It's a Long Way to Alaska...

Making Tracks But Still Getting In A Little Fishing

SCOTT & STEVE'S ALASKAN ADVENTURE

Scott Irwin

6/25/20262 min read

It's a Long Way to Alaska...

We departed the San Juan and have entered the barren desert. Miles and miles of nothingness, then suddenly things change. We go through a bombed out town and on the other side we start climbing and climbing. The truck engine shifts to a lower gear. 18 Wheelers struggle to maintain forward momentum. Finally we reach the summit and the topography changes. Huge mountains appear. Our road weaves through amazingly engineered cuts through the rocks. Massive cliffs surround us on each side of the road. We then coast all the way down. When we reach the end of our descent, the landscape changes again. Strange rock formations that look like they are from another planet dot the desert floor.

And so it goes. Mile after mile... You just never know what is around the next curve. The route we are taking reminds me of a river. A river is composed of rapids, riffles, pools, and then more riffles. Our route has similar patterns, just made of rock and not water.

Two Feet From Steve for 1600 Miles...

Some have wondered how Steve and I would get along on such a long trip. I am in Steve's truck and trailer. It is his equipment. When I say there are endless rules and procedures, it is an understatement. But for the most part Steve puts up with me. Over a 6 hour drive, we might get on each other's nerves for 15 minutes or so. Steve, might think that is an understatement. But we have learned much about each other's ways and habits. We accept each others quirks and faults. The main thing is, when I tell Steve I have to go to the bathroom, he stops the truck pretty quickly. We have a lot of laughs and ponder much about Gods creation of the sky, sea, and land. What could be better!

There is not much water between the San Juan and Burley, Idaho. We have stoped at a few streams and rivers. I pulled out my telescoping fly rod and wet a line. This is a micro-fishing event. It may last only 15 minutes or so. The desert waters seem lifeless. But at least I get to strech my legs and wet a line. Who knows, maybe one of these stops something will grab hold of my fly and I will have a fish story to tell. But for now, the drive is the journey. We have one of our longest routes to drive tomorrow and I can hardly wait to see what is around the next curve... If I have to go to the bathroom, I hope it's a Love's Truck Stop! 🤣

Fishing in the Desert...

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It is the charge of the North Louisiana Fly Fishers to afford to the general public and our members in particular, a better understanding of Fly Fishing and Fly Tying. We wish to perpetuate the sport as a most pleasurable and exciting fishing method and provide education, instructions and the opportunities for relaxation to the membership.

The North Louisiana Fly Fishers (NLFF) serves the Ark-La-Tex area surrounding Shreveport. As the closest cold water fishery, we consider the Little Missouri (Little Mo') river near Murfreesboro, AR our home waters. We also fish the local rivers and lakes. We even have a growing group of kayak fishermen that, as well as the local rivers and lakes, will fish the gulf coast marshes for some saltwater action!