What's New with Anew

Is Spring Weather Close?

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to shed my winter coat and dawn sandals.   Up until this point, spring in the great Northwest has been unseasonably cool and wet, which has slowed the transition to all those fun outside activities.   Fortunately for those of us who like to fish, this news isn't all that bad.   A slow spring is keeping river levels low and water -clarity high, a perfect combination for casting the fly rod.    For the rest of you who prefer a kayak to a drift boat, spring will come and we will be launching on the water before you know it.  

Stay warm this spring with one of our new hooded sweatshirts

Cozy Anew Hooded Sweatshirts - $40

If you are interested in ordering, please contact:   John at John@AnewOutdoors.com or 253-905-6634

Upcoming Events

Yakima River Fly Fishing

March Browns, Blue-wing Olives, Skawalas Stoneflies... They're all happening and the river couldn't be in better shape.   If you like the idea of fishing clear water to hungry winter fish, the time is here.  

April weekend dates available:   18th , 19th , 20th , 25th , 26th , 27th

Call John 253-905-6634 to book your dates.

Spring Kayaking

Spring is just around the corner and with it is kayaking season.   Are your spring and summer kayaking trips planned and on our calendar?    Book now because trips are filling fast and we want to see you soon.

Our Calendar

Notes from the Field

Snow Pack Happens:

La Nina (below average surface water temperatures in the Pacific) means unseasonably cool wet weather for the Pacific Northwest.   This weather pattern means a lot of snow in the mountains, in fact, weather stations throughout the Cascades show anywhere between 90% and 170% of our regular snow-pack.   This larger than normal snow-pack means more water in the rivers and that benefits everyone including fish, farmers, homeowners and recreationalists.   Fish will be happy with more water, which in turn means cooler water temps in the heat of summer.   Farmers are happy because they are allotted more water and more water means larger crops.   Homeowners are happy because there is no water shortage and they can keep their lawns green.   Recreationalists are happy because there is a lot of water to raft, fish, and play in, all be it a little longing for the sun.   Well settle in, long-term weather forecasts are calling for La Nina to continue before it begins to weaken this summer.   Let's hope it's back next winter.

Experience Says

Be Careful When You Cross

If you're like me, the first sign of spring makes you want to ditch the ski boots and dig out the hiking shoes.   As you prepare for hiking this spring, keep in mind that there is over 15 feet of snow in the mountains that will soon be melting into streams and creeks that cut across many of our favorite trails.   Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when dealing with water crossings this spring:

Do your homework

After the winter we had, there is going to be a ton of water in the rivers and creeks this spring.   Before you head out, contact your local ranger station to get an updated trail report and see if vital bridges are still in tact.  

Be prepared

If you are having hard time gathering information on trail conditions, develop an alternative trip itinerary just in case you reach a crossing that is out of your comfort level.   It's not worth taking a swim just because you planned on going from Point A to Point B.  

Cross at low water levels

The best time to cross creeks or streams is obviously when the water level is at it's lowest, which is usually early in the morning or late at night.   If at all possible, camp nearby the crossing so you can wake up early before the heat of the day causes the snow to melt.

Sturdy yourself

I am a huge advocate of hiking with poles and this is just another example of their usefulness.   If you don't have poles, find a sturdy hiking stick to make crossing that much easier.

Undo your straps

In the event that you do go down, the last thing you want is something dragging you under.   Before you cross, undo your waste belt and chest strap so you can easily roll out of your pack.

Warm back up

Once you have successfully crossed, take some time to dry out and warm back up.   It is easy to get "chilled" in our maritime climate, so bring plenty of dry clothing (especially socks) to make sure your experience is an enjoyable one.

Share what you know

Swing by the ranger station on your way home to pass on trail condition information to other spring hiking enthusiasts.

 

John Schaefer

253-905-6634

Get up, Get out, Get Anew

AnewOutdoors.com

P.O. Box 2149

Gig Harbor, WA 98335

1-800-852-5161