REDFISHMANs Blog on RealTravel

Alpine journal: Rugged and Pristine

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:55:09 GMT

After working in Phoenix, I've often wondered why the US insisted on forcing Mexico to cede Arizona as part of the treaty to end the US/Mexican War. Desert, no water, in hospitable terrain to say the least.

After spending the weekend in the White Mountians, near Alpine, Arizona I now understand. This is a beautiful area of Alpine Mountians, meadows, streams and Rivers.

The area abounds with Elk, Deer, Antelope, and Black Bears and is well worth the five hour trip to flee the 100 + Degree (Fh) tempratures of the Valley of the Sun.

I came up to fish the Black River for trout ...

Alpine journal: Western Hospitality

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:31:47 GMT

After escaping Phoenix on a Friday night, Bill, who plays a cowboy in the movies, grilled me a ribeye steak after the resteraunt was technically closed. They also opened the general store for me to buy a map of the Sitsgraves/Apache forest.

The only issue with my cabin is it needs a little work, but the quiet, scenic, remote location and the staff's Western Hospitlaity make the stay very enjoyable.

As I type this I am sitting in front of a wood burning stove to keep warm as the tempratures will drop into the 40's tonight.

United States journal: Escaping the Summer Heat of Phoenix

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:23:15 GMT

Alpine, Arizona in the White Mountians is the most breathtaking and pristine part of the state.

Farmington journal: San Juan River New Mexico

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:21:43 GMT

It may seem counter intuitive to find one of the great Trout Fisheries in the High Desert of New Mexico, and you might also thinks its crazy to wave a stick in the air, cursing the wind, snagging Russian Olive trees, and getting the fin (as my guide says) from a big trout.

However, the San Juan River, outside of Farmington is exactly that: a great trout Fishery and it is worth the effort to fish.

Spring is starting to break through into the high desert and after above average snow fall the river is running high and fast. Normal flows on the San Juan are 800 cubic feet per sec ...

Farmington journal: San Juan River Outfitters

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:21:10 GMT

TJ Massey is an outstanding guide with a intimate knowledge of the San Juan River

Website

http://www .sanjuanriveroutfitters .com/

tj@sanjuanriveroutfitters .com

United States journal: San Juan River New Mexico

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:47:00 GMT

After spending several weeks working in Phoenix, I needed to get away from the valley for some much needed stress relief. What better way for a fisherman, than to visit one of the great trout fisheries of the South West.

Brevard journal: Davidson River

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:58:30 GMT

One of my favorite fly fishing spots is the Davidson River in North Carolina. In my book it's more of a creek compared to Western Rivers, comparable to Oak Creek on its section around Cathedral Rock.

The river in the Pisgah Forest near Brevard is Catch and Release fly only water, and is hatchery supported. This equals a great fisher and opportunity to catch fish that rival in size to Western Rivers.

At the time I fished on Thanksgiving weekend it was the coldest day of the year. Being a Floridian I usually think I can go fishing any day in winter, and for the first time had the ...

Hendersonville journal: Hendersonville Little Theater

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:31:08 GMT

I have to admit, I wasn't prepared for a off Broadway style production in Hendersonville North Carolina. Even the most jaded traveler even one whose family is from the South, cannot sometimes leave his stereotypes behind. Even one who is half yankee on his mother's side.

The Hendersonville Little Theater dates back to the late 60's and it's building is a rustic converted Barn, which was a dichotomous backdrop to the play Kill Joy.

The play written by Jerry Mayer, is a sardonic comedy about a Jewish Ex Wife deciding whether or not to kill her egomanical Ex Husband, who pits his ...

Stirling journal: Spectacular Drive

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:22:26 GMT

The drive from Ft William to Stirlin was spectacular and reminded my travel companion of Alaska. Rob Roy's grave is a detour on the way.

Fort Augustus journal: Fort Augustus

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:01:59 GMT

Fort Williams was built to help control the Highlands by the government. The town eventually took the name of the fort. We spent just a short time here and wandered about. The Caledonian canal has several locks in Fort Williams. The canal connects several lochs together providing an inland water way, much like the Inter-Coastal water way on the east coast of the United States.

There are several pubs and restaurants; however, we chose the Canalside Chip Shop, for Fish-n-Chips and Irn-Bru, and ate next to the Canal.

Picturesque town.

Loch Ness journal: CROSSROADS OF STRIFE

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:59:56 GMT

Urquhart Castle was destroyed during the Jacobite Risings during the struggle between Hanoverian and Stuart Royal Families against the backdrop of the Reformation struggle between Catholic, Presbyterian, and Anglicans. Troops loyal to William of Orange destroyed the castle with explosives to deny its use to Jacobite forces in 1692. The Castle ruins were never rebuilt and is now maintained by the Scottish Historical Society.

It's history can be summed up by continually changing hands between England and Scotland, and while not fighting England the Scots were fighting amongst themselves.

Inverness journal: Capital of the Highlands

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:57:24 GMT

Our initial intent was only to spend a day or so in Inverness. However, we ended up spending 3 nights in town. Visiting the Culloden Battlefield, Fort George and spending a day salmon fishing on the Ness River. Plus to be honest rest and recuperation for our colds.

Like nearly every town we visited Inverness has a Castle, High Street and great pubs and restaurants.

The one sense that the area gives is of the historic and turbulent nature of the history of Scotland. Culloden was the last stand of the Highlanders, the Catholic Stuarts, and Fort George represented the final ...

Inverness journal: Don't Stay Here

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:53:51 GMT

Lumpy bed, inattentive staff, noisy nightlife.

Blair Atholl journal: Its good to be the Duke!

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:44:36 GMT

Blair Castle is seat of a 145,000 Acre estate and is the home of the Duke of Atholl. In the days of the Scottish Kingdom, the Duke's position was only subordinate to the King. The Castle gives tours to the public and allows weddings as well. The Castle in name not function is even more impressive than Holyrood in Edinburgh.

The Line of Dukes going back hundreds of years is a tour through Scotland's history. The Dukes rode beside Robert the Bruce into Battle, stood beside Bonnie Price Charlie (Jacobites) and brother stood against the other with one on the side of the Government (King ...

Pitlochry journal: Finally in the Highlands

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:18:45 GMT

We are finally in the Highlands, after spending 3 days in the lowlands between Edinburgh and Crail Scotland, St Andrews and Dundee.

This is a wonderful small town you can find yourself never leaving. Small Loch Faskally and River Tummel running through the western side of town. The setting is the thing here. It's mountain, loch and river are picturesque and even though built on tourism still has a special charm.

Visited Edradour Distillery once owned my American Gangsters during prohibition. This distillery produces about 12 casks of whiskey (whisky is English) each week. This ...

Dundee journal: Dundee

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:17:42 GMT

After leaving Crail and St Andrews we headed to Dundee on over the Firth of Tay. Went to Discovery Point, visited an 18th Century Frigate. Found a sweet shop and statue of Desperate Dan, Scotland's version of Bugs Bunny.

My overall impression was Dundee was a city on the remake. After economic downturn from the 70's and 80's, Dundee is working hard to improve itself. The city center, square and shopping district are bustling. Great shops with local fudge and sweets hit the spot.

Visited the HMS Unicorn the oldest British Warship afloat. It was one of the last wooden frigates ...

Saint Andrews journal: ST ANDREWS

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:16:29 GMT

Fishing is my hobby, but the ruins of the abbey and castle are worth seeing. Yes I went to St Andrews and didn't do anything related to Golf. I have enough four letter words in my vocabulary from fishing without adding another with Golf. Beautiful setting the Bay of St Andrews.

St Andrews is definitely a university town and also home to exclusive boarding schools. However, it still has the European small town flavor. The ruins of the St Andrews Cathedral, with cemetery and ruins of St Andrews castle are worth the stop to see. Especially for photogs.

There was a major Golf ...

Crail journal: B&B in Crail

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:14:42 GMT

Great treatment and Breakfast. A kings place compared to hostels. Stayed in the family suite, which has a room with 2 twins and a Queen in the master bedroom. Private Bath! Fantastic Garden and is right on the coast line.

Edinburgh journal: AND LET THEM HAVE HAGGIS!

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:13:31 GMT

I must admit, I did not know what Haggis was. I clarify that I know what it is made from.

It's lore proceeds it. But the reality is somewhat different. Potentially due to its basis as a food of the dispossessed, downtrodden, and poor peoples, do foods like Haggis, become looked down upon.

Lobster was once considered a trash food for poor people in the North East US, now look at its status!

Being raised in Florida, or termed a Cracker, I've consumed foods most people from the States would term as bizarre. Frog Legs, Crawdads, Gar Fish, Turtle, Gopher Tortoise(illegal now ...

Edinburgh journal: Last Night in Scotland

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 18:54:09 GMT

In returning to Edinburgh for our return flight the next morning, I am somewhat remiss on leaving Scotland. The friendly people, the Scottish accent, the culture the food, the independent streak all have struck a chord with me.

I would have liked to have more time in Fort Williams, Stirling. My next trip I want to visit the Orkney Islands, or the Isle of Skye, and Oban off the beaten trail more. I want to catch a Salmon and take three weeks instead of two. See the Manic Street Preachers (a welsh band, but a great band none the less).

One last night, let me have Haggis and a wee ...

Stirling journal: Stirling, Gateway to the Highlands

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 18:04:22 GMT

I think that Stirling saved the best for the last of our trip. We visited Stirling Castle, Stirling Bridge, and the Wallace Memorial. Edinburgh is the cultural and political center of Scotland, but Stirling may be the ancient heart of the Scotland.

Stirling history dates back to Roman times, and once was the capital of Scotland. It's history is replete with many battles to control the area and is considered the southern gateway to the Highlands.

Stirling Castle is an impressive fortification, and fantastic view of City.

Stirling Bridge is the site of William Wallace's most ...

Fort William journal: Fort Williams

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 16:51:59 GMT

Fort Williams is considered the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom Fort Williams like Fort Augustus and Fort George were originally built to help pacify the Highlands. Positioned at the northern end of Loch Linhe and near the terminus of the Caledonian Canal that starts at Inverness.

The biggest draw is the Nevis Range of Mountain Peaks which offers climbing, hiking, walking and skiing in winter. The Nevis Range Mountain resort offers stunning views of the Great Glen, the Nevis Range, and of Fort William. Cloudy days are the norm according to the locals.

Fort William journal: Hiking, Climbing, Biking, and Sking

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 16:46:48 GMT

The gondola ride offers a great view and ride to Anoach More. The resort has plenty of walking, climbing and biking pathes for summer activities and offers sking in winter.

Fort William journal: Consistent Quality with MacBackpackers

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 16:36:18 GMT

Good location on the West Coast of Scotland. Consistent approach and quality.

Loch Ness journal: Loch Ness

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 12:21:51 GMT

From Loch Ness to Fort Augustus to Fort Williams the beauty of Scotland demonstrates itself. There is always a point in your travels where you say to yourself, "Do I really want to leave?" This is where the outdoors and nature of Scotland are on full display.

We decided to skip the tourist boats on Loch Ness. Mostly due to chilly weather and colds. We drove highway A82 along the wester side of the Loch, and stop at several car parks and observation points. The scenery, spectacular!

Inverness journal: Home away from Home

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 09:01:21 GMT

One of the Best Hostels in Scotland. Next to Castle on Castle Street

Inverness journal: J Graham and Sons

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:57:06 GMT

After witnessing a salmon jump in Pitlochry and seeing one caught in the River Ness, every ounce of fisherman in me was dying to fish in Scotland. One issue, though is the cost. It is expensive in the UK to fish. I did find a great alternative though. If you are an experienced angler, J Graham and Sons can provide you with permit, waders, and rod and reel for a reasonable price. My total cost for a daily permit of $30 pounds and tackle and lures for $37, was an affordable alternative. Most guides, or gillies cost anywhere from $150 pounds to $350 for the day. For us Americans the ...

Inverness journal: Holding the Highlanders at Bay

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:16:16 GMT

Fort George was built after the victory at Culloden by King George's government troops. It never fullfiled its intended mission which was to destroy a highland charge. It did however, firmly establish control on the Inverness area for the government in London. This Georgian fort was built to defeat an attack from inland. Any army approaching would have been under fire from multiple points from the bastions artillery and mortars. It was in its time a city on to itself, and is today still an active barracks and training ground for Highland Regiments in Her Majesty's Armed Forces

Inverness journal: Last gasp of the Jacobites

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 07:58:35 GMT

The film, museum, and audio tour give a good account for the importance and history of Scotland. Walking the battlefield allows you to grasp how fullish a site it was to chose for a battle. Bonnie Prince Charlie ignored the advise of his General the The Duke of Athol and listened instead to an Irish Mercenary leader. The land is a bog, totally unsuitable to a Highland charge, totally lacking any terrain offering favor to the Jacobites. The Government troops having more cannon and rifles with bayonets were able to slog through the field and to victory. There are Clan Stones marking the ...

Crail journal: Back to the Begining

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:41:49 GMT

I returned to the town that my family takes it name from in Scotland. We're lowlanders and not Highlanders. Farmers and Fisherman is our stock. A quaint and small fishing Village, Crail is a quaint and hospitable. Only 6 miles from famous St. Andrews, Crail is the town that was once the largest fish market in Europe. The fishing fleet is quiet small now focusing on crabs and lobsters in the Firth of Forth. The Harbor is situated directly across from the Isle of May, which legend has is the remnants of where the devil landed when cast out of heaven.

To stand on the harbor wall and ...

Edinburgh journal: First Day in Edinburgh

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:23:25 GMT

Hi All,

I wasn't so sure about this Hostel thing last night, but after being up for two days traveling half away around the world, I slept soundly and didn't mind the coed facilities too much. We meandered around the city center yesterday afternoon and evening. Found a brilliant little dinner named MONSTER MASH with English/Scottish food. The fish and chips and steak-n-mushroom pie were outstanding. Had a pint of Guiness at the Last Drop Pub, which is a checky take on the history of the area, its sits on or near the former Gallows. Also for those people from flat lands, bring your ...

United Kingdom journal: SCOTLAND

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:31:06 GMT

9/30/2007

Off to Scotland today! Traveling light, one carry on back back. Passport, camera, etc. I'll be updating pictures and travel blog as Steve and I roam through Scotland. First three day of the Itinerary is to be in Edinburgh, after that, we are open. Only must see is Crail, Scotland, my surnames place of origin. No specific iteneary planned, we'll wander around a bit!

Edinburgh journal: AND LET THEM EAT HAGGIS!

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:54:31 GMT

If you go to the WORLDS END, it was a half hour wait in the late evening on a Tuesday night, it has a cozy pub and small dining section. Worth the wait. Recommend eating at one of the three pub tables, patrons and staff are friendly. The fried Haddock and Steak Pie looked wonderful. My guess Friday and Saturday night would be a good wait. My only complaint is Budweiser on tap, and not the CZECH version, the American knock off.

Cheers!