Started over to the Yak a little late so when I got to the river it was
already 1:30 and the bugs were out so I quickly got the pontoon boat rigged
for it�s first on the Yak. I had a new 30# chain anchor to try and my new 4
wt and my new sheath knife ( in case I had to cut the anchor line rather
quickly). Last thing I had to do was mount the knife on the frame some where
and I was off. Can you guess what happened next ? Did I mention the knife
was very sharp? Did I feel really dumb or what?
Of course I didn�t have a patch kit. What a dumb question. I get to
spend the next 3 or 4 hours trying to find something in Ellensburg to
patch my boat with or I�d to be stranded on the beach Sunday as well. I get
some Pliobond and a piece of black rubber patch material from Red and
patched her up.
Arranged a shuttle with the three women camped next to me at Red�s and
we were going to float from Red�s to the Slab. Used their pump and asked if
I could take it with me just in case. So the patch seems fine no leaks and
we�re off. Got to test the anchor, do a little casting standing up (a real
joy), and actually take a few pictures. Did I mention the fishing was real
slow?
It�s getting warmer, I�ve been out for about an hour and I think I
smell Pliobond. I look down and my overheated black patch has become the
blackhead from hell and it�s about to pop. Did I mention I was in a part of
the canyon with sheer walls with no road access?
Of course I row like hell. I�m not that dumb. Only the last 1/8 inch
edge of the patch is holding and it�s the size of a tennis ball, and I have
no idea how far to the next access. I go about a mile and spot the first
point with an eddy and a muddy take out. The patch holds till I make the
beach and starts a slow hiss as I get out. Guess I�m just a lucky guy.
Tight lines my friends,
Charlie
PS After hitchhiking to get the truck, hauling it all down to Slab and
washing all the mud off everything, I did get to fish for a few hours but
caught no fish. Beautiful 2 days anyway.
