Discovering Cutthroat and A Little More

August 14, 2019 Jillian Rash

If you drive around in the mountains a bit from our house, follow a Forest Service road for a few miles, you end up in a canyon with a perfect little river flowing through it. It's mostly become our 'go-to' escape, given its closeness and exceptional beauty. But, who am I kidding, almost everything here is perfectly splendid.

We decided on a quick trip in the middle of the day right when the temperature had gotten too hot to work anymore, and a little extra elevation was necessary. We hit the river just as the afternoon rainstorm did it is monsoon season after all.

If you've been a follower of this little blog of ours, you've probably noticed that I've misplaced my enthusiasm for it. Maybe it's the adjustment to a new place, lack of motivation, too many rod bags, too little adventure, or perhaps basic laziness. I'm still trying to figure it out.

Leave No Trace

September 12, 2018 Jillian Rash

"Friend,

When you stray or sit and take your ease

On heath or hill, or under spreading trees,

Pray leave no traces of your wayside meal,

No paper bag, no scattered orange peel,

Nor daily journal littered on the grass;

Others may view these with distaste, and pass;

Let no one say, and say it to your shame,

That all was beauty here until you came."

I've driven past this sign half a dozen times. I always make Jacob pull over so I can read it, admire the flowers growing around it, and feel the breeze flowing through the mountains. Winding down the dirt road I always ask aloud; 'I wonder who wrote that?' And, I forget I've wondered just as soon as I say it. The sentiment, the lesson, is what always stuck.

A Rainbow and A Pot of Gold

August 28, 2018 Jillian Rash

The parking lot was full. We walked by all the cars, searching for fishy stickers or rod tubes in backseats. Determining that this was a big river, we'd just driven all the way out here, and the ratio of anglers to cars was not that high, we geared up. I swapped out my trusty hip pack for the daypack, as I do on most 'hike' trips. It was filled to the brim with snacks, rain jackets, and water, with all fishing essentials pinned here and there.

Jacob doesn't hike unless there's the return of fishing, a guaranteed pot of gold at the end of a rainbow if you will. Which is why these are my favorite kind of fishing trips, I get to hike with Jacob because the bribe of trout always works.

Be a Patriot for Our Wild Places

July 4, 2018 Jillian Rash

Jillian Schuller Photography - Fly Fishing

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
I'm sure most of you are finishing up your early morning fishing trips and getting ready for a fun night filled with food, a good brew, and camaraderie with your favorite people. I've got my beer on ice, all my kale chopped up and veggie burgers ready to hit the grill!

But, I took a few minutes out of my day to speak up for the most American resource our country has, wild places.

I urge you to do the same. Here are a few things you can do on this holiday (and every other day) to help our greatest treasures.