The Annual Streams, Lakes & Mountains Rockies Ride -2010

I originally posted this ride over on ADV as their software seems to be a bit more picture friendly (but not so friendly if you're on dial-up). As I seem to be more of a WR forum kind of guy, it is reproduced here. If you want the bigger pictures (and slower loading) version, then you can just pop over to ADV: The ADV version

So, to set the scene:

I have been fortunate enough to live most of my life (on both sides of the border cutting through it) of what surely is The Last Best Place, or The Crown Of The Continent, or The Serengeti of North America, or whatever superlative you prefer.

Unfortunately, my job often means that I spend large amounts of my time elsewhere. And thus, while most readers were touring hither and yon through the spring and summer, I was on the other side of the continent, in a most miserable place devoid of any redeeming scenic value, practicing my craft and getting qualified on teaching others to do the same:







Well, I love my job; it's fun, it's exciting... but I don't get to do it where I live. And so, while everyone else is riding all spring and summer, I am all too often off somewhere else, doing what I do for my daily bread.

However, in general, the fall belongs to me. Or if it doesn't belong to me, I do just about everything in my power to ensure it belongs to me. It isn't just for riding, but for all the good things that come with September and October here: the best backpacking, the best flyfishing, the best elk hunting, and the best bird hunting. Ya can't beat it with a stick.

Unfortunately, this fall has been an uncooperative one when it comes to the usual glorious fall weather we get here. In fact, it has been generally miserable. The annual cheesecake tour looked to be in danger of not happening this year - I get enough rain and mud at work without going and looking for it on my days off.

However, a window of good weather appeared a few days ago, and I hastily jumped on it while the chance was there. The colors aren't in their full glory yet, and I couldn't find a partner, but this could quite possibly be the last chance this year for The Ride.

So the Superposed went in the pack, along with the flyrod, the superlight waders and boots, a snack or two, and we're good to go. As this is a true dual sport ride that interposed short stretches of slab with gas stations with long stretches of dirt, extra fuel isn't necessary.

For those wanting to see lots of posed pictures of bikes in glorious places, this is not the thread for you - you'll have to check out some of my other posts over on the WR250R forum.

http://tinyurl.com/22nbvwc

I'll provide one picture to display the weapon of choice, but the rest of the ride is about the scenery around here. Here's your lone bike picture:



With that out of the way...

Out of bed early, a big breakfast, fishing and hunting licenses in back pocket, $10 for gas (hey... it's a WR250R) and facing a stretch of slab to start the day:



The nice thing about much of the slab around here, is the view from the highway is usually better than the view from the back country roads most other places in North America (assuming you like mountains, of course).









Soon enough, the first opportunity to get off the slab and on the gravel comes up, and we're off to the first of our beauty spots. Some parts of the river are fairly wild, with some Class 4 whitewater for kayaking for those so inclined. Other parts, like this, are positively peaceful.



I sat and watched the Westslope cutties rising from the bottom to take hatching nymphs, while stopped on the bridge above, and from here:



I thought briefly of officially cancelling The Ride to harass the fish. Well, I thought a lot. But another chance for The Ride might not occur this year - and equally good water was just ahead. So... ride on.



We're still relatively in the valley, but that is all subjective around here. One nice feature of the area is the many local grasslands/valley lakes.



And there are also lots of abandoned buildings, homesteads, logging camps, etc to explore for those looking for treasures and a glimpse of the past. A past, that around here, can be mining, logging, ranching, farming, or prospecting.



I look at the clouds suddenly appearing behind me. Will The Ride (which must be held in sunlight) come to an abrupt end? As it turns out, this is the last I will see of any cloud cover to speak of.

While putting the camera away, I find myself being showered with bark. And here is the guilty culprit.



We have numerous species of woodpeckers around here - not suprising, considering the damage done by the mountain pine beetle and the spruce budworm. A tragedy for one is a windfall for others...

A short little sidetrip to admire one of the local lakes laying at the base of the mountains:



Followed by a quick stop on a bridge built courtesy of the local combat engineers 20 years ago. A local dreaming of fame and fortune did the first drop of these falls on a kayak a few years ago. I like kayaking, but not that much. I think he's still looking for a job...



And of course, over the other side of the bridge:



Well, unless I plan on rapelling down and then prussicking back up, there won't be any fishing here... move on.





A quick short trip back on the slab, into one of the most fertile mountain valleys I have ever seen (and the view ain't bad either).



And then we start climbing up, up towards the origin of the river.



No whitewater kayaking up here... but the elk and bighorn hunting is pretty damned good!





A few kilometers beyond this, and the road ends. If you go much further north, you'll need pitons and rope if you leave the trail. But, for those not afraid to park their motorcycle and walk a few hundred meters, you can get a glimpse of what backpacking into this wilderness will bring you.





Well, I happen to know the fishing in these lakes is pretty good, but I also happen to know flyfishing is difficult here without a tube. Which I don't have. Besides, you can't fish and hunt EVERYWHERE in one day - along with just admiring the view. So back to the bike, and back south down the valley we go.

Now here's my idea of the perfect off-slab road:



And, as we start riding in along the valley bottoms, the temptation for a stop to do some fishing starts.



But no, I have an idea of what lies ahead. This is pretty nice travelling as well.



But then it takes a turn for the worse.



I understand some people like mud. I hate it. I occasionally get jeered about this from some riding friends. I point out to them that it is not unusual for my line of work to see me living in mud filled holes and sleeping in water filled ditches, so I am more of an expert on being wet and muddy than they can ever dream of. Besides, as I jump out of airplanes, in the dead of night, at 800 ft AGL, with 140 lbs strapped to my ass, I have nothing left to prove to them or anyone else. So this is the end of the road, not far from the river.

There is another reason. Although the damage from motorcycles is minimal, it is a fact that driving 4x4's, quads, and bikes on these roads when they are soft damages them. I am sure there are those out here who feel that the uglier the road gets, the better they like it. However, these roads will never have maintenance done on them again. Many - like this one - were put in for mining exploration, and they are what they are. Eventually, with sufficient thoughtless use, they become unpassable to anyone without a raised 4x4, quad, or motorcyle. And, quite simply, to the rest of the hunters, fishermen, and back country users out there, that is neither fair nor respectful. Some day, far too soon in my future, I will be one of the older boys out there, without the strength or the vehicles to challenge an ugly road. Then I'll be one of them, looking for access to the river or an easily huntable area in my economical little car. So I think of them, and I park.

The walk to the river also has a purpose. Along with the flyfishing gear in my pack is the Superposed broken down, and these tell me the chances of picking up a Ruffy or two are good:





The grouse choose not to cooperate today. But that's fine, here's the river. And this guy happily munching grass while eyeballing me as I go by.



The Superposed now has a couple of rounds of buck in it momentarily, which makes me feel a bit more comfortable with a bear nearby. They're way down on the threat scale, but on the other hand a bear attack every fall around here is the norm as well. Better to have and not need, than need and not have...

The bear and I pleasantly nod to each other in passing, and in a few moments I am on the river bank.



For you flyfishermen out there, here's what this water is all about:





So, shall it be wet?



Or dry?



Remembering those football shaped cutties rising to the hatch at the beginning of the day, dry it is.

A few mountain valley river photos - flyfishing porn to other worshippers of the long flexible rod:







No pictures were taken of the victims (I'm a catch and release kind of guy for those who feel sorry for the fish) - I can't quite manage a flyrod, a net, and a DSLR all at one time.

This was the fly which turned out to be the top assassin, however:



The shadows come early in the mountains - particularly at this time of year. Time to head out.



And the two-track quickly once again turns to gravel.



One last lake to divert to and enjoy, as this time we're on the other side of the valley, favoured by the sun as it wasn't this morning.



One last final run on the slab, underneath darkening skies as the last bits of sunlight charm the mountain peaks.



And finally home - a long day, a lot of miles.



If I had a wish, however, every day of the year would be in these mountains, in this weather, at this time of the year. All of these spots - and many, many more like them - are within a three mile ride of my home, and most are well within an hour. An outdoorsy guy like me really couldn't ask for more.

Hope you enjoyed this glimpse of my backyard.

Nice...... very nice indeed.

Awsome pictures! Looks like you could be a professional photographer too. Wish I had the eye for taking photos like that.

Rick, how far away was the bear when you took that shot? He's lookin pretty healthy. I love the assortment of flies you have too. I never tried tying, but I've always wanted to learn. One day. That sunset pic is breathtaking.

SheWolf wrote:

Rick, how far away was the bear when you took that shot? He's lookin pretty healthy. I love the assortment of flies you have too. I never tried tying, but I've always wanted to learn. One day. That sunset pic is breathtaking.

The bear was about 20 meters I guess. I didn't walk up on him trying to get closer; I just came around the corner and there he was. The first thing I did was throw some serious bear medicine in the Superposed, after that I pulled my camera out.

He looked pretty calm and knew I was there, and was happily stuffing his face with grass, just browsing along, so I didn't see too much chance of having any problems. Still, there were a couple of rounds of O Buck up the tubes, just in case he changed his mind. I worry more about the swamp donkeys than the bears - I've had more, serious problems with pissed off moose in the last 40 years of my life around here than I've had with grumbly bears and black bears.

Now that I've said that, I'll probably get chewed on by a bear while hunting elk this year.

I used to tie most of my flies and still tie a bit. But my eyesight is getting too crappy. I should probably buy one of those illuminated magnifier first aid rings like they have in industrial first aid treatment rooms and I'd be back on the top of my game again. But for now, I have a deal with a young kid (meaning he's in his late 20's): I reload most of his 9mm, he ties flies for me in exchange. Seems to work for both of us so far. I used to enjoy tying flies - and reloading - but the shine kind of went off it a decade or so ago. Now it's just a chore. But with the cost of factory ammunition and store bought flies these days, if you don't roll your own it really helps to have deep pockets. Or deeper pockets...

There is a real zen sort of thing to tying flies for a lot of people... kind of lets them relax. I get that shooting my bow, but fly tying these days when necessary is just another chore. I used to love all that stuff when I was younger, now it just seems to be a job, albeit a fairly painless one.

One thing about tying flies; you can get into it pretty cheap.

I agree. Wonderful pictures. I suppose there is snow all around that neck of the woods by now. Probably until May.

Thanks for the wonderful trip.

Bruce

Take me there.... PLEASE ! Ahem... Less the bear experience anyways.... Bravo !

Very nice shots, & good narrative. I can see you like the still pool reflective shots, too. ..fun to see the color changes. Won't be long 'till moto riding will be suspended until late spring in those parts.

I was hoping to get up to montana or at least yellowstone this last summer, but couldn't get away. I'll have to prioritize for next year.

What was your bear repellent? I got that you loaded up for it, but don't know the lingo to deduce the package.

Very nice RR!

rydnseek wrote:

Very nice shots, & good narrative. I can see you like the still pool reflective shots, too. ..fun to see the color changes. Won't be long 'till moto riding will be suspended until late spring in those parts.

Yeah, around here a blind man could be given a camera and come out looking like a brilliant photographer.

I went for my last ride of the year this afternoon (except maybe a few little putt-putts of short distance). Uncomfortably cold. I can dress for that, but with the frost in the ground, riding the forest service roads you don't know whether you have traction or a hockey rink - with the color of the road surface when it isn't wet, you never really know...

And then there's the snow already on the roads, well packed to nice and glassy by the logging truck tires...

I think I'm about done for this year... last thing I need is to go down hard riding by myself in the back country in this weather.

Quote :

What was your bear repellent? I got that you loaded up for it, but don't know the lingo to deduce the package.

3" magnum loaded to the tits with O Buck. Handloads. O Buck doesn't have much for range, but you don't shoot misbehaving bears at long range.

Great pics Jaeger and now I realize you are Canadian. Think I got that wrong in another thread so apologies.

Alone in the woods I am armed if not riding. But when riding I don't carry. Mostly because I am not a pistol guy. Don't mind them. Not against them or anything like that just never felt the need before. I am very familiar with bear defense though. My home def has always been an 870 LE but I am not that bad a shot. Weighing packable vs. bear I am thinking of getting a SW 357 stainless for bear loads. Don't let me hijack but comment welcome off the thread.

Chief_Lee_Visceral wrote:

Great pics Jaeger and now I realize you are Canadian. Think I got that wrong in another thread so apologies.

My feelings aren't hurt. I'm Canadian but I have a visa for the US; I commute and work between both countries (we have a house in Montana and one in BC - the driving time between the two is less than some city dwellers put in one way each day in rush hour traffic). Once my days in the military are done, I'll probably opt for permanent residence in Montana. Not many things where I'd choose BC over Montana these days.

Quote :

Alone in the woods I am armed if not riding. But when riding I don't carry. Mostly because I am not a pistol guy. Don't mind them. Not against them or anything like that just never felt the need before. I am very familiar with bear defense though. My home def has always been an 870 LE but I am not that bad a shot. Weighing packable vs. bear I am thinking of getting a SW 357 stainless for bear loads. Don't let me hijack but comment welcome off the thread.

No hijack - but feel free to start a longer thread over in Off Topic and I'll play along.

I always carry in Montana. Better to have and not need than need and not have, etc. I sometimes carry in the bush in BC, but that is in very restricted circumstances for which I have an ATC. Never used to think about it as much, but I know for a fact that bear and cougar attacks around here are becoming commonplace whereas 25, 30, 40 years ago they were unheard of - especially cougars. Two years ago, at a BBQ about ten miles from our place, a cougar jumped out at a family reunion BBQ and grabbed a dog from a furball of kids and dogs running around playing with each other. Could have just as easily grabbed a young kid. The same year a hunter shot a cougar off his back with a handgun after it jumped him while he was hunting and had him face down. The same year two hunters about three hours north in BC were mauled to death. etc, etc.

The bush is still safer than the highway you ride to get to it. But I carry stuff to fix flats even though I rarely get them, and so I carry a handgun even though I will probably never, ever need it.

Handguns are indeed one of the least effective tools for bears and cougars - until one has you down and you only have one hand free. Or, like the local guy a few years ago, a kitty has you face down on your stomach while it tries to chew it's way through your backpack to get at your neck. Kind of hard to bring a rifle to bear (no pun intended) in that situation. And some situations simply make carrying a long gun impractical.

My personal belief is a .357 would not be for me for critter medicine. I carry a Browning High Power in 40 S&W. With a 200 gr WFN style hard bullet, the .357 will give you 1200 fps while the .40 S&W will give you 1100 fps, a bit less. However, it carries 11 instead of 6 and makes a slightly bigger hole. I realize the BHP is marginal, but it carries easily enough in town as well with a CCW (or open carry, for that matter), so it is a compromise.

I should probably quit fooling around and get a 10mm 1911 - in the same barrel length that will crank about 1300 fps with the same 200 grain bullet. Just can't seem to get around it for the extra 200 fps.

If you want to discuss, by all means fire up a topic in the Off Topic area.

On your observation about critters that bite or are biting more as it were, I think the reason we see more "attacks" is habituation. They have no choice but to be bolder and they are more comfortable with what they know about us. I would rather surprise a brown bear in Alaskan bush than in Glacier National Park if you know what I am saying.

I like to pick huckleberries with the bears in MT but the bears not so much :).

Well cool I'll probably open a thread over in off topic about a gun for the ride but it's a tool to me not a chick magnet. I mean I like talking about tools well enough but they don't "complete me". Also I will let you know the next time I head to the Flathead in case you are going to be around. I lived in Whitefish from 93 to 96 and I tell everyone, I wish I would have found a way to stay.

Awesome pics man. I can't wait for the summer, we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

wow, what great country! what part of the rockies is this, Canada or states?

Canada

little squirt wrote:

wow, what great country! what part of the rockies is this, Canada or states?

Very southeast corner of BC.

Looks pretty much the same just across the border in Montana... BC kind of has the edge. On the other hand, once you get about 100 miles north of where I am, you're into a string of National Parks where your bike must stay on the slab. But... there's enough around here to keep me amused for the rest of my life...