A little repair

 About a month ago I noticed that the trim that runs along the outside edges of Waddles was broken, and starting to peel off.   This is not uncommon, and is not a structural problem, simply cosmetic.  This trim covers up the screws along the outside edges.      

I have read that replacing this trim is not a hard job, so I ordered up a roll of 1" trim.  100', which should be way more than I'd need.

Today is hot outside, and Waddles is in a cool garage, so I decided it was a good day for this job.     

 I did the left side first, removing the screws under the trailer that hold either end of this trim piece.     Easy enough.   Then I had to figure out how to get the handles and covers off, as the trim runs under them.    This was a bit more difficult.   It really was just taking out a bunch of screws, but there is a lot of goo that the screws run through and under where the handle attaches to the trailer.   I had to break the tubes of goo that the screws run through, but I don't think that is a big deal.

Once all that was removed it was very easy to pull out the old trim.    

 Then to put in the new stuff.    First I started under the front of the trailer, and re-installed the screw at one end, then worked my way up and over the trailer, then under the back of the trailer, attaching the second screw.

Putting the handle and covers back on was not too bad.   I could not see where the screws went through the new trim, so I had to mark those spots and work a bit to get the angle of the screws just right so they lined up.   

First one done, and I just repeated the process on the second side.   Lining up the screws on the yellow cover was a bit trickier on the second side for some reason, but I got it done.  I globe some aquarium glue over the ends of the trim and where it turned the corner from under the trailer to keep out dirt and moisture.

So now Waddles is all shiny and pretty with no broken parts, and ready to roll.   Next trip is to Paulina Lake, Oregon, unless the smoke gets too bad.

Fly Fishing!

 I recently dug up some very old fly fishing gear that belonged to my mother's 1/2 brother.   He was sort of a father figure to my mother, and she kind of worshipped him.    She loved this gear, but, though she fished, she never fly fished.     When I dug it out a few months back I shared a photo on facebook, asking if I should take up fly fishing.    

Old fly fishing rod and reel

The feedback was a resounding YES, and one response was from a local friend I knew many many years ago, who offered to teach me.    His guiding credentials are impressive.    I had to take him up on this offer.    

After a few months of getting reacquainted, and some good casting and gear lessons, he offered to take me fishing on the McKenzie River in his drift boat.    This was special because, 47 years ago he took me on the McKenzie River.

1974, on the McKenzie River

So this past week, we did just that.   I took Waddles, he took his boat, and we met up for camping and fishing.    

Ready for adventure

The McKenzie River is spectacular.  The water is clear.  There are lazy sections, and adrenaline sections.    And the fishing is good.  Day 1 we put in at Silver Creek and took out at Goodpasture.

Ready to launch

A lazy section

A house being rebuilt after the 2020 fires

A not so lazy section

My first ever rainbow trout caught on my uncle's gear!!

Fresh trout for dinner!  YUM

Day 2 we put in at Quartz Creek, and took out at Silver Creek.  We only had 1/2 a day because it was, sadly, time to head home.   

Captain Mike

Beauty in the River

Fish On!

This area was devastated by forest fires last year.    A lot of the forest, and many many houses were burned.  Now there is a lot of salvage logging going on and houses are being rebuilt.    I can't imagine what the residents are going through.  The entire town of Blue River was burned, except for the school and the post office.     What I know, from working for the Forest Service for many years, it this will grow back, but it takes a very very long time.

There used to be a house there

Goodpasture Bridge

Eagle Rock

This wonderful trip had to end, but there was one more trout dinner with my brother when I got home.    

Yum!

I think I'm hooked on Fly Fishing!    If you need to hire a guide, I know where there is a good one!   Wy'East Expeditions