Originally Posted by
Sierra_Smitty
I know Phantom well because his favorite lake to fish is South Lake, where we own the landing. He is an exceptional story teller and has an even more exceptional imagination.
My top 5 all time favorite stories he's told me....I could probably do a top 20 list but I'll leave that to your imaginations. And yes folks, he really has told these whoppers...I've heard them.
1. He taught Olympic Gold Medalist Peggy Flemming how to ice skate on South Lake.
2. He lived out behind South Lake many a winter - his pet Bear and pet Mountain Lion would sit with him at the campfire to protect him.
3. One time, during a freak August snowstorm which dumped 8ft of snow, he singlehandedly saved 500 people that were camped at the back of South Lake from certain death by hiking them and their gear to safety.
4. He gets calls from weather authorities from as far away as Australia because he's the only one who can predict what the weather will be like 6 months from now.
5. He holds every world record for every freshwater game fish in North America.
He is one tough old guy - but I have yet to see him walk to South Lake in the last three years. He always gets a ride up the hill and then thumbs his way down to Bishop or rides his bike down the hill. Also, despite his amazing glitter flies - he fishes with nightcrawlers.
Good times,
Smitty