Back in April we took a little time off from the busy schedule to check out some new waters to fish in Southern Chile. We ended up on a two week 2500 km road trip that covered the gamut of Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. We were in search of monster trout that are rumored to be inhabiting the streams of the region. With the help of a friend who had been interning at the Patagonia Expedition Race we mapped out our plan of attack.
First we flew into Punta Arenas, rented a truck, and picked up supplies for the next 5 days. The next morning it was off to Torres del Paine. Probably one of the most awe inspiring alpine vistas in the world. Big Peaks, lots of water, and glaciers dotting the landscape make it an impressive place to scope out. The place has all kinds of spectacular trekking and climbing available, but we were there to catch some fish. The King Salmon were still running and were easy to spot in the crystal clear water. Unfortunately the rivers were quite big and tough to wade. We had some interest as a couple chased our flies but the only one we reeled in was a half dead salmon that was snagged. The closest I got to one was just to take a picture. I was going to invoke the spirit of the grizzly bear and try and catch it with my bare hands but it swam off before I had a chance.
Next it was off to Isla Riesco and the lessor know Rio Grande. We had a tip on how good it’s supposed to be and since it was pretty out of the way on the map we’d figure we’d have it pretty much to ourselves. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Although its quite scenic and you fish the river at the mouth where it runs into the ocean and up, we found out its a really popular spot for the Chileans to camp and fish. Their generators, floodlights and all night parties kinda put a damper on the remoteness for us so we jetted out after one day instead of the 3 we planned on.
Next up was Rio Condor on Tierra del Fuego. However we had to restock our supplies first. So it was back to Punta Arenas for the night. A nice dinner, some Austral Calafate Beers (one of my new favorite beers), and a good nights rest and we were ready to attack the long day of travel ahead of us. First we had to catch the ferry across the Straight of Magellan to the Grand Island of Tierra del Fuego.
Then it was 7 or so hours on dirt road highways. However the last 4 hours were spent driving the last 30-40 km on one of the worst roads I’ve ever been on. It was a little stressful driving due to the fact we weren’t sure if the truck was going to make it. We did however and we pulled up to the cabin we were going to be staying at only to find someone was already there. The people staying there were the owners father and some workers who were building more cabins for the so called development. We all got along and they were very hospitable to us. They cooked up meals and drove us to the river. We ended up giving one of them our Jetboil PCS stove since he couldn’t stop talking about how cool it was and how much he wished he had one. I digress so now its back to the fishing exploits. The river was more the size of a slow moving spring creek. The last mile or two was the only sections we saw that had really nice water to hold fish. The Rio Condor has about six or so good stretches in this section. The first person in our group to fish these holes pulled out big trout. With the biggest probably being over ten pounds. All in all a good little stretch of water.
Finally it was off to the Rio Azupardo on Lago Fagnano. Lago Fagnano is a huge lake at the very southern end of Tierra del Fuego. You really can’t go much further south than this. It sits in a beautiful valley with view of the Coriderra Darwin or Darwin Mountain range. These are huge peaks and are quite impressive. The fishing here was about the same as everywhere else we went. Big expectations but came up short on delivering the mass amounts of monster fish. The water was big and made the river difficult to wade. This was compounded by the fact the we got storms that turned the water off color. The bright spot of this section of the trip was the mass amounts of Calafate berries, which are delicious, and the zodiac ride back to the cabin. The Chilean driver looked like an old gold prospector holding on to dear life on an out of control stagecoach while he was navigating 3-4 ft swells on the lake.
This marked the end of the fishing expedition. It was then back to Punta Arenas for one more night of fun and then off to Santiago for the next couple of days to sight see. Santiago is a beautiful city. Very similar to Salt Lake City except that it has 5 times the people and the Mountains are twice as big.
We would just like to thank Nemo Equipment for the loaner Moki tent. Just a quick review from our trip. We pretty much saw all the seasons while we were down there. We saw snow, rain, wind and sun. The Moki tent is the most bombproof tent I’ve ever been in. We had 30 mph winds and the tent hardly moved. We did get a little condensation on the walls on the tent when it got really rainy but this is par for the course for a single wall tent. Its very roomy and has tons of cool features. Its not the most compact and light of tents but when you are heading to a place where you are going to need a solid shelter like we did in Patagonia this tent is second to none. Highly recommended for trips into areas with bad weather potential. As advertised it is a great backcountry base camp tent. The vestibule keep all our gear out of the elements while still being outside the tent.
Recently we here at Campman went down to Chile for some hard core gear testing (pics and reviews to come). While we were gone we missed perhaps the best storm session of the year. Snowbird reported 12ft of snow in 12 days and we missed it all. Thus making or trip a little bittersweet. Regardless, the snow is still falling and we are taking advantage of the latest storm. Two feet overnight and almost a foot the next day has made for some great conditions. While its not uncommon for this to happen, it’s still a nice surprise every spring.
The resorts are starting to close however there is still almost 150 inch bases at some of the resorts. So get out and get some great spring skiing in. Soon enough it’ll all be gone which will make you’ll be happy for awhile and then the longing for next year will set in.
A couple of weeks ago there was a challenge thrown down to the best adventure race teams. A race at the southern tip of the world. It took place in the southern wilds of Chile. Dubbed the Wenger Patagonia Expedition, it paired some of the worlds top racers against some of the harshest conditions that area has to offer. Nine teams started the race and only three could manage to finish it.
A full breakdown of the event can be found here at the Gearjunkie.com. Sounds like torture to most but for some its what they live for.
The Campman crew is heading down there this weekend to visit. However the only racing we’ll be doing is who can get to the prime fishing hole first. We’ll post pictures and updates after we get back.
In search of powder we here at Campman spare no cost and are know to expend great effort. However sometimes it require either, especially when you live in the state of Utah. Sometimes its nice to chase fresh snow in new places. For this trip we went to Alyeska, AK to try out some snowmobile skiing. All the fun of the down without the tiresome hike to the top.
Who needs helicopters when you have a couple of sleds that have more horsepower than our cars. Needless to say the day was amazing. We cruised around Turnagain Pass on a beautiful bluebird day. Each lap took about 10 minutes and we had as many laps as we wanted.
Its amazing the ability these machines have to climb up hills. Its also amazing how much skill it takes to really handle them well. Being a complete noob, I rolled the sled a couple of times due to my lack of commitment to press the throttle all the way in order to climb to the top of the hill. By the end of the day I had an easier time.
While it gives a sense of accomplishment to hike to the top, sometimes its just nice to not have to worry about it. I guess that’s why we buy passes to the ski resort. However if you are a powder whore like us you should give snowmobile skiing a shot.
Its a bold statement but quite possibly true. Campman and some friends headed up to Park City to try out the Freestyle Water Ramps to work on some tricks for the up coming season. We went with the Utah Freeski Society. A local ski group with roots at the University of Utah. So we got a sweet hook up for a nice discount.
Anyways once you get there you get dialed in with all the gear you need. You can bring your own but they don’t suggest using your own skis. I guess you can break them pretty easy when hitting the water. You start by jumping on a minitramp into the pool. The pool water is freezing cold even with the wetsuit they give you. Then you show you can ski down a ramp. Finally you get into the good stuff and they let you take the trip down the mini jump.
Once you show you can handle that they have you show that you can start sideways on the small jump in preparation for the larger jump. If you can ski none of these processes are difficult. After you dial that in you are ready for the big time. If you aren’t ready quick yet to step up your game you can stay on the smaller jump as long as you want.
Coaches were on hand to dish out hints for how to pull different tricks. From 360’s to flips they could help you figure out what you need to do to pull them off. I myself was working on backflips for the day. After a few headers on the small jump I pulled it off and decided to join the big boys.
I’d say the big jump is about 10+ above the water and you’re about 15-20 ft high above the pool when starting for the lower staring point. So you’re getting way air than you’re used to unless you are a park rat or hitting big backcountry kickers. You have plenty of air to do just about anything you want to do.
The whole experience has me pumped for the on coming winter. I can’t wait to get a nice backcountry powder day and try out my new arsenal of tricks.
A recent trip to San Diego was taken to experience a unique fly fishing experience. I heard about it on Askaboutflyfishing.com. The site has all kinds of interviews with fisherman all over the world. One episode is about catching Mako sharks on the fly. It sounded cool and then I saw the video clips. I was sold at that point and booked the trip.
We booked through Bowman Blue Water. However one of the captains we were guided with also be booked through his website Capt Dave Trimble. Both provide an excellent experience and thorough knowledge in locating and catching mako sharks.
You spend most of the day floating around waiting for the sharks to show up. Once they do they are totally fearless. Presentation is not an issue. The sharks attack just about anything including chum buckets, motors, as well as the flies.
I hooked one shark six times. Finally it decided it was sick of it and left.
Once hooked the Makos are capable of some serious acrobatics. The can swim up to 60 mph and jump 20 ft in the air. Needless to say its a good time once the hook is set.
During our 3 day trip we saw 11 sharks, hooked 10, and landed 4. Some of the sharks we saw were blue sharks which aren’t as crazy once hooked but fun none the less. If you’re into trying new types of fishing give it a try. Its worth it.
It’s true. A group of us managed to remove ourselves from the back of our computers and head down to the warm sunny skies of Southern Utah to push ourselves to the limits. It started off early as the transition area opened at 5:30 or so. We arrived around 6:30am to drop of our bike and other gear. Looking around at all the competition it looked pretty stiff. Some of the bikes I saw were pretty sweet compared to what I brought along. They could have been straight out of the Tour De France. 1600 people had signed up for the race, however I know of quite a few that didn’t show up.
Needless to say the weather wasn’t as ideal as I would have hoped. The wind was blowing. I heard reports that is was 40+ mph. The night before it was windy as well but at least it looked as though you were swimming with the wind. At race time it looked to have done a complete 180 and the swim was directly into the wind. Being a fairly weak swimmer I had a few butterflies while looking at the water. I just hoped that all the training was going to pay off.
Race time approached and the longer triathletes were up first. They had a mile swim ahead of them. My group was the sprint class and only had to swim half a mile. The gun sounded and the men took off swimming. Next up was the women in the longer distance. Fifteen minutes after the men the women were off. Now it was my turn. With my wet suit on I strolled into the 60 degree water. A bit chilly on the extremities. At first we were delayed 5 minutes. Then it was 15 minutes. Next thing we knew it was 30 minutes later and we were still chillin’ in the water waiting to start. In the meantime boats were coming back to shore carrying swimmers who had decided enough was enough. The number surprised me and made me a little more anxious about the swim. Finally something was mumbled on the loudspeaker and everyone wandered back up onto shore. The swim had been canceled. All that swim training for nothing. Needless to say there were quite a few people who were upset including the author. Oh well thats the way it goes.
At this point the it has turned into a duathlon. Bike and run for those who couldn’t hack the longer distance. Basically the officials took everyone and started them at the swims finish, shot the starter gun, and the race began. What a mess in the transition area. Making it worse was it being my first triathlon, not knowing what to do in the first place and having everyone else around you frantically trying to get out on the biking portion of the race. It was an interesting start.
Once out on the course things got better. However everyone told me triathlon courses were flat and fast. A lot of people had areo bars and time trial bikes. I’m sure they worked great since we were heading straight into a head wind. However there is a big hill not far into the race. It’s long, pretty steep, and has cattle guards. I kind of regretted not having a triple crank for my bike. I heard that some of the grade were over 7%. Once on top of the hill it was flat and didn’t take long to get to the turnaround point. Then came the fun part. Going back down the hill. With my newly attached bike computer I saw my speed hit 55 mph. It was the highlight of the race. Going that fast on a bike is a little unnerving which definitely gets the adrenaline flowing. Especially when I saw the approaching cattle guard. Some guy right behind me cased on it pretty bad I heard. I passed the ambulance on the way back to the transition area. An update I heard today is that he is ok and vowed to battle the hill again.
With the biking behind me it was on to the run portion. I heard other people grumble how they hate the running portion on this race since it is all on a trail. I quickly realized why running on this trail is something to gripe about. Sections of it had several inches of sand. Combined with tired legs from the bike, it made for a tough time. At points I thought I wasn’t going to be able to run the whole thing. However the last mile was pretty packed down and wasn’t so bad. The last section of the run ended with a sprint to the end where I was unable to catch the couple of guys in front of me and then someone handing me a metal as I struggled past over the finish line.
Feeling spent but accomplished I pulled my last little remaining energy to cheer on the rest of the Campman team. It was all over by 10 am. The rest of the day was spent cruising around the golf course in Mesquite having a few celebratory cold ones. However since the swim was canceled I can’t say I’ve completed a triathlon, so the training continues with the Salem Spring Tri being on June 7. Hopefully we’ll have better weather then.
Sounds big, scary, and like a ton of fun on the end of a flyrod. I saw a preview of the next trout bum diaries on Outdoorzy.com. Looks like a pretty sweet place with giant primitive trout-like creatures. Here’s the post from Outdoorzy.
The guys from AEG, who brought you Trout Bum Diaries: Patagonia and Trout Bum Diaries II: Kiwi Camo, are back. For two months the guys travel to five rivers that potentially no other fisherman has floated down in search of a mysterious fish. Their travels in this fly fishing adventure movie take them into inner Mongolia by horse, camel, Russian military vans, and hiking boot in search of the taimen, also known to Mongolians as River Wolf.
Taimen is the largest fish species in the salmon family. In the natural environment, without pressure, taimen can grow in excess of five feet in length and weight as much as 75 pounds. The have eyes that are centered more towards the front of the head which allows them to see prey below and above the water. This allows them to find and eat other fish species as well as mice, prairie dogs, and small water fowl and with rows and rows of teeth, they have no problem taking on that task.
At first they guys have a hard time locating taimen. What does taimen water look like? Where do they hold up in the river? These are the questions the guys have to answer during their 14 to 20 km river floats. In the beginning, the crew is catching lenok, which is the Mongolian equivalent to trout. The crew tried a multitude of flies: tungsten head streamers, top water streamers, giant grasshoppers, and so on, but all they could catch was lenok. It wasn’t until one guy had on a lenok and after releasing the fish back to the river, a giant taimen come out of nowhere and ate the fish. That is when the guys realize that they were not fishing flies that were big enough.
The movie has some spectacular views of the mountains and rivers of Mongolia as well as plenty fly fishing footage. The guys spend their nights sleeping in tents or on the ground, drinking beer, tying flies, and fly fishing for the mysterious River Wolf and once again the deliver a great fly fishing adventure movie. I can’t wait until the next movie.
I’ve heard that most of the time you can only find one or two of these things in a mile stretch due to their fiercely territorial nature. Might be tough fishing to find a catch the one fish in a mile of river. However if you did . . . WOW!
A couple of years ago my father showed me a book. “50 Places to Fly Fish Before You Die” Both of us being avid flyfishermen we marked off all the spots we have already been. Since we both are previous Montana residents we had fished a lot of the Western US streams listed in the book. It did list destinations all over the world. Peacock Bass on the Amazon to Sea Run Browns in Argentina and many other incredible places. Some of them I had not heard of before. Some of them are incredibly expensive as well. Here is the link to the old USA Today article written about the book. If you are a flyfishing enthusiast and like to travel to new waters then check this book out.
This weekend Campman took a trip down to the Creek. For those of you who don’t know about Indian Creek, it’s a world climbing destination for those who want to test their crack climbing skills. Known for its perfect splitters I thought it would be a great place to try out Green Gear’s Hand Jammies, Jetboil Group Cooking System, and Edelweiss Liquid Chalk.
When climbing cracks one usually tapes the back of the hands in order to protect them. The idea behind the Hand Jammies is to alleviate the need for taping. Making tape gloves takes time and a little skill to make. The Jammies just slide on and you Velcro them down tight. That’s it you’re done. Not only are they easy to get on but they also have climbing rubber on the back so they are sticker than tape on the rock. All of these peaked my interest so I thought I’d give them a shot. I strapped them on and started up a route that was hands to fingers sized. I noticed from the moment I put them on that they were really stiff and thick compared to my usual tape gloves. In the thin parts of the crack the gloves actually impeded my process. The few hand jams that I did get they were great. I wasn’t impressed on my first attempt with the gloves but I thought I’d give them another shot just to be fair. It was pretty much the same on the next route. The verdict was I was going back to tape. However after reflecting on the Jammies I figured they would be good for a route that was just hand size or rattly hands. Once you get into finger locks or fingers they are pretty bad.
Next on the list was the Jetboil Group Cooking System or GCS. It includes the pot, self lighting stove, and covers for the pot. It was incredibly easy to use. Put on the Jetboil fuel can, bottom stabilizer, pot stabilizer, turn on the gas, and push the lighter. It started right up and I was cooking. I decided to make breakfast burritos that morning. So I tossed in the hash browns, sausage, eggs, and cheese. 15 min later I had a feast. I did notice that the pot got really hot and I had to turn it all the way down. Once all was said and done I don’t think that the this stove is great for cooking dry food such as hash browns, but when I boiled water it was extremely fast. So as a backpacking stove this is great. When car camping I would bring along the dual burner stove and fry pan. Definitely the best backpacking stove I’ve used. It’s extremely simple and works great. The only down side I could see in the backcountry is that I would bring a fresh fuel canister every time to ensure I don’t run out of fuel. So the possibility to collect half full canisters is a likely possibility.
Last but not least was the Edelweiss Liquid Chalk. It comes in a small bottle so I was wondering how long it would last. I tried just a small amount at first, about the size of a quarter in my palm. I spread it around my hands and it dried pretty fast. Once it did my hands were dried out from the alcohol and chalked up. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a great way to get a good base layer when starting for the day or anytime before a route. The bottle should last awhile if you use sparingly. Which is all you need to use it anyways. Definitely worth the pick up for the avid climber.
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