Our latest adventure. Exploring Rail Road Flat

It has been a long time since I have posted. My son is now in college, and our journeys continue. My son will soon be joining us as we venture on with our journeys.  

This was our first trip in 2012 in the Gladiator.  We decided to go close to find out what was missing.  We hooked up Jack our trailer and took a trip took to Rail Road Flat campground. Located at Lat: 37.618200 Lon: -120.019700 

It was a long white knuckle drive along 49, but we eventually made it to Rail Road Flat campground.  We were treated to great views along the Merced River.  The views were spectacular.

We saw mountain goats through the binoculars; also, the fishing at this spot looked outstanding.  Later in the day, Canoli, our dog, decided it was swimming time and took several leaps into the pool.  With no care to how cold the water is, he decided to jump in to fetch the wood piece we threw in.  

On Sunday, we packed up and headed home.  The trip was quick, but it was fun to be back in the saddle again.

We will see you on the trail soon!!!!!

A snow trip with new friends

 I am always looking for new friends especially when they want to learn more about being outdoors. 

Raylene and I enjoying the snow.

I am part of the Jeep Gladiators pages and met a lovely family.   Tim had an excellent 2020 black Jeep soft top.  It was lifted 2.5 inches tall and well set up.  We explored areas outside of Sonora California.  

                                                                                    Getting to know each other.

We started up one trail that was a mud slush fest.  After a while, we were in the snow on a canyon with little room to turn around.  After a while we started to break snow, but still on a canyon with one side washing out.  We found a place to turn around.   We made our way back to see an angry cow.  I am not kidding when I say this cow was angry.  After eating lunch and enjoying the stream and avoiding the evil stares from the cow we were off.

  A nice stream for lunch

The next adventure on the trip was to try a road up higher.   The next phase of the trip led to the best experience of the day.  We met with another group and followed a nicely set up CJ7 as he was breaking snow.  

A view from Tim's Jeep

It was my first trip to the Gladiator. I tried out all of the goodies.  We tried out the lockers, the sway bar, my new Garmin Explorer.  The Jeep performed nicely.

     Door Deep Snow

It was getting late and the sun was setting, wondering how we would turn around indoor deep snow in the heck.  All of a sudden, we came to a stop. The leader was stuck, the guys behind them were stuck, and Tim was stuck.    After a half-hour, Tim pulled out his winch and pulled the guy in front of him out, and he pulled the leader out.  We tried to turn around and were stuck too.  

After turning around we went down the hill. Aired up the tires and headed to dinner.   

It was a good day with new friends, new memories, and good times for all. 

Duck Hunting Extravaganza or Dud

I recently started to duck hunt again after 15 years.......Wow has it been that long!!!!  Despite little success and really knowing what we were doing it was fun.    I am not sure why it is so fun.  Could it be just being outside or sitting in a blind with my buddies?   I am damn sure it was not shooting ducks.  I have yet to get a shot off.  Either way it was still fun.


Jeff in a Blind, but it looks more like he is ready to hit a 7-11










The first outing we walked and walked and saw little ducks.  The second outing we set up a blind and chased decoys all day.  Finally the last outing we had a blind but it was muddy and hard to walk out in the chest deep water to get to it.  We abandoned all hope of hunting that day.  Next year will be here and we will be prepared.

 All in all it was fun.  What next you ask?  Pheasant hunting and a good time shooting for all.






Paul

A weekend outing with my son

My son Paul II is getting older and starting to enjoy hunting more.  He recieved his first .22 a very nice Henry’s youth, and recently very nice 410 shot gun.

Paul II and I went out on his first camping shooting trip, we took out our Flintstone trailer.   This trip we accomplished two things.  First we got to do a trial run in Flintstone one (our little trailer), second PP II had a chance blast clays with his .410.   Both were fun activities.   

PP is getting to be such a good shot, he gets that from his mom :).  We shot a 5 station clay station.  At one of the 5 stations he took aim at a clay that was moving across the ground and bam took a large chunk out of it. 

There is no better feeling as a father than to see his son take pride and enjoy something that we enjoy together.  Next spring PP will get his hunting license and I can’t wait until I can take him into the field to hunt. My hope is his grades continue and he gets to attend the 2012 Deer hunt.   This will fulfill a life long dream.

Family Fun

 Family Fun

My boy is growing fast, and its amazing to see him transform into a man.  My wife and I are really enjoying introducing him to outdoor activities.  He is learning to shoot and to fish.  I can’t wait until he gets the time to hunt with me, and that tradition is passed down to the next generation.  This year will be the first hunt with him in but he won’t be hunting. 

The activities we have been doing have been mostly around the house, but I would like to take him deeper into the woods and wheeling with some buds.

I took my wife shooting and she never stops amazing me, she walked up and sighted in (first time shooting this .22) and blam hit the bull’s-eye right in the middle.   She is such a good shot, it scares me!!!
Here are some pictures of her shooting at the local yard.










I hope you enjoy our page, and the information about our family

Thanks for visiting

PP

The Hunt 2009

The Hunt is the Hunt 2009

The Hunt 2009 was a blast. First new year for the Jeep and I had fun with Sheldon and Pete. This year was a hot year 104 in Weaverville was not fun, but we made the best of it. It was nice hunting in the Jeep, but not fun detailing after the dust took over.

We did not see any bucks, but did see 6 doe, sheldon rode in the backseat and said he felt like a window gunner in Nam. Sheldon could get up and out of the Jeep chamber a round before his feet hit the ground. quite impressive.

MMMM Jerky

We traveled up to the lookout above Weaverville about 9,000 feet with a great view of the valley. This scared the hell out of me we had to drive along a cliff side to get to our goal. Long drive no deer, but still a beautiful drive.

Happy Birthday

Traditions!!!!!



Today is my boys 8th birthday. Wow how time flies by!!!!! I remember when he was born, seeing my wife holding him and dreaming about the hunting and fishing events to come. I reflect today his 8th birthday and can’t explain how proud of a father I am. My son loves to fish and is anxiously awaiting his 12 birthday so he can join the hunt. Traditions continue. I am so proud of my boy, he has a great personality is kind gentle and companionate. He is showing that he can fit in academically, and still go out into the woods and be a mountain man, well at this point Mountain boy.




Yesterday I went to see my cousin and hunting brother Sheldon and his wife April, he is also very involved with my sons evolution from a boy into a young man and I have no doubt he will be involved with him from young man into Teenager and then into a man. I had purchased my son a daisy BB gun two years ago, it was a pain to load a pain to cycle the lever and even more of a pain to pull the trigger, although this BB gun was not conducive to shoot my son was still a very good shot. Yesterday my son opened his present from April and Sheldon and it was a nice pump action Daisy Pellet pistol. Very nice!!! My son was excited to try it out this weekend and he is looking forward to blasting cans.

Traditions!!!!!
My hope in life is I can start something that will be continued to with my sons son and then his sons son….Lets see that would be Paul IV.

At the end of the day that is all we can do as parents.

PP

Whispering Trees

It’s that time again. The time when the sun sits high in the sky for an extended period; I hear the trees talk to me, they express a whisper of gratitude for times past, a hope for the future and a want for me to come join them.

Apparently I am not alone, just the other day I received an email from my good friend asking me when we are going to get tags. This feeling is either a disease I share with my closest friends, or it may simply be a mental malfunction that I have. Whatever it is I recognize throughout my life I have the call of the wild.

I am so excited about the next 4 months, I have a fishing trip coming up, deer hunting is right around the corner, and I am sure I can find time to take the Jeep out for a mountain cruise. Again I love this time of the year.

I am looking forward to fishing with my boy, enjoying some dedicated father son time. Maybe this year I can actually catch some fish, ah maybe not, but watching my boy reel in the fish seeing the glow in his eyes when he tells his first fish tale is well worth missing a few trout.
I hope that someday that my boy will turn to me and say “Dad, do you ever hear the talk.”

Paul

Piazza Big Foot Expedition.

It was a wet rainy weekend, the family and I set out to explore the great outdoors in search of Big Foot. In all seriousness we went to Weaverville for some fun and had a private tour of the Willow Creek Big Foot museum.















Paul II does the Big Foot dance

Look its a lady Big Foot

Oh No Paul look out Big Foot is right behind you







That is one big foot







The Six Million Dollar Man and big foot

There can only be one big foot. And here he is!!!!















In all seriousness I believe in Big Foot. I have spent plenty of time outdoors and seen to many different animals to believe we are have explored every piece of land. The wilderness is still vast and there are areas that do get very much human actifity (yes even in California). I know I have created a parody about Big Foot, but I do believe.

It was love as first sight.

My New 2008 Wrangler


I took my wife’s car to the dealership for a oil change, and the moment I set my eyes on it I fell in love. It shined in the sun, showing off its lines. I could hear its whisper calling my name in the autumn breeze. “Come take me for a test drive it seductively called out to me.” Thinking to myself I must not look, must stay away, wife will kill me.

Let me preface this sentence. Wife’s are confusing?? They should come with a wife thought translator. I am not even sure that will help figure them out. The next day I mention to my wife that I saw a beautiful Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It was lifted with 35’s and was really nice, that I was surprised about the amount of room in it. What she said next echoes through the house to this day. The words that came out of her mouth blew me across the room. “Paul if you want it this is how much we can afford and if you can fit it into that budget get it.” I was just handed the keys to the candy shop!!!!



My Two Wranglers

Off to the dealership I went. I tried to negotiate but with no avail. I left empty handed. The next weekend I went deer hunting and while driving up I passed every 4 door wrangler on Highway 5.



2008 towing my trailer


After deer hunting I had to work to get caught up. The Raylene asked me to go to dinner. She said lets drive the truck. She then says lets go check out that Jeep. It was like rubbing salt into a open wound. We drove into the driveway of the dealership. The sales guy was prepping the Jeep. Sadly I thought to myself some lucky guy had taken my rig. Instead of parking I drive by and tell Raylene that it looks like somebody purchased the Jeep. Raylene said lets stop and see, maybe their just cleaning it. Reluctantly I stop. The sales guy says howdy and looks at Raylene and said here it is. She is grinning ear to ear and said honey here is your Jeep. She explains that he dealership called while I was hunting and said they could do the Jeep under the terms I negotiated, but we had to sign the paperwork before the end of the month. She signed and the Jeep was mine. It meant giving up my Cruiser and Nissan, but in my mind it was worth it.



Poser Shot


I am now a new owner of a 2008 Jeep Unlimited





And the new adventure begins.

The Cruiser Has Left The Building

It served me well, two years of reliable service and many miles, but like time through the hour glass so are the days of my rigs. After last hunting season I decided it was time to retire the cruiser, ending another chapter in the rigs I have owned. I do not have any complaints about the cruiser, it wheeled well, was comfortable to sleep in and was a decent ride, but after 300K miles I decided it was time to move on.

That is what Memories are Made Of

There have been days in my life that resonate with every breath that I take. This past weekend gave me enough of those memories to breath for two lifetimes.
I had a chance to take my son Paul II out on his first fishing trip. Not only was it his first fishing trip, it was also to the place that I started my love of outdoors. Then add in that I was able to do this trip with two of my best friends, the trip became the stuff lifetime memories are made of.

Trinity was covered in a layer of smoke ten feet thick. It seemed like we were fishing in a haze, but the fish were waiting for the return of member of the Trinity Rod and Gun Club and the opportunity to initiate its newest member.


The bite began with that catch, soon after Paul II landed his fish Pete landed one, Sheldon another, but I was not getting much. I casted a line and asked Paul II did he feel like reeling the line. He enthusiastically took the rod and began reeling in the line, All of a sudden BOOM!!! “Dad I got one” He did the little bugger hooked a fish. He kept the rod high and reeled like a mad man. The trout fought him and started to take up some of the drag. He battled hard but was able to bring him home. PP II had two fish, Sheldon had 2 fish and Pete had 3 me well still skunked.



I casted again for PP, and BOOM!! Dad I got another one. PP had hooked his second fish and reeled it in. This one was also a good fighter, but he kept it up and was able to land the trout. Now PP had landed 3 fish, Sheldon Three and Pete 4, well lets say I still had yet to prove myself.
It soon got dark enough to call it a night on a lake. We had another day to fish. Pete and Sheldon did well the next day despite the crowded spot and smoke. I kept my vigilance of casting, and soon had tried several lures and all of a sudden BOOM!! A good size trout hit on my repala hard. He fought a little but soon came to the boat. Finally I was not skunked.

I got the chance to bring home more than 1 fish, I brought home memories that will last me a lifetime.






PP

The Boys Are Back in Town (Hayfork That is)

No this is not your local Talaban. Sheldon Poses for the Trinity County Hunt Pic.

This years hunt was in Trinity County, what a fun time it was for all!!!! It was also the longest hunting trip I have been on. The trip was a total of total of 5 days of pure bliss. We camped (me in the Moose) and hunted, and sharing a good time with friends. The weather was mixed and we even got some showers, but it was cold at night.


This years hunt was in Trinity County, what a fun time it was for all!!!! It was also the longest hunting trip I have been on. The trip was a total of total of 5 days of pure bliss. We camped (me in the Moose) and hunted, and sharing a good time with friends. The weather was mixed and we even got some showers, but it was cold at night.

This is the Moose loaded for the trip. 20 gallons of water, onboard Shower, sleeping quarters. We even had our own bathroom!!!! Check out the set up in the following pictures.

I got a chance to try out many of my new goodies. I used the camp toilet and shelter, the Camp Kitchen and my Onboard Shower. All in all the Cruiser did wonderful. I was warm, and all of the goodies performed wonderfully.

Camp Shower (Below)

This is the camp shower, bathroom. It worked well. I took a shower after day two. It was nice and hot. I love this set up in the cruiser.

Camp Kitchen Below. This years hunting gift. What a cool set up

We had alot of fun, but the best time was just hanging out with Pete and Sheldon. I think I laughed more this trip than I had in a long time. Sheldon and I have a few theories about what would do if we are “The Guys Who Shot Big Foot.” We talked about making Big Foot Cookies, Mugs, Feet and of course the Uncle Phil special Big Foot Skateboard!!!!


Now if this does not look like the guy who shot Bigfoot I dont know who would. Got to love the shades. Doesnt he look like a pro or what. Sheldon (The shooter on the grassy knoll) Russell.

Of course we have to have a picture of Pete "Money Shot" Daily. At least one pic each year is a Money Shot of Pete!!!!

<---------Money Shot.

This years trip was a blast we say 2 bucks (no shots) and 18 doe. That is a new record for us. In fact I think we saw more deer in one trip than the 4 trips to Arnold combined. Pete only had a chance to do one Buck Sprint, but he shot out of the Jeep faster than you can say buck on the run!!!. It got dark before we saw the buck again, probably a good thing because Pete had the Jeep keys when he took off.

This years trip was a blast, I can honestly say I cant wait until next year. Maybe some of the other family members may join us someday.

Damn I look good. I look almost professional in this pic. (Yea Right).

Remember always "The Hunt is The Hunt".

My Rigs A Video History

The Call of the Wild

Its that time of the year again when deer hunting season is right around the corner. This time of the year is a love hate relationship. I love the hunt, love to be outdoors and really enjoy being with friends and family. That leads to the other parts….well let’s just say the memories of past trips that is the part I have yet to come to terms with.

My Son Brad and I hunting 2000 My god has it been 7 years!!!!!!

Memories are hard to deal with, they bring back fun times of past days, but with that comes the yearning to have those loved ones that are no long willing to join us in camp. The toughest part about getting older is letting go of the past and looking to the future. I look to the future when my boys are old enough to come along on the hunt, with that comes new adventures and worries. My youngest wants to come out on the hunt, but at 5 I think he is too young, perhaps in another 5 or 6 years.

This year we may have the first of a new generation in camp. My older brother may bring his son to the hunt. This is kind of exciting for many reasons. Most of all is that both of my brothers may actually show up this year. That would be a first in 6 years. Ah the days when the entire population of young piazzas hunted. My hope is that my nephew will like to hunt and we can start a new group on our long honored Piazza tradition.

I do enjoy my two hunting buddies Pete and Sheldon each year we have a good time. Each of us enjoys the trip for different reasons I am sure, but we all look forward to the hunt and enjoying each other company.

I love the outdoors and the Hunt is not about killing deer to me, its about traditions old and new. Its about being with friends and enjoying the time we have together. Don’t get me wrong life is great at home, but every man needs male bonding time. This is the time of the year to bond, with both man and beast and most of all it’s the time to listen to the call of the wild.

My hat off to those who no longer join us on the hunt, the memories and laughter we have shared will forever echo throughout the hills.

Paul

2007 Corral Hollow Trip

Corral Hollow Annual Spring Run

Hot Tub
It was about a month ago and Raylene (My Wife) came up to me about 3:30 and said lets go for a run to Corral Hollow.

Map Of Trail

Every year in late spring we make a pilgrimage up Highway 4 to run Corral Hollow. This time of the year is beautiful the mountain cabbage is in bloom and the weather is nice. It’s a great time we make a pick nick and take a 4 hour long trip in the loop. This year would not disappoint us.



We have just got a new dog and he needed some wheeling time. If you’re going to be part of the Wheelingpiazzas you better like to wheel. We loaded up the 60 and headed up the highway.

It was later that we usually hit the road but that meant less dust and my wife made us a light snack for the trip, so that meant that we would not miss dinner. Finally after 30 minutes it was time to lock the hubs.

Wife Dog and Cruiser Can it get any better

Winding through the trees

The first part of the trail (Corral Gulch) you maneuver through ruts and trees. Nothing too hard, in fact if you’re locked you don’t even need to engage the t-case. We navigated through the trees without incident; we just kept it slow and crawled our way through. There is a couple of nice spots to walk and check out a creek. We got out and took some pictures, I wish I would have brought my trunks and sat in the natural hot tub See hot tub picture above.

When your out of the trees the next part is a long steep loose gravel road that cuts right through the poppy and cabbage meadows. As far as you can see yellow flowers, they go on and on. What a beautiful sight. As you climb the last part you probably will need to engage the t-case. The rocks are loose and your tires want to spin. We locked the hubs and ascended the hill. The reward is an awesome view of Bear Valley proper

The Long Steep Hill

We stopped at the overlook and enjoyed the view. It was beautiful mild early evening. The wind was gentle and temperature was about 75 degrees. After enjoying the view for a while and letting the dog go for his walk we decided to move ahead.

Next obstacle is Corral Hollow; you wind through the pines and enjoy the nice view. It was about this time that we say a nice sized coon and then shortly after we saw a good size doe running along the 60. Very beautiful……

After you go through Corral Hollow you start the decent through the Aspens on your way to Bear Trap Basin. The Aspens are my favorite tree; they are awesome when the wind blows the leaf’s twinkle back and forth. It’s Very beautiful indeed.

After the Aspens next up is bear trap gap and bear trap basin. This area is open long range viewing. It is a Great place with large meadows and beautiful views. Finally up is the forest service cabin.
Deer Look Carefully

The forest service cabin is a place you can stay for no charge. Its an old cabin with sleeping quarters and a safe haven for packers if its raining or a early fall snow. Don’t ask how I know……

Forest Service Cabin

The best part is the log book in the cabin. We sign it annually and enjoy this place quite a bit. This was a good place to have the snack my wife brought.
We hiked a bit and found a creek that actually cut through a tree, its about a short walk from the cabin and really cool to see.

Cabin Close Up

The 60 was performing awesome great family wheeler. The kids are comfortable my wife is happy because the kids are not sitting on top of us (like in the Jeep). The dog was happy because he had the entire back of the rig to himself. Like I said there is nothing better that wheeling with my family in the 60.

Then after a while it was time to move on. The rest of the trail is pretty normal and runs along a dirt road. All in all it was another wonderful year on the Corral Hollow trail.

We will see you on the trail
Paul