Testing
a 5 weight, nine foot carbon fiber
fly fishing rod on the casting field outside on the lawn at the Winston Fly Rod
Factory convinced JR he needed to add one to his ménage of fishing gear. Twenty
miles and fifteen minutes down the road at Four Bridges Angler Shop in Dillion,
Montana he acquired the same size
Winston fly rod for the tune of $725.
Because there is no state sales tax
in Montana he boasted over the fact that he had saved $80. This new rod has
become his prize possession amongst all his other fishing rods.
The
next two hours in Montana we picked up Hwy 15 northbound and turned west following
the Beaver Head River passing through the quaint towns of Virginia City, Nevada
City, and Sheridan. Between the valley of Wise River and Wisdom the rig climbed
through beautiful scenic country in elevation.
Near the peak we pull off at a
turnout and dry camped for the night. A lovely sunset illuminated the Big Sky
clouds in heavenly vibrant colors.
Upon
arrival we lent a hand with a park ranger and several others to erect a tipi
that is set up each morning in commemoration of the Nez Perce Indians.
The historic landmark site of
the 1877 war between the Nez Perce and 7th U.S. Infantry supported
in battle by the Bitterroot Volunteers is an informative and sad place. Big
Hole is a powerful reminder of man's inhumanity to man. A magnificent testimony
to state racism & bigotry in the face of economic gain by early white men.
All Americans should know the story of the flight of the Nez Perce Tribe and
its tragic consequences at this bucolic site.
JR decided upon leaving the Big Hole National Monument that it was time to hook the rig up for a triple tow. This may seem crazy, but state law says it is perfectly legal if one is under 70 feet in length. We just have to be cautious and make wide turns at corner intersections... Whew!
