Interesting, when I talk to other anglers about RF they speak of it with reverence. Only having been there once, and the place covered in snow, I have a good impression of it. Perhaps Im hanging out with the wrong anglers. :)
One report from a friend said the place was 'busy' this weekend, but they still managed to pull a few brutes to shore.
I can see that place getting pummeled in the summer, but I tend to head for the hills that time of year.
BP
At 10:07 AM 1/25/2005, you wrote:
I get POed when so-called authorities blow in from somewhere else and then complain that local conditions aren't up to their lofty standards or expectations. In fairness, I didn't read the original article and so my post was probably off the mark.
Also in fairness, Rocky Ford isn't the pristine fishery one might name in their top 2, 3 or even 10 list. It's fished hard and the fish and the venue show it. The fish have seen it all (and usually in just the past week) and the trash left by previous anglers is downright embarrassing. Though a lot of Washington fishers shun it, RF is what it is: a place to scratch one's itch for a big fish any time of year.
I enjoy my trips to Ephrata and have had nothing but good experiences there, including reasonably-priced and clean lodging and wonderful meals at the Bass Club. I'll try out your recommendations next trip.
Kent
Ken,
You need to go work for the BBC. Your glass, like theirs, is always half empty. Especially the whine (wine) glass. Or whinging as the Brits say. :)
Mike
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kent Lufkin Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 6:01 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: FW: Fly Rod & Reel - Rocky Ford Creek
Nicely written letter Mike, with a respectful tone.
I'm glad to see you didn't 'pile on' by mentioning how the impoverished Grant county seat has had to deal with a rash of murders and assaults (including a recent homicide by a 12-year old boy); how the county has the sad distinction of having the highest number of unsolved homicides in the state; how its declining tax base has adversely impacted it ability to provide basic services like adequate law enforcement to much of its rural population; or how its Public Defender's office has been decimated by charges of incompetence, mismanagement and the very public disbarring of at least one PD attorney accused of overcharging and bilking his poor clients out of their meager savings.
Of course none of these factors can possibly mitigate Ephrata's glaring lack of a 3-star restaurant.
K
awayThis is the letter I sent to Paul.
-----Original Message----- From: Michael Santangelo [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 11:38 AM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject: Fly Rod & Reel - Rocky Ford Creek
Dear Paul,
I couldn't help but notice you article about Rocky Ford Creek near Ephrata Washington. While I currently live in the Netherlands, my home until two years ago, was the Seattle area. My in-laws live in two and half hoursmisunderstandingfrom Seattle in Soap Lake, a community adjacent to Ephrata. Frequent trips to the in-laws accompanied with mandatory excursions to the Ford make me somewhat familiar with the area.
I think the last paragraph of your article indicates a realthoughof Ephrata and its surrounding community. Ephrata isn't exactly what you would call a bell weather city. It is a farm community that is going>mind rather than fly fishing" is accurate.its own tribulations like most any farm community in America today. A big event in Ephrata was the opening of the local Wal Mart. That saved folks having to make the trip to the Wal Mart in the larger nearby community of Moses Lake. So, your sentence that "Ephrata does have other thing on its
>
>However, please consider what else may be on their mind. Did you know that
>Ephrata bases the longest serving Army National Guard unit in Iraq. Thisunit is on the longest deployment of any Guard unit since WWII. Thisburdenhas made a major financial and emotional impact on the community. WhileI'mmysure your statements are accurate in your perspective, I think your opinion gives the community a kick while they are already down. Rather than make>War".own argument concerning the costs of this type of burden, I will refer you to the August 2004 "Money" magazine article titled, "Ephrata Pays for the
For future reference, here are a couple of suggestions in case you wish to reconsider you opinions on restaurants and lodging. For an outstanding burger, check out DK's on the north edge of Ephrata. For one of the best steaks ever, go to Don's in Soap Lake. I use their steaks as a basis by which to judge other steaks.
Fine and interesting lodging can be found in Soap Lake at either the Inn at Soap Lake or the Notaras Lodge.
Check them out and let me know what you think.
Best Regards,
Michael Santangelo
