The eyepatch is from US Diver . . . it's supposed to be watertight to 400 fathoms. The parrot is a knockoff brand I bought from a Montana guide. All it can say is "You should have been here last week!"

Yarrr!

Chip and Eric,

Thanks for the kind words. I was afraid it'd come across too sappy. These ARE precious times indeed.

Eric,

No more gall bladder problems, you hear me? Next year, we'll hit the mammoth area with the boys.

Great thread. With Thanksgiving around the corner now is a great time to ponder the good memories earned this season.
Being a SoCal angler I don't think I've ever posted on this board, though I'm always lurking
I had a hell of a trip in the Sierras this season. Late summer hike to a nice lake above 11000 feet. The pain was worth it when I settled into my float tube and finned out into the lake. The goldens were hitting like mad, hail was falling from the sky, and the wind was howling. I'll never forget the brilliant colors on those fish. No doubt best trip of the season for me.