Angler's Rainbow

A little postcard sized rainbow trout I painted yesterday.  This will be a door prize at the Angle's Club of Philadelphia Diner being held April 14th.  Tight Lines.

Here is the photo of the real fish by Bian Johnson from Flickr. 

Male Dace Streamer

Found this beautifully tied fly on "Streamers 365"  This is the "Male Dace Streamer" tied by Bob Petti, designed by the master Lew Oatman.  Here is the direct link: Streamers 365

Happy Easter!

9" x 12"

Opening Day 2012

Opening day has already come and gone here in South Eastern PA.  It was a bit rainy so instead of actually catching any fish, (trust me I tried) here is a painting of a nice rainbow that I wish I had caught. 

11.5" x 15"

English Springer Spaniel

When I was a kid I had an English Springer Spaniel named Rupert.  Rupert was one of two dogs we had at the time, the other an English Sheep Dog named Shag-Bag...aka, "Shag".  The term "springer", according to Wikipedia comes from their historic hunting role, where the dogs would "spring" or "flush" birds into the air. 

There was no mistaking Rupert's fondness of springing into the air.  He drove Shag crazy.   

Rupert was actually a total spaz.  He didn't last too long in our family, but wreaked havoc while we had him.  He needed to get out to a place where he could run free.  

Recently came across some pictures from a hunter friend of mine on the Hunting Subsite of Reddit  His name is Beau, and is apparently is the spitting image of his father and a natural hunter.  He's no doubt a more relaxed pooch than Rupert.  I haven't really painted too many dogs, but I like how this turned out.  I'll be doing some more in the future...if they can sit still.

Here is a picture of Rudneck's Springer Spaniel:

Taste God's Country - Jackson Hole Part 2

Continuing with the theme of ski town culinary delights, our next stop is Teton Thai.  Located in Teton Village, just a short walk from the base of the Tram, Teton Thai is the perfect post ski spot to dig into some amazing authentic Thai Cuisine.  This place was filled with locals, so you know it's the real deal.   

The Spicy Margarita

The Menu has all of the classic Thai dishes.  We got into the Pad Thai...spicy level 3.  The spicy scale goes from 1-5.  Not really sure how someone could manage level 5.  Level 3 had me at my sweaty limit.  Not to mention I topped that off with a Spicy Margarita.  Wow.  That's a damn good combo that really brings the heat.

The Bar at Teton Thai

Here are some of the other establishments where we dined;

Apres Ski Spots included The Alpenhoff Bar & Bistro.  They deliver a "roaring fire, live entertainment and the friendliest crowd in Teton Village".  This place was a blast and it's clear that everyone was enjoying themselves.  How could you not?  Buzzes were flying high and the band was kickin'!   

Alpenhoff Bar & Bistro

Next on the list of Apre' Ski hot spots is the Mangy Moose.  This is the old faithful of Apres Ski. The Moose provides a huge list of beers, a great crowd and unmatched mountains of Nachos.   They also have a nice sized stage for casual post skiing solo acts, and concert style music events.

The Moose Hangs Above Your Head

Mangy Moose Nachos

The Peak is located slope side in the Four Seasons and is a great spot to catch the last rays of Sunshine after a long cold day.  They serve craft beer, creative cocktails and wines by the glass while you sit in an oversided deck chair watching skiers make it down Apres Vous.

View from Peak at the 4 Seasons

Bloody -The Peak at the 4 Seasons (photo Allie Arthur)

 Corbet's Cabin is located at the top of Rendezvous Mountain, has grab-n-go items, world-famous waffles and unlimited views.  You are at 10,450 feet and feel as though you are on the top of the world.  It's the perfect spot to stop after jumping off the Tram to get one last bit of warmth before you rip down the mountain.

  

Corbet's Cabin 10,450 feet

Another more sophisticated dining experience is Osteria.  Located at the base of Teton Village, Osteria boast delicious Italian Cuisine and a top notch wine bar.  Our choices were the Buffalo Ragu Fucilli Pasta and Veal Shank over Gnoccis and Broccoli Rabe

Buffalo Ragu Fucilli Pasta 

Veal Shank over gnocci and broccoli rabe

What Valentines diner with my wife would be complete without gourging ourselves on Sushi.  We made reservations at Masa Sushi in Teton Village for 7:30.  We showed up at 6:00.  Enough said.  The place is legit and they take care of you like you are family.  Sit at the sushi bar and talk to Mike, the son of the owners.  He's the man.  Enjoy a few saki bombs with him.

Whats left of my sushi plate.

And finally here are a few shots of the 12+ inches of new snow that fell during our visit.  The skiing was superb.  Jackson Hole has no substitute.

View of Teton Valley After 6" Fresh.

Cheyenne Chapel hidden in the pines good place to "pray"

Above Bernie's Bowl  Steep and Deep.

Taste God's Country - Jackson Hole Style

Culinary Adventures in Jackson Hole

I have not really focused on food over the past few years in my blog and thought my recent trip into God's Country, aka... Jackson Hole, Wyoming would make a choice cut for my readers.  After all, I do believe that besides fishing and art, the other most important vices are food, booze and skiing.  Recently, my wife and I were lucky enough to escape for a few days into the West for a little R&R, some world class skiing and  some fine cuisine.  Over the next few days I'll take you on a little journey into our  trip.  

  

Cafe Genevieve 

"Inspired Home Cooking"

Pork Belly Hash w/ Eggs Beni

We began our foray at Cafe Genevieve at 135 East Broadway in the center of Jackson Hole.  Housed in a historic log cabin, the warm atmosphere is the perfect spot to indulge after a long flight in from anywhere else in the "real world".  The Managing Partner, Fred Peightal pictured below, a graduate of the Cornell Hotel Administration School and French Culinary Institute, has pieced together an amazing menu of comforting plates and inviting atmosphere.  His Partner, Joshua Govenale ads a depth of culinary creativity and  kick assery.

I was presented with Pork Belly Hashed Eggs Beni.  To date, the best eggs beni I've had.  No Contest.  My accomplice ordered the Cuban Sandwich with hand cut chips.  When she wasn't looking, I ate half of this as well.  Awesome.

Classic Cuban Sandwich

The highlight, of your visit that you will press into your flavor brain is the Candy....Pig Candy.  Oh My God.  The Pig Candy.  Don't take my word for it...just ask the good folks at the PorkKnifeandSpoon the official blog of the National Pork Board.  If anyone knows of a word to that combines "Pork", "Ridiculous", and "Holy Bacon", please let me know so I can edit this.

Pig Candy and Paco's IPA 

And to wash it all down, the ladies might enjoy a nice mamosa or a bloody mary.  I on the other hand chose a local IPA called Pako's.  Pako's Eye-P-A is a creation of the Snake River Brewing Company with a 6.8% ABV.  This is a damn good beer with a full hoppy flavor.  A perfect apre' ski lube to get your buzz to an acceptable plateau.  Pako, as legend has it, is a one eyed dog...or is he?

Fred joined me at 10,000 feet the next day for a few runs from the top of The Tram where we took advantage of some classic Teton Powder.  We worked up a hefty appetite and followed that up with a few apres' beers.  I'll fill you in later on a few more of our culinary adventures as my Wife and I explored through the Teton Valley for our 10th Valentine's Day!

The Tram

Fred Peightal

Glorious Pow

In A Daydream

There is a song by The Freddy Jones Band called "In a Daydream".  It starts off like this:

Tuesday mornin' never looked so good / I'm already in, In a daydream... 

Well...it was actually this past Tuesday morning when I got a text from my buddy, we'll call him "The Forcer".  The text was no text at all, but rather this picture.  Enough said.  Daydreaming begin.....

The Forcer had just hooked into this beautiful Bone Fish on the fly down in Island of Andros in the Bahamas.  A yearly pilgrimage to Andros with The Forcer and a team of jackals, I have been on the invite list for many years, but have failed to make the trip.  I'm told this trip includes camping on the beach, drinking heavily, and slaying big bones.  Someone remind me again WHY I haven't joined?

The weather report calls for snow in the NorthEast this week and I am sitting at my desk in this "daydream".  As I flip through the text from The Forcer, an email literally floats into my inbox from another good friend, we'll call this one "Dr. J".  This email contains only the picture below:

One might assume, these are two friends of mine who are on a trip together.  One would be wrong.  They have never met, and are on two separate trips.  Dr. J is in Islamorada.  While I sit. At my desk.  In A Daydream. 

Freddy Jones Band, Vail 11/21/09

Tuesday mornin'

never looked so good

I'm already in

In a daydream

The sun is shinin'

It's here to wake me up

No one around

Just me and the sky

I'm already in

In a daydream

The sky is callin'

It's callin' out my name

Telling me just to stay

Stay, don't go away

And a breeze is blowin'

Blowin' across my face

Well I just don't know where

But I wish I could be there

Just for a little while

I'm already in

In a daydream

Fishing Jones - Profiles My Painting for Blog Post

Pete McDonald's blog Fishingjones.com describes being "done in by a professional" drinker.

Open Access in Winter

Hunkered down for the winter, I thought this would be a nice subject.   

I imagined that beyond this old gate lies a nice trout stream waiting to be discovered.  This is the kind of spot that requires some whisky running through your blood to keep warm. 

I found this photo on flickr.com by a photographer and artist Allison Ryder .  The photo was accompanied by this Poem:

"i'm tired" thought the fence ~ winter fence friday {Explore}

In the mountains through and around,
along the road here's what i found.
a fence so old
it could no longer stand.

The snow came down warm and hard
settling itself on wood and barb.
it whispered "my dear tired fence,
let me lay with you, you’re not alone."

Sighing deep the fence let go
Leaning now against the snow.
resigned but happy
a fence no more.~ Allison Ryder