This past summer I went to a music festival in Masontown West Virginia named “All Good”. Simply put, it was amazing. Tons of great music and people enjoying the weather, music, and atmosphere. One of my favorite shows was from John Butler Trio. Since tonight is Friday and the majority people in my age bracket will be out at bars tonight this song fits the bill. “Funky Tonight’ by John Butler Trio from 2011 All Good Music Festival and Camp out.
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The Fly Fishing Film Tour is back in Pittsburgh for 2012. The date is March 18th, and it will be held again at the Oaks Theater in Oakmont, PA. Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 7:30.
Tickets can be purchased online or at International Angler. Last year the show sold out, so get tickets early or call the shop check in.
I’m excited for all the films but have become very fond of “Doc of the Drakes”.
Head over to http://flyfilmtour.com/ for the full list of venues and trailers.
To get tickets, please visit http://flyfilmtour.com/buy-tickets
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It’s the puffy jacket. Yea, like George from Seinfeld, but it’s not Gore-Tex. Nothing I say matters until you see it, so…
When I wear my new jacket, out in the fabric of society, I turn into George Castanza. A surge of raw power comes over me where I feel that no matter what I do, or what comes at me, the puffy jacket will handle it. It’s not only an impenetrable force towards mother nature but towards society.
Well, its real power is the 650 fill power goose down, the reason why it is so puffy. With a nylon shell it holds up well with light moisture but would fail in heavy rain or snow. At 1 lbs. 10 oz. it can find a place in a backpacking trip that would require such a heavy jacket. Since it comes with a stuff-sack it’s easy to fold down into a manageable size, about the size of a growler.
hunkerdown
The overall fit is nice. At 6’3” and 175 lbs I was shocked to have such a great fit for a regular large. The waist is slightly low but the adjustable straps help. Reinforced arms and shoulders are different color and truly add a great deal of extra support.
Beer modelling the jacket. Sexy.
Machine wash for care will add to the ease and longevity of the piece. I’m feeling really optimistic that this jacket will supply an abundant end of use within the realm of nature and in the fabric of society.
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As I was getting ready to head out the door for the fly shop BC gives me a call.
“What you doing today, man?” he asks.
“Heading to the shop”, I reply, “Want to tie?”
He was thinking the same thing, and had a list of materials for me to pick up.
The shop was closing when I arrived, but Tim didn’t seem rushed. I came out the door with a few dozen hooks, a new 3wt line and some odd materials. Tiemco 25 packs at $7.25? Damn, I might start tying on cheaper hooks. It’s always nice to spend time at the shop, talking with like-minded people. People who applaud the idea of sleeping in your car for 4 months while fishing the American West (a roadtrip I have scheduled for this upcoming summer). People who understand that you always need another fly rod, more flies, and more time on the water.
Once at BC’s it was down to business. We had our heads down and worked diligently for hours.
Buds just fixin' each others' flies.
Took a little break in-between to enjoy a nice Smuttynose.
A nice in-between flies brew: Smuttynose Shoals IPA
Shortly followed by food – the best bowl of chicken noodle soup, from BC’s lovely girlfriend. 
Dankness - in the form of Chicken Noodle Soup.
I ended up just continuing with the Ray Charles’ in tan size 16. With another hundred in size 18 coming soon I might be back in the kitchen tying with BC. It is really great to tie with someone else in the room. It helps dull the bore of tying simple flies, like the Ray.
BC was tying up some Clouser Minnows in a variety of colors. He is determined to fish this pattern more for both trout and Bass this upcoming season. After seeing his flies I’m thinking he has the right idea. Look out for some posts on that in the future.
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The bottle states:
“A magical, mystical Monkey whose golden soul glows with the wisdom of ages. This radiant, flavored ale is rich in the spirited tradition of Belgian-inspired brewing. Our Golden Monkey is both playfully delightful and profoundly satisfying. Exotic spices from the East round out this global journey to joy. Get on board. This Monkey’s bound for glory.”
I’m not a beer critic, and will not try to be, so just buy this beer if you can. It’s good enough.
Victory Brewing Co. – Golden Monkey
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Hellll yes - fresh hop beer.
Let me repeat, fresh hop beer.
Think herb. It taste’s like you’ve been in the desert for a dozen days without water and fell into a field of fresh, cold wet hops. Sure, it’s not going to give you the vitamins and nutrients you need, but damn it feels good – and what feels good should be celebrated.
The Terrapin Beer Co, from Athens, GA, has long been a favorite of mine and never disappoint. Good things come from Athens, like Widespread Panic.
Blurb from the bottle:
“Terrapin’s ‘So Fresh and so Green Green’ is a beer that celebrates the hop! Made with freshly picked, whole leaf, ‘wet hops’ these off the vine beauties will encourage you to drink fresh, drink local and drink now.”
It comes in at a solid Alc./Vol. of 6.6%. Just enough to make sure your aware your spending 6bucks a pint. Although the taste is well worth the price. The smooth taste leads to no hint of a mid-level abv., this calmness definitely starts at the smooth aroma with a leafy nose.
If Terrapin Beer Company was shooting for a true IPA, well then they just failed. It just doesn’t stand up to the IPA’s of today in truest category of taste. Still, not a problem, it’s a true great hop beer that deserve a chance. The art work and name are worth the price alone.
Terrapin Beer Co. - "So Fresh & So Green, Green" Specialty Beer
If you are interested, pop over to the Terrapin website and check out their full selection of products and specialty brews:
Terrapin So Fresh & Green, Green - [http://terrapinbeer.com/brew/special-edition/]
Terrapin Beer Co. - [http://terrapinbeer.com]
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