1st Annual GST Gathering
Upper Kern River
September, 2005
The Kern River
seemed like a good place for our first annual get together, gathering,
campout or whatever ya wanna call it. And it was! The weather
couldn't have been better. We enjoyed warm sunny days and only a
slight chill at night. The Headquarters campground had more
occupants than we had imagined., but all were peaceful during our stay. In
fact, the GST Groups' camaraderie was infectious. Giving nearby campers
the wherewithal to drop by, chat and at times stay until the fire went
out. Just as with our forums, the GST crew again demonstrated its
natural ability to welcome aboard the wayward angler.
On arriving, we
learned that the DFG truck had visited and stocked the river along the
campground. I instinctively knew those recent stockers would be in
full swing by Sunday morning., as they generally need 24-48hrs to
adjust and get into a feeding mood.
Normally, I
race up and/or down the river ... checking spots as I go. But having
the RV, I was less motivated for that on this trip. Plus, Daniel H. and I
had already done a little of that on Friday., before going to
Headquarters. So we spent Saturday and Sunday within walking
distance of the campground.
With the
exception of a few, most of the GST group was out and about the river for
the majority of the daylight hours. Like Indians sneaking off to
join a war-party, most of the GST members would rise at dawn and depart
without a noise. Occasionally, a lone brave would return to report
on the progress of the war-party.
Everyone, with
the exception of Charlie, had been catching fish all day Saturday. A
few, upon their arrival, had even started fishing and catching the Friday
afternoon before. For the most part, most of the members were
releasing anything less than 12"., and holding out for the prize
trout of the weekend. Gary C., pictured above with his prize winning
13" catch, was the "King of the River" or "Fishing
King" for this event. As usual with the Kern, the fish caught
were averaging 11-12".
Gary C., Ken, Dan & Charlie. And lets not forget Dans'
little lady Luna.
With
everyone coming and going throughout the daylight hours, it was
impossible to get a full group picture.
So we'll make do with this following collection of pics, taken at
random.
Jon and Dan debate the meaning of life over coffee.
Or at least, we'll assume it's coffee.
Dan's perfect fishing shirt...
"Here fishy Fishy fishy"
Dennis in his body armor...
Coming or Going, we're not sure.
Gary C., seemingly telling Jon
how he too can catch one of these.
And Jon seemingly reminding him that the
'Student teaches the Teacher'.
Another shot of Gary C. and his potential winner.
One of the happy fireside campers, Eric.
Warning: Eating of his wife's chili could lead to
unexpected chest hair growth. Good Stuff !
Ken and Daniel H. sit amongst the ruins of the
Pot-Luck table.,
while Daniel contemplates his fishing strategy for the following
day.
Jon and Eric exchange stories, tips and finger
gestures...
Luna holding down the fort at Dan and Charlies'
site.
The Fishing King on his thrown.
Fireside with...
Jon, Eric, Dennis & Ken
Daniel H. with his prize.
At times, his cheeks could barely contain his smile.
"We don't need no stink'n prizes..."
Life Long Pals - Dan & Charlie.
|
Smiles for
miles... it was a great weekend for the GST group. A parting group
shot would have been perfect, but I needed to re-visit the ranch on the
way home., so we needed to depart around noon (before everyone returned to
the campground).
Special
Thanks...
 |
To all
who attended and made this weekend the joy that it was. |
|
To Jon
for his donation of the Prize for biggest fish caught. |
|
To
Charlie for traveling all the way from Sacramento to join us. |
|
To Gary
W. for his picture taking. Next time we promise to take his picture
too. |
|
To Dan
& Charlie for making me (us) laugh with their Good Humor. |
|
To Gary
C. for his Gumbo, as well as, everyone else for our little feast. |
|
To Dennis
for not drowning. |
|
To Eric
for keeping the faith and then realizing the beauty of the Kern. |
|
To Luna
for being Luna. |
|
To the
wayward fellow from the UK, who added to our fireside chats and
shared his mini-bar. |
|
To Daniel
H. who reminded us of how important our DFG trout are. |
