Pinedale Updates, What's happening? Pinedale, Wyoming

Fishing, Fishing, Fishing!
Kids' Fishing Day, Half Moon Lake Fishing Derby planned for June
Fishermen have a lot to look forward to in June! Mark the weekend of June 9th & 10th on your calendars for Kid's Fishing Day and the Half Moon Lake Fishing Derby!

Saturday, June 9th, is Kids' Fishing Day at the CCC Ponds, held in conjunction with National Fishing Week, and sponsored by the Wyoming Game & Fish, Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service and Trout Unlimited. Participants will be awarded prizes, and there will be free lunch and refreshments. Clinics include Spinning & Fly Casting Instruction, Fish Identification, Hook Baiting, Knot Tying, Fish Handling, Fish Habitat, Fish Ethics and Fishing Safety. Parents are encouraged to stay with their kids and take part in the day. Preregistration is requested, and forms can be picked up at the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and Pinedale Ranger District in Pinedale. Adult volunteers are still needed. Anyone interested can contact John Ross at 307-367-4131. For more information, contact Kurt at 367-4326 (USFS) or Hilda at 367-4352. Directions: To get to the CCC Ponds, from Pinedale take the Fremont Lake Road to the Lakeside Lodge turn-off. Continue approximately 1 mile staying to the left and turn left at the CCC Pond sign. See pictures from last year's Kids' Fishing Day here.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 9th & 10th, Half Moon Lake Resort is

hosting their 2001 Half Moon Fishing Derby with over $1000 in cash and prizes. The Derby runs from 8 am-5 pm on Saturday and 8 am-3 pm on Sunday. Mandatory check-in for both days is from 7 am-8 am. Entry fee is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 & under, and $25 per boatload or family. Breakfast will be provided on both days for anglers at 6 am. A Derby Day BBQ will be held on Saturday for $4 for kids and $6 for adults. For more information and entry reservations, call 307-367-6373.

Don't forget to check out the Fly Fishing Hatch Report by John Ross of Two Rivers Emporium in Pinedale for the latest updates on what's working on area lakes and streams to catch 'the big ones'. Hatch Report

The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers many miles of roads for 4-wheeling fun. Roads vary from good gravel to rugged two tracks strewn with protruding boulders.

Be sure to check with the local Forest Service and BLM offices for special regulations regarding travel on specific roads and any seasonal closures. Unlike snowmachines, 4-wheeler rentals are not available locally, mostly because there is more risk of injury in case of an accident. Be aware that anyone driving a 4-wheeler or motorcycle on any Wyoming public road must meet

motorcycle standards by having a valid license plate, brakes, brake light, reflector, headlight, horn, taillight, muffler and mirror. Drivers must have a Class M Motorcycle driver's license and those under 18 must wear a helmet. Three-wheelers may not be ridden on any public roadway, except for agricultural operations.

Many of the roads that are great for 4-wheeling are suitable for mountain biking as well.

Fire Season Already Underway
Bridger-Teton National Forest urges fire safety in Forest
With the 2001 Fire Season already underway, the Bridger-Teton National Forest urges local citizens and all forest users to use extreme caution when working and playing in and around the forest. Visitors are urged to check with local wildland fire agencies to obtain the latest fire regulations and restrictions before heading out into the backcountry. Keep campfires small and use existing facilities (fire rings) whenever available. Always keep campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes and dry grass, rotten logs or stumps and never leave a campfire unattended. When leaving your campfire at any time, drown and stir all campfires with water and make sure they are "dead out." The Bridger-Teton National Forest has already had several small fires, both human and natural caused, on the Forest within the last two weeks.

Campgrounds

Green River Lakes Campground is open, but the drinking water won't be turned on until it has been tested, so no fees are being charged. Fees are now being charged at Fremont Lake Campground, New Fork Lakes and Whiskey Grove Campground. Fremont Lake Campground now has water and Whiskey Grove has a handpump for water. No water is available at New Fork Lakes. Campsites are available on a first-come basis, but some units are also reservable. Contact the local Forest Service offices (in Pinedale and Big Piney) for current

conditions of campgrounds and trails in the Wind River and Wyoming mountains.

Black bears have been reported this week at the upper Fremont Lake Campground in the Upper Green, and a grizzly bear was reported in the Upper Green Jim Creek area south of Gypsum Creek. Bear-proof containers are available at some campspots at Green River Lakes. This week's Pinedale Roundup newspaper has a picture of one of two cougars that were spotted recently by the Willow Creek Guard Station.

LOCAL FOCUS
Pinedale High School Rodeo on Saturday, June 2
The Pinedale High School Rodeo will be held on Saturday, June 2 from 8 am - 5 pm at the Pinedale Rodeo Arena, just south of Pinedale. Two hundred and fifty High School competitors will participate in bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, calf roping team roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, goat tying, pole bending, & cutting.

Rendezvous Meadows Junior Golf Association
The summer golf program for the Rendezvous Meadows Junior Golf Association begins Tuesday, June 5 and is open to children 9-18. An organizational meeting will be held at 4 pm (for 9-11 year olds) and 5:30 pm (for 12-18 year olds). Monday-Wednesday, June 11-13, Henry Wilks will be giving a 3-day clinic beginning at 9:00 am each day. Cost is $10 for membership dues for 2001. The Wyoming State Junior Golf Tournament will be held at Green Hills Golf Course in Worland on June 16-17. Registration forms are available at the Rendezvous Meadows Pro Shop in Pinedale. Please call 307-367-4252 for more information.

Big Piney 10 Year High School Reunion, Class of 1991
The Big Piney Class of 1991 10 Year Reunion will be held July 13-15. Plans now are to have a get-together on Friday, July 13 at 7:30 pm at the Big Piney High School for coffee and brownies. On Saturday there will be a picnic at the Mableton Town Park at noon. Food will be provided (please send $6.50 with your registration). Bring your own drinks. Sunday there will be a get-together at 11:00 at Middle Piney Lake. Graduates, if you have not yet been contacted about the reunion, call Tanya Elliott at 307-276-3408 or e-mail tcubed@animail.net for more information. Mark your calendars and RSVP by June 1st!

New on Pinedale Online!
Sunset Ranch Stables
Sunset Ranch, located on Pole Creek Road south of Pinedale, offers a wide variety of services from horse boarding to banquet catering. Facilities include an indoor arena, stables and pastures. Horse boarding, riding classes, dog kennels, guided horse rentals and the riding arena are available. Their facilities are available for group functions such as banquets, parties, classes, dances, and auctions. Mechanical bull riding and monthly flea markets are held. They do catering and have a fully equipped bar and kitchen overlooking the arena. They are located at 100 Badger Ridge Road. Phone: 307-367-6221, evenings: 367-6224, cell: 360-6226. Click here for more information.

Beautiful Road!
Pinedale road construction is almost completed and it looks great! Some minor spot work is still being done on

manhole covers, and is expected to be completed in about a week. There are no delays through town and all businesses and side streets are accessible.
OTHER CONSTRUCTION:
If you are traveling between Pinedale and Jackson, they are doing bridge repairs on 7 bridges along Hwy 191 from the "Rim" through Hoback Canyon. No overweight loads permitted on this highway and width restrictions require vehicles to be 10 feet wide or less. Repair work there will last during the summer. Expect one lane traffic in construction areas and 5-30 minute delays. There is also road work being done between Pinedale and Big Piney on Hwy 189. Construction is along about a 2 mile stretch. Expect one lane traffic and short dirt detours in sections. Some short delays are possible at times with flaggers directing traffic.
WY Department of Transportation (WYDOT) web page

Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Tim Baxley. The boating accident that took his life was tragic. He will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him. Thanks to all those who desperately tried to save him. We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Barbara & Terry Pollard.

Members of the American Mountain Men spent the past week at the Museum of the Mountain Man giving presentations to area schools and visitors on the lives of the mountain men of the early 1800s. Above, Pinedale Elementary School 4th graders use a fur press to tie up a bundle of beaver pelts.

Pinedale Graduation
Friday evening, May 25th, Pinedale High School

Pinedale High School Class of 2001 graduation

held their graduation ceremony for more than 40 graduating seniors in the Pinedale Wrangler Gym.

Valedictorian for

the Class of 2001 is John Cavanagh and Salutatorian is Jenny Overgaag.

Following the graduation ceremony, seniors attended a non-alcoholic class party at the school cafeteria.

Click on thumbnail pictures for a larger view.
Graduation photos by Alan Svalberg.

Badger and Two Bears give a deonstration about early 1800s firearms to Pinedale Preschool children on Friday

Members of the American Mountain Men spent the past week at the Museum of the Mountain Man giving presentations on fur trapping, period weapons, rope making, story telling, singing, making period clothing and much more.

Pinedale 4th graders get to make medicine pouches

Each student had the opportunity to make and keep a small medicine bag necklace. Students from schools in Pinedale, Big Piney, Farson, Rock Springs, and Jackson attended the week-long activities.

The American Mountain Men (AMM) is a national organization devoted to the preservation of the history, traditions and way of life of the mountain

men. Students got to see a mountain man camp, demonstrations on rope making, setting beaver traps, using a beaver press, separating sewing sinew, shooting firearms, story telling and singing, period clothing, money and more.

The AMM have three display exhibits currently at the Museum. Part of the group's charter includes education and members give talks and demonstrations across the country throughout the year. American Mountain Men members came from Wyoming, Colorado, California, and Idaho taking a

Jim demonstrates springing a beaver trap to Pinedale 4th graders

week off from their regular jobs to spend their vacation time to give this week-long living history presentation at the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale. Members will be on hand at the Museum on Saturday, May 26, for Sublette County Day from 10 am until noon.

Sublette County Day at the Museum of the Mountain Man Saturday, May 26
Saturday, May 26th, is "Sublette County Day" at

the Museum of the Mountain Man. All day, Sublette County residents are invited to visit the Museum free of charge. Cake and punch will be available during this day designed as a county appreciation day. The Museum is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm until September 30th.

New exhibits at the Museum include a 3-case fur trade & mountain man display by the American Mountain Men showcasing members' private collections, mountain man era clothing, and guns.

Two photographic displays from Exhibits USA include "Powwow: Native American Celebration" featuring contemporary Native American photographs (May 15-June 15), and "This Contest is for Real Hands" a display of rodeo photos from July 5 - August 16th. The lower gallery of the Museum has been completely renovated to show off the furniture from early Sublette County, as well as the many early Sublette County artifacts from the Museum collection and various loans.

Boating Accident Claims Life of Tim Baxley of Pinedale
Monday, May 28
A boating accident on Little Half Moon Lake Saturday evening has claimed the life of Charles Tim Baxley of Pinedale over Memorial Day weekend. (More information) See local newspapers for indepth story on Thursday.

The Skyline Drive road is open almost to the top. This paved 17-mile drive has beautiful views of Fremont Lake, Half Moon Lake, and the Wind River Mountain skyline, and makes a nice day drive or picnic trip. As of this weekend, the road is open to within 1/2 mile of the top. View above is of Fremont Lake in the foreground, with Little Soda and Soda Lakes in the background.

Skyline Drive open almost to top

Skyline Drive is a scenic, 17-mile drive that climbs from the town of Pinedale up a glacial moraine along Fremont Lake to Elkhart Park, a major trailhead access into the Bridger Wilderness. The road is paved the entire way and winds through rolling sagebrush hills at the lower end, then through groves of aspen and conifer trees as it ascends. As of a couple of days ago, the road was open almost all the way to the top. The campground and trailhead parking lot are still not accessible (see picture). It won't be long though!
Wildlife is often seen on this drive, especially in the mornings and in the evenings, with antelope and deer

being almost guaranteed along the lower glacial moraine. In early spring, elk are often seen grazing in the grassy meadows along the hill slopes (bring binoculars for best views).
This drive has scenic views of 11-mile long Fremont Lake, and Half Moon Lake, and passes by White Pine Ski area. Along the way are numerous pull-outs with scenic vistas for picture-taking, and short side roads to pull off for a family picnic. The main road is well-maintained and has good turn around space at the top for those in RVs or pulling horse trailers. (Side roads are dirt, and can be rocky and a bit rough, and may not be suitable for RVs or low clearance cars.) During the summer season, the Pinedale Ranger District staffs the visitor center at the Trail's End Campground at the end of the road.

Lakeside Lodge, located on Fremont Lake just off this road, offers restaurant, motel and cabin accommodations, and boat rentals.

Half Moon Lake Resort is just a short drive off the Skyline Drive road and has a restaurant and offers overnight cabin

accommodations with scenic views of the lake. Boat and mountain bike rentals are available, and horseback rides can be arranged.

Forest Service campgrounds and public access boat ramps are available at both Fremont and Half Moon Lakes.

Upper end of Fremont Lake as seen from Skyline Drive

Above: Views of Fremont Peak and the upper end of Fremont Lake from the upper Skyline Drive scenic turnout earlier this week.

Entertainment Center Breaks Ground
New Pinedale facility to have 2 movie theaters, 8-lane bowling alley, billiard room, video arcade, fast food court, and 300-seat meeting room.
The Pinedale Entertainment Center (PEC) held their gound-breaking ceremony on Friday, May 11th, to officially begin the construction of the new PEC. Actual construction of the the 22,000 square foot facility will begin in about two weeks and is hoped to be completed by the beginning of November. The Pinedale Entertainment Center is being developed by Tom and Bill Kellen of Cora, along with Charlotte Keyser of Pinedale. The building willl be a pre-engineered steel structure that will be installed on the site. It is located one block off Hwy 191 on the west end of Pinedale near the hockey rink, golf course, and Best Western and new Super 8 motels.

BIG PINEY & MARBLETON still waiting for Wyoming.com internet service
The phone lines have been in place for almost 2 months, but Big Piney and Marbleton are still waiting for the word that they can sign up for higher speed internet access through Wyoming.com. What's the hold up? According to Wyoming.com, things were all set to go, then disagreements emerged with Century-Tel in Kalispell, Montana, about tariffs for the phone line service. Wyoming.com, based out of Riverton, Wyoming, provides internet service throughout the state of Wyoming, including the northern end of Sublette County. Big Piney and Marbleton are currently being served by Trib.com. No word about when the disagreements might be resolved. So in the meantime, south county residents wait for Century Tel and Wyoming.com to work things out.

Pinedale Bed & Breakfasts, the Chambers House, Pole Creek Ranch, and Window on the Winds, offer cozy, affordable accommodations in a friendly home-style setting. The Chambers House is a Pinedale landmark, built in 1933, with 5 guest bedrooms (2 with fireplaces). They are located in downtown Pinedale within walking distance to shopping and restaurants. Pole Creek Ranch is a rustic 2-story log home three miles from Pinedale that has beautiful views of the Wind River Mountains. They offer 3 guest rooms, hot tub, and horseback & buggy rides in a rural setting. Window on the Winds, a 2-story log home located just west of Pinedale on Hwy 191, has pretty views of the Wind River Mountains and offers 4 guest rooms, a hot tub, and gourmet breakfast. Arrangements can be made for horseback riding and guided fishing trips on the Green and New Fork Rivers and into the Bridger Wilderness.

Soda Lake opens for fishing
An almost ritual annual mecca for some, Soda Lake opening day once again attracted many avid fishermen. Click on small pictures to see larger pictures.

More Wilderness Lakes
Anxious to get back into the mountains? Here are more pictures of what await you in the Wind River mountains and Bridger Wilderness area. We're still about a month away from being able to get up to the high country and these high wilderness lakes. (Plan your trip to these places for July or August.) These pictures, courtesty of the Pinedale Ranger District of the US Forest Service, are from earlier summers. Click on smaller picture to see larger version.

Bumps, bruises, 3 stitches, and a steer were the only casualties of this accident. There are truly angels among us.

This pickup truck pulling a horse trailer was hit by a semi-truck near Stanley's Junction west of Pinedale last Thursday. The two occupants, 17 & 15 year old brothers, survived with minor injuries. (click here for larger picture)

Road Construction Update

May 10: It's still a challenge to figure out which lane you're supposed to be in as you get on main street, but the road crews are doing a good job of keeping things well marked for traffic snaking through town around waterline holes. There are no delays for through traffic, but drivers should be aware that there are no pavement markings for the 2 miles through town. Follow signs and orange lane markers. (more)
WYDOT web site for more road construction info

Beautiful High Mountain Lakes

Slide Lake, on the northern end of the Bridger Wilderness, is one of the many beautiful high mountain lakes on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
(click here for more lake pictures)

Hatch Report
John Ross, Two Rivers Emporium
Pinedale Online is proud to now bring you the fly fishing Hatch Report by John Ross, owner of Two Rivers Emporium in Pinedale. Updated weekly during the fishing season, John's intimate knowledge of trout fishing on the Green and New Fork Rivers has made him one of the most knowledgeable fishing experts in the area. Read John's report here on Pinedale Online, hear it each week on the local KPIN radio, or go to his web site for the latest fly fishing news, www.2rivers.net. Two Rivers Emporium is a full service fly fishing shop and offers guided float fishing trips on the Green & New Fork rivers, as well as guided wade fishing on nearby private blue water streams.

Fly Fishing Hatch Report

www.2rivers.net

Wilderness Lakes
We could write lots about how beautiful the lakes are in the Bridger Wilderness and the many reasons why folks love this country, but nothing can say it better than pictures. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger view. Right click on the picture to save it to your computer desktop. Then as you're sitting in your office on the 34th floor looking out your window at a sea of buildings and traffic, dream of 'The Winds'...

Shown above are Titcomb Basin, Black Joe Lake, Cook Lake, Temple and Big Sandy Lakes. Pictures courtesy of the Pinedale Ranger District, US Forest Service.

Want more to escape to?
Read 'Off the Paved Road' by James Rogers and 'Wyoming Cowgirl' by Cris Paravicini.

Where to Find Out More
Many businesses and government agencies now have web sites where you can get more information about the Pinedale and Sublette County area. Below is a list of web sites containing good information about our area:
Bridger-Teton National Forest (gov site)
Daniel Photo Gallery (pictures!)
Pinedale Chamber of Commerce (businesses)
Pinedale Fine Arts Council (schedule)
Pinedale Roundup Newspaper (news)
Sublette County Ag Center (schedule)
Sublette County Extension Office
Sublette County Fair (pictures & schedule)
Sublette County GIS (maps & land info)
Sublette County Library (schedule & services)
Sublette County Photo History (pictures!)
Sublette Citizens for Recycling (what's accepted)
Wyoming BLM (gov site)
Wyoming Game & Fish (gov site)
Wyoming Road Reports (road construction updates)

LOCAL FOCUS:
Trout Unlimited Fundraiser
Upper Green River Chapter 469 of Trout Unlimited is holding an Open House and Fundraiser on Saturday, May 12, from 6-10 pm at the Pinedale VFW. There will be a silent auction, fly casting instruction, cash raffle, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and a Wyoming Game & Fish table. The silent auction and raffle items are sure to get the attention of avid fishermen and women! Items include: Float fishing trips on the Snake River, Green River, and South Fork rivers; A guided walk & wade fishing trip for 2 on the Green River; A guided upland bird hunt for 2; a 2-people, 1-night, 2-day fly fishing stay at the Seven Mile River Ranch; A 2-people, 1-night, 2-day fly fishing stay at the Spotted Horse Ranch; An Orvis Trident 3 weight rod from Orvis; A float tube & kick fins from Two Rivers Emporium; A Sage Large Arbor Reel & Line from High Country Flies; plus two golf green fees for foursome at Rendezvous Meadows Golf Course and other items. For more information, call Two Rivers Emporium at 307-367-4131, www.2rivers.net.

High School Sports Schedule
May 11 (Friday) Regional Track at Rock Springs, 9 am
May 12 (Saturday) Regional Track at Rock Springs, 9 am
May 12-13 (Saturday & Sunday) High School Rodeo at Newcastle, 9 am
May 18-19 (Friday & Saturday) State Track Meet at Casper
May 19-20 (Saturday & Sunday) High School Rodeo at Casper
May 26 (Saturday) High School Rodeo at Buffalo, 10 am
May 27 (Sunday) High School Rodeo at Sheridan, 9 am
May 28 (Monday, Memorial Day) High School Rodeo at Sheridan, 9 am
June 1 (Friday) High School Rodeo Cutting at Steve James Arena, Daniel, 6 pm
June 2 (Saturday) High School Rodeo, Pinedale Rodeo Grounds, 8 am
June 3 (Sunday) High School Rodeo at Jackson, 10 am
June 9-10 (Saturday & Sunday) High School Rodeo at Douglas, 10 am
June 21-24 (Thursday-Sunday) Wyoming High School Rodeo Finals at Douglas

Snowbirds: Many thanks to Pat of the Sun Dance Motel for the fudge care package! We look forward to all our Snowbirds coming back! See you soon!