sunny but windy" so much so the latter, however, that, during lunch, their guide's salad had self launched itself displaying salad dressing on the water resulting in a 27" spill that attracted a fish of equal size that, when landed, had lettuce extending over its rear fin. There being no photographic of any of this b.s., it was appropriately tagged as such, with Marty nonetheless being permitted to keeping his earlier day's Yellow Hat and scolded for telling "outrageous fish tales".

At the end of it all, for this is the end of this tale of tales, (i) the Swordfish was disqualified because it had been eaten; (ii) the salad dressing story was undressed and discarded; (iii) at the insistence of Outfitter "John The Great But Propaneless" Gould, Ron Bjarnason was awarded a Yellow Hat "for the largest true trout"; (iv) The Pink Panther was likewise doffed in Yellow for the largest fish of the day and (v) fiancée "Pineapple Jeanne" Cahill concluded it all by boasting "That was one great martini!"

As Walter Cronkite would conclude, "And that's the way it was this 22nd day of June."

RCR

<'///><

Group A Fish Pics!! [Part 2]

2009-06-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Group A Fish Pics!! [Part 1]

2009-06-23T13:18:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

Attached for your viewing pleasure is a medley of rainbow, brown, hybrid swordfish (?!?) and cuttbow trout beginning the series with the true granddaddy of them all, a 26" Bulltrout landed on the legendary Blackfoot River by long-time Group A veteran Rich "Pink Panther" Kotoff--way to go, Rich...that is the second largest catch (and release) in Extravaganza history!!

RCR

<'///><

FW: Group A Fish Pics!!

2009-06-23T13:13:00.001-07:00

A nice note from E 09 Coordinator Extraordinaire, Patty Gallia:

WOW! I am so happy for Rich!!!

FW: Group A Fish Pics!!

2009-06-23T13:12:00.001-07:00

Down River Dave: A high pressure system (finally!) has arrived and we should have summer instead of the winter we enjoyed during Group A! Flies?? Rich is a locksmith and picked that one right out of the river! RCR <''///><

Awesome fish! Congrats to Rich. What fly did he get them on? Should we be bringing some colder weather clothes? I have been tying up big streamers for Bull and Pike – very big double Bunnies!!

DRD.

Dave Studeman
Principal

Sage Brandworks

FW: Group A Fish Pics!!

2009-06-23T13:09:00.001-07:00

Clearly confusion runs amok in Group C:

I was not aware there were rainbow trout in Hawaii?

Bruce M Mowat

FW: "Better Pink Than Dead"

2009-06-23T12:22:00.001-07:00

A keen observation by Group C keen veteran Bruce "No Kurt" Mowat:

I have not decided if we are lucky to be IN or NOT TO BE IN Group A……Kinda kinky.

Bruce M Mowat

FW: "Better Pink Than Dead"

2009-06-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

Shocking even those of us who are used to his [United Air Lines] antics, Brad "Pinko" Colton (who, along with his long standing partner and fellow '64 San Rafael High School classmate of mine, Rich "Pink Panther" Kotoff started a tradition four years ago of fishing in pink apparel) stunned the otherwise unstunnable (read "hung over") co- Group A members by dressing not only in a pink fishing hat and shirt (purchased from varied sources--no one reputable outfitter would carry this apparel under the same fishing roof!) but also a pink ostrich feather/boa with which he intends to lure (yesterday semi-illusive) fish to his net. The bait worked on land at least, as witnessed by his Doubling Up with the [G]lennon sisters before departing for the rivers. [Don't worry, long-suffering wife Judy, Brad proudly announced post netting the duo that he "practices catch and release dating as well as fishing"--a sign, coincidently given by Glennon Dad to his guide yesterday as a guide gift and from which the scurrilous Colton stole his otherwise would-be witty line.]

Alas, the brazen indignity of it all!

Just reporting the facts as I see them, folks,

RCR

Group A First Day's Reports From The Boats!!

2009-06-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones and Extravaganza Followers:

The high (actually low, no, on second thought actually high as in the next day hung over) reputation of our first group continues, as, your one and only Hostess With The Mostess, Kocktail Kathy, just came in to HQ Central saying, "I simply can't believe how much liquor and wine we have gone through already...you know me, I ALWAYS have enough but not this year!" Well, a spiritually high time is being had by our record-setting Group Aers, as reflected by last night's boat reports.

Shown above (in a second posting of this wonderful picture) is Kansas City-resident Marty "Two Hat" Siler, sporting his dual spoils of last night: (a) a white Double Up Outfitters hat for wining the Gag Gift award for his self-made contraption of plumbing equipment for his guide's boat usage [what a stitch his presentation was to the assembled group at Kesel's Fly Shop [our morning jumping off point of departure] and (b) the coveted Yellow Hat, one of two issued last evening for the largest fish (read, "trout", Pink Panther!) caught and released of the day, in both cases (for Two Hat and Rich "Pink Panther" Kotoff) 19" browns hunted, hooked and netted on the Bitterroot River--our targeted river for E 09 for now clearly obvious reasons!

Leading off the boat reports was John Rosenbaum who told tale after tale of his Father's Day adventure(s) with his two boys, Adam age 8 and Ben age 12, the highlights of which were the 4" trout landed by dad and son Adam's need to "take a pee" whereupon, when their guide guided their Blackfoot River boat to shore, Adam chose to exit left instead of right, swimming with the fishes as it were (safely, I might add!). Next was Jeanne Cahill's first-ever boat/pineapple report, noting that the highlight of her first-ever fly fishing day was lunch shared with her fiancée The Pink Panther, RCR and his son Tyler--a lunch that featured specially guide-cut pineapple that, at the end of the day, was the apple of her eye (along with PP's 19" beauty that, so pineapple blinded, she conveniently for got to tell the assembled two dozen!).

Steve Glennon, a returnee after a four year absence, then reported "golf is sure easier than fly fishing", but nonetheless telling of his US Open fishing experience with Brad "Pinko" Colton and his two beautiful daughters, Nicole and Danielle. The pair of boats fished the Blackfoot River and landed over 24 fish, with the largest being in the 16" category, and Nicole reporting that the highlight/lowlight of her day ("after laughing all day") was watching her guide attempting to dislodge a fly high above from a tree that had the audacity to stand in the way of her cast. A similar Blackfoot tale was told by "Big Ben" Lamb and "Two If By Land" Tawney, who, in veteran of veterans Ben's words had "his best day of Montana floating ever" [lofty words for one resident here and in charge of MWF's state issues] netted "between 50 and 60 fish") the largest being Big Ben's 17 incher, with sorrow expressed by both John "SOS" Reimann and Demetry "Stealth" Kondrasheff that had the misfortune all day to be the boat just upriver of the Two If By Land Hoover duo, thereby seeing a fraction of their number of fish [only 20 fish--poor, poor boys!] while also getting the shorter end of of the size-game of the stick, with SOS's 15"er leading their larder.

The Bitterroot was home to the rest of our boaters, with (a) Terry "Aloha" Wilson saying that he was glad that 4:00 in the afternoon had arrived (the time that he landed his first fish of the day--a 17" high for his boat with son-in-law Brian Russell); (b) the Ann Flynn-Ron Bjarnason telling of their first-ever fly fishing day that featured bald eagles, hunting ospreys and "an excellent 7 to 8 fish" and Ann's commenting to her guide that "tomorrow I want to row, as I am not used to being treated like a 'big fat Russian princess'--I can row, you know"; (c) the excellent fishing team of Jim Clark and Chris Rodi telling of their "total weather day" [we had it all, folks!], excellent fishing, a pair of 17" landed beauties and of seeing "only two other boats the entire days [our two!]; and (d) of now-Yellow Hat winner Marty Siler's starting out his Father's Day experience by, in true Star Wars fashion, announcing to his son at the Guide Gift Ceremonies, "Luke, I am your father" and then proceeding to lead the pack by nearly doing the grand slam (catching five different species of fish in the same day--he came up but one short) and ending up with his 19" brown trout that he proudly described as "one of the most colorfully beautiful fish that I have ever seen" and, with his Guide Gift hat winning later in the day, to be forever known as "Two Hat Marty".

From pineapples to osprey, Day One for Group a was, indeed, a special one--for many that first-ever day of fly fishing that will go into the mental hard-drive and forever remembered as "that first day"---how totally and beautifully extravagant!

Best to all from the scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

Hawaiian Luau on Rock Creek!

2009-06-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

Pre- and post-the-first-day of fishing, Group A "Luaued Out" on the back deck with shirts, leis (after an après fish visit to Hooters, that is) and vino, vino, vino and, yes, indeed, a great time was had by all (as best depicted by the last photo showing Napa's Terry Wilson mid-story how he and his fraternity brother "buried a Chevy" while attending the U of M here in Missoula many, many moons ago!).

The trees around Headquarters are loving the return of Extravagant laughter, gang!!

Best to all from the scene of it all,

RCR

<'///><

A Medley of Group A Pics!

2009-06-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

In successive order: (a) Ma'am romps; (b) DVM Jim Clark empties his glass with MWF Issues Coordinator Ben Lamb; (c) The Pink Panther delivers pink (salmon, that is) to the dinner buffet; (d) Cowboy Jeff Freeman bbq's again (and again, and again...); (e) Nicole Glennon forks out; (f) [aged] John "SOS" Reimann savors it all; as does (g) his fishing partner, Demetry "Stealth" Kondrasheff...what a fine looking group this be (actually "A")!!

RCR

<'///><

FW: Opening Day Extravaganza 2009!

2009-06-22T10:21:00.001-07:00

From Group B's Brian McLeran (who, along with bro Ralph will be Harleying it up to Missoula later this week!):

Ron,

All is looking GREAT we are getting ready for the ride up. I would like to get the Simms sandals, my size is 9.5.

Ralph and I had dinner the other night and planned the rout and booked rooms on the way up and back. We are looking forward to the week!!

Yours, Brian.

FW: Opening Day Extravaganza 2009!

2009-06-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

From Group B's Tim "MWF Pres" Tim Aldrich:

It looks and sounds like E09 is up and running and who would have expected less? I just wanted you to know that I took a practice run on the upper reaches of Rock Creek yeterday with five other friends. It was on a secret and seldom floated reach of the Great Creek. It took me all of 23 seconds to hook my first cutthroat. We had a great afternoon and caught a lot of fish although nothing of great size. It was my first time ever floating on Rock Creek and probably my first fishing on Rock Creek in well over 20 years. It is still as you and I both know, one of those places providing resources and opportunties that truly make Montana Matter. I hope all of Team#1 have a great father's day with fishing to boot! My juices are flowing so ask them all to leave some for Team #2. tim

FW: Early Returns From Fishing Day 1 for Group A!

2009-06-22T10:16:00.001-07:00

From Group C's Larry "Moon River" Klaustermeier:

Big fish, worthy of a prize!!

Larry

FW: Early Returns From Fishing Day 1 for Group A!

2009-06-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

From Group B's Mike "Pinot Noir" Stakias:
"Now I want that fish on my side in a fight!"

Early Returns From Fishing Day 1 for Group A!

2009-06-21T19:34:00.001-07:00

Fresh off the rivers this Father's Day, the first day of fishing for Group A, and prior to our nightly boat reports (more on that to come later), I thought that you would like to see an early return of just how extravagant fishing Day 1 was: With four boats sent out to the Blackfoot River and seven (count 'em!) boats opting to fish the Bitterroot in conditions that (in order of wonderful succession) were rainy, overcast, sunny, hot, overcast, and then thunderstorm blessed, only one picture has hit my printer so far and that is the attached whopper that I landed (single handedly, I might add) on the Bitterroot River.

Measuring a questionably lengthy two inches, this fish, labeled "the smallest trout I have seen anyone land--ever" by our Outfitter "John The Great" Gould (who guided yours truly and son Tyler today), this is the best evidence as to why it is always advisable to fish with an experienced guide. Nestled in among the other 20+ fish that we caught (and released) today in the more respectable 16-18" range, it was a fine day on the water.

More to follow after the evening's boat reports, where I can report in advance that every on of our record-setting boats had a wonderful water/Montana experience today!

Best to all on the first fishing day of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///>< [my catch was just about this big!!]

Opening Day Extravaganza 2009!

2009-06-21T05:04:00.001-07:00

Say hello to Group A, Extravaganza 2009!

Opening Day was a blast here at Extravaganza Headquarters, as depicted in the attached photos. The Rock Creek Mercantile displayed the newest Extravaganza addition, a welcoming banner that will be prominently displayed at the Merc's location at the foot of Rock Creek Road for the duration of E 09 and the largest assembled Group multitude all arrived on the scene safely, though those that opted not to follow our recommended Delta itinerary found cancelled/changed flights on United (they flew) via Denver and Southwest through Spokane, Washington a poor choice to the very easy Delta experience that found all travelers and their bags in Missoula with a timely Saturday arrival.

The [G]lennon sisters are shown above after enticing father Steve (it is Fathers' Day this Sunday morning, after all!) to participating in some retail therapy--and those (many) who had ordered The Package (Simms sandals, a Merc hat and a Merc t-shirt du jour) to be better off than those who decided to last minute purchases--there are only a limited number of the advanced shipped sandals, gang.

Group Aers are also shown above at their Opening Day Lunch as the Montana Club as well as strolling down the driveway to see the (advanced) construction of the new Blackfoot "Tree House".

Following it all was casting on Headquarters' lawn and a great evening's dent into the liquor and wine larder (as only our first group[s] can do in fine Extravaganza tradition!) to be succeeded by fishing on Fathers' Day Sunday under cloudy/rainy skies that should make for excellent fishing results.

Let the games begin!

Best to all from the wonderful scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

FW: Der Blog Turns 700!

2009-06-20T07:52:00.001-07:00

And one click late of the mark in Philadelphia, PA by Group B's Mike "Pinot Noir" Stakias--you be on a near roll, PN!!

I’m guessing 751 doesn’t count. This game isn’t like horseshoes, slow dancing or atomic warfare……where close is good enough…………. is it? J

RCR

<'///><

FW: Der Blog Turns 700!

2009-06-20T07:50:00.001-07:00

It is good to be from Florida and wake up early--a Double Up for Group C's Jim "Crackberry" Nici!!

good morning ron! i woke up this morning and checked my email (with my iphone as you would expect) and when i saw your email i powered up the desktop. attached is blog visit 750 in pdf format.

i only wish i knew how to fly fish as well as i know how to use technology. any kind of electronic fly casting gizmo i could buy to aid my efforts? what does our outfitter have in stock?

James Nici

RCR

<'///><

Der Blog Turns 700!

2009-06-19T14:31:00.001-07:00

Gang: I just clicked on to be the 700th visitor to Der Blog ( www.montanaextravaganza2009.blogspot.com )--a bottle of classy Elizabeth Spencer Syrah to our 750th visitor--you know the gig!

RCR

Hawaiian Shirt Day/Gag Gift Reminder(s)!

2009-06-19T14:28:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

The "old man" of Group A (he is exactly one month older that yours truly), John "SOS" Reimann, suggests below that I remind all that the first day of fishing for each group is "Hawaiian Shirt Day"--I, in turn, reminded John that only one so old either (a) would not have read his email reminders before and/or (b) would have forgotten that which he had earlier opened and read. In either event, in honor of John's earlier won Yellow Hat, each and all are so reminded.

In fact, "the other John" (Gould, that is, as in our Outfitter) suggested that we have a five gallon bucket to dump over the head(s) of any so unfortunate not to have a gag gift in their Hawaiian shirt doffed hand!

It begins tomorrow...no, it already has!

Best to all in full readiness for it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

Starting to pack. Can’t wait to get out of here!

What happen to the fishing in a Hawaiian shirt idea?

John

FW: Announcing the Official Line Up for Group A!!

2009-06-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

Group A veteran The Pink Panther speaks from his heart with great wisdom...he has seen these waters before.

RCR <'///><

Thank you Kathy & Ron, before the games begin. This a very special time in our lives. The river runs though every one us. Take the time to feel it, smell it, and know it. Thanks again. rich

Announcing the Official Line Up for Group A!!

2009-06-18T17:19:00.001-07:00

With the previously counted days quickly melting into to-be-counted hours before the commencement of the Seventh Annual Extravaganza [2009 vintage], keeping with Extravaganza tradition, I am pleased to announce the Official Line Up for Group A, Extravaganza 2009.

This group of 21 (count 'em!) hearty warriors will descend upon the scene of it all on Opening Day this Saturday, June 20th, and will constitute the largest of any group ever to participate in an Extravaganza. Boasting 14 rookies, Group A (a) spans geographically from California to Kansas City, Missouri; (b) features our largest father-son/daughter/son-in-law grouping ever [7 parings in all including yours truly with son Tyler] (Sunday, June 21st is Father's Day, after all!); and finds participants from all walks of life, including, but not limited to, entrepreneurs and owners of seasoned businesses; cap's, marketeers, grape growers; marketing reps, national and state Wildlife Federation representatives and, horrors of horrors, even [three] lawyers.

Lead-off Group A fisherman is long-time Extravaganza veteran and Yellow Hat winner John "SOS" Reimann who earned his moniker by his non-fishing exploits during our companion 2007 Alaskaganza trip (disaster was truly his Alaskan middle companion but, in spite of it all, as sung to the worlds of ABBA on our Alaskaganza dvd, "SOS" weathered through it all for him now to return to the scene for his sixth (count 'em) Extravaganza. On SOS's heels is the dynamic duo of multi-Extravaganza veterans Brad "Pinko" Colton [a '64 SRHS classmate of mine whose name derives form his proclivity to fish in shocking pink head gear] and his now-former fishing partner [but still SRHS classmate] Rich "Pink Panther" Kotoff whose new fishing partner will be his fiancée, the beautiful Jeannie "Blushing Bride" Cahill.

Other Group A veterans include (i) Steve "Clennon" Glennon [Group Aers--be sure to ask Steve how he got his Extravaganza name when you see him!] and by his side will be his two beautiful rookie daughters, Nicole and Danielle, who have yet to earn their fishing names; (ii) Demetry "Stealth" Kondrasheff (you never seem to know that Stealth is in the area, but he always is, as witnessed by his being the first to stealthily guess that it is 792 pre-Group A bottles of wine that we have on the wall...that won't last long with this crowd!); and (iii) boat partners Montana Wildlife Federation issues coordinator "Big Ben" Lamb [his fiancée Jasmine, will be present for the first two Group A days as they are to be wed here at Headquarters post-Extravaganza on July 11th (there never being a dull moment here!)] and last year's Extravaganza Keynote Speaker National Wildlife Federation regional rep "Two If By Land" Tawney (yes, folks, his given name IS "Land"--and his this year scrubbed 4 hour Power Point presentation last year drove then Group to drink, even more if that is possible).

And then eleven (yes, 11) rookies to the Extravaganza (each of whom are in for the time of their lifetime!) line up: the Kansas City, MO based father-son team of Marty "Epic" Siler and offspring Luke "Skywalker" Siler; the brazen couple of Ann "In Like" Flynn and Ron "Spell This One" Bjarnason; University of Missoula graduate Terry "Surfer Boy" Wilson (and, boy, does he have some great old fraternity stories to tell--remind him to tell the one about the funeral held for his defunct auto...an absolute classic!) and his son-in-law Brian "Francis Ford" Wilson (yes, he IS counsel to FFCopola); doctors of veterinary medicine Jim Clark and Chris Rodi (yet awaiting to earn their Extravaganza buznames); and CLG contract lawyer par excellence John "A Rose By Any Other Name" Rosenbaum and his two younguns, Ben and Adam.

So, gang, there you have it--The Official Line Up for Group A, Extravaganza 2009! All signs are that this year's event will be one for the record books, and, befittingly, we start it all off in now less that 48 hours with this record-setting group of great human beings. Caveat pesca!

Best to all from the gorgeous scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

FW: And The Correct Number of Bottles of Wine is...

2009-06-17T17:38:00.001-07:00

...exactly 792 bottles (or 66 cases), as correctly guessed (in order of their success) by (and to each of whom a bottle of classy Elizabeth Spencer Syrah will go upon arrival) (a) Group A veteran wine imbiber Demetry "Stealth" Kondrasheff [with very little assistance on my part]; (b) Group B rookie Mike "Pinot Noir" Stakias {with substantial help on my part, as in "deduct your shoe size to the last guess"--it is good to have ordered The Package in advance!}; and (c) Group A returning [after a long absence and for Father's Day with his two daughters, no less] veteran Steve "Clennon" Glennon.

Comments earlier posted to Der Blog from Group C's Cam "Mend" Carlson explain the lack of interest on their part, with aggregate guesses being in excess of 50 (count 'em) in number and including such random numbers as Group C now-retired banker Larry "Moon River"Klaustermeier's 415 wager [go figure that one out!] and Group Two veteran "Down River Dave" Studeman's rocket ship guess of 1277 bottles and in-between numbers that included, by no means by way of exclusion, 576, 653, 660, 690, 696, 720, 732, 768, 775, 780, 782, 789, 800, 816, 850, 898 and 1100.

I think the fish are relatively safe, folks!

Best to all in eager anticipation of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

Extravaganza Travel Instructions For All E 09 Participants

2009-06-17T16:10:00.001-07:00

Well, Gang, with this the one of the [blessedly, perhaps] last emails from me to you prior to Group A's Saturday arrival here on the scene of Extravaganza 2009, I want to reach out to each of you as you do your final packing and travel preparations to provide, particularly you rookies out there, info that will be helpful to each of us on your travel day(s).

First of all, in packing your bags, I am reminded by Your Hostess With The Mostess, the incomparable Kocktail Kathy, to leave some extra room in your suitcases as, keeping with Extravaganza tradition, we fully reserve the right (and intend) to treat you extravagantly during your stay with us here in Paradise. Simply put, you will be taking home a bunch more one-of-a-kind Extravaganza 2009 related items and planning ahead for that blessed event will make the backend of your stay with us much more enjoyable (instead of fumblingly stating, "Now how am I going to get all of THAT home with me?!?". Just toss in an extra, empty carry on case (which will make for an excellent boat bag for you, btw) in your suitcase and we will make sure that you put it to good use--this IS the Extravaganza, after all, and, upon your arrival, we look forward to showering you with surprises at multiple bends in the road!

Next, for those of you who are flying in, I will personally meet and greet each of you who is following our recommended itinerary (and, thanks to each of you, that is substantially everyone!). Once you hit the ground, your every care and wish (within reason, Group Aers!) is our pleasure to meet. During the Extravaganza, all of your ground transportation is fully covered; your meals are covered; and all your fishing supply needs are likewise taken care of. The only exceptions to this are (a) procuring your fishing license [which we will do at the Rock Creek Mercantile the afternoon of your arrival--Doug Persico is bringing in his whole family to serve your needs in that regard] and (b) any Merc purchases that you might want to make while licensing up. "The Package" is, simply stated, the best buy in town and we already have received nearly a dozen reservations for sandals (thereby making sure that your size is in stock upon your arrival) [just email me directly in that regard].

Please don't be tardy getting to the airport(s), folks. Nearly every flight this time of year into Missoula is fully booked and to miss your initial leg connection's into SLC would be tragic at best. We are over an 8 hour drive from Salt Lake City, such that an hour of insurance on the front end will make sure that your arrival will be here and not just in Utah. If for any reason you experience travel delays on Travel Day, please call my Montana Cell phone AND Kathy's Montana Cell phone so we can make appropriate arrangements. IF you are excessively delayed, our back-up plan will be for you to rent a car at the Missoula airport and then drive the 45 minutes out to Headquarters.

For those many of you who will be driving in, please target being at the Montana Club at 4561 North Reserve Street, Missoula MT (406) 541-8141 as close to 1:00 p.m. on Arrival Day as possible. We will have our traditional Opening Day lunch for each group there and have made special reservations in that regard. Our last arrival flights are scheduled to get in at 12:30 p.m. and we are just 10 minutes from the airport. Again, if you get delayed for any reason, please reach out to either Kathy or me on the cell phones above and, we will give you instructions as to how to catch up with us.

Our Arrival Day schedule is as follows: (a) lunch at the Montana Club on North Reserve Street starting at 1:00 p.m.; (b) after lunch, on our way out of town to Rock Creek, visiting our Blackfoot house currently under construction (you veterans saw that property last year--as you will see, my, my what a difference a year makes!); (c) stopping by the Rock Creek Mercantile 73 Rock Creek Road, Clinton MT 59825 (406) 825-6440 to get licensed, Packaged and geared up, and (d) then onto Headquarters to get moved in, cast on the lawn, fish behind the house and make sure that each of you know how to use our well-stocked bar.

As a final note, thanks in advance to each of you for making your Arrival Day a relaxed and easy one; both Kathy and I are thoroughly and anxiously awaiting your arrival and, having just got of the phone (literally two minutes ago) with our outfitter John "The Great" Gould of Double Up Outfitters, we are right on the cusp of prime-time fishing--"the rivers haven't sprung to life yet but that should happen as early as this weekend--we are in for a GREAT Extravaganza!" Sweeter words have never been heard here in Extravaganzaland.

There it is, gang--your final Extravaganza Travel Instructions. Call Headquarters or email me directly if you have any last minute questions or concerns and be sure to tell all of your friends and family to follow your adventures on Der Blog, as we will post pictures and accounts of the frivolity of it all on a daily basis, with yours truly being Der Blogmaster this year .

Best to all on the cusp of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

<'///><

FW: How Many Extravagant Bottles of Wine on the Wall??

2009-06-17T12:42:00.001-07:00

From one who (obviously) know the drinking prowess of our first Extravaganza Group(s), yes, indeed, Group C's Cam "Mend" Carlson concern should be had by not only you but also by all of your fellow (rebrotavie) Group C members! Were it not such a moving target (cases seem to disappear like bottles with the first E Group), it truly would be a sight to count to see just what is left vino-wise a week from today when Group A departeth!

Sayeth Sir Cam(elot): "I have concerns and issues! As a former, but original member, of Group 1 (so named because after the first hour of cocktails on the first day we could only hold up one finger) - now amended and restated as Group A (Group "A" = Group "Alchoholics") - I am concerned that your larder is insufficient to accomodate those of us old farts that are now arriving later in Group C. My concern is aroused because I have seen John "SOS" Reimann rip through a couple bottles of Elizabeth Spencer's finest like it was Kool-aide. Should I be concerned? And, can you send updated pictures of the cellar after the departure of Group A? "

Cameron M. Carlson JD, CLU
CARLSON HAMMOND

FW: How Many Extravagant Bottles of Wine on the Wall??

2009-06-17T11:47:00.001-07:00

In true style from Group A's "Two If By Land" Tawney:
"i have a hangover already"

FW: How Many Extravagant Bottles of Wine on the Wall??

2009-06-17T11:00:00.001-07:00

With (incorrect) guesses of 576, 720, 653, 732 and 660 bottles so far, Group B's Ladd "Litagate'm" Bedford has it correct so far, in replying:

" It looks to me like the wine will be all gone by the time group B arrives. Ladd"

RCR

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FW: How Many Extravagant Bottles of Wine on the Wall??

2009-06-17T10:06:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

Keeping with Extravagant tradition, of the eve of Extravaganza 2009, it is now time for this year's participants to guestimate the number of bottles of wine on the wall of Headquarters awaiting your oh-so-soon arrival(s). A bottle of Elizabeth Spencer Syrah(thanks Group C's Spencer Graham and Elizabeth Pressler for the donation of [hint] over twenty (count 'em) cases of their premium wine for this year's event!) to the person that guesses the correct number.

Caveat veterans: Last year we guessed in case lots; this year it is in bottles!

Hints: [a] A photo of the (now cleaner) garage taken moments ago is attached; and (b) the number of cases is greater than (i) last year's case count (see Der Blog for 08) and (ii) Group A veteran John "SOS" Riemann's age.

Guess as many times as you wish by reply email; one guess per email reply, however, and I will let you know if you're high or low!

Best to all spiffying Headquarters up for it all,

Rock Creek Ron

WE HAVE A(NOTHER) WINNER, GANG RE: Der Blog Turns 600!

2009-06-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

Feast your eyes, one and all, for Group B Rookie John "650" Schloetter (first purchaser of The Package, btw!) proudly displays his attached hit # 650 to Der Blog, thereby earning him, upon his June 26th arrival here at HQ, a bottle of coveted '01 Rock Creek Red (a mighty fine cabernet sauvignon)--way to go "650"!!
RCR
Ron,

My scanning abilities leave a little to be desired, but attached [file missing--to come] is the counter showing #650. Group B will be represented well, at least in the internet usage category. I hope my rookie luck holds for the fishing awards. See you soon.

John M. Schloetter
John Schloetter & Co., LLP

FW: An Extravagant, "Yes, Ma'am!"

2009-06-16T17:34:00.001-07:00

Can't wait to welcome you back in out of the storm, Group B's Doug "Popeye" Hamilton!

“My sister” is darling!! Can’t wait to get up there and “Shelter.”

Popeye

FW: An Extravagant, "Yes, Ma'am!"

2009-06-16T17:32:00.001-07:00

From Group A Rookie Terry "Surfer Boy" Wilson!

You know, SB, there IS a fine for littering!

RCR

That's a good lookin' pup. Four fresh Aussies here as of 3 days ago.

FW: An Extravagant, "Yes, Ma'am!"

2009-06-16T17:27:00.001-07:00

From Group B's Lori "The Fawn" Ware post her pre-trip here last weekend with her bro and dad:
Good morning!

I am delighted to see that you had an awesome Ma'amday! What a love!

We enjoyed our ride home with conversations of pure joy.

Magic happens.

Love Lori

Yes, indeed, Lori, yesterday was a "Ma'amday" to remember--what a cutie she truly is!

RCR

FW: An Extravagant, "Yes, Ma'am!"

2009-06-16T17:24:00.001-07:00

WOW, did Ma'am's posting draw a crowd--this from Group B's Lynn "Yellow Hat" Trunbull:

What a doll!!!! Can’t wait to get my paws on her. Looking forward to being with you guys!!!!

Xo Lynn

FW: An Extravagant, "Yes, Ma'am!"

2009-06-16T17:22:00.001-07:00

from CLG office manager Stephanie "The Stephanator" James:

Mom and Pop Clausen,

Congratulations on the new arrival. She is sooooo cute!

FW: An Extravagant, "Yes, Ma'am!"

2009-06-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

Yes, Group A's "Two If By Land" that we know...and we also know that we all
will see you at 1:00 p.m. this Saturday for Opening Day's lunch!

RCR
"only problem is they grow"

FW: An Extravagant, "Yes, Ma'am!"

2009-06-16T17:18:00.001-07:00

A nice note from Group C's Jami "The Stick" Grassi [during E 08, "The Stick" landed the largest fish caught (and released!) in Extravaganza history--a 31" bull trout--caught on film as posted to Der Blog, hence "no bull"]:

OK, I'm smitten and even more excited about Extravganzaing with all the four legged K-9's! Who cares about the fish???? Hope Sir and Ma'am are ready for Jay-Z and Gavin (Da Mayor!).

X's and O's, Jami

Der Blog Turns 600!

2009-06-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

Yes, Extravagant Ones, (y)our blog turned 600 (hits, that is) yesterday and there is a prime-time bottle of vintage '01 Rock Creek Red for its soon-to-be 650th visitor.

To win, you just need to log onto Der Blog and check out the counter below the operating instructions on its right-hand side; if you see the number "650" in that box, just print off that page, email it to your truly and bring it with you for your on-site arrival award. Who knows, we may have a(nother) multi-state Double Up [how about that for a plug, outfitter John "The Great" Gould?!?] as we did with #500--when Group C's Jim "Crackberry" Nici who hales from Naples, Florida, unbeknownst hit that number simultaneously with his Moraga, California-based fishing partner Fred "The Guitar" Johnson!!

Yes, Ma'am (to use our newest Extravaganza phrase), may the quickest Extravaganzer win!!

Best to all from the overcast scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

An Extravagant, "Yes, Ma'am!"

2009-06-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Fellow Extravaganzers:

I am pleased to officially introduce you to the mascot of this year's Extravaganza, the newest addition to our Extravagant family--an 8 week old English Labrador retriever by the name of "Ma'am". Seen above at her debut at Extravaganza Headquarters with her new best friend and co-mascot "Sir" the Cocker, with Your Hostess With The Mostess, Kocktail Kathy, as well as with yours truly, this 15 pound bundle of joy (in every sense of the words, btw) spent her first night on site last evening and, as far as those first-night initiation events go, things went just dandy.

Ma'am has already selected from the cadre of soon-to-be-incoming Group A "The Glennon Sisters" (Nicole and Danielle) for her targeted heart-throbbers/caretakers (probably a mutual event, knowing those wonderful two!) and looks forward to chewing on each of you upon your arrival(s). Her targets for Groups B and C are still under consideration, with (i) Lori "The Fawn" Ware and "Shanna Banana"Rodgers in the clear Group B lead, however, and (ii) "Grinnin' Penny" Shawback and Eliza "Da Rookie" Shepard pacing it out in Group C.

"Yes, Ma'am" is now the order of the day at Extravaganza Headquarters, although, starting early this morning your Hostess was more often heard to poignantly state on more than one occasion (with great verbal inflection, I might add), such new phrases as "No, Ma'am"; "Not that, Ma'am"; "Next time do that outside, Ma'am" and "Don't chew that, Ma'am"...BUT she sure sounded polite in the process...yes, Sir!

Best to all in the wonderful preparation for it all,

Rock Creek Ron

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p.s. Ma'am currently is curled beneath my office chair seat, dreaming visions of the soon-to-be sleepless Extravagant nights ahead!

FW: Fishing Video from John Gould's Double Up Outfitters

2009-06-15T15:52:00.001-07:00

Poignant comments from Group A veteran "Big Ben" Lamb!

I hope you realize that I'm having a fairly difficult time focusing
on work.

All I can think about is the coming weekend. haha.

FW: Fishing Video from John Gould's Double Up Outfitters

2009-06-15T14:32:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

Enough of this theory stuff, how about seeing the real thing?!?

Well, just follow the directions of our outfitter John "The Great" Gould below--a 20 inch beauty

RCR

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Hello from the Bitterroot Valley,
& the best Dry Fly Fishing around!

    Our season is in full swing now, and we are set for another full season of great water, and happy, hungry trout.

    Just thought I would send you a link to our last video, that I somehow made time to put together, and show you what we've been up to on the water this spring.

    Take a few, kick back, and watch some great dry fly action. Just click HERE!

    Hope to have you on the water with us soon.

    Best Regards
             &
        Fish ON,

John Gould
Double Up Outfitters LLC
4209 Edgewater way
Stevensville, MT
59870

Phone:406.777.5668
Cell :406.240.9498

Double Up Outfitters web site
Blog for Double Up
Our Latest Dry Fly Video on You Tube

FW: Extravaganzaland!

2009-06-15T14:06:00.001-07:00

IWFF Executive Director, Janet Rose, knows what she speaks of because she is here often:

It’s a magical place...

FW: A View Into My Fly Box

2009-06-15T12:08:00.001-07:00

Yes, Group B's Todd "Alaska" Fisher--it's a fisherbox!

That box it too pretty. I am wondering if it has ever been used?

Todd

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FW: A View Into My Fly Box

2009-06-15T11:15:00.001-07:00

As only Group B veteran Ladd "Litagate'm" Bedford w/could quip:

Ron... I am glad you added "Box" to your subject.

FW: A View Into My Fly Box

2009-06-15T10:42:00.001-07:00

A query from Group B's "Down River Dave" Studeman (green with envy, btw):

RCR,

Where’s your Green Drakes???

Hope all is well. We are very excited that we only have a few days more before Lift-off!

See you soon!

DRD

FW: A View Into My Fly Box

2009-06-15T10:40:00.001-07:00

GI and great photo from "Two If By Land" Tawney:

and for the real thing...see attached..

pic was taken last Thursday just below the microburst on famed Rock Creek

i got a taste this past week and can't wait for Sunday!

Fish eat em..I eat em Tawney

FW: Extravaganzaland!

2009-06-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

From Group C's Fred "The Guitar" Johnson!
Way to go KK and Ron. Things never looked better. Fred

FW: Extravaganzaland!

2009-06-15T10:38:00.001-07:00

T he Pink Panther observes:
Very nice, Does not look like a place to fish. More like a place to have a great time. rich

FW: Last Pre-Extravaganza Monday Morning Report!

2009-06-15T10:00:00.001-07:00

A wonderfully nice note from Group B's Tim "MWF Pres" Aldrich, a rookie to the Extravaganza this year but certainly no rookie to "these-here-parts":

I am so glad that Lori and family had a good stay on Rock Creek. It was a pleasure to meet Lori last year, and the pictures of her and salmonflies are priceless. If the number of vehicles we saw pulling drift boats and rafts on our trip from Helena to Missoula yesterday is any indication, a number of Missoulians have heard the "call" of the giant stonefly and they are reacting. Fishing during the salmon fly hatch has always been a challenge to the wade-fishing person. You obviously experienced that chapter and verse yesterday. It is tough, but it is still fishing, and remember, even poor fishing is better than the best of working! Getting your fly safely under the bushes and into the sweet spots is a challenge when you're up to some of your most precious body parts in 40 degree rushing water. From an historical perspective, I would admit that in my younger years, we chose not to wade, but rather to sneak thru the bushes and dunk a salmonfly imitation in those accessible spots that looked like they would hold a hungry trout. It was in large part a game of stealth where a short fishing rod and heavy duty line and leader were pitted against strength and the will to live of the trout. Most often, we were not fishing "catch and relase" but rather only "long release." It was hard on equipment and easy on the fish, and we considered it fun; it was fishing. Anyway Ron, thanks for your brief story; it brought back many memories of fishing the famous Rock Creek. As I have told you, some of my memories of fishing Rock Creek go back to the early 1950's. Many things have changed in our world since then, but due the the foresight and hard work of many men and women, the famous Rock Creek remains a great fishery, a great venue for fishermen and women and in so many respects a truly remarkable reminder that Montana Matters. Carol and I are excited for our first trip the the Extravaganza as full participants. I am truly anxious to experience your hospitality, the comraderie, the fishing, the story telling and the various expressions of commitment to make sure that Rock Creek is every bit as much a wonder for all those who follow our tracks in the future. tim

A View Into My Fly Box

2009-06-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

Extravagant Ones:

Consistent with the adage that "you always want to see what is the other guy's fly box", attached is a photo of that now fully recharged fly box of mine, a tour of which is as follows:

Working from left to right, in the far left-hand row is my arsenal of my smaller dry fly (i.e., flies that float on top of the water) mayflies designed to imitate the dozens of species of those wonderful bugs (a dozen of each of which could easily alight on your smallest fingernail with room to spare) who spend most of their life as bugs crawling underwater and then, as they near the end of their life cycle, "emerge" to the surface of the water in "hatches" (often by blowing air bubbles around themselves, thereby floating atop like a thousand rising balloons), whereafter they "rest" on the water's surface, shed their shuck, pop out their wings and then fly aloft only to mate, whereafter the females return to the water to reposit their eggs, thereby beginning the life cycle again.

The next three columns of flies are examples of mayflies in their nymph stage--these flies are "wet flies" and are fished subsurface and are designed to imitate one or more of the mayflies in their larval and/or emerging stages. Ninety percent of a trout's consumption is of flies in their nymphal stages and, hence, the preponderance of those in this fly box, atop the middle row of which are four red San Juan worms (aka, "the dreaded worm") which are ever so effective along with the 8 specimens of white-winged prince nymphs (aka, "the fly formerly known as Prince") right beneath them [on Rock Creek I refer to the SJW and Prince as "the McDonald and Burger King menu"!]. Just as is reflected in these rows, nymphs come in different sizes and colors depending on the time of day, the river and the weather conditions (hence, the efficacy of a guide!).

The container(s) on the right hand of the fly box contain a gaggle of different dry flies, starting in the upper right with my own "unibug creation" to match beetles and spiders, a series of larger mayflies and, on the upper right some yellow humpies. The middle row starts with my foam fly searcher patterns (from which we will attach nymphs creating our "hopper dropper combination", whereby we can fish BOTH a dry fly foam fly and a trailing, underwater nymph, thereby getting "two shots at the apple" and ends with a smaller collection of foam flies designed to generically imitate the wide families of floating bugs that trout feed upon in Montana's rivers. The bottom row (which, frankly, looks like a mess) is really the "money section" of this box which contains in the middle section imitations of the golden stone fly (my "go to fly" in late June and early July and, on the right, my caddis fly collection--a bug so prolific that when the "caddis fly hatch is on you will have to turn your car's windshield wipers on to see when amidst its flurry--the hatch is like being in a snow storm.

So, folks, there it is: A view into my fly box! When each of you are here with us, as part of our program, your guides will provide all flies that you will need (the each carry hundreds of them each day on the water) and they will even tie them to the end of your lines for you, so don't fret if your own box is either partially full, empty or nonexistent!

Best to all from the scene of it all!

Rock Creek Ron

Extravaganzaland!

2009-06-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Here are photos taken yesterday morning (when it was sunny!) depicting just what awaits you upon your Extravaganza arrival(s)!!

RCR

Last Pre-Extravaganza Monday Morning Report!

2009-06-15T08:57:00.001-07:00

Gang:

Well, here it is, your last Monday pre-Extravaganza report coming to you right from the scene of Extravaganza 2009, where, this coolish mid-40 degree morning, a light, misty rain blesses us all. And, speaking of blessings, take a gander at our updated Rock Creek discharge report where, just as I had hoped, water flows are now leveling off a bit north of 1500 cfs (right at 1590 cfs as of 6:00 a.m. this morning)--a leveling effect (that, likewise, is occurring on each of our three targeted rivers) that I expect to continue throughout this week and which will (a) see still turbid waters turn clean; (b) find water temperature begin to stabilize and (c) resultantly, bug and fish life begin to teem.

As you saw from the posting over the weekend, salmon flies now kiss the banks of Rock Creek, but, on the water yesterday, the fish have yet to fully awaken to their presence, as several hours of dry fly casting that banks resulted in only spotty results, though Group B's Lori "The Fawn" Ware, her bro, dad and I had a blast "combat fishing" (casting big salmon flies 2-3" from the bank while standing as far out in the still quickly flowing river as we deemed safe) for that time span. And a look at the long range forecast for Group A still has things right in the sweet spot for prime time fishing: partly cloud skies (with probable late afternoon thunder showers) with temperatures in the mid-70's rising with the days into the mid-80's.

Bueno, bueno, bueno!

More as the week progresses from the scene of it all, but, for the time being, things are shaping up just nicely...very nicely, indeed. for a bonanza Extravaganza 2009!

Best to all from the scene of it all,

Rock Creek Ron

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