Notch Peak And The West Desert

I took a trip out to the west desert of Utah with my father to check out some sights that I didn't know about until recently. We left early and headed out to Notch peak. With a 2,200 ft. vertical rise, Notch peak is only surpassed by El Capitan in Yosemite as the largest cliff face in North America. There is about a four mile hike to get to the top that I didn't do on this trip, but I did hike in a ways to get close to the base of the cliff. It was very impressive, and it was neat watching the clouds roll around the summit as they passed by. There are several rock climbing routes people use to climb the face, and some people have even base-jumped from the top.

A few miles away we went and saw the Hermit's cabin. There was a guy that broke down out there in the 20's and just decided to set up shop. He built himself a shelter by building a rock wall in a cave. There was still a wood shelf and fireplace there. It's said that he used to make his own hooch and that locals would drive out and trade groceries in exchange for a drink. He lived there until 1951 when he picked up and headed for Delta. On the way back to Delta, we took the old dirt highway that used to be the route people would take to go to California. I liked seeing and learning some of the history of the County I grew up in. To check out other places to visit while you're in the area, check out  Millard County .



Sevier Lake

Check out the coloration and the back feet of this lizard!

Notch Peak

Interesting foration on the Notch Peak trail.

Distant look at Notch Peak

The Hermit of Marjum pass's dwelling from 1927-1951.

The Monkey Is Off My Back.. Or Should I Say Wiper



All I have to say after 12 trips to Willard bay is I FINALLY CAUGHT A WIPER (hybrid of a striped bass and white bass)! I can't tell you how great it is to cross the species off my list! Willard has had my number for far too long! I met up with a guy that is known as Wiperhunter2 on a few websites I frequent, and he was kind enough to take me out on his boat and showed me what he does to catch them. We made it out on the water at a little after 5pm to windy conditions and rough water. That lasted about an hour before it calmed down, and the rest of the night we had flat water and great weather. We rigged up using worm harnesses and trolled them around 2.3mph. Once we had our lines out, it took only minutes before we had a fish on. Wiperhunter2 was kind enough to give me first fish, and low-and-behold, it turned out to be my first ever wiper! It wasn't big by any means, but I was so excited to have finally caught one after so many failed attempts.

Soon, Wiperhunter2 had another wiper on, and we were into fish the majority of the evening. We ended the day with six wipers that were all around the size of the one in the pictured below, which we released, and two walleyes that I took home for a date with the frying pan. We also saw a small boil as we were headed back to the marina. The boils should really start once the water temps get just a little lower. This trip turned out to be a great evening of fishing with a new friend. It doesn't get much better!




My first wiper!

All rigged up.

First of two walleye on this trip.

Beautiful sunset to end the trip off right!