The weather report called for afternoon thunderstorms, so a full day, high-country trip was out of the question. Heading north was out of the question. There had been one too many mudslides and we didn’t want to be stuck somewhere for hours. We threw out different directions and rivers for a while until we settled on a spot. We’d gone last year, been skunked, I wasn’t expecting much. I figured ‘hey, at least I get to be outside.’
Read moreWay On Up
I've always considered myself to be a mountain person. I live, play, survive in the mountains, define myself by it. I've never been so wrong about anything. At best, I'm a hill person.
Last week, Jacob and I made plans to meet up with a fellow bamboo rod maker and one of my first rod bag customers, Dave Sornborger - Animas Rods. After all, we're are in his backyard, who better to show us around. "You're good with 2.5 miles, right?" Jacob asked me. I didn't give it a second thought. Two miles, seriously, that's a quick hike for me. It wasn't until the night before that I was informed that over the course of two-miles we'd be gaining 2,000 ft in elevation and starting off at 10,000 ft.
Read moreLiving
I've always belived there's a difference between surviving and really, truly living. As with most people, some days, weeks, even months are spent just trying to survive, make it through the day. Then there are those other moments when you're living.
I've tried to build myself a life that isn't just simply waking up every day and getting through, but a life I love. I'm always thankful for this world I live in, but like everyone else, some days it simply comes down to surviving.
Read moreBack To Durango
We finally made it to Colorado and our favorite high-country trout stream. For the first time we’re seeing green hillsides and plentiful wildflowers and I admit that I’m more than a little distracted by them.
Read moreWhat's In My Bag
We're 17 days away from Durango! So naturally, it's time to start packing!
Here's a look at a few of the outdoorsy things I love and plan to take with me.
Read moreRod Bags + 416 Fire
Today, while standing in the middle of the grocery store, I started to dance a little jig and let out a "whoop" at the top of my lungs! Why all this craziness in public? Because San Juan National Forest is set to reopen tomorrow!
For the few weeks, Jacob and I have been trying to decide how to proceed with our Colorado trip. Should we move it back? How much? Should we even go at all? Maybe wait until August or Septemeber? Just last night we firmly decided that it would probably be best to push it back just a bit a couple of weeks.