Thanks for posting that Cliff.
Steelheading is a game of timing, you look at the weather forecasts, check the flow gauges, pick a destination and take your chances...
The spot we fished yesterday is usually either boom or bust, and can be frustrating when you drive that far and encounter those kinds of crowds (most I've ever seen there btw, don't people work anymore? LOL!).
I did feel bad for you as that wasn't exactly the type of experience I was hoping for.
In any case newbie steelheader or not you're a good angler and a nicer person and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Till next time bud.....