Russian River trip!!!!!- Day 1

A low catch of fish does not diminish how wonderful a time we have camping on the Russian every summer.  This year we booked our site for 5 days and were joined by different groups of friends.  Some stayed the whole time, some just the night, and some for part of the week.  Despite arriving at the campground in a downpour, the sun soon emerged and we were graced with GREAT weather.  It ranged from overcast and cool to blue sky, sun and HEAT!  The first time in a few years that I've been able to wear shorts and a tank top camping!
We enjoyed Ray's cooking, as usual.  And this year our friend, another former chef, Justin joined us.  He and Ray CRANKED out some amazing stuff each night.  I HIGHLY recommend our Russian River Diet!  With all the noshing we do, we still manage to, if not maintain, actually lose a pound or 2 on this trip!  Must be from all the hiking up and down the river, hauling fish, keeping a body stable in rushing water, and river walking to get to a good hole.  Even going to the potty or fetching water requires a little walk around the campground.  Only time of the year I can eat like an animal and lose weight. 
We had music and singing, bear sightings, a keg of IPA, hiking, biking, tom-foolery, and friendship around a warm fire. The fishing?  Meh.  Global climate change is afoot.  We came out with 9 reds and 2 trout.  Better than nothing.
As I sat by the fire one night I thought to myself," I could totally spend a summer doing just THIS."  I LOVE being outside all day, working hard, playing well and eating heartily.  And having friends to share it with is so wonderful.

FISHING SPOT:  "21" hole
FISH FOR THE DAY:  None
WEATHER:  Pouring and then clear and cool
DINNER!:  Homemade cheese tortallini with veggies

Dylan casting

Justin assisting Amy

Willa's first casting

Getting some practice in the shallows

The first "Ray" meal of the trip!

Willa's new fairy house #1

Old man's beard!