Winter Fishing

Photo by Bear Lake Visitors and Convention Bureau

Utah State Parks in Bear Lake Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah.  February 6, 2019. Richard Droesbeke, the Parks Supervisor, gave his annual review to the County Commission on the usage of the state parks this past summer as well as items of interest and future plans.  He estimated park visitation at 500,000 (reported by SLC Office at 338,000).    That number is up showing 40,000 more individuals than visited in 2017.  The gross revenues were at $1,372,000 after taxes which is $134,000 more than was taken in during the previous year.  Camping in 2018 brought in 35% of the income while in 2017 camping brought in 37% of the overall income.  Slip rentals in 2018 accounted for 27% while in 2017 it brought in 29%.  Day use in 2018 was 26% while 2017 was 23%.  Concession royalties and special use permits in 2018 was 23% while 2017 was 10%.  In 2018 the overall profit was $812,000 which is $54,000 more than in 2017.  Droesbeke also reported that there were several days this last summer that the parks were maxed out.

The following events and activities organized and/or hosted are as follows:  The tenth annual Cisco Disco and Bear Lake Monster Plunge.  He noted that there were 170 people who plunged into the lake this year (2019). 

The seventh Swim Across Bear Lake went well.  It is held the second Saturday in July.  In the past it was held later in the day, but now starts at 8 a.m. and is generally finished by 1 to 2 p.m.  The individuals who participate start from the Marina and swim to Cisco Beach which is about seven miles.  There were 21 participants last year.  Each swimmer must have a boat that stays with them the whole distance.  One individual last year swam the length of the lake which is about 20 miles.  There has been a Raspberry Days Boat Light Parade each year.  The boats leave the Marina, go south to about Ideal Beach, then turn and go back to the Marina. 

Droesbeke noted that there were 28 Special Use Permits given for family reunions and other activities that were held in the parks.

There were a few water accidents on the lake.  One individual was cut getting to close to the engine propeller.  There were several rescues with one fatality.

The projects and ideas for the future include working at Rendezvous Beach to make more areas for camping available as well as the usual maintenance for that area. There were several days last summer that Rendezvous Beach had to turn people away.  There needs to be renovation of 21 campsites and make that area up to 37 camp sites.  There needs to be more group sites.  Power and water are available, but there is no sewer for some areas.

At the Marina there will be sidewalks built on the north dike, and there has been a wood rail fence put up on the north exit from the marina.  On the eastside of the lake there will be a better access road into North Eden.  There have been some approved motorboat access projects. 

There have also been some requested motorboat access projects at the following locations: East Side at First Point with a launch ramp, parking area enlargement, and paving.  Another project on the East Side would the power available to First Point, Cisco Beach, and Rainbow Cove ramps.  Also, at Rainbow Cove there will be access trails from the lake to Bluff campsites.  The Marina needs parking lot asphalt to be slurry sealed and paint striping done.  The Marina needs overflow parking area improvement as well. 

There are some critical issues that exist that need to be noted.  Park wide, there needs to be a full-time maintenance position.  There needs to be another full-time office manager/ accountant position.  There is a need for a USACE Beach Grooming/maintenance permit, and there should be an increase in camping and day use fees.

The Marina need greater parking capacity and increased vegetation.  The condition of the main asphalt parking lot needs better maintenance.  The marina expansion proposal is still an idea that needs to move forward.  The main problem there is funding sources.  Additional restrooms with flush toilets near the launch ramp are needed.

Currently, Tuesday and Wednesday are called local days.  A pass for RC citizens is $50 which is half price for the marina and over on the east side.  This, of course, won’t work on holidays and weekends.  This RC pass is park wide

At Rendezvous Beach there is not enough day use parking.  There also needs to be more day use restrooms with flush toilets.  The oldest restrooms need to be replaced.  There needs to be a renovation of the Cottonwood Campground.

On the eastside of the lake currently there are more night camp areas at or above capacity.  There are a 100 sites on that side of the lake, and they are full every weekend.  More camp areas or enlargement of the current camp sites are needed.  The North Eden beach access should be improved.  First Point has some real parking issues.  There needs to be water and sewer development.  There should be large scale facility development on Rainbow Cove and at First Point.   A public gun range is needed, and there is a good possibility for such an item at across the road from Rainbow Cove into Hook Canyon.

Garbage services are costing more.  During 2016 the cost was $14,700, in 2017 it fell to $8,700.  In 2018, the cost was $21,500. 

The concession contract was renewed this past summer.  It is for five years.  It was given to Brian Hirschi again.  Droesbeke said that he has been doing a good job.

Blue Shards

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer

Norman Mecham Request for a PUD

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. February 6, 2019.   Norm Mecham’s PUD Development Plan was the second agenda item.  The Planned Unit Development will be called Waterdance which is located approximately 185 S 100 West.  The area contains 15.92 acres.   Mecham asked for a zone change from C-1 and C-3 to a PUD.

The Chairman of the Planning Commission asked Mecham if he knew the height of the two buildings that have already been built on that area.  He noted that they appear to be higher than 35’ which is the City’s height limit for any buildings.  He asked if the City could measure those two buildings the next day to see if they are above the height limit.   Mecham gave the City Permission to do so.

It was noted that the pool building does not match any structures in the surrounding area.  The Chairman noted that when Mecham had developed the Cottages in Pickleville, it was a very successful subdivision.  He was hoping that perhaps this could be a Subdivision instead of a PUD and build simple but nice individual homes.

Mecham replied that he would like very much to make it a PUD.  He would like to phase this project into 15 phases.  It was noted that what the Commission had been given was a conceptual plan, not even a preliminary plat.  More information needs to be presented to the Planning Commission before any real action can be taken.    There needs to some study done to determine what will happen to the bike path that goes along the entire front of this property.  Also there needs to be some kind of a traffic study since both 100 West and 250 South are both quite narrow.  Both of these roads are only 50’—not the recommended 60’ in width.

Mecham noted that there will be gates on the entrances to block access to his PUD.  The Commission Members requested that more detail be given them.  They felt like they needed additional information in order to make any decisions on this project.  Since the project is going to be done in 15 phases, Mecham was asked how long this project would last.  Mecham replied that it would all depend on the sales of the completed structures.

The Planning Commission said they would get their questions about this project within the next week to Mecham and asked that Mecham have two weeks to write up answers to the questions.  They specifically asked that Mr. Mecham give them some measurements on building sizes, parking areas, and the number that is being determined, etc.  The pool is currently referred to as an accessory building.  According to the City’s ordinance, rock must be placed on a commercial building—at least along one side.  This is also something that will need to be considered.

The Planning Commission decided that this item should be postposed and brought up in the next Planning Commission meeting with enough information to be able to make a good decision concerning this project.

Garden City Planning and Zoning meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  February 6, 2019. Ted Holmberg, owner of Raspberry Farms, asked for approval by the Planning Commission for the subdivision of four commercial lots located at 395 Logan Canyon Road.  This proposed subdivision is just south of Bear Lake Monster Storage. 

The City Engineer, Zan Murray, noted that any easements must be put on the plat.  There are several signatures that are needed, and there are no addresses on the plat.  They will need to be placed on the final plat.  The street shown needs to be labeled as private.  A sidewalk may not be needed because there will not be much pedestrian walking along that area.  There needs to be some clarifications dealing with special services—a sanitary easement needs to be 10’ wide.  There needs to be some clarification on set-backs.  The set-backs end at the road-way easement.  There should be a 15’ easement on both sides of the private road.  There should also be a right-of-way line on the plat.  Corner lots need wider set backs that the other two lots.

The plat is not showing any area for storm water runoff.  The swells on each of the road takes care of road water, but each lot has a responsibility for their own water runoff.  A letter from the Canal Company must give permission if the lots are within 100’ from the canal.  That distance is determined from the middle of the canal out at least 33’ from that point.

A motion was made and approved the preliminary plat with the expectations of a letter from the Canal Company and taking care of the items listed by the City Engineer.

A discussion was held concerning Phase I for a Subdivision of 13 lots located west of Cherimoya.  This Subdivision is approximately located at 300-400 West and 1400 – 1500 South.  It is named Long Ridge @ Bear Lake.  Jeff Jorgensen presented the information about this subdivision.

Jorgensen described how the plat shows the location lots and streets for this Phase of the Subdivision.  It was noted that there will be no fences on these properties because they don’t want to block any views of Bear Lake.  There was one access to Lots 11 or 13.  Currently there is no access to this subdivision on Persimmon Street.  Lots 11, 12, and 13 face a different way than some of the other homes, and they will have access from a different road than the other homes.  Currently there is no access to Paradise Parkway.  It was recommended that a trail easement for water and sewer be brought in at a certain point. 

During the discussion, it was noted that there was no driveway access to lot 9.  There was an area with no trail access but is a utility access.  Starlight Drive could be widened to make a 60’ road. 

After discussing the various possibilities and ideas, it was noted that Jorgensen make the changes suggested and bring the plan back to the Planning Commission next month.

There was a discussion concerning food trucks.  The comment was made that it would really be nice to have a variety of different food trucks in one area so that people could have lots of choices of what kinds of food they would like to purchase.  Perhaps it could be called a food court where power, water, and sewer are available.  Also, if that was made available, then there would need to be restrooms in that area.  It was suggested that this item be put on next month’s agenda.  The meeting was adjourned.

KSL Article about Bear Lake Marina expansion

Are Utah tax dollars on tap for Bear Lake Marina expansion?
By Amy Joi O'Donoghue, KSL | Posted - Feb 11th, 2019

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah state senator believes expanding the Bear Lake Marina to increase its capacity will decrease dangerous congestion on U.S. 89 and assist in search and rescue operations.

Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, cited the June 2015 capsizing of a boat during a torrential storm that took the lives of three members of one family and a family friend.

The victims were in the water for several hours before they were found dead of hypothermia on the Idaho side of the lake.

Hillyard, who addressed members of the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday, said the $3 million appropriation would jump-start the process for a possible expansion to improve the overall visitor experience of the lake, which he described as a "jewel" for recreation.

Crowded conditions are leading to vehicles and boats on the highway and launching sailboats is limited to the depth of the water, he said.

Visitation at the lake is skyrocketing in the summer months.

In July 2017, Bear Lake State Park in Utah had 116,120 visitors. Last year during the same month, the park hosted 121,719 people.

Kirk Rich, manager of the Bear Lake State Park in Idaho, said on Saturdays in the summer, he turns away 400 cars by 10 a.m.

"For water-based recreation, we had a 20 percent increase over last year," he said. "We can feel the effects of the increase around 2 or 3 percent, so if you can imagine at 15 to 20 percent, it has really taken a toll on us."

To add to the congestion, Rich said a private hot springs and campground facility on the northern end of the lake was sold to a developer who plans to put in condominiums.

"Anything Utah does to increase capacity will help us both," Rich said.

Hillyard said the $3 million funding request is to begin the environmental study process for the marina expansion and adding more boat slips for people on a waiting list.

The appropriations subcommittee will sort through the list of funding requests and rank them by priority.

Eighteen Wheeler Philosophy

Lesson at the Truck Stop
By Mel Hansen, The Eighteen Wheeler Philosopher

I keep thinking to myself about the event that I witnessed at the TA Truck Stop in Nebraska two nights ago.

I stopped there for my 10 off so I decided to go into the restaurant and order me up a plate of fries with brown gravy. Waitress told me to seat myself so I picked out the back corner booth and planted myself. Whilst walking to my booth I passed a man who was rather unkempt (This describes 99.3333% of your average truck drivers these days) who probably had at least four used salad plates and five or seven soup bowls stacked up and was still working on another salad plate along with another bowl of soup! Must be all ya can stuff down soup and salad bar tonight I thought to me self.

The waitress came to take my order, shaking her head back n forth as she passed this man enjoying his all ya can eat. I asked her to just bring me a big plate of fries smothered with brown gravy.  She said, “I’d ask ya if you want soup or salad to go with it but I think we’re all out.” I said the fries would be enough and she was on her way again shaking her head back n forth as she passed the man two booths in front of me.

I could hear this man speaking but couldn’t make out what he was saying because I couldn’t get my ears to pop and the country music over the speakers was a tad bit loud, but I could hear him having a conversation with himself.  In between songs I could hear just enough of his conversation with whomever that I could tell this gentleman had a speech problem or was a tad too lit up.

He looked over his shoulder a couple of times and said something to me.  I couldn’t understand but only a few words so I just grinned and said "I know what ya mean!”...which was a lie.

A young married couple who I watched climb down at of their big rig through the big window came in and sat down at a table directly across from the booth where the ol fella was at, the young lady with her back to the ol fella. The waitress came with water and menus and left them to decide.

About this time the old Country Classic Song by the late great Merle Haggard, Lets Chase Each Other Round the Room Tonight, started coming across the speakers. The waitress had just brought me my fries 'n brown gravy. After adding a titch more salt and pepper I picked up my fork and was just about to stab a forkful when I looked up just in time to see the ol fella reach across the isle and gently pinch the young lady on her left side! She jumped, let out a little scream and turned in her chair to look who had pinched her!

As soon as she looked at the ol fella I thought he was soon to be a dead man! But before she could say or do anything, the ol fella leaned in her direction and said,in a voice loud enough for the dozen or so of us seated could hear,”How ‘bout it sweetness!...would ya like me to chase ya round the room tonight!?”

The whole place went silent and no one moved including my soggy gravy fries dangling on my fork! I looked at her husband thinking he was going to get up and pulverize the ol fella but he had a grin on his face and was making no motions in the ol fella’s direction.

Now here’s how the young lady handled the situation, one in which she had every right to get mean and verbally abuse the ol fella! Instead she gave the ol fella a big smile and said "Thank you Sir for making my day!...I’ve been sitting in that Semi out there all day and... I know!...I look like road kill!... but thank you for finding me attractive enough for you to want to chase me around the room tonight!”

What a classy lady! The ol fella told her "Well just remember!...if your husband there won’t?...I will!" Again the classy lady told him "I’ll be for sure to hunt ya up sweetie!"

What could’ve been a messy situation was averted by the lady and her husband's refusal to not be civil and immediately become offended! I do believe that they recognized that the ol fella might’ve had problems based upon his shabby attire and his speech problem.

And to add to their non controversial ways, when the ol fella got up and walked to the counter, he did so with a heavy limp on his left leg, the young lady got up and walked with him and paid for his meal and gave him a pat on his cheek!

I admit!... I felt ashamed of myself for not taking a minute or two of my time and go sit and talk with the ol fella and pay for his meal. I had plenty of time. I’ve done it before, but didn’t then.

There’s still great people out there in the world! Too bad all we see/read/hear, some even taking more time/delight in finding the negative...than finding the good! At least I was blessed to see and be taught such a great lesson in kindness.

Bear Lake Slush

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer

Rich County Commission

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah.  February 6.2019.  At the Rich County Commission, Sweetwater Hill owner, Warren Jones was on the telephone asking permission from the County Commission to build a home on Sweetwater Hill on Lots 78 and 79.  These two parcels are by the golf course on Country Club Way.  The home that is to be built will be using both lots.  Both lots have recently been purchased by Jones from two other individuals.  According to the County Ordinances, a Building Covenant to use both lots was needed from the Commissioners.  Mitch Poulson, the Chairman of the County Planning Commission, noted that the current deeds to these two lots are in the Jones’ name.  

The Commissioners made a motion to approve the Building Covenant for the proposed home. Jones was told to sign and give the Building Covenant Document to Debra Ames to get this document recorded. However, any structure on these two lots must be taken down if selling any or both parcels is required.  Motion carried.

Justin Dolling from the Utah Division of Wildlife gave a check to the Commissioners for $1,156.21 for being allowed to work and study on 2,300 acres south of Woodruff and Swan Creek north of Garden City. 

Bill Cox, Commissioner, noted that there are some solar panels being placed on some property near Woodruff and there are more solar panels being placed northeast of Randolph.  He reported that in driving near both those areas, there are sage hens on the road and in areas away from where the panels are being placed.  He asked Dolling to check out both areas to see if they are forcing the sage hens from their regular habitat.  Dolling said he would get on this issue immediately.

Dave and Claudia Cottle, Bear Lake Watch, appeared before the Rich County Commissioners with a resolution concerning Bear Lake.  This document is needed to preserve Bear Lake.  The Cottles were on their way to Boise, Idaho, to make the presentation there Thursday morning.  They stopped in Randolph to deliver this document to the Commissioners.  They will also get it to the Utah Legislature, to Bear Lake County Commissioners as well as the Idaho Legislature.  This resolution will also be presented to the Board of Canals, the Water Users Association, the Bear Lake Regional Commission, Rocky Mountain Power, Pacific Corporation, etc.  Hopefully, all these people, organizations, and politicians will support the Cottles’ efforts. They noted, however, that sometimes Idaho and Utah have different points of view.

The resolution is being written to stop another resolution currently be written to maintain a ertain water height in the Great Salt Lake.  If that resolution is approved; then, when the Great Salt Lake gets to a certain lower level, the water masters will be allowed to take as much water from Bear Lake as needed to get the Great Salt Lake up to the decided standard level.  They could take all the water from Bear Lake if needed.  The Cottles and anyone else who loves Bear Lake certainly wouldn’t want that to happen.  They hope they will be able to get the resolution accepted by the various organizations and companies involved. 

The County Commissioners made a motion to accept the Resolution to save Bear Lake.  The motion was passed in concept because of future changes that might have to be added or changed in the current Resolution.  Rich County is supporting these efforts to get a Resolution to save Bear Lake. 

Dale Wilson, Supervisor over the Roads in the County, presented a list of four different trucks that are available to replace the current snow removal vehicle.  The current truck is worn out and can’t be used much longer.

The bids for a new truck were from Peterbilt, Freight Liner, International, and Mack. Wilson noted that he would prefer the Peterbilt.  It is the most expensive but seems to have a longer life than the other three and has a better trade-in value if traded off in the future.  If the Peterbilt would not be possible, his next choice was the Mack.  There is a snow package that will have to be purchased separately, which includes the snow blade, the sander, and so forth.  This package will fit on any of the trucks.

The motion was made to purchase the Peterbilt truck and the snow package.  It will be a 2019 truck that will cost $243,946.00 plus the snow package.  The motion passed.

Wilson also noted that he has received three bids for the purchase of slurry and fog seal.  Morgan Pavement Company had the lowest bid of 145,000 square feet of fog seal and 136,000 square feet of slurry seal.  Manhead Road will get slurry seal and Woodruff will get fog seal.  The cost of the materials will be $149,879.70.  A motion was made and passed to accept the Morgan Pavement Company bid.

Some changes have been made on the Bear Lake Regional Commission.  Norm Weston will be released.  Sim Weston will become the Vice Chairman representing the Rich County Commission.  The new mayor of Laketown is Burdette Weston.  He will be part of the Bear Lake Regional Commission as well.  These names were given to Mitch Poulsen to update his records.  A motion was made and passed.

Part time job at pool

Pool Manager needed.  

Lochwood HOA is interested in hiring a Pool Manager. Applicants would need to be certified and would be expected to keep the pool and spa in good working condition, according to the Bear River Health Department.  Pool Manager would also spend time cleaning the pool on an as-needed basis. The HOA may be interested in trading access to amenities for services rendered. 

If interested, please call or text Zack McKee at 435-757-2131.   

Bear Lake Marina As Modern Art

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer

New Paris restaurant opens

Cody’s in Paris – the old Paris Grill and before that the Paris Café!

Cody's opened the Paris, Idaho location this past summer and are finding a lot of locals and tourists alike who are driving through Paris or stopping to check out the Tabernacle directly across the street to stop in for a bite to eat.  

Like Garden City, Cody’s – Paris is open seven days a week, all year long and has the fun eye- catching  eclectic hot rod car ambiance to pull people in for a peek.

Cody's commitment to locals of the Paris community  is to try and  bring back some of those  things that made the Paris Café so special in the day.  In fact over the past several months the owners have met with many locals including the museum next door and other local historians to learn more about the history of the Paris Café – such as the old hats that used to hang in the Café along with some of the memories of others about the Rich Family.  Cody's has also become a regular member and supporter of “Friends United for Bear Lake” a local organization trying to revitalize Paris, Idaho.

Connie M Rees Rex 1945 - 2019

Connie Mae Rees Rex, 73 years, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at her home in Woodruff, Utah. 

She was born August 19, 1945 in Coalville, Utah to Wayne Ray and June Eastman Rees. She worked on her ranch where she had horses, cattle, dogs and cats. She loved horse racing, barrel racing and the speed of her corvette. She is preceded in death by her mother, June Eastman Rees and her father, Wayne “Oley” Rees. 

Connie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charles M. Rex; her children, Carolee (Wade) Ryan and Denee (Heidi) Rex; two sisters, Jeanne Danks and Judy Archuleta and 6 grandchildren, Jacie Buck Denica Rex, Specialist Ryker Rees Rex, Ander Charles Deeds Rex, Justin Buckwheat Rex, Apryl Lily Rex and Rope G. Ryan. 

Services were at 11:00 AM Friday, February 8, 2019 in the Woodruff LDS Church. Interment will be in Woodruff Cemetery. 

Herald Journal article about Rich County deputy

Amy  Macavinta, Reporter
Herald Journal

Troopers say a Rich County Sheriff's Office deputy who was hit by a semi   near Laketown is lucky to be alive.

According to the Utah Highway Patrol, Sgt. Cade Brenchley, the deputy was one of the officers working on an investigation involving a semi and another vehicle in Laketown Canyon at the runaway ramp.

Another semi driver reportedly came upon the accident and lost control of his vehicle, causing it to roll toward the rocks near the ramp; the deputy was struck by the semi in the process.

Brenchley said the deputy suffered broken bones and is en route to Logan Regional Hospital. The driver of the semi has minor injuries as well and is also being transported to the hospital.

Both crashes remain under investigation. In the meantime both directions of State Road 30 were closed for about an hour.

amacavinta@hjnews.com

ED note: Jon Nichol is home after three days and doing well.  He was hit and run over by the semi and survived which friends and relatives call a real miracle. Jason Wade Matthews said, "No question, hands down has to be the toughest man alive! His survival has no logical explanation, Jon is here with us because he has a higher purpose. He wasn’t done yet. What a story for the grandkids!"

Pickleville Philosophy

Best Friend
By Jim Stone, The Pickleville Philosopher 

This is a long story but I feel like I’ve gotten off track with just sharing fun stories. I’m gonna try to get back on track. I had this great big dog, a yellow lab. His name was Bozwood.  I called him Boz. Sometimes.  I had other names for him depending on if he’d been a good or bad boy.

Boz was my best friend for 17 years until I lost him. Boz and me had a fairy tale life together. Boz and me had a silent language, we knew each other like best friends do. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything to your best friend.  You and your best friend just know how each other are feeling and doing in life.

We had been guiding in Alaska for a long time.  To me and Boz our first concern was me and Boz.  Our second concern was the safety of every one and having a lifetime great fishing and hunting trip in Alaska.

Bozwood was my best friend and, no matter what, we would look after each other through thick and thin. I can’t think of all the times Bozwood would come in to play when a big silver back grizzly bear would come in the middle of the night to raid our camp.  Boz knew they were a big threat to everyone but especially me, his friend. Boz didn’t care what anyone thought,  he would do things for me to make sure that I was ok.

Well that being said, Boz and me were on a pretty big Alaskan river. Boz would sit on top of all my gear in the middle of the boat. He had it pretty easy all day.  I had to row the boat down a wild Alaskan river all day trying to be safe and getting my clients on to some huge fish on a fly rod.

Boz and me had two new clients to take down the river. They were both fly fishermen but one of them just gave me a cold chill down my back.  I don’t know how to explain him except sheer arrogance. His friend was a real person. I’m sure the arrogant one probably paid for the trip and invited his friend just to show off his money and be a big shot like he thought he was until he messed with Bozwood, my best friend.

We took off down the river on the first day and the client I got chills from hooked Bozwood in his ear. It wasn’t a big deal, Boz had been hooked a few times so had I, and a lot of clients had been hooked too.   This guy was not very good person, he had a lot of things about him that I don’t know how to explain, just not a so good person. Kinda evil.

He was an expert fly fisherman, he could cast his fly anywhere he wanted.  Boom, he caught Bozwood in his other ear, Boz yelped out loud. I finally got the hook out of Bozwood’s ear for the second time.

When I was young I got upset at my cousin so he threw me into a cold lake to cool me down. My aunt and uncle when I got out of the cold water gave me some advice. They said before you get upset just count to 10 and don’t get upset.  I took their advice most of my life, but this time I counted to 10  ten times.

Me and Boz heard the not so good person say “watch this ...I’m sick of catching fish”and he hooked Boz for the third time. I tried to count to a 100, it didn’t work for me.

Bozwood’s ear was split and opened up.  This person was not a good person. I got Boz down of his high spot on the boat right down on the deck in front of me.

There were so many huge salmon in the river, but it didn’t matter. Sometimes in life there are people who have no regard for anyone’s loves and feelings. This guy was bragging to his friend saying to his friend, “watch this I’m gonna hook that dog in the ear again,” which he did.   Then he acted like he had a big fish on, like he was funny.  He said that it was only a dog.

I finally got the hook out of my best friend.

In Alaska after rowing a big boat for five months your arms look like Arnold S.  Me and Boz wanted to cool this guy of a little bit so when we got to where the water was only a foot deep and still cold. I hate to admit this but me and Bozwood were together on our plan.  We waited until it was shallow water with no danger; my arms wear big and strong back then. Maybe not now but back then they were, so when he locked his knees I dug my paddle in the river.  I gave my paddle a little love tap. He was lined up for a swan double triple flip to take the gold medal, but instead he did a big huge splash, cold water, belly flop.

He was flopping like a beached fish thinking he was drowning. The water wasn’t even a foot deep but it was way cold . He lost his hat but he was back in the boat safe and sound, but he was a little humbled.

His friend after we got him back into the boat and taken care of gave me a thumbs up. He had dogs too. I guess there’s a moral to this long story. To me it’s that we all have a lot of things going on in our lives but always take time for your best friends.