Terlingua Adventure, Disaster and Miracle

I have been hanging out at a really informative website about predator hunting for sometime and recently was asked to join the pro staff. The owner and administrator of the site and I have become friends through the site posts, email and phone. Chris has an informative website and runs a good ship with lots of good people. Next time you have a little time pay http://www.predatortalk.com/ a visit and see how you like it. Enough about the forum, I wanted Chris to tell his story about what happened on his recent vacation trip to the Big Bend country of Texas. The following story is as Chris wrote it for those of us that frequent the site. I think you will enjoy it, Wild Ed









Those of you who know me, know I am not a really religious man but something happened to me this week that reminded me that god is out there looking out for us. Maybe even more so for us idiots than others.

Myself, my wife and our 2 girls (7 and 5) had been vacationing down in Terlingua, TX which is SW Texas near the Big Bend National Park and only about 15 miles from Mexico. This area is made up of the Chihuahuan Desert and Chisos Mountains and is very, very remote. We were staying at a resort there, but were doing a lot of exploring to get a better understanding of the ranch since we own property there that we have never seen.

After a few days of exploring, we set out Monday with new information that would get us to our property. We knew it was rough, and since no one had been there in years, they had no reason to maintain the roads to it. So we put a note on our cabin door that said "If we do not return by Tuesday morning, please send help to gate 2" which is where the property is located, and we packed enough supplies to survive out there for a few days.

After getting within 1/4 mile of the property, we made a wrong turn down a creek bed. We were trying to turn around when the truck came down off the embankment and got wedged between the 2 high walls of the creek. Both bumpers were buried, and the back with all of our supplies was totally blocked by dirt and brush. It was totally my fault, I screwed up but there was no taking that back. I tried for about an hour to get us out, but there was just no way. The heat was a killer (around 100 degrees at the time), it was fast approaching evening (4:00) and I had to make a decision. I felt that we were simply too far out to be found, even if our note was discovered the next day, so I had to do something.

I packed enough water for a days travel along with a flashlight, GPS, and sunscreen and set off in what I thought was the direction of the nearest cabin/trailer which may or may not have someone in it. As the crow flies, it would be a 5 mile hike, but winding through the mountains, washes and dry creek beds I expected it to be a real adventure. I left Nicole and the girls in the truck with food, water, and enough fuel to keep them in the AC for at least a day. (they could send the girls through the cab window into the camper for supplies) We discussed what we thought was a plan, but quickly realized that no plan would suffice. How long should she wait for me? If she sets off on her own, where should she go? If one of us was found, where would the others be? It all seemed pointless. We decided that they would wait only 1 day for me, and if they must travel, they would only do so at night. I tried not to make a big deal out of it, and just told them I would "be right back for them" and I got on my way.

I was only walking for about 30 minutes when I started to feel dizzy and almost drunk. The GPS would not pickup a heading so I had no idea where to go. I had a GPS full of marked way points - we had been flagging stuff for says but all it would do is spin in a circle! I started breaking off pieces of a plastic emergency reflector cone I had brought along and at each turn I would hang them from the trees, or shove them down in the sand pointing in the direction of the girls.

I would walk for about an hour before coming to a path that I thought looked familiar, but after reviewing my tracks on the GPS back at the cabin later that night, it would turn out to be a path we had never been on, and the complete opposite way of any civilization that we had previously flagged on the GPS. It was a mix of the screwy GPS, and my own instincts that took me that way. Not sure why, but it would turn out to be a good move. (Miracle #1?)

So anyway... as I hiked up the side of this hill and through a "window" in the mountain, I came to the hard realization that there would be no way I could get to anyone before sunset and it was also clear that all of my planning meant nothing. I had no idea of where to go and it was so hot that I didn't think I would make it even if I did know. I put my head down, and stepped to the top of the mountain where I could see 360 and there was no sign of life anywhere and I could see for miles. It was the worst feeling I've ever had in my life. Day travel was nearly impossible and I couldn't help but to think about rattlesnakes and mountain lions if I had to travel at night. At this point I was feeling pretty much hopeless.

After standing there for about a minute trying to collect myself, my phone made the "You've got a voicemail" tone from my pocket. I thought "Yea right, there is no way I would have a signal here". I dug it out (wasn't even going to bring it!) and sure enough, I had 1 bar of signal and it was alerting me of a voicemail that I had received earlier in the day! I looked at the time and it was 5:10 and the ranch office (30 miles away) was already closed but they were the closest place I knew so I called anyway. After 3 rings, the machine kicks on and starts to speak...(my heart sinks) and just as it's saying "Goodbye" I hear: "HELLO! This is Frank".

Turns out that Frank (the ranch manager) had stayed late to do some work and just happened to answer the phone. (Miracle #2?) I quickly told him about the situation and gave him the coordinates to the girls back at the truck. He said he would get on his way but it might take 1-2 hours to reach us.

I hung up and headed back to the girls. Even with my flagging of GPS way points and marking with orange reflectors, I still managed to get lost by 1/4 mile in the wrong direction. (the GPS was still acting screwy). On the way back I was nearly insane from the heat. I thought I was hearing cars, running water, etc. I understand the stories I have heard about the desert now. At one point a snake came off an embankment and I just drew my weapon and shot it, almost like a reflex. I guess I was in true survival mode.

I finally got back to the girls around 6:30 or so and we waited for Frank to show up. I began to think that even with the coordinates he wouldn't find us because of our position within the base of these mountains and the many ways in and out of the general area so we set off on foot to the end of the wash where I had put the last reflector. At around 7:00 I heard what I thought was a horn honking from outside the creek so I fired a couple of shots into the dirt to get their attention. I turned the corner and there was Frank, walking towards me with GPS in hand. WHEW!!!! We had been saved!

Frank told us later that they must have JUST got a cell tower back up in the area I had made it to because it had been down for some time. (Miracle #3??) I was surprised because we have never had cell service in ANY part of ranch that I could remember, and surely didn't think we would ever get one in these mountains. In fact, I wasn't even going to bring my phone, and wasn't checking it for signal either. The voicemail tone was the only thing that got me to look at it. (Miracle #4?) Frank brought us back to the cabin and his wife surprised us with a warm spaghetti dinner for the family. Needless to say, we were pretty dang thankful.

Tuesday Frank took me back out and helped me get the truck out of the creek bed. It took a lot of digging and pulling but we got it done after a couple of hours. No way I could have ever done it myself. I'm sure grateful to have had Frank around, and for how everything worked out.

I'm not a church going man, but I do believe god looks out for us. I told this story to my good friend who is a youth pastor in Colorado and he knew of our trip down and what our plans were. He was hesitant to tell me this, but turns out he got a strong urge at exactly 5:00 our time on Monday to send up a prayer for us. Heading down a path I had never been, sudden cell service, a random voicemail that would alert me, and Frank working late would all happen in the minutes that followed. According to my call log, I connected with Frank at the ranch at 5:16.

To top it all off, we had a little chat with Frank before we left. I couldn't help but to notice that he seemed oddly out of place at this ranch. Turns out he was just hired to run the ranch a few weeks ago, and in fact he's a preacher from Louisiana who was in the area helping a friend at his ranch when he was offered this job. Frank doesn't have to work, he took the job just to have something to do, and because he likes the area. He told me that him and his wife had been questioning WHY they were there the entire time, in the middle of the desert instead of home with their families and such. I think we know why now. From the sound of things, I don't think Frank will be there when we return next time, but I am sure glad he was there this time.

After downloading the GPS data to the computer, it was clear that the GPS was not working correctly during this whole event. It was only connecting to a satellite every once in a while, and because of that I was misguided to the area that I had never been, which also ended up having cell service.

The entire series of events brings me to tears when I think about it. Needless to say, I'm not questioning my faith now like I might have been when the truck first got stuck.

Chris

A True Texas Hunting and Fishing Magazine

I don’t work for any magazines and don’t have any contractual relationships with any. This allows me to be able to tell you what I really think about publications or the articles contained therein. That being said I do not often recommend a magazine to my readers. I have quit subscribing to some of the magazines I used to read religiously as they have become cover to cover advertisements and the quality of articles have gone down considerably. Most publications, even if they have Texas somewhere on the cover, are not really covering Texas as it needs to be. I have often wondered how something published outside of Texas could be an authority on hunting and fishing in Texas.

I currently subscribe to a magazine that covers Texas hunting and fishing along with issues that effect Texans. They have a bunch of contributing Editors or Field Editors that are long term Texans as a whole or at least they have been a part of the Texas scene for many years and spend a lot of time in the field here in Texas. Many of these guys work for Texas papers as outdoor writers and many are published in other publications. Month after month they come together to put out the best magazine that I have found that covers hunting and fishing in the Lone Star State. This group is not afraid to confront game laws, State laws, Federal laws or other things they see as not right or unfair. They often present both sides of issues such as antler restrictions, bag limits, slot sizes and other controversial topics. I have come to look forward to the monthly departments of such writers as Kendal Hemphill, Chester Moore, Ted Nugent, Doug Pike and Joe Doggett. I have been reading the writings of some of these guys most of my life so there is a lot of experience in the words of the pages of this magazine. There are a lot of other good writers but this group is my favorite and I read their articles first each month as I pour over the newest issue.

This publication is packed with hunting and fishing articles along with reports on Texas hotspots all over the State. The pages do have advertisements but at least there are a bunch of informative articles packed between the ads. If you haven’t yet figured out the name of the Magazine it is Texas Fish &Game. They have a website where you can read about the magazine and get all sorts of other information on hunting and fishing in Texas. There are tide charts, prime time fishing and hunting calenders along with other helpful news from around the State. They also sell a lot of great books concerning fishing and hunting in this great State. I pay for my subscription to this magazine with hard earned money just like you guys will have to and I highly recommend the publication. I wish I could tell you to tell them Wild Ed sent you and you would get a big discount, but I doubt they even know who I am. Whatever the current subscription price I find it to be a bargain and a magazine I read cover to cover all month until the postman brings the next one. Go buy the July issue and tell me what you think. I think you will enjoy it, Wild Ed

http://www.fishgame.com/


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Texas Style Green Fried Tomatoes

My wife tends a small garden at her father's place. Last night she brought home some fresh vegetables along with several large green tomatoes that I requested that she pick early. I had not had fried green tomatoes in years and wanted to fry them up for a meal. I thought that since I was going to the trouble to bread and fry the tomatoes I would do a smorgasbord of fresh fried vegetables from the garden and it turned out to be a wonderful dinner if not heavy on the fried side of the scale. Sometimes you just have to have some things boiled in hot oil, if you know what I mean. The following is how they were prepared.

I first scrubbed all the tomatoes, okra, yellow squash, potatoes, peppers and zucchini. All were then sliced and put in the buttermilk egg wash consisting of one cup of buttermilk and one egg whipped together to make the wash.

The breading was 1 cup of yellow cornmeal and 1 cup of flour. To this I added Jalapeño salt; garlic powder and brisket rub for seasoning.

The vegetables were taken from the wash and dropped into the breading. I made sure all were coated well and put them into hot olive oil to fry. See, I used olive oil so it would be a health conscious meal. When they floated or turned golden brown they were removed and put on paper towels to drain. Ketchup and Ranch Dressing were put on the table as condiments and with a glass of cold fresh brewed tea it was a meal to be remembered or repeated the next time we have fresh vegetables from the garden. I had forgotten just how good fresh green fried tomatoes can taste, Wild Ed

The Bluegill are Biting on Texas Creeks and Streams

The chartreuse popper landed with a plop sending rings of ripples across the surface. The current caught it and pulled it down stream. I let it drift over the dish shaped gravel bed of a spawning bluegill and gave it a slight twitch. The water erupted as a palm size bluegill slammed the popper and then headed for the undercut bank in the shade. The small powerful fish swam in smaller and smaller protesting circles as I stripped in the four weight fly line. I am always thrilled by the bend in the rod and the throbbing protests of these small fish as I bring them in. I leaned over, wet my hand with water and gently lifted the fish from the creek. The brilliance of iridescent colors glistened in the sunlight as I unhooked the popper, released the fish, watched it swim away and prepared to cast again.


I was to repeat this scene a hundred times or more within a span of several hours on the creek that day. The only difference was the species of fish at the end of the line and each was a surprise. Most were bluegill or some hybrid sunfish species but I have also taken largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, hybrid bass and Rio Grande Perch all in one afternoon on this stretch of Brushy Creek . I have even taken some very large carp on a hand tied deer hair wasp imitation. I was not in some distant exotic location but a mere 3 miles from my home on a beautiful stretch of Brushy Creek that runs through the park in downtown Round Rock, Texas. I even took a two pound bass from the shadow of the famous Round Rock that marks the cattle drive crossing on the Chisholm Trail. At least he felt like two pounds to me.

There was a steady stream of traffic on Interstate 35 just over my shoulder yet I was lost in my task at hand. I had seen no one else fishing on the creek that day and had most of the time to myself. A few kids, joggers and walkers on the hiking trail along the creek stopped to watch me fly-fishing and then went on their way. Sometimes kids just can't stand it and they have to come talk to me about fishing. I always try to encourage them to fish the creek as they are the future of our sport. I have learned to carry a few hand tied flies to give to the kids that stop and ask me questions. A few show an extra interest so I send them on their way with a fly and instructions on how to fish it with a bobber on the gear they already have. If they catch a fish on one of my hand tied flies, even if fished on conventional gear, they will be hooked. Who knows, they might even turn into a true fly fisherman someday. Last time I was on the creek I had one kid wade right out knee deep in the creek and stand with me for almost an hour. I would hook a bluegill and hand him the rod to reel it in to be released. When he left his smile was ear to ear. He yelled back that he was going to get his folks to buy him a flyrod. Maybe I will see him out there beating the water and give him a casting lesson some time.

I have discovered that some of the best times may be right at our fingertips here in Central Texas. I have found that the clear Hill country creeks, streams and rivers are a fly fishing Mecca that can be enjoyed for mere pennies as far a fuel costs to and from the location. All one needs is a fly rig or small spinning outfit to spend a day catching fish. I use a four weight rod and floating line most of the time. I recommend catch and release so that we can preserve this great fishery, plus too much fertilizer and septic runoff get into Brushy Creek to risk eating the fish. Get out and try some of the water near you. You might be surprised how great the fishing right under your nose really is, Wild Ed

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Catch a Really Big Freshwater Fish, REALLY BIG

Have you ever caught a really big fresh water fish? A few of you have caught a pretty big bass or a large catfish. Some of you may have caught a large gar or and even less have caught a large carp. Who would want to catch a carp you ask? Lots of people, carp fishing is one of the fastest growing groups of fisherman in the State. Many are using special rigs and European style fishing tactics to catch this large fish.

Carp are not native to this country and most people do not eat them. I have tried carp and it is not bad, but it is full of bones. The smaller ones are better to eat if you would like to try it. If you hook up with one of the large ones you will not believe the fight and endurance of the lowly carp. I have seen people take a long time to whip one down and I have also seen them break lines and rods.

You can fish for them the way I used to by just burying a small circle hook or treble hook in a dough ball made of Wheaties and Big Red. One can also get all tied up in the European style of Carp fishing with hair rigs and boilies. If you want to have a blast fishing for a hard fighting abundant species in freshwater try the carp. You may catch a 15, 20, 25 pound or even larger fish. In fact you may catch the largest freshwater fish of your life. Here are a few links to some of my favorite carp fishing websites.

Go catch a big one, Wild Ed

http://www.uscarppromagazine.com/

http://www.carpanglersgroup.com/

http://www.carp-usa.info/carp-fishing-forum.html

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3797276/Carp_fishing_FAQ_Links_Beginne#Post3797276

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/forums/31/1/Rough_Fish_Carp

The 3 Panel Boat, Canoe or Pirogue

You can read about the above boat built by Gerald at the following link

http://www.texaspaddler.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=38

Ever since I went to Mike Bull’s boat building class and learned to build a boat people seem to think I can answer their questions about boat building. The expertise came from Mike Bull and I just put labor where he told me to put it. I have on the other hand put a tremendous amount of study into what boat I am going to build next. I don’t think I am ready to tackle a strip built kayak or cedar style strip canoe quite yet. What I am going to build is another 3 panel boat similar to the boat I built in class but with less flare and rocker. It is called a 3 panel boat because it is basically a bottom and two sides. You fit the three pieces together and there is your boat.

By the number of emails I got asking boat building questions there are a lot of people out there that want to try to build a wood boat. Lots of people that see my boat want to know how to build their own boat. Many have asked what I would build if I did not go to a class to learn to build a boat. I did not have the woodworking skills to build a boat without some guidance so the class was the very best way for me to build a boat. For those of you with woodworking skills I still recommend a class or someone with experience to guide you through your first boat. If you want to do it on your own then I would build a Cajun style pirogue or 3 panel boat. If you search on the Internet for pirogue plans you will find some for sale and even some plans for free. The easiest to build in my opinion comes with plans, a pre-cut bow, stern and rib pieces in a kit from Uncle John’s. http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/default.htm
The kit price is reasonable and comes with a set of instructions on how to build the boat that most can understand. If you want to cut your own bow, stern and ribs just buy the plans. I have no interest or attachment to this company but did buy one of their kits that I will be putting together in the near future.

These little boats will teach you a lot and get you started in boat building. You can build them out of cheap plywood, marine plywood or even cedar strip them like a fancy handmade kayak, which is how I hope to build my kit. They can be decked or left open as you please. You can fiberglass , varnish or paint your boat for protection from the elements. The better the wood and finish you put on the boat the longer it will last. I am showing a few pictures from different builders and how their kits turned out. I hope you are as proud of your own boat as I am of mine. I hope my kit turns out as nice looking as the ones in the pictures, I know those guys must be really proud of their boats. Wild Ed

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