COMPAZ/GREER CABIN TRIP IN REVIEW: 1999-PRESENT
1999-2002 THE BEGINNINGS
Greer Cabin Campers History
Back in 1999, Jay Shaw, Joe Laguna, Louie Padilla & Terry Johnson took to the hills of Greer, AZ. for the very 1st Greer Cabin Trip. Since then we’ve averaged around 5-6 guys per trip, a dozen or so different guys have actually made the trip and countless others have considered it. Always expect the unexpected. The stories abound, some better than others but every year there is at least one memorable moment. From Terry Johnson's "Vicks" problem & "Hey Pops" episode the 1st year, to Bruce Taylor's "pen-knife" & "nude in the bed" episode in year II, to Manuel's "slinky in the chair" imitation last year, something or someone will always make it interesting.
2003 GREER CABIN TRIP (5th Annual)
Five people make 2003 Greer Cabin TripMay 17th - 20th was the date for the 5th Annual "Greer Cabin Trip" Only five people made the trip this year. This was the lowest turn-out since 1999, when the original four campers of Joe Laguna, Louie Padilla, Jay Shaw and Terry Johnson made the very first trip. Five year veteran campers, Joe Laguna and Louie Padilla were joined by four year vet Chin Marquez, while Chano Gonzales, making his second trip, was welcomed back after a one year absence. Newcomer Manuel Lopez made his first trip.
Three 2002 Cabin Campers "No Show" In 2003
Previous Greer Cabin participants Jay Shaw, Julian Aguilar and Louie Aguilar (no relationship) missed out on this years festivities. Each had a number of personal concerns that prevented them from making the trip this year. Even though they did not make the trip physically, they were with us in spirit. We all got a lot of laughs at their expense recalling some of their "Most Memorable Moments". Ok, ok, we did a lot of 'shit talking' about them but that was fun too.
FISHING
As Per Usual, Fishing Does Not Disappoint. As has become a custom on this trip, the fishing was great once again. Rainbow trout were being caught on everything from "Power Bait" to flies. Louie Padilla, who for some reaso n seems intent on trying to catch the "Albert Einstein" of trout, even managed to pull an Apache Trout out of a small creek near the cabin, using some custom made flies he had specially made just for the trip. In addition, Louie also caught a Brown Trout which he calls, "the smarter of the trout species". Louie takes a great deal of pride in catching 'brownies". "Anybody with a stick and some fishing line can spit on a hook and catch a Rainbow Trout", Louie says, "but it takes a great fisherman to catch a Brown Trout, a BIG Brown Trout. That's what I go for all the time."
As anyone who has ever been on this trip will tell you, the fishing has always been fantastic. It is a very rare occurrence when you don't at least catch your daily limit. More often than not, you will come back with at least double that.
Although all three Greer Lakes (located about one mile from the cabin) produce trout, River Reservoir and Bunch Reservoir seem to be our favorites. Bunch seems to be the best bet for catching the most fish, but River is said to hold the biggest. Pictures at the Circle B Market in Greer show anglers pulling 3-5 lb trout out of River Reservoir all the time. Many of those pictures are taken as recently as a day or two before we arrive. Some are even taken while we're there. Our goal is to one day have one of our pictures taken and displayed at the Circle B Market.
HORSEHOES
CHIN RECAPTURES HORSESHOE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Chin Wins! Chin Wins!
In the 4th Annual "Greer Cabin Campers" Horseshoe Tournament, Chin Marquez walked away with his 2nd Title in 3 years, after going undefeated in the 5 man, double elimination tournament. Chin beat Louie Padilla 21-11 in the title game. "I wasn't at my best today", said Louie. "My back was hurting, my legs were cramping, and my wrist hurt like hell".
"Can't nobody beat me, NOBODY", said the victorious Chin. "If we don't get any new people to come out here, I could win this thing every year".
As Chin taunted each of his opponents, it was clear that he was throwing a very good shoe. "I try and get in people's heads, throw them off their game", said Chin about his shit talking. "Plus, it's fun too".
Louie vows to reclaim his throne
After finishing 2nd again in the Annual "Greer Cabin Campers" Horseshoe Tournament, Louie Padilla was clearly disappointed. And having lost to Chin again did not make it any better. "My back hurt, my feet hurt. I just wasn't ready to play today", said Louie. "I just wasn't in the mood".
After narrowly defeating Joe Laguna 21-18 in the semi's, it appeared as if Louie ran out of gas. Immediately after the tournament, it appeared as if Louie was ready to announce his retirement. But after a few minutes, Louie collected himself and vowed to return next year. "I'm gonna go to "Hell Camp" and win that tournament, then I'm gonna win the "Chavez Reunion" tournament, and THEN I'm gonna come back here and win THIS tournament and then I'm gonna retire. "There's nothing like going out a champion and that's what I'm gonna do".
Joe finishes 3rd…...AGAIN
For the third year in a row, Joe Laguna finished 3rd in the annual "Greer Cabin Campers" Horseshoe tournament. After having both 2nd place finisher, Louie Padilla and eventual champ, Chin Marquez on the ropes, Joe was unable to seal the deal in either game. In the best game of the day, Chin edged out Joe 21-19 in a back and forth affair to give Joe his first loss. In a disappointing loss to Louie, it appeared that Joe was stuck on 18 forever and let Louie come back to win 21-18.
"Those were both very disappointing losses. Louie got hot there for a while and although I was throwing shoes capable of scoring, Louie was throwing them closer", Joe said after his loss. "But, there's always next year. I'll be back".
POKER
Manuel Loses His Money..... And His Lunch During Poker
Seventeen year old newcomer, Manuel Lopez learned a few very valuable lessons during the annual Cabin Poker games. The young "pup" was playing with the "Big Dogs" and as usually happens, the "pup" got bit.
After starting out strong winning 3 out of the first 4 hands and feeling pretty good about himself, the table rules were changed. In addition to making the "low hand" drink a 4oz shot of beer, we added "mis-deals" to that as well. Naturally, shit talking Chin was able to talk Manuel into a few of those misdeals and that was the beginning of the end for him, as he eventually lost both his money and his lunch. As he was being led to the porcelain throne, he was heard to utter the words, "I can't hang with you mailto:f%@$!"
We could have told him that before he started.
2004 GREER CABIN TRIP (6th Annual)
Greer Cabin Campers History
Back in 1999, Jay Shaw, Joe Laguna, Louie Padilla & Terry Johnson took to the hills of Greer, AZ. for the very 1st Greer Cabin Trip. Since then we’ve averaged around 5-6 guys per trip, a dozen or so different guys have actually made the trip and countless others have considered it. Always expect the unexpected. The stories abound, some better than others but every year there is at least one memorable moment. From Terry Johnson's "Vicks" problem & "Hey Pops" episode the 1st year, to Bruce Taylor's "pen-knife" & "nude in the bed" episode in year II, to Manuel's "slinky in the chair" imitation last year, something or someone will always make it interesting.
2003 GREER CABIN TRIP (5th Annual)
Five people make 2003 Greer Cabin TripMay 17th - 20th was the date for the 5th Annual "Greer Cabin Trip" Only five people made the trip this year. This was the lowest turn-out since 1999, when the original four campers of Joe Laguna, Louie Padilla, Jay Shaw and Terry Johnson made the very first trip. Five year veteran campers, Joe Laguna and Louie Padilla were joined by four year vet Chin Marquez, while Chano Gonzales, making his second trip, was welcomed back after a one year absence. Newcomer Manuel Lopez made his first trip.
Three 2002 Cabin Campers "No Show" In 2003
Previous Greer Cabin participants Jay Shaw, Julian Aguilar and Louie Aguilar (no relationship) missed out on this years festivities. Each had a number of personal concerns that prevented them from making the trip this year. Even though they did not make the trip physically, they were with us in spirit. We all got a lot of laughs at their expense recalling some of their "Most Memorable Moments". Ok, ok, we did a lot of 'shit talking' about them but that was fun too.
FISHING
As Per Usual, Fishing Does Not Disappoint. As has become a custom on this trip, the fishing was great once again. Rainbow trout were being caught on everything from "Power Bait" to flies. Louie Padilla, who for some reaso n seems intent on trying to catch the "Albert Einstein" of trout, even managed to pull an Apache Trout out of a small creek near the cabin, using some custom made flies he had specially made just for the trip. In addition, Louie also caught a Brown Trout which he calls, "the smarter of the trout species". Louie takes a great deal of pride in catching 'brownies". "Anybody with a stick and some fishing line can spit on a hook and catch a Rainbow Trout", Louie says, "but it takes a great fisherman to catch a Brown Trout, a BIG Brown Trout. That's what I go for all the time."
As anyone who has ever been on this trip will tell you, the fishing has always been fantastic. It is a very rare occurrence when you don't at least catch your daily limit. More often than not, you will come back with at least double that.
Although all three Greer Lakes (located about one mile from the cabin) produce trout, River Reservoir and Bunch Reservoir seem to be our favorites. Bunch seems to be the best bet for catching the most fish, but River is said to hold the biggest. Pictures at the Circle B Market in Greer show anglers pulling 3-5 lb trout out of River Reservoir all the time. Many of those pictures are taken as recently as a day or two before we arrive. Some are even taken while we're there. Our goal is to one day have one of our pictures taken and displayed at the Circle B Market.
HORSEHOES
CHIN RECAPTURES HORSESHOE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Chin Wins! Chin Wins!
In the 4th Annual "Greer Cabin Campers" Horseshoe Tournament, Chin Marquez walked away with his 2nd Title in 3 years, after going undefeated in the 5 man, double elimination tournament. Chin beat Louie Padilla 21-11 in the title game. "I wasn't at my best today", said Louie. "My back was hurting, my legs were cramping, and my wrist hurt like hell".
"Can't nobody beat me, NOBODY", said the victorious Chin. "If we don't get any new people to come out here, I could win this thing every year".
As Chin taunted each of his opponents, it was clear that he was throwing a very good shoe. "I try and get in people's heads, throw them off their game", said Chin about his shit talking. "Plus, it's fun too".
Louie vows to reclaim his throne
After finishing 2nd again in the Annual "Greer Cabin Campers" Horseshoe Tournament, Louie Padilla was clearly disappointed. And having lost to Chin again did not make it any better. "My back hurt, my feet hurt. I just wasn't ready to play today", said Louie. "I just wasn't in the mood".
After narrowly defeating Joe Laguna 21-18 in the semi's, it appeared as if Louie ran out of gas. Immediately after the tournament, it appeared as if Louie was ready to announce his retirement. But after a few minutes, Louie collected himself and vowed to return next year. "I'm gonna go to "Hell Camp" and win that tournament, then I'm gonna win the "Chavez Reunion" tournament, and THEN I'm gonna come back here and win THIS tournament and then I'm gonna retire. "There's nothing like going out a champion and that's what I'm gonna do".
Joe finishes 3rd…...AGAIN
For the third year in a row, Joe Laguna finished 3rd in the annual "Greer Cabin Campers" Horseshoe tournament. After having both 2nd place finisher, Louie Padilla and eventual champ, Chin Marquez on the ropes, Joe was unable to seal the deal in either game. In the best game of the day, Chin edged out Joe 21-19 in a back and forth affair to give Joe his first loss. In a disappointing loss to Louie, it appeared that Joe was stuck on 18 forever and let Louie come back to win 21-18.
"Those were both very disappointing losses. Louie got hot there for a while and although I was throwing shoes capable of scoring, Louie was throwing them closer", Joe said after his loss. "But, there's always next year. I'll be back".
POKER
Manuel Loses His Money..... And His Lunch During Poker
Seventeen year old newcomer, Manuel Lopez learned a few very valuable lessons during the annual Cabin Poker games. The young "pup" was playing with the "Big Dogs" and as usually happens, the "pup" got bit.
After starting out strong winning 3 out of the first 4 hands and feeling pretty good about himself, the table rules were changed. In addition to making the "low hand" drink a 4oz shot of beer, we added "mis-deals" to that as well. Naturally, shit talking Chin was able to talk Manuel into a few of those misdeals and that was the beginning of the end for him, as he eventually lost both his money and his lunch. As he was being led to the porcelain throne, he was heard to utter the words, "I can't hang with you mailto:f%@$!"
We could have told him that before he started.
2004 GREER CABIN TRIP (6th Annual)
Record Low Turnout For 2004 Cabin TripA record low turned out for the 6th Annual "Greer Cabin Trip" in 2004. Only founding members Joe Laguna & Louie Padilla kept the tradition alive and made the trip this year. Past Cabin Trip participants and would be new ones all had reasons for missing the trip this year. Heres hoping that the 7th Annual 2005 edition has better turn out.
Big Louie Gets His Picture on the Circle 'B' Wall
Every year, one of the main goals of the trip has been to get one of our pictures up on the wall at the Circle 'B'. Getting your picture on the wall at Circle 'B'
has come to be know as a badge of honor, traditionally honoring anglers who produce worthy fish.
Along with renowed Arizona outdoorsmen Bob Hirsch, the Circle 'B' annually sponsors a fishing derby that normally takes place while we're there. Well, on this last trip, Big Louie was lucky enough to have finally gotten on the wall..... and actually led the derby for 3 days!
Louie pulled a 15 1/2 inch rainbow trout out of Big Lake, which stood as the weekly leader all the way up to Wednesday of that week. If he only could have held on one more day, he would have been the weekly winner. Oh well. At least one of us finally got on the board. Louie has set the bar and now it's time to see who can challenge.
2005 GREER CABIN TRIP (7th Annual)
Well, another cabin trip in the books. The 2005 edition included rain, snow flurries and high winds. We got shut out the first day with hardly a nibble and had two vehicles get stuck in the snow on day number two. BUT WE STILL HAD A BLAST!! Seven-year vets, Joe Laguna and Louie Padilla were joined this year by returning campers, Chano Gonzales and Louie Aguilar as well as newcomer, Carlos Macias.
FISHING STARTS OUT SLOW
The fishing on Friday was unexpectedly disappointing. We stopped at two reservation lakes (Horseshoe Cienega and Sunrise Lake) on the way to the cabin. These lakes had been hyped all month long by every fishing report we read. We went there feeling "Muy Chingon" thinking we were gonna catch our limit in just a few minutes. Well... it didn't turn out that way. We threw everything we had out there; from Power Bait to worms to fly's to lures and didn't even get a nibble. Needless to say, we were all a little frustrated. And the next day didn't start out any better.
JOE LANDS A LUNKER…………....SORT OF
We decided to try Big Lake on Saturday. South Cove had proved to be a good spot the previous year where Louie & Joe had found good success. An hour and a half after getting there, Carlos was the only one to have pulled a fish out, so we decided to try another location.
The frustration we had felt yesterday was starting to creep in again and for Louie P, it didn't get any better when he snapped his pole.
Just as we were getting ready to move, Joe latched on to a lunker. Actually the lunker latched on to Joe.
After casting out, Joe left his fishing pole leaning against his chair while he bullshitted with the other guys. Suddenly Joe’s fishing pole is being dragged closer and closer to the lake. A fish hit his line and almost took the whole thing into the lake with him. After an epic battle pitting man against beast, Joe finally landed the nearly two-pound (1 lb, 14 3/4 oz, officially weighed at the market), 18-inch brook trout. This fish is believed to be the biggest fish caught by anyone on our trips to date. Maybe our luck was about to change. After an hour and a half and only two fish, we decided to move down to Railroad Cove and try to change our luck. But It didn't start out very good there either.
HOW MANY MEXICANS DOES IT TAKE TO GET A CAR STUCK IN THE SNOW?
The road to the parking area at RR Cove had a patch of snow about 15 feet wide, 40 feet long and about a foot and a half to two feet deep. Chano, Louie P and Carlos had already m ade it across in Chano's Explorer when Little Louie (Aguilar) and Joe came along in Louie's little Dodge Neon.
The others were waiting for Little Louie on the other side and strongly advised him NOT to try to cross. But, being the pendejo that he is, he went for it anyways. Well.... we all know what happened next que no?. Yup!! He got stuck. But after enduring the embarrassment of getting stuck (and having to listen to EVERYONE give him shit), Little Louie then had the pleasure of watching Chano get his Ford Explorer stuck.... trying to get back across to get us! Ay yay ya!!
Luckily, two cowboys in a 4x4 (do ALL cowboys own 4X4s?) showed up to help us get both vehicles out.
But determined as we were, none of that kept us from piling EVERYONE back into Chano’s Explorer and going right back across..... again!
RAILROAD COVE SAVES THE DAY!!!!!
Our determination and persistence finally paid off! Saturday's fishing at Railroad Cove turned out to be great! We pulled 30 plus trout (rainbows & brooks) out of RR Cove. Most everyone had great success that day. The only reason we stopped was because we were over the bag limit for 5 guys. Most of the guys were fishing with worms (night crawlers), while Joe was using chartreuse Power Bait. It almost didn’t matter what you were using though. I think at one point Little Louie actually spit on his hook and caught a fish. As we trudged across the snow-covered banks, dragging our catch behind us, looking like old west mountain men, it was clear that we had rediscovered our machismo.
No matter what happened the rest of the trip, we walked off that lake feeling like the bad-ass chingones we thought we were.
COMING SOON..........."I tot we same culla"!
2006 8th ANNUAL "COMPAZ" CABIN TRIP
Orale gente. What’s up peoples? Well, it’s that time again. Yes, time to start thinking about the 8th Annual Greer Cabin Trip, which, from this day forward will be known as, The “CompAz Cabin Trip”. It’s hard to believe we’re planning our 8th trip.
Let me just recap a few basics about the trip. The “CompAz Cabin Trip” is a guy’s only, 4-day, 3-night fishing trip to the beautiful White Mountain community of Greer, AZ. Greer offers close access to some of Arizona’s best Trout Lakes, such as Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Sunrise Lake and the Greer Reservoirs, as well as some excellent stream fishing.
The trip usually takes place sometime between mid-April and mid-May (we try to keep it right around the end of April) . The early spring date of our trip (right after the thaw) helps contribute to a history of great success on our fishing weekend.
This year, we are looking tentatively at the weekend of April 22nd through the 25th (Saturday-Tuesday). Horseshoes & poker tournaments are a couple of the other activities that we take part in during our trip.
The cost of the trip includes your share of the cabin rental plus $30 for food and $25 for gas. IMPORTANT NOTE: The food money does not include beer or other alcoholic beverages. That is on you. We do provide milk, coffee, OJ & soda
The actual per-person cost of the trip depends on a number of things, such as; the number of people that go, cabin cost increases, the size of the cabin, transportation (gas prices), etc, but over the years, we’ve found that the 4-day, 3-night trip, including gas & food usually cost us around $200 each.
Deposit money ($100) is usually due in mid February and is roughly equal to ½ the total trip cost. It is sent in to secure our cabin reservation and is always NON-REFUNDABLE. Once I send it, it’s gone.
Accommodations will only be made for those who gave deposits. If 3 people give deposits, accommodations and reservations will only be made for 3 people. If 4 people give deposits, then accommodations and reservations will be made for 4 people, etc.
Getting your deposit money in on time guarantees you two things:
-A spot on the trip, and
-A spot in the “Bed Draw”.
The “Bed Draw” is our way of determining sleeping assignments. Different cabins have different sleeping accommodations, ranging from King size beds to twin beds to couches.
Basically, we draw cards to determine order of choice. High card gets first choice, next highest has next choice and so on.
If others decide to go after the initial deposit money has been sent in, the following steps will be taken:
-If the accommodations already made allow for additional participants, we will add them once we get their deposit. (Please Note: Only those who originally gave deposit money and met the deadline are eligible for the original bed draws. All others will participate in a secondary draw if necessary).
-If the original accommodations do not allow for additional people, we will try to upgrade to a bigger cabin after we get your deposit but there are no guarantees though. (If we cannot make suitable arraignments or if you are not satisfied with the arrangements that are available, deposit money given at this time will be refunded).
OK, so now, if the dates indicated above work, let us know, mark your calendars, put in your “time off” request, start kissing the old ladies ass, do whatever you have to do to make sure you can join us for the 8th ANNUAL “COMPAZ CABIN TRIP”.
2006 Greer Cabin Trip Dates Are Set
Ok guys. Dates are official, so mark your calenders, put in for your time off request, start kissing the Old Ladies ass, do whatever you have to do. This years trip is scheduled for April 22nd through April 25th. Contact Joe or Louie or check back here for more info.
The picture is of "Sargents Hacienda", one of the cabins we stay at on our trip. This is a 5-bedroom, 3-bath cabin that sleeps 8 guys comfortably. The cabin is equipped with satalite t.v., washer/dryer, dishwasher and has a detached game room behind it. It is hooked up!
Deposit $$ for 2006 CompAz Cabin Trip Due By Feb 28th!
Just a reminder that deposit money ($100) for the cabin trip is due by Feb 28th. Since it looks like this years trip is gonna be filled, it is very important to get your money in on time. Remember.......only those with deposit money by the deadline are eligible for the initial bed draw.
Drivers Needed......
Another reminder. Please let us know if you can or are willing to drive. Doesn't make a lot of sense to have EVERYONE drive up on thier own. If we can arrange to have some people ride together, that will eliminate the number of vehicles we'll need.
2006 COMPAZ CABIN TRIP: DEADLINE FOR INITIAL DEPOSIT HAS PASSED
The deadline for the initial cabin deposit has passed. This years trip is shaping up to be one of the best ones yet. Eight guys have confirmed and committed by laying down at least $100 for their deposit.Joe Laguna, Louie Padilla, Chano Gonzales, Louie Aguilar, Carlos Macias, Miguel Saldana, Pete Mesquite & Joe Garza have gauranteed themselves a spot on the trip AND a spot in the initial bed-draw.Deposit money has been sent in to reserve "Sargents Hacienda", a 5-bedroom, 6-bed, 2-sofa sleeper cabin. If you do the math, that comes to 8 sleeping areas, so the guys have also gauranteed themselves a spot OFF the floor. (Click on " Sargents Hacienda" here to check out the cabin on-line). If you have any questions, contact either me or Louie at DosCompaz@yahoo.com
MENU (TENTATIVE) FOR GREER CABIN TRIP
Below is a tentative menu for the trip based on comments and feedback we have received.
*Menudo with all the fixin’s will be available all weekend for breakfast in addition to the breakfast menu.
Saturday
Breakfast
On the Road in Payson
Lunch
Chips and Sandwiches
Dinner
BBQ Country Style Pork Ribs, Corn on the Cob, Potato or Macaroni Salad
Sunday
Breakfast
Chorizo, Eggs & Potatoes
Lunch
Chips and Sandwiches
Dinner
Carlos & Chano's Chimi's w/Rice & Beans
Monday
Breakfast
Bacon, Eggs, Potatoes
Lunch
Chips and Sandwiches
Dinner
Rib Eye or New York Strip Steak, Baked Potato, Ranch Beans
Tuesday
Breakfast
Leftovers
Lunch
On the Road
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, let us know by calling us or e-mailing us at doscompaz@yahoo.com
Every year, one of the main goals of the trip has been to get one of our pictures up on the wall at the Circle 'B'. Getting your picture on the wall at Circle 'B'
has come to be know as a badge of honor, traditionally honoring anglers who produce worthy fish.Along with renowed Arizona outdoorsmen Bob Hirsch, the Circle 'B' annually sponsors a fishing derby that normally takes place while we're there. Well, on this last trip, Big Louie was lucky enough to have finally gotten on the wall..... and actually led the derby for 3 days!
Louie pulled a 15 1/2 inch rainbow trout out of Big Lake, which stood as the weekly leader all the way up to Wednesday of that week. If he only could have held on one more day, he would have been the weekly winner. Oh well. At least one of us finally got on the board. Louie has set the bar and now it's time to see who can challenge.
2005 GREER CABIN TRIP (7th Annual)
Well, another cabin trip in the books. The 2005 edition included rain, snow flurries and high winds. We got shut out the first day with hardly a nibble and had two vehicles get stuck in the snow on day number two. BUT WE STILL HAD A BLAST!! Seven-year vets, Joe Laguna and Louie Padilla were joined this year by returning campers, Chano Gonzales and Louie Aguilar as well as newcomer, Carlos Macias.
FISHING STARTS OUT SLOWThe fishing on Friday was unexpectedly disappointing. We stopped at two reservation lakes (Horseshoe Cienega and Sunrise Lake) on the way to the cabin. These lakes had been hyped all month long by every fishing report we read. We went there feeling "Muy Chingon" thinking we were gonna catch our limit in just a few minutes. Well... it didn't turn out that way. We threw everything we had out there; from Power Bait to worms to fly's to lures and didn't even get a nibble. Needless to say, we were all a little frustrated. And the next day didn't start out any better.
JOE LANDS A LUNKER…………....SORT OF
We decided to try Big Lake on Saturday. South Cove had proved to be a good spot the previous year where Louie & Joe had found good success. An hour and a half after getting there, Carlos was the only one to have pulled a fish out, so we decided to try another location.
The frustration we had felt yesterday was starting to creep in again and for Louie P, it didn't get any better when he snapped his pole.
Just as we were getting ready to move, Joe latched on to a lunker. Actually the lunker latched on to Joe.
After casting out, Joe left his fishing pole leaning against his chair while he bullshitted with the other guys. Suddenly Joe’s fishing pole is being dragged closer and closer to the lake. A fish hit his line and almost took the whole thing into the lake with him. After an epic battle pitting man against beast, Joe finally landed the nearly two-pound (1 lb, 14 3/4 oz, officially weighed at the market), 18-inch brook trout. This fish is believed to be the biggest fish caught by anyone on our trips to date. Maybe our luck was about to change. After an hour and a half and only two fish, we decided to move down to Railroad Cove and try to change our luck. But It didn't start out very good there either.HOW MANY MEXICANS DOES IT TAKE TO GET A CAR STUCK IN THE SNOW?
The road to the parking area at RR Cove had a patch of snow about 15 feet wide, 40 feet long and about a foot and a half to two feet deep. Chano, Louie P and Carlos had already m ade it across in Chano's Explorer when Little Louie (Aguilar) and Joe came along in Louie's little Dodge Neon.
The others were waiting for Little Louie on the other side and strongly advised him NOT to try to cross. But, being the pendejo that he is, he went for it anyways. Well.... we all know what happened next que no?. Yup!! He got stuck. But after enduring the embarrassment of getting stuck (and having to listen to EVERYONE give him shit), Little Louie then had the pleasure of watching Chano get his Ford Explorer stuck.... trying to get back across to get us! Ay yay ya!!
Luckily, two cowboys in a 4x4 (do ALL cowboys own 4X4s?) showed up to help us get both vehicles out.
But determined as we were, none of that kept us from piling EVERYONE back into Chano’s Explorer and going right back across..... again!
RAILROAD COVE SAVES THE DAY!!!!!Our determination and persistence finally paid off! Saturday's fishing at Railroad Cove turned out to be great! We pulled 30 plus trout (rainbows & brooks) out of RR Cove. Most everyone had great success that day. The only reason we stopped was because we were over the bag limit for 5 guys. Most of the guys were fishing with worms (night crawlers), while Joe was using chartreuse Power Bait. It almost didn’t matter what you were using though. I think at one point Little Louie actually spit on his hook and caught a fish. As we trudged across the snow-covered banks, dragging our catch behind us, looking like old west mountain men, it was clear that we had rediscovered our machismo.
No matter what happened the rest of the trip, we walked off that lake feeling like the bad-ass chingones we thought we were.COMING SOON..........."I tot we same culla"!
2006 8th ANNUAL "COMPAZ" CABIN TRIP
Orale gente. What’s up peoples? Well, it’s that time again. Yes, time to start thinking about the 8th Annual Greer Cabin Trip, which, from this day forward will be known as, The “CompAz Cabin Trip”. It’s hard to believe we’re planning our 8th trip.
Let me just recap a few basics about the trip. The “CompAz Cabin Trip” is a guy’s only, 4-day, 3-night fishing trip to the beautiful White Mountain community of Greer, AZ. Greer offers close access to some of Arizona’s best Trout Lakes, such as Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Sunrise Lake and the Greer Reservoirs, as well as some excellent stream fishing.
The trip usually takes place sometime between mid-April and mid-May (we try to keep it right around the end of April) . The early spring date of our trip (right after the thaw) helps contribute to a history of great success on our fishing weekend.
This year, we are looking tentatively at the weekend of April 22nd through the 25th (Saturday-Tuesday). Horseshoes & poker tournaments are a couple of the other activities that we take part in during our trip.
The cost of the trip includes your share of the cabin rental plus $30 for food and $25 for gas. IMPORTANT NOTE: The food money does not include beer or other alcoholic beverages. That is on you. We do provide milk, coffee, OJ & soda
The actual per-person cost of the trip depends on a number of things, such as; the number of people that go, cabin cost increases, the size of the cabin, transportation (gas prices), etc, but over the years, we’ve found that the 4-day, 3-night trip, including gas & food usually cost us around $200 each.
Deposit money ($100) is usually due in mid February and is roughly equal to ½ the total trip cost. It is sent in to secure our cabin reservation and is always NON-REFUNDABLE. Once I send it, it’s gone.
Accommodations will only be made for those who gave deposits. If 3 people give deposits, accommodations and reservations will only be made for 3 people. If 4 people give deposits, then accommodations and reservations will be made for 4 people, etc.
Getting your deposit money in on time guarantees you two things:
-A spot on the trip, and
-A spot in the “Bed Draw”.
The “Bed Draw” is our way of determining sleeping assignments. Different cabins have different sleeping accommodations, ranging from King size beds to twin beds to couches.Basically, we draw cards to determine order of choice. High card gets first choice, next highest has next choice and so on.
If others decide to go after the initial deposit money has been sent in, the following steps will be taken:
-If the accommodations already made allow for additional participants, we will add them once we get their deposit. (Please Note: Only those who originally gave deposit money and met the deadline are eligible for the original bed draws. All others will participate in a secondary draw if necessary).
-If the original accommodations do not allow for additional people, we will try to upgrade to a bigger cabin after we get your deposit but there are no guarantees though. (If we cannot make suitable arraignments or if you are not satisfied with the arrangements that are available, deposit money given at this time will be refunded).
OK, so now, if the dates indicated above work, let us know, mark your calendars, put in your “time off” request, start kissing the old ladies ass, do whatever you have to do to make sure you can join us for the 8th ANNUAL “COMPAZ CABIN TRIP”.
2006 Greer Cabin Trip Dates Are Set
Ok guys. Dates are official, so mark your calenders, put in for your time off request, start kissing the Old Ladies ass, do whatever you have to do. This years trip is scheduled for April 22nd through April 25th. Contact Joe or Louie or check back here for more info.
The picture is of "Sargents Hacienda", one of the cabins we stay at on our trip. This is a 5-bedroom, 3-bath cabin that sleeps 8 guys comfortably. The cabin is equipped with satalite t.v., washer/dryer, dishwasher and has a detached game room behind it. It is hooked up!
Deposit $$ for 2006 CompAz Cabin Trip Due By Feb 28th!
Just a reminder that deposit money ($100) for the cabin trip is due by Feb 28th. Since it looks like this years trip is gonna be filled, it is very important to get your money in on time. Remember.......only those with deposit money by the deadline are eligible for the initial bed draw.
Drivers Needed......
Another reminder. Please let us know if you can or are willing to drive. Doesn't make a lot of sense to have EVERYONE drive up on thier own. If we can arrange to have some people ride together, that will eliminate the number of vehicles we'll need.
2006 COMPAZ CABIN TRIP: DEADLINE FOR INITIAL DEPOSIT HAS PASSED
The deadline for the initial cabin deposit has passed. This years trip is shaping up to be one of the best ones yet. Eight guys have confirmed and committed by laying down at least $100 for their deposit.Joe Laguna, Louie Padilla, Chano Gonzales, Louie Aguilar, Carlos Macias, Miguel Saldana, Pete Mesquite & Joe Garza have gauranteed themselves a spot on the trip AND a spot in the initial bed-draw.Deposit money has been sent in to reserve "Sargents Hacienda", a 5-bedroom, 6-bed, 2-sofa sleeper cabin. If you do the math, that comes to 8 sleeping areas, so the guys have also gauranteed themselves a spot OFF the floor. (Click on " Sargents Hacienda" here to check out the cabin on-line). If you have any questions, contact either me or Louie at DosCompaz@yahoo.com
MENU (TENTATIVE) FOR GREER CABIN TRIP
Below is a tentative menu for the trip based on comments and feedback we have received.
*Menudo with all the fixin’s will be available all weekend for breakfast in addition to the breakfast menu.
Saturday
Breakfast
On the Road in Payson
Lunch
Chips and Sandwiches
Dinner
BBQ Country Style Pork Ribs, Corn on the Cob, Potato or Macaroni Salad
Sunday
Breakfast
Chorizo, Eggs & Potatoes
Lunch
Chips and Sandwiches
Dinner
Carlos & Chano's Chimi's w/Rice & Beans
Monday
Breakfast
Bacon, Eggs, Potatoes
Lunch
Chips and Sandwiches
Dinner
Rib Eye or New York Strip Steak, Baked Potato, Ranch Beans
Tuesday
Breakfast
Leftovers
Lunch
On the Road
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, let us know by calling us or e-mailing us at doscompaz@yahoo.com
posted by Compa Joe at 7:02 PM
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