Big Paw in the sierras of California. Pics!

Joe Duder

Joe Duder

Joined
Jan 22, 2013
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Just got back from the sierras with a couple buddies. We were at about 8000' elevation. Not terribly high, but your lungs feel it on the steep parts of the trail. We caught some cutthroats and rainbows and a whole lot of thunder and lightning. Check that, correction* a whole lot of way too close, leave your pole in the water and run for the truck lightning.


I had a great time catching up with my buddies. I don't have any pics of the Big Paw in action, the camera was always too far from the ice chest or campfire. But here are some pics.


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Caples lake, dusk.
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The charming little town of Markleeville.
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I believe in picking up a little something from the local markets of these little towns. They're mostly outfitted for fishermen like me, so it's important to me to always try and help out a little. I scored this little gem. My first Opinel.
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Here's the view from the top of the giant granite rock formation above our campsite.
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Unusual succulents growing out of the shadows of the decomposing granite. Very interesting shades of pink and jade, this pic doesn't capture it beauty.
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There was something about this tree that grabbed me. Could have been the slight hangover or the elevation, but it's natural bends and curves amazed me. I believe it's a stunted Sequoia. I'm not sure but I think it was very very old. I dubbed it "The big little giant".
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Not everyone respected this elder.
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It was a fun trip. I hope you enjoyed the pics as much as I enjoyed taking them. I leave you with a shot of the Big a Paw.
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Hey Duder

Looks like a good time was had by all. Awesome pics, thanks for sharing !

Peter
 
I am amazed at how life finds a way, even in hostile environments. The tree with roots between rocks. The moss, the succulent. Just beautiful. Nice Big Paw as well.
 
Awesome man! We're going back up in a few days. It'll be the 4th camp this year.

I keep my eyes open at every single place that sells Coghlan camping stuff for their repackaged Opinel "Camp Knife". Still haven't found one. Google says the drive between Hume and where you bought your knife is 5 hours and 45 minutes. :( Depending on the price, I'd buy em all. Opinels are fantastic knives for the money.

Great to hear you had a good time. I always love these threads. :)

Edit- oh yeah, if you ever want to modify that little Opinel (no8?) do a search. You'll find mine modified for insane sharpness, then trimming the blade down to about 1" for a dedicated wood carving folder and a slew of other cool mods from others. ;)
 
Love the pictures and what wonderful scenery Joe. :thumbup:
But where are the pictures of the fish mate?
My mates and I go fishing every year down in the Victorian high plains, these photos only wet my appetite for the upcoming trip.
I love the Big Paw and I'm yet to put mine to work .
By the way Joe what camera and lens did you use?


Mick
 
Strigamort said:
Awesome man! We're going back up in a few days. It'll be the 4th camp this year.

I keep my eyes open at every single place that sells Coghlan camping stuff for their repackaged Opinel "Camp Knife". Still haven't found one. Google says the drive between Hume and where you bought your knife is 5 hours and 45 minutes. :( Depending on the price, I'd buy em all. Opinels are fantastic knives for the money.

Great to hear you had a good time. I always love these threads. :)

Edit- oh yeah, if you ever want to modify that little Opinel (no8?) do a search. You'll find mine modified for insane sharpness, then trimming the blade down to about 1" for a dedicated wood carving folder and a slew of other cool mods from others. ;)
Click to expand...

I purchased a #9 and wish I never did! I'm gonna have to collect the whole line now. A couple of passes on my strop and I can feather stick hair. Opinels are awesome.

Crano said:
Love the pictures and what wonderful scenery Joe. :thumbup:
But where are the pictures of the fish mate?
My mates and I go fishing every year down in the Victorian high plains, these photos only wet my appetite for the upcoming trip.
I love the Big Paw and I'm yet to put mine to work .
By the way Joe what camera and lens did you use?


Mick
Click to expand...

Thanks Mick. I have to admit, I'm a lazy ass. Everytime I thought to take a picture, the camera was to far for me to make an effort for, I was caught up in the moment. I froze the fish and usually thaw them out overnight in a brine for smoking. I plan on busting out the smoke box and alder chips for a day of smoking this week. I'll take some pics and bump this thread with them.

I have a simple point and shoot Canon Powershot elph330hs. The lens was dirty too.
 
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Great stuff Duder. I love the pics of the lake and the quaint town. That tree is pretty cool. Growing up through a rock and through an old stump - that is one hardy tree. Great sunset pic too. Those are always my favorites.

I don't have an Opinel yet, but I have a Svord peasant knife that's similar in it's sharpness. It would easily lop off a finger (which would be easy to do since it's a friction folder) and you wouldn't even know it had happened.

Thanks for sharing!
 
Love the little giant. Great pics of a beautiful area.

Is that the black and brown micarta?
 
Great pics. I can't get enough of Opinels either.

Both the carbon and the stainless are great.
 
Looks like an awesome trip duder, the trees over there are crazy! Scenery like that reminds me how blessed I am to be living in this country. Thanks for sharing!
 
This thread has me wanting to purchase one Fiddleback, one Opinel, and run up into the woods behind my house.
Great pics of that tree too! Nature at its best.
 
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