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Some Fishing and a TAF Report

October 19, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Some Fishing and a TAF Report

Thank you for reading this Some Fishing and a TAF Report. A couple days of azure skies and light winds allowed for a couple of delightful days on the water, and TAF got a bunch of donations!

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

A huge THANK YOU to all the donors, by name and in no particular order-

-Laura Rice
-Ed Perry
-Dean Altenhofen
-Anonymous
-Walt Sheppard
-Earl Gillespie
-Ken Shannon
-Emily Nelson
-Kelly Holz

What a great group of people!!!

The total raised so far is slightly over $775, 15 percent of my goal, and thank you, thank you, thank you again!

Click here for the fundraiser link if you’re motivated to donate (Please!)

As a reminder, the Assistance Fund helps underinsured people living with life-threatening, chronic, illness obtain treatment and medicine by providing financial assistance for their copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other health-related expenses.

The updates will continue every week until the fundraiser ends (at Thanksgiving), and of course if you’ve considered donating, it’s not too late!

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Fishing!

Monday the Bang-O-Craft plied the startlingly-clear-even-though-it’s-high water of the Mosquito Lagoon, carrying yours truly and Scott Radloff. We did not tear things up, piscatorially speaking. I got a nice trout on my favorite lure, the 3″ plastic shad, near Vann’s Island, and minutes later Scott got one, too. We saw a few handsome, surprisingly large snook. Not surprisingly, they wanted nothing whatsoever to do with us or our faux minnows.

I got a flounder, a decent one. Susan and I ate it for dinner one night. Scott got a redfish, blind-casting. Actually, such fish as we got all came by blind-casting. The water is deep enough to make sight-fishing difficult. We were out about five hours, saw the Falcon Heavy leave for Jupiter, and were impressed by the amount of bait in the water. Life for the gamefish must be pretty sweet right now!

Tuesday Caleb Vogl joined me for a Banana River Lagoon excursion. Caleb started the festivities by casting to an obvious wake with a Zara Spook. The fish, a crevalle jack, crushed it.

The water was not nearly as clear as Mosquito Lagoon is. And there’s not nearly as much bait. And that jack was it for a couple hours. The place honestly looked pretty dead.

I found a small spot where, in about 30 minutes, I got two juvie snook, a very juvie tarpon, and a ladyfish, all on the plastic shad. Then it quieted right down.

Around mid-day I decided that further searching was most likely futile, and turned the kayak around. On the way back Caleb spotted some breaking fish and I at least got a fish on the fly rod, another jack. Caleb also got one, still using the Spook. Boats were loaded about 3 PM.

The rest of the week was pretty breezy and I had doctors and honey-dos, so no fishing. See ya next week!

That’s my Some Fishing and a TAF Report. Thanks for reading it!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Paddle Fishing Florida · Tagged: , , , ,

Hurricane Milton and TAF Report

October 12, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Hurricane Milton and TAF Report

This is a screen shot of Hurricane Milton from the internet!

Thank you for reading this Hurricane Milton Report. We were very fortunate that the worst thing that happened to us was a mess of small branches down in our yard, and being without power for 24 hours. Minor inconveniences!

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Before anything else, though, I want to brag on The Assistance Fund. They sent me a letter recently, asking for publicity. I’m happy to give it. Please read what’s written below.

In 2019 I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. The cause is unknown, the disease progressive and incurable. Scar tissue replaces healthy lung tissue, preventing oxygen exchange. Once this process starts, it continues until death results. A drug called OFEV, which I have been taking since October of 2020, slows the disease’s progression. I would already be dead if I weren’t taking it.

A dose of OFEV costs $200. I take a dose every day, so far for four years. My Medicare covers much of that cost, but my copay is hundreds of dollars a month. The Assistance Fund gives me an annual grant that covers the balance, which I could otherwise not afford. That I am able to share with you my experiences outdoors with these reports every week is due in large part to the grant The Assistance Fund makes available to me. Bless The Assistance Fund!

The Assistance Fund provides similar funding to over 35,000 people with all kinds of exotic ailments, not just me! Again, bless The Assistance Fund!

Please, join me in supporting The Assistance Fund (TAF)! TAF helps patients and families facing high medical out-of-pocket costs by providing financial assistance for their copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other health-related expenses. Your donation will help ensure that no person goes without treatment because of an inability to pay.

I’ve started a fundraiser. Please click this link to donate! 

I will be giving updates every week until the fundraiser ends (at Thanksgiving), and of course asking for donations, too. Thank you so much for considering this!

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OK, back to Milton. Wind damage across the board seems like it’s less than what was anticipated. There is a lot of water, though. The Econlockhatchee crested at 17 feet. Since I like it around two feet, it will be a while before I fish there.

This is a screen shot from the internet!

The gauge on the Haulover Canal reads 2.9 feet as I write this. I like it around 0.5 feet. I haven’t been over there since I got home (the hurricane, you know) but that high water is likely to be dirty, too. Fishing is likely to be tough. I hope to check it Monday, and will report next week.

That’s my Hurricane Milton and TAF Report. Thanks for reading it!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a trip! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: opinion, Uncategorized · Tagged: ,

Home Again Report

October 4, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Home Again Report

Floating down the river in a stock tub.

 

Sunset tree in Red Bluff, California.

Thank you for reading this Home Again Report. As Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.” I’m sharing a few of my favorite photos from the trip through this post.

California Highway 1, near Salt Point State Park.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Susan climbing a rock pile at Salt Point State Park. Can you see her in there?

My original plan after leaving the Shannons was to visit my cousin Josh and his family in northwestern Wisconsin, then visit Tammy, and Jim Tedesco, for some fishing in western North Carolina.

The Milky Way, somewhere it was dark.

As you may have heard, western North Carolina got hit hard by a hurricane. Tammy was flooded out and is now homeless. The Tedescos got through the storm without any property damage, but there were power lines and trees down all around them, with road closures because of that and the flooding.

Del Norte Redwood State Park.

Since my bride flew home from Boston on Monday, I changed my plan to get home as quickly as possible. After a too-quick, two-night visit with Josh, I drove home with a stop in northern Illinois and a stop in the middle of Tennessee. I didn’t think I had two 12-hour driving days in me, but I got home Wednesday evening, just before 7 PM.

A beach in Oregon, I forget which.

 

A glacial river coming off of Mt. Rainier.

 

Sun rays on Mt. Rainier.

The clean-up of both the yard and my vehicle is ongoing. I’m hoping to start fishing next week, although there’s a dentist appointment, and both an oil change and a tire rotation are needed.

Colorful meadow on Mt. Rainier.

 

Susan cavorts on a beach in Oregon.

The gruesome details:
-miles driven- 13,421 start to finish;
-gasoline used- 601 gallons;
-fuel efficiency- 22.3 miles per gallon;
-cheapest gas price- $2.84/gallon;
-priciest gas- $5.04/gallon;
-average gas price- $3.63/gallon;
-money spent on gasoline- $2185.86.

My competition. I almost look like that these days!

 

Sea anemones along the Washington coast.

We drove fairly directly to California, then spent time there and in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, and a little in North Dakota and Wisconsin. We were simply in transit in all the other states we passed through. I needed neither the first aid nor the tool kits (although I did get the oil changed in California, and did have that ER visit!), more evidence of how blessed I am.

 

Catalina and Maxx at the Experimental Breeder Reactor Museum in Idaho.

That’s my Home Again Report. Thanks for reading it!

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park.

 

Susan Surprise points out the thermal feature named for her.

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a trip! Stay active!

Alex with a nice brown trout, Gallatin River.

 

Rainbows over Stillwater River, Montana.

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

Bison, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota.

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

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A Week with the Shannons Report

September 28, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

A Week with the Shannons Report

Thank you for reading this Week with the Shannons Report. During my week there, I helped (in a small way) with the renovations on their lake house, ate too much of Cindy’s incredible cooking, and fished in Annie Battle Lake in Glendalough State Park three times.

Our friend Julia Mitchell has another wonderful guest blog with us this week, too!

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Glendalough used to be a private preserve before becoming a state park. We could have fished in Battle Lake, but the park doesn’t allow motors in Annie Battle, which has no residences on it. Kind of a no-brainer for me. Ken and I fished it from kayaks two days, and I donned my waders and just waded it the other.

Ken wrangles a fish in the bulrushes. It got away!

The fish didn’t seem to care.

The first day, we were under orders to catch some sunfish for dinner, which colored our approach. In spite of tossing tiny baits (I tossed a wooly bugger with the fly rod, Ken a crappie jig with the spin) we caught largemouth bass, rock bass, and northern pike in addition to bluegills and pumpkinseeds.

The bluegills were fat and aggressive.

The wading day I was alone and just wanted to entertain myself. All I had were trout flies, and while I started with the wooly bugger, I ended up tossing a grasshopper pattern around bulrushes. The bugger produced a rock bass and a small northern pike. The grasshopper fooled numerous sunfish of both species and quite a few largemouth bass to maybe a pound-and-a-half.

Ken, rigging up.

Then I got an idea to buy some larger hooks and tie up some bigger leeches and bass bugs.

Bass on a leech.

Our last day, Ken brought some serious plugs and I used my new, larger flies. The results were basically the same. Although bites were frequent, neither of us got a fish bigger than maybe two pounds. I easily had a 30-fish day, fishing about four hours. All beautiful, healthy fish, too.

Bass on a gurgler.

I had a great time during my visit and would like to thank Ken and Cindy for being such thoughtful and gracious hosts. I am not worthy…

Now I’m on my way to Superior, Wisconsin to visit my cousin, Josh. I’m slowly working my way back to Florida!

That’s my Week with the Shannons Report. Thanks for reading it!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports · Tagged: , , , ,

Under Wraps: Strategies for the Ultimate Surprise Travel Experience

September 26, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Under Wraps: Strategies for the Ultimate Surprise Travel Experience

Image via Freepik.

A Guest Blog by Julia Mitchell.

It doesn’t get much more romantic than preparing a surprise vacation for your partner. It’s a fantastic strategy for creating long-lasting memories. It could be an epic international exploration or a weekend getaway—the key is to personalize the experience so it matches their interests and tastes. Spotted Tail Outdoors and Travel shares tips for pulling off the ideal surprise trip that shows your partner how much you love and appreciate them.

Discover Hidden Gems

You don’t have to settle for the typical tourist hotspots; exploring travel blogs, social media, and online communities can reveal less popular places that will wow your partner. We’re talking edgy art galleries, hidden cafés, secluded beaches, and other spots that can inspire your partner. Take time to find these places to take your trip to the next level and make every moment seem like it’s just for them.

Include Personalized Touches

Your partner may be telling you precisely what kind of vacation they would love. Listen carefully to any idealic activities or destinations they mention, whether it’s
going to a historic Irish castle or sailing in Greece. Now is the time to make it happen; such personal touches prove that you listen and care about your partner while turning their travel dreams into realities.

Digitize Your Documents

Saving your travel documents digitally can reduce a lot of stress and simplify your trip-planning process. Simply put all the information on your tablet, phone, or cloud storage so it’s available whenever you need it. Be mindful to use PDFs since it’s the best overall format for accessibility and security. You can also use tools to rotate your PDF pages however you need them—this page shows you how to rotate a PDF.

Ensure Seamless Travel

The tiniest hiccups can throw off your travel plans, so it’s important to triple-check the essentials. For example, your and your partner’s passport must be up-to-date if you’re going on a global adventure; if necessary, discreetly look at the expiration dates to ensure your documents are good to go. Managing these things behind-the-scenes will help your travel experience go smoothly.

Cater to Dietary Needs

Researching local restaurants and accommodations is critical if you or your partner has allergies or other dietary restrictions. Whether vegan, gluten-free, or anything else, dining will likely be a highlight of your trip. Make sure your partner knows how much you care about their enjoyment and comfort by basing meals and snacks around their needs.

Delight with Thoughtful Surprises

Little surprises can make all the difference when it comes to making your trip magical. A small handcrafted gift, a sunset picnic with an incredible backdrop, or a cultural treat can demonstrate how much you love your partner. Don’t worry about being too extravagant because the small touches will add layers of joy to your moments together.

Balance Activity with Downtime

You and your partner need adventure and relaxation on this special trip. Plan your itinerary to allow for plenty of relaxation amid the thrilling activities. It’s difficult to overstate the importance of downtime for leisure travel—it often yields the best and most spontaneous moments. Leave room for a casual walk through a local market, a lazy morning coffee, and other unplanned moments you will always remember.

Prepare for the Unexpected

You might spend a year laying the groundwork for this trip, but the best-laid plans often turn upside down. You can’t control weather or other disturbances, so it’s crucial to have a backup plan for anything that might go wrong. Be flexible so you and your partner can enjoy an impromptu movie night, indoor attractions, or a cozy and relaxing spot.

You can blow your partner away on this trip, especially if they see how carefully you’ve planned it. Take note of their preferences, manage the small details, and think of any ways you can add personalized touches to the experience.

Remember to stay flexible and leave room for surprises so you can craft a vacation that celebrates your relationship and deepens your bond.

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Julia Mitchell, incredibly passionate about the activities that fill her days, wants to share her adoration for her favorite lifestyle topics with the world and encourage others to turn their INspiration into OUTspiration.

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Montana Report, Part 2- Fishing for Skunks, and Teddy Roosevelt

September 23, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Montana Report, Part 2- Fishing for Skunks, and Teddy Roosevelt

Thank you for reading this Montana Report, Part 2- Fishing for Skunks, and Teddy Roosevelt. As one might guess from the title, my second week of Montana fishing was not entirely successful.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

After Alex flew home, my decision was to travel east and fish some of the lesser-known streams there. Less pressure, better fishing, right? Great in theory.

Rainbow over the Stillwater River.

My travels brought me to the Stillwater River. At the end of the road was a Forest Service campsite, Woodbine, where I spent two nights. The first evening had rain showers, which produced a nice photo (above). Also, there were some trout rising right under the bridge into the campground. I went down and stuck one immediately, although it jumped off. None of his buddies would touch the fly after that.

A fishing spot on the Stillwater. There were fish there, but I couldn’t catch one.

The morning found me at a fisherman’s access down the river eight miles. A fly fisher was finishing his morning there, unsuccessfully, but he gave me some advice as to places to try. I hit it hard all morning, trying dries, wets, nymphs, and streamers, and did not touch a fish, even though I could sometimes see them swimming in the clear water.

I had read an online article about Rosebud Creek. It was about 45 minutes away, so I decided to try it. When I got there the creek was both tiny and inaccessible, nothing like what I had read about. It was beginning to dawn on me that one of the reasons these streams weren’t fished much was because you can’t get to them. I found a single access on Rosebud Creek, fished one run where the water was flowing much too fast, and decided to try the late afternoon on the Stillwater, at the access I’d tried in the morning.

The first pool had two risers. It only took a couple casts to put them down. The second pool had a couple, too, Again, I put them down. It was cold, and windy, and starting to rain. I bagged it and returned to the campground in a steady rain, after a very thorough skunking.

It rained all night, and was 43 degrees when I woke up. New snow covered the surrounding mountains. A decision was made to get out of the mountains before getting snowed in, and perhaps fish the Clark Fork of the Yellowstone.

A single access was found on the Clark Fork, shallow, muddy, and weedy. It was still cold, windy, and raining. Disappointed in the way things had played out, I didn’t even get out of the car, continuing to I-94, where we headed for Makoshika State Park.

 

The rain ended just as I arrived.

 

I bet the tree appreciated the water!

 

Driving and photography don’t mix.

 

Mule deer buck at the park.

The park had impressive badlands. More importantly, it wasn’t raining. There was no water to fish there, though, so I put my tackle away. The next morning I drove out early, heading to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Badlands at TRNP.

 

Bison at TRNP.

TRNP likewise boasts impressive badlands, and herds of bison as well. When trying to get back to my campsite after photographing the sunset, the van was surrounded by a bison herd. I think it was accepted as a herd member- we slowly rolled along with them as they walked down the road, a thrilling experience.

The shallow and muddy Little Missouri River flows through the park.

 

 

Badlands in morning light.

 

More bison!

In the morning I rolled the chariot onto US 2, heading east toward Minnesota. I stopped at the Geographical Center of North America. Yes, I was there, in Rugby, North Dakota!

My next stop was Devil’s Lake State Park, Graham Island Campground, for the night. Apparently, the lake is full of perch and walleye, although no fishing was done by this reporter. A badly needed shower, a trip to the laundromat, and some fajitas at the local Mexican joint, were all welcome diversions.

I write this from Battle Lake, Minnesota, where I am relaxing as a guest of long-time friend Ken Shannon and his bride, Cindy. Ken and I went fishing yesterday in Glendalough State Park, Ken with a spin rod, I with the fly. Pike, largemouth bass, a rock bass, and several sunfish species were all captured. We kept five big sunnies and ate them for supper! Hopefully the weather will allow more fishing during the rest of the week.

That’s my Montana Report, Part 2- Fishing for Skunks, and Teddy Roosevelt. Thanks for reading it!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, travel blog · Tagged: , , , , , ,

Fly Fishing Montana Report, Part 1

September 16, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Fly Fishing Montana Report, Part 1 and Photo Essay

Thank you for reading this Fly Fishing Montana Report. Oh yes, we finally did some fly fishing.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Alex flew into Bozeman on the 9th, Susan flew out on the 10th. The crew now consisted of Alex, Maxx, Catalina, and me. Time to fish. We went to our campsite on the Gallatin River, set up camp, and started flailing in the river. Without success, I might add. The river was too shallow and rocky where we were. Alex missed the one strike he got.

Next day we went up the river, almost to the park entrance. It was cold. While my companions fished, I sat in the car. They came back chilled and frustrated. No fish. We moved to another spot. Now it was raining, too. Catalina joined me in staying in the car, but Maxx got a cutbow that took his big, ugly sculpin streamer. First shot fired.

Even though it was still raining the following morning, we went fishing at a different spot. A deep pool, followed by a rapid and another deep pool, allowed us to spread out some. Maxx took the top of our pool, I took the middle down. We both fished with streamers. I got bit the first cast, and connected on the second with a brownie about a foot long- my first fish of the trip. Maxx got a ‘bow a short time later.

 

The bites stopped, but fish started rising. The smallest mayflies I’d ever seen were coming down the river between showers, loads of them. I tied on a #18 blue-winged olive (Jim Tedesco’s version) which did not match the hatch, started floating it over some risers and got bit almost immediately. It was a feisty rainbow, 13-14 inches. I got two more and missed several strikes before the action stopped. Alex had also done pretty well.

Alex had arranged a guided float trip on the Madison for our next outing. We got up at 6 and drove an hour and a half to Ennis where we met our guides, Justin Edge and Kelly McAllister. It was a brisk 45 degrees with plenty of wind, but no rain. The surrounding mountains had a dusting of new snow.

Kelly’s nails- impeccable.

Bundled up like Eskimos, we got in the boats and started drifting. We were not alone. At least two dozen other boats were floating. Using various techniques including dry flies, streamers, and tight-lining nymphs, we did not touch a fish all morning, and only saw one hookup from all the other vessels. Brutal.

Kelly launching her boat into the Madison River.

 

Alex and Justin getting ready to start fishing.

 

Catalina, Kelly, and Maxx float past us.

After lunch our luck started to change. Alex got a couple dinks on the nymph end of a dry-dropper rig, then got a decent rainbow. I got one on a Chubby Chernobyl dry. Then Alex said, “I’ve got a real one.” While he was playing his fish, a large fish came up and took my fly. I said, “I have a realer one.” Then my fish jumped, and we almost forgot about Alex’s (which turned out to a 16-inch whatever).

The water in the Madison wastes no time trying to get to the ocean. The current is fast. Justin couldn’t effectively slow the boat while in mid-stream- he had to row it to the bank to get anchored. But he did that, me all the while playing the fish, Justin all the while telling me not to lose it. He got it netted and measured. It was 25 inches long, and fat. He said it was the biggest fish in his boat this season. I did not touch the beast, or get a photo of it that I was happy with, although Alex was able to. Then the fish was back in the water, and away it swam.

My fishy, held by Justin.

A while later, Alex had the biggest brown trout he’d ever gotten take the nymph on his rig, a lovely fish of almost four pounds. We got other fish before pulling the boat, but after those two big ones, who cared?

Fish on!

 

Alex’s brown.

Maxx and Catalina (for whom this was all a very new experience) got a half-dozen or so fish too, although none were particularly large. All in all a good day, though!

Not particularly large!

Maxx and Catalina left after the float trip, heading back to California. It would be just Alex and I the next couple of days.

We again fished the Gallatin the next day. It was slow. I got four rises on a BWO, missed all four, and ended up blanked. Alex got a couple small ones, then the fish of the day, a beautiful brown fooled by a Copper John fished under a Chubby Chernobyl.

 

 

Alex with another fine brown trout.

We ended his fishing trip with an excursion to the Ruby River, a small stream about an hour’s drive from Ennis. I fished a BWO, a foam caddis #14, and a Purple Haze dry, also #14, and caught fish on all of them. Small stream, small fish. I hooked one good one, got one run out of it before the hook pulled. Alex had similar results. We were pretty content as we headed back to Bozeman.

Alex’s plane just left, taking him back to California. I’ve got some errands to run around town today, then I head east, hopefully fly fishing a few more days before leaving Montana.

That’s my Fly Fishing Montana Report, Part 1. Thanks for reading it! I hope it was worth the wait!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Photo Essays, travel blog · Tagged: , , , , ,

From Craters to Yellowstone Report

September 15, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

From Craters to Yellowstone Report and Photo Essay

Thank you for reading this From Craters to Yellowstone Report. From lava and volcanoes to geysers and hot springs- it’s all related. No, I still have not fished. The next report will have fly fishing, from Montana, for trout, the kind of fishing I am least good at.

Note to Readers- This post is a week old. This is the first chance I’ve had to post it. Will get the fishing one up as soon as I can (but it’s not written yet).

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Before leaving Craters of the Moon, we went back to the lava tubes. This time I carried my dSLR. I thought it was worth it.

Inside a partially collapsed lava tube.

 

The hole in the roof, where the partial collapse happened.

 

Still in the tube!

On the way to Yellowstone National Park, we stopped at the site of the world’s first nuclear reactor, which is now a free museum. It seems this one was cooled by liquid sodium and potassium. The plants at Three Mile Island, Chernoble, and Fukishama were all water-cooled. Coincidence, or cost-cutting?

The EBR-1, world’s first nuclear reactor.

In the park we camped at Grant Landing. The only animals that visited our site were chipmunks, squirrels, ravens, and Clark’s nuthatches. But a sixty-second walk one evening brought us to a site having a visit by a few elk.

We saw some geysers, led of course by Old Faithful.

 

This geyser, not so faithful.

We saw some hot springs. Grand Prismatic is the grand daddy.

Grand Prismatic Spring.

 

These women asked me to take their picture, so I did.

 

Me and my squeeze.

 

That “other spring.”

 

And another spring.

 

All those springs flow into the Firehole River.

 

We made a side trip the Grand Teton National Park.

 

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

 

Another hot spring!

 

Susan’s maiden name is Surprise. They named this spring after her!!

 

We saw some bison, LOTS of them.

 

Bison in the Mist, Lamar Valley.

We saw some fly fishermen, all while driving by. Hope some had success. The rivers are breathtaking.

After seeing the bison at Lamar Valley, we went to the Roosevelt Arch. The town of Gardiner is right there. Someone had the idea we look for elk brats. Even I, who have had one small piece of beef since 1976 (quasi-vegetarian, I am), thought this was a good idea. Caught up in the moment, I guess.

We ended up at a place with both elk and bison burgers, and split one of each one way. I wasn’t impressed, but my three traveling companions thought they were yummy.

An hour later, at Mammoth Spring, I suddenly felt awful, with weird pains in my chest. Two miles from the clinic, off we went. As soon as I walked in I vomited four times. Next thing, I have an IV, and EKG, a chest X-ray, and am being drugged with Benadryl. I asked my family to photograph me, but they were in such shock and so concerned that not one of them did it, so no photos. My EKG was fine- it was a severe case of indigestion. They released me into Maxx’s care, for only $700. Expensive damn burger!

I was fine the next day. We went to more springs, and mud pots, and similar stuff. There are over 300 geothermal features in Yellowstone. I’d guess we hit close to a third of them.

Mammoth Spring, the day after my incident.

 

Still Mammoth Spring. It’s mammoth!

That’s the From Craters to Yellowstone report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

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Your Path to Becoming a Digital Nomad: How to Work Remotely from Anywhere

September 1, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Your Path to Becoming a Digital Nomad: How to Work Remotely from Anywhere

Image: Freepik

A Guest Blog by Michelle Hartman.

The rise of remote work has opened up opportunities for people to break free from the traditional office environment and explore life as digital nomads. This lifestyle allows you to work from anywhere in the world, blending travel with professional flexibility. If you’re ready to embrace location independence, this guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a digital nomad and making remote work a sustainable reality.

Opt for the Right Career Path

Your journey begins with choosing a profession that lends itself well to remote work. Fields like writing, programming, graphic design, consulting, and online teaching are particularly suited to this lifestyle due to their flexibility. You can manage projects, meet deadlines, and collaborate with teams from anywhere in the world. This versatility allows you to balance work and wanderlust seamlessly, ensuring you can explore your favorite natural environments without compromising on professional obligations.

Test Locations Close to Home

Before diving headfirst into a nomadic life, it’s wise to experiment by working from various locations closer to your permanent home. This trial period helps you understand the challenges and rewards of remote work. You might start by working a few days from a nearby city, then a week in a remote cabin, gradually extending your radius. This approach not only eases the transition but also helps you identify personal and professional needs that surface while working away from your usual environment.

Enhance Your Skills with Online Degree

Going back to school is an excellent way to sharpen your skills and elevate your career prospects in a constantly evolving job market. Whether you’re looking to pivot to a new field or deepen your knowledge in your current profession, education offers the tools to stay competitive and relevant. For digital nomads, earning an online degree provides the flexibility to study from anywhere while still pursuing their global adventures. This deserves a look if you want to earn a computer science degree to build valuable skills in IT, programming, and computer science theory, preparing you for a wide range of high-demand roles in the tech industry.

Create a Comprehensive Budget

Crafting a budget that covers all bases is critical for a worry-free nomadic experience. Account for travel expenses, accommodations, health insurance, and an emergency fund. This financial plan ensures you can enjoy your travels without financial strains, allowing for spontaneous adventures and the peace of mind needed to focus on your work. Remember, unpredictable expenses are part of the journey, so it’s better to over prepare.

Navigate Visa and Insurance Necessities

Understanding and managing visa requirements is crucial, as these vary significantly by destination and the length of your stay. Research the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues. Equally important is choosing the right travel insurance that covers health, travel mishaps, and loss of equipment, providing you with security and support as you explore various landscapes.

Stay Connected Effortlessly

To maintain productivity, invest in reliable communication tools and technologies. A global mobile network or a portable Wi-Fi service can provide you with internet access even in the most remote locales, ensuring you remain connected to clients and colleagues. This connectivity is essential for real-time collaborations and meeting crucial deadlines, thus supporting your professional reputation as a dependable remote worker.

Invest in Quality Tech Gear

Equipping yourself with top-notch technology, like a robust laptop and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, is pivotal for your success as a digital nomad. By staying updated with the latest communication and productivity apps, you ensure that your work keeps pace with your wanderlust, maintaining a delicate balance between work and play. These crucial tools not only amplify your efficiency but also support your ability to meet deadlines and collaborate effectively, no matter where your travels take you.

Connect with Fellow Nomads

Joining digital nomad communities can be incredibly beneficial. These groups provide support, advice, and networking opportunities that can be crucial for your professional growth and personal well-being. Whether online or in-person, these communities offer a sense of belonging and can be a fantastic resource for learning about new locations, finding workspaces, and even troubleshooting common remote work challenges.

 

Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle involves careful preparation and a commitment to adapting your work life to fit your travel aspirations. By investing in the right skills, tools, and planning, you can ensure a successful transition. Always stay connected, manage your resources wisely, and immerse yourself in communities that support your lifestyle. This way, you can enjoy the freedom and fulfillment that comes from living and working on your own terms, anywhere in the world.

 

Explore the captivating world of John Kumiski Outdoor Communications, where award-winning photography and writing bring the beauty of nature to life.

 

Michelle Hartman is a lifelong nature lover. Her love for nature inspired her to start Summer Camper. Summer Camper provides children ages 8 -16 with amazing summer camp experiences that are designed to create lifelong memories. The Summer Camper team is dedicated to offering high-quality programs that promote personal growth, friendships, and a love for nature and the outdoors.  At Summer Camper, we believe that camp should be a safe and welcoming place where everyone can feel like they belong. Summer Camper aspires to provide programs that meet the ever-changing needs of families and allow children to explore their world in new and exciting ways. Visit their website here…

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A Dash to the Craters Report

August 30, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

A Dash to the Craters Report and Photo Essay

Thank you for reading this A Dash to the Craters Report. Spent some time behind the wheel this week, and certainly got a change of weather.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

I wrapped up last week’s blog with this- “…planning in visiting Deception Pass State Park, and some art galleries tomorrow, hoping it does not rain.” Oh, but it did rain. Fifty-six windy, raining degrees meant our Deception Pass State Park visit was completely washed out. We headed to Everett, Washington, where we spent a night in a rain-free La Quinta. Got showers, washed clothes, bought groceries, and got ready for the next phase of the trip.

Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

Heading east, we found ourselves at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.  Utterly amazing, looking history right in the face. The trail ran from Missouri to Oregon, and there are historical landmarks all along the route. Learn more about the Trail here… 

At a trail marker. The pioneers didn’t have these.

We spent that night at Lake Owyhee State Park. Did I know the Owyhee River was a blue-ribbon trout stream? I did not. Because I was with Susan, and still in the travel mode, I did not fish it, which nearly killed me. Not the first, or last, time that happened on this trip. The fishing is coming, though.

 

The lake, formed by damming the river. A common theme throughout the west.

 

Sunset over the lake.

 

A wall of Owyhee Canyon.

 

Driving the road here was an adventure!

Our dash finished at Craters of the Moon National Monument. After three days here, we now know more about volcanoes and lava than I ever thought we would. It’s been great! And we’re here two more nights! Maxx and Catalina are meeting us here tomorrow, and they want to see the place, too. And now we know the best places to show them. Then, we’re off again, heading further east- stay tuned!


 

A trail through the enormous lava beds. Can you see the two people?

 

Pahoehoe lava has a ropy texture.

 

A large limber pine on top of the Inferno Cone, made up entirely of cinders.

 

Sunset through another limber pine.

 

We got the permit, and went to the caves.

 

We liked Indian Tunnel the best.

 

Sure feels like a cave!

 

This “tunnel” or “cave” is actually a lave tube that formed during the last volcanic eruption here, about 2000 years ago. Part of its roof has collapsed here.

 

Here I’m looking down into the vent of a cinder cone. It plugged with cooling magma when the eruption stopped.

 

More pahoehoe lava, showing the extensive beds.

 

On a trail through the lava flows.

 

Some rabbitbrush, and a cinder cone.

 

Arco, 18 miles away, is the nearest town.

 

Sunset, through the smoke of a forest fire, from our campsite.

Next stop- Yellowstone!

That’s the Dash to the Craters report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Photo Essays, travel blog · Tagged: , , , ,
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