2017 Lake Powell reflections

[sandman]

First, thanks to Dave for all of the crap that he went through to get our sleeping arrangements set up. Even at checkout, we had to coach the desk clerk on how to do her job.

Next, thanks to everybody that contributed to the fabulous dinners each night. Every one brought their A-game and we all gorged.

Best weather that we've ever had.

Best total number of keeper walleyes.

Some folks had some real challenges getting there but as anybody that knows our group would expect, our members made sure that we all got hooked up. 

Another great trip that makes me proud to be a part of this group.

[sparkchaser]

A huge shout out to Larry, Bill, Steve, Stevert, and Marvin. You guys really came through when my truck broke down. Thanks again for all the help out there. My water pump pulley almost sheared off just past the top of the lake and threw my serpentine belt. Luckily we were able to coast safely to the side of the road.

Larry's crew showed up first and drove into Hanksville to arrange a tow for my truck. They went to the Defiance, dropped their stuff, and came back and towed my boat in. They had already arranged a wet slip for us to use, and dumped us in the water. The next morning they gave us a ride to the Marina so we could get on the water.

Stevert and Marvin were next on the scene, and took most of the stuff from my truck back to the hotel. They gave us a ride over to the Marina the next two mornings, until Alan arrived with his truck.

As usual everyone came through on the meals. We ate like pigs...again.

[Stevert]

Three freezers this trip.  When this group shows up the walleye take a hit.  I had a blast, plus I found a new place to fish.....St Croix Cove...it's not even on the map!!!

[cousinlll]

Upon our return trip back to the scene - two guys sitting on lawn chairs with beverage in hand enjoying the wonderful vista views from the side of the road.....

Actually, everything happened seamlessly - drove up seeing Dave's truck hood up.  Couple quick questions to the NPS employee who was also on scene helping we quickly determined the obvious that Dave's truck was out of service and we needed a plan fast as time was of the essence.  Bill/SteveD/LLL then headed to Bullfrog (just short of an hour away) in order to 1) attempt to find cell service to make arraignments for Dave's tow and 2) plan was for us to dump all our stuff from my truck & drop my boat in the hotel parking lot to return back to the scene to pick up Dave & Tommy along with his boat & his stuff.  We finally got cell service around Ticaboo which is maybe 15-20 min from Bullfrog.  Using info provided by the NPS employee, Billy Ho was able to contact the tow service out of Hanksville and make arrangement for not just the tow, but arrangements for repairs from the same tow service. 

While enroute back to pick up the boys, Stevert & Marvin pulled up on Dave helping transport some of their stuff to Bullfrog.  Billy Ho stayed behind at the Hotel moving all our stuff into our rooms.  When done with that he then called & arranged for Dave to have a wet slip at the marina for as long as he needed it for.  I arrive back at the scene hook up the boat & pack up their stuff and we're off to Bullfrog.

We get Dave's boat settled in his slip and he uses it for a couple days until Tommy's friend Alan (new AZCA Member) arrived on late night Tuesday.  So they use Alan's truck as Dave's new tow vehicle for the rest of the week.

Yes, Dave was a bit stressed out as he should of given the situation.  BUT the group had it all under control and Dave & Tommy were on the water the next day fishing while repairs were made on Dave's truck.  At the end of the trip Alan transported Dave & Tommy to Hanksville to pick up the newly repaired truck.

After all this - all that was really lost for Dave & Tommy was a 1/2 day fishing on Saturday and about an extra hour or so of travel time on the way home yesterday!!

Good job everybody!

[freshwater]

I too want to give a huge thank you after all the crap Dave went thru to get us boarded.  There  in comes an apology to Dave as we were planning on being out of there at 6 but ended up 6:45. Dave so sorry I forgot about you needing a ride to Hanksville, tho it wouldn't have been very comfortable. The front and back of truck were purty well filled, But I did have the pontoon with lots of room. Not comefey nor legal ,but passable for a nap.  We had rain from Twin Falls to Boise (120 miles)
We got home a little before 6:00.  NOW a ton of thank you's for all the club stepping up and helping my partner.  It's nice to know you have friends that you can count on to help out when things    go south.  Lois has the truck all unpacked and is waiting for me to go out and back the toon along side the house into its shelter.
Hopefully I can get the health issue straightened out and be back for an encore.  THANKS ALL

[Fishless]

WOW guys way to step up and help, damn Dave that truck has been a pain (didn't you loose the tranny a while back?) used to be you could change a water pump on the side of the road but with all the crap like a/c power steering attached to them you have to take half the front end apart to get to it. Hopefully the mechanics in Hanksville were able to get you back on the road with out taking all your money

[OneBlade]

I agree with all comments - Dave managing all of the trailer/hotel stuff it worked out great.  Nightcrawlers from Liars Corner buy local was nice.  This trip wouldn't happen for me without a nice group like we have going.  Having other friends there (in case things go south with Urbs or boats) for meals and evenings is what makes the trip extra special.  Thanks for all of the tips everyone helping us get on some fish with our late mid-week start.  Brian's wall was our best spot - how fitting to end our weekend there.  Was happy to see Freshwater and Merlot Kid.  I see them on 'another' social media site but was great to see them this trip.  Food was exceptional all nights.  Nice job Kelley and Patti on taking the big walleye again - going to miss the competition if you don't make it next year but at least one of us can win it ;-).  Stevert won big goon fish (striper) - nice job.  Tommy always enjoy your tips and excitement.  Met a few new folks too on this trip too.  Bill, thanks for the beer you have good taste in IPAs.  Larry, thanks for boat help and guidance on how you were catching as well as boat windshield stuff.  Timbo was a great partner on the ride up always full of excitement with my truck.  A great boat mate very accomodating.  Only issue was he snored on the way home.

I already wrote down my fishing notes for this year so I can hit all those same spots and techniques next year, realize the walleye moved, and try out new ones.

[Piscolli]

Wow, you guys are so awesome! That's how the AZCA rolls! 
I'm glad everyone had a great trip and got home safely.