Spotting Spawning Salmon

For the past couple of years, we've made the five mile round-trip trek at Causey Reservoir to see the annual Kokanee salmon run. This year, we weren't feeling up to such a journey, knowing that the kids aren't quite ready for a hike of that length (which means we'd be carrying them out and they're not as light as they used to be!).  Luckily, there's a place you can drive right up to see the action, no major hikes required!  That place is Porcupine Reservoir in Cache Valley.  And because any trip to Cache Valley isn't complete without some sort of gathering of Elwoods, we made it into an impromptu party on September 29th with Nate, Rachelle, Evelyn, Bradley (and Cabela), and Kylie and Michael joining us for the adventure.  We had a great time walking along the stream, admiring the bright red fish, and marveling at the life cycle of such creatures.  We then found a somewhat sheltered-from-the-wind picnic spot and enjoyed dinner together before parting ways.  What a fun way to spend an afternoon!

Someone was pooped - she fell asleep on the
drive to the reservoir.

What a sight!  Red in the water and in the trees!

The Little Bear River, which fills Porcupine.

Giant beaver dams we climbed over to get
further upstream to see more fish.

Now isn't that a nice setting for a picnic?!

Side note: Cal had requested to wear her dress that is the same
as Ev's in this picture "because Evy has one, and I bet we'll be
twins!".  We talked her out of it just to save a wardrobe change,
and what do you know, she was wearing the beloved dress!
(I couldn't keep them straight all afternoon, since Cal is often
dressed in a similar outfit!)