My cousin is a fantastic runner and currently runs on the Navy Cross Country team. Their team has been doing some altitude training in Flagstaff, and we started talking about getting out and doing some fishing here in AZ. On Saturday, he and I, along with 5 other members of the team ran up to the walk in portion of Lees Ferry to see if we could tempt the rainbow trout that reside there.
Long story short, the fishing was pretty slow, but I had a good time showing the guys the water and trying to teach them what little I know about fishing big water like the Colorado River. Lees Ferry is a very striking location and I never get sick of spending time up in that part of the state.
Lees Ferry RainbowLees Ferry Walk In AreaMy cousin, Sam, working a riffle at the Walk InFlogging waterLees Ferry Fly FishingLees FerryLees Ferry
Where I live, normal temps in the summer can reach 115 degrees. In Arizona, coolers are not optional; they are a necessity. Enter the 16 Quart Stanley Adventure Cooler.
Stanley Adventure Cooler
First impressions:
The Lifetime Warranty – Pretty self-explanatory. I love warranties.
Dimensions – The Stanley Adventure Cooler exterior measures 16.6″ x 12.1″ x 11.3″ while the interior measures 12.7″ x 9″ x 8.3″ inches. The cooler weighs in at 8 lbs. 4 oz. and has a 16 quart capacity.
Integrated Adjustable Bungee System – One of the most noticeable features of the Stanley Adventure Cooler is the adjustable tie-down bungee system that is perfect for holding plates, cups, or even a thermos.
Stanley Adventure Cooler with integrated bungee system
Field Use:
The Stanley Adventure Cooler is constructed with a high-density polyethylene shell foam-insulated body and lid. The two latches on the front make sure the top stays closed when the Stanley is bouncing around in the back of the truck. The overall construction of the cooler is pretty rock solid and I can see how this little cooler could stand up to some serious abuse. Through my short use of it so far, I was a little concerned about the movement in the handle, but knowing that a lifetime warranty covers the Stanley Adventure Cooler, quickly puts my mind at ease.
Stanley Adventure Cooler
Built with a heavy duty leak resistant gasket, the Stanley cooler is rated for 36 hours of ice retention. That 36 hour number was pretty interesting to me, so I decided to do my own, extremly unscientific test to see how well the cooler would work on a typical day out hunting quail. So I filled the cooler up with beverages, ice, and a couple frozen water bottles and put it out in the backyard for 8 hours in direct sun on a 112 degree Phoenix, Arizona day. When I picked up the handle and felt the body of the cooler it was hot to the touch. But inside I still had some ice as well as the frozen water bottles. For a $65 cooler, I was impressed.
Stanley Adventure Cooler
This beefy 16 quart cooler can hold up to 21 cans and will also fit a regular 32 oz Nalgene bottle standing up. I was a little bummed when I went to put a case of bottled brew in the cooler and realized that the top would not close while the bottles were standing straight up.
Pros:
– Lifetime Warranty
– Price
– Leak-resistant construction
– Adjustable tie-down bungees secure
– Rugged polyethylene exterior with foam-insulated body and lid
Cons:
– Cooler is not tall enough to fit a regular 12oz bottle standing up
– Handle
Prognosis: If you are in the market for a new the Stanley Adventure Cooler should absolutely be on your radar. A great cooler with an even greater warranty.
Stanley Adventure Cooler 16 quart
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Stanley Brand productswere provided for the purpose of this review and the links in the article help to pay the bills here on Arizona Wanderings. As always, I always strive to be up front and honest about gear and my relationships with gear companies. Thanks for looking.
With the temperatures rising all over the state, we made a quick trip to a high elevation stream in the White Mountains. The cicadas are singing in the trees and the fish were looking up, eager to take big bugs. Anything that splats on the water seemed to illicit a response.
Book Report: Shotguns and Shooting by Michael McIntosh
Shotguns and Shooting by Michael McIntosh
My good buddy DJ, shoved this book into my hand and told me quite sternly that I had to read it. The thought of reading a book on shooting didn’t really appeal to me, as I thought it would be a bit too academic and rigid for my taste. I was wrong.
Shotguns and Shooting is divided into two different sections. In the first section,Michael McIntosh takes the reader through a flowing historical description of the art gunmaking and the milestone achievements of shotgun history. The book then moves into the second section and focuses on the art and discipline of shotgun shooting. By the time I finished the 280 page book, there was no doubt in my mind that Michael McIntosh knows what he’s talking about and I truly enjoyed the flow of the book. Bottom line, this book is a great read, and if you’re jonesing for shotguns and quail season, it’ll will help a little bit.
We made the journey back east to Grandma’s house a few weeks back. As you might imagine, it was action packed with an 18 month old. We visited all the usual haunts and enjoyed the company of those we love so much, but only see a couple times a year. I fixed my brothers up with a set of the Orvis Encounter Combos, and we made the sunfish at the cottage pay for it. We ate enough icecream and sweets to make us swear off sugar for a couple of weeks. All in all, there is no better way to spend vacation.
My girls love their icecream18 months and on top of the worldNeighSummertime swingingNo place like Grandma’sThe RanchWhen in PA…PerspectiveBoat ridesWoofBrother oneBrother twoMama and her babiesHelping Grandma make pizzasGetting after itRainjacket. Something we don’t often need in ArizonaLong walks on dirt roadsNew best friendsThe gang
This past Friday was the inaugural Bar Fly here in Phoenix, Arizona. The kind folks over at Boulders on Broadway were decent enough to let us crash their place and scatter vises and fly tying material all around. There was a pretty good turnout for such short notice, and the hope is to plan an event for every couple of months. The food was fantastic and the dollar off beer special was extremely generous. Desert Sportsman even donated some fantastic merchandise for giveaways. Make sure you’re at the next one.
Tying Flies and Telling LiesThe next generation of fly tiersBig thanks to Desert Sportsman for donating prizesPassing it on
On a recent trip home from Pyramid Lake, the conversation in the truck turned to fishing in Arizona. We started scheming and pretty soon we had made a makeshift plan to fish Christmas Tree Lake. Christmas Tree Lake on the White Mountain Apache Reservation is arguably the prettiest lake in Arizona, and the Apache Trout that live in it’s waters are always fun to catch.
We rolled into our camp spot at Hawley Lake in the afternoon and made short work of setting up camp and prepping our pontoons for the next day. Aside from the resident Hawley Lake cows making several appearances in the middle of the night, we had an uneventful evening and woke early to break camp. We were the first ones on Christmas Tree Lake and aside from a flock of turkeys, we had the whole place to ourselves for several hours before the first truck showed up.
Fishing was sporadic and the heavy gusty winds made spotting fish a bit tough, but we managed to all take multiple fish throughout the day. Ants and hoppers did well as did chironomids and leeches underneath the water’s surface. We left the lake satisfied, happy, and scheming about the next trip.
Camp LifeApache TroutCataract OarsApache TroutLandeen wrangling a fish to the netA view up the lake
I had an opportunity to get my hands on some classic Stanley Brand products, and they have been keeping me company at work and in the mountains. Stanley has been in business since 1913 and their name is synonymous with quality.
Stanley Brand thermoses and mugs keep beverages hot and stand up to the day to day abuse of work and the campsite. The 8oz flask is perfect for tucking in your pack for a midsummer fishing trip or a night around the campfire.
Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle (1.4QT) – This big green Stanley thermos is a classic. TheStanley Classic Vacuum Bottle has an iconic look that is matched with a much deserved reputation for keeping your beverages steaming hot for a long time. At 1.4 quarts, this thermos is ideal for those all night drives on the way to a remote fishing spot or a Monday morning at work. It’s the perfect way to make sure you’ve got enough coffee to make it through any situation.
Stanley Adventure Flask (8oz)– It sure is nice to have a rock solid flask to dip into around the campfire to take the chill out of the evening. Fill it with your swill of choice and you’re on your way.
Stanley Adventure FlaskStanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug
Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug (16oz) – This Stanley mug sees daily use at the office. It is not unusual for a project to keep me engrossed for most of the morning and I neglect to drink my coffee. With the Stanley Vacuum Mug, my coffee stays hot, well into the afternoon, so I’ll always get a hot cup of coffee.
Stanley Brand
Prognosis: If you are looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift, definitely give the Stanley Brand a look. There is something for everyone in their lineup.
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Stanley Brand productswere provided for the purpose of this review and the links in the article help to pay the bills here on Arizona Wanderings. As always, I always strive to be up front and honest about gear and my relationships with gear companies. Thanks for looking
