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 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 moreBe a Patriot for Our Wild Places
Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
I'm sure most of you are finishing up your early morning fishing trips and getting ready for a fun night filled with food, a good brew, and camaraderie with your favorite people. I've got my beer on ice, all my kale chopped up and veggie burgers ready to hit the grill!
But, I took a few minutes out of my day to speak up for the most American resource our country has, wild places.
I urge you to do the same. Here are a few things you can do on this holiday (and every other day) to help our greatest treasures.
Get The Next One
Some mornings you wake up late.
You decide on a whim to get in an hour or two of fishing.
You check and recheck the water temperature.
You catch a handful of tiny rainbows.
Read moreWhere Do You Go?
What do people who aren't 'outdoorsy' do to get away? This is a question I often ask myself, but since I don't know any such people, I suppose it will have to remain a mystery. Bowling?
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