[Steelheader69]

I added this in the PHWFF section, but this is sort of a last minute thing, so wanted to get in touch with a few on here. We need boats here. Here's what I posted there.

I know this is last minute. But we had a ton of last minute add ons. Thought the boats that were going to be there would cover it. Plus, I may not be able to go. So down a boat there. So as of right now, we need a minimum of two driftboats/rafts/catarafts to take soldiers down for Sunday May 2nd. I won't know until tomorrow when I speak to Cabela's if I can break away on Sunday to head up there.

So if you can, message me here.

Thanks so much, sorry about the last minute. It was a last minute planned thing to do after the FFF Conclave. We'll be drifting from Red's down.

 

[Mumbles]

Jerry, let me ask the house boss. I had planned on fishing the Yakima on the 30th with a couple of friends. Perhaps she'll let me do two trips or I can just get a weekend liberty chit.

 

[Jim Henderson]

Jerry, I can bring my boat over.

 

[Steelheader69]

Thanks Jim. I'll let Chuck know. Will also keep you as a maybe Ed.

 

[Panhandle]

I have a decked out 16 ft RO Guide. This would give me a good excuse to drive over there.

 

[Jim Henderson]

Jerry, when you have the details of the float let me know. I will go over either Friday or Satruday and camp, most likely at Big Pine. I will bring a couple of extra life jackets.

 

[Jason Decker]

pm sent

 

[Steelheader69]

Thanks, so we have one confirmed boat (thanks Jim) and one maybe. Hopefully I'll get my Sunday schedule opened up and I can have my drifter out there too.

 

[Jim Allen]

Jerry

Jim Allen here in Ellensburg. Count me in on the fun. Did this last year and had a super time. 1 Drift boat available with me on the sticks...

 

[Steelheader69]

Ok, thanks guys. Would like to get at least one more boat, will be calling Jason in a bit. But as of right now I have Jim Henderson, Jim Allen, and Panhandle. The float will be on Sunday May 2nd. Not sure on the exact time, but will get finite details from Chuck Tye. A couple more boats would be nice. Sounds like as of right now we have 5 soldiers and 5 volunteers. If we stacked two a boat, that would be 5 boats needed. Have Alex MacDonalds and Chuck Tyes boat. I'm out. I'll be doing Cabela's cooking seminars May 1st and 2nd, and can't get out of it. So my boat is out. Thanks guys, hopefully we can get Ed's and maybe Deckers and think we will be good. BUT, we could have MORE soldiers by the time the FFF conclave hits. So if you want to volunteer your boat, the more the merrier. We can probably fill the seats (disperse the pack a bit more).

 

[Big Tuna]

Good on y'all. Hope you have a wonderful day.

 

[Mumbles]

I'm IN. Looks like I'll fish Friday and just hang in the area. Might be looking for some company camping and fishing on Saturday. Don't ask what such three day weekend pass will cost me, focus instead on it being a three day pass on the Yakima! Hit me with all the particulars and what you'll need me to bring besides my boat and self.

 

[Steelheader69]

Ed, there is the FFF conclave in Eburg that weekend. You could always go over there and hang out.

 

[Steelheader69]

Oh, and once I get all the particulars, I'll let you all know.

 

[Jim Henderson]

Mumbles, Jim A, Alex M, Jason, and Panhandle,
I will be coming over on Friday and camping at Big Pine. Maybe a group of us can go to the FFF conclave on Saturday or possibly drift the section from Reds to Big Pine to check it out for Sunday.
Jim H

 

[Steelheader69]

This is depressing for me. This is the first boating trip I've missed. Hope you guys have a great time. Wish I could go.

 

[Panhandle]

Jim, that sounds like a great idea.

 

[Greg Price]

So....What do the "soldiers" do and what is expected of the drift tboat owner/rower?

Am I missing something here?

Could someone please fill me in?

I have done a few river clean ups with my driftboat that were sponsored by Red's and enjoyed it very much.

 

[Steelheader69]

The soldiers fish, and the rowers do that, row. They just take the soldiers on a fishing trip is what they do. Chances are, you're NOT going to be doing much fishing, but you possibly could get the rod in the water. So what you're doing is taking a combat wounded soldier (usually, some programs are more set with the VA's), alot of ours fresh off the fields in Iraq, out fishing. We spend time with them at the WTU/WTB (Warrior Transition Unit/Warrior Transition Battalion) teaching them to tie flies. Helps get their minds off their medical appointments, thier uncertainty in the military, etc. Has helped alot of them out greatly. So once some have progressed past tying, and have learned to cast, some go on our trips. This is one of them.

This isn't a program that's sponsored by Red's. It's sponsored by many, but run by a national group out of Walter Reed that has expanded nationwide. I guess you haven't heard about Project Healing Waters Greg. You can check out the program more here http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/

 

[Steelheader69]

I have 5 boats now, thanks.