I have read on one of the major on line news sources that a group of US and Russian scientists are going to Tibet in an expedition to attempt to get scientific verification for the Yeti. It seems that there have been 3 times as many sightings over the last 20 years that has historically been the case. Thus, they believe that there is an established population in the area that they are going to.
This is my public notice: I am volunteering to head up an investigation to add to the scientific knowledge about the Yeti by investigating the fly tying and fly fishing properties of the fur and hair. I feel quite qualified for this because of being a trained scientist, having worked as a working chemist for 30 years, and as being an avid tier and member of Fly Anglers on Line. I would also invite others to join me to form an oversight committee for this project.
That said, I am also suggesting that we as FOAL take this on as a group project. Several of us could tie different flies and send them to members in various locations to investigate the fishing properties of the flies. This could include classic streamers, nymphs, and perhaps using the underfur for dubbing for dries, etc.
We might be one of the premier groups in the world to take on such a project, because we have members from all over the world.
At any rate, this post is the first step in this process. I will plan to tie the Gold Ribbed Yeti’s Ear, and a Black nosed Yeti Dace.
Volunteers and comments are envited and encouraged on this thread. I very much realize that there are a million and one details that will need to be handled to complete this scientific venture. Not the least of which will be getting the scientists going to Tibet to supply us with sections of hide for tying. However, that said, I am sure that once they see the oportunity to do this important scientific investigation that they will jump at the chance.
I don’t know what the group is, or a contact for any of them…that will be the first step. If we have any members that are going on the trip to find the Yeti, please respond to this post.
I’m not sure this is a good idea. Based on other “recent events”, if fly tiers decide that Yeti hair is a good tying/fish-catching material, some lady folks might then decide that they need to weave Yeti hair into their OWN hair. There are a couple of problems with this. First, unlike chicken feathers, Yeti’s haven’t been involved in specialized breeding operations, so their population probably could not take this increased demand for their hides. Second…eyewitness reports suggest Yeti fur to be exceedingly odiferous…and I worry that this may not deter the salon fashionistas.
We need a sponsor. US grant funding may be drying up. Suggest we contact Umqua. Am sure they have a bunch of tiers up in tents in the Tibetan villages already. They could serve as guides for our expedition.
PS. Can a “working chemist” still be a working chemist while on vacation?
Hadn’t thought of going ourselves, but you may be on to something, and was thinking more in terms of the folks on the expedition supplying us with tying material. However, that is not a bad idea. Is there still and spare stimulus money still floating around that the government could fritter away on us, er…I mean invest in a scientific “job forming” expedition.
Bryon, you are obviously doing some good thinking. I wonder if there is good fly fishing in Tibet? Do they have bluegills? We may not want to let them know that part of the scientific expedition could be referred to as a “fishing expedition”, as even the government might be wise enough not to finance us. Even they might catch on…well probably not!
“Working chemist” while on vacation? (…or while fishing)…not this kid!
I know I’ve shared this before, but the Yeti trip may be fruitful. I know for a fact that locally Bigfoot is alive and well and is a dedicated fly fisher here in southeast Idaho. Don’t believe me, here is proof positive photographic evidence:
Bigfoot footprints:
A bit blurry, but you can almost count the weight of his rod:
Kelly,
Very amazing photos. Could be worth a lot of money. Appears to perhaps be some sort of cross-breed/hybrid. Should certainly quiet some of the non-believers!
From a travel site:
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With the economy in the poor condition in which it currently exist, I would like to suggest you keep this expedition domestic and search for the Fouke Monster in Arkansas. This is the basic of the Movie “The Legend of Boggy Creek”. Waspi may already be selling dubbing from the creature since they are in the neighborhood.
I read today that the Russians have definative evidence of Yetis living in some part of Russia. Hair samples, tracks, artifacts, a bed, scent markings ,etc. I don’t speak or write Russian. Maybe they could send some hair.
Just dawns on me…to me the only definative evidence is a Yeti itself, either in a cage or in a less mobile state, as in one who has come in contact with a rifle bullet.
I feel the momentum building for this one. Who amongst us has not had Tibet on his/her bucket list for decades? We perhaps need a joint task force on this one. Let no one think this cannot be done with American ingenuity.
There’s no need to even think about going to, or spending all that money trying to go to Tibet. There just happens to be an entire clan of ten of them that have been hanging out in Michigan. A women that lives up there has been bringing them food for around two years now. It seems that they really like blueberry bagels, store bought OR made from scratch. The link is below:
Mark,
Extremely helpful update. Of course, the problem is this: We all know that fly tying materials vary in color and texture - depending on the part of the country the “animal” is harvested in. Thus, it may still be important to get some of the yeti’s in Tibet or environs.
We are, however, looking for those who have special talents to bring to the table in our upcoming expedition. You may well qualify as one of our senior researchers…
EdD: As a proficient wordsmith, you also bring incredible potential talents to the table for possible inclusion in our excursion - as our communications director perhaps?
