Today is day 764 of our two-week Covid-19 quarantine. I'm currently experiencing a dull ache behind the eyes and a feeling of listlessness. It's been quite a while since I last went fishing or hiking or snowshoeing or anything exciting. My consumption of random trail mixes has also increased. It's not a great combination.
To say that we are living in strange times is probably the understatement of the century.
Colorado, Thanks For Having Us
I had great plans to capture every moment of our move across the country, from wonderful images of the Mississippi to the fields of Texas to all the wonder of New Mexico. But, what is it they say about the ‘best laid plans?’
I’ve woken up to the warm Colorado sunshine for the past few mornings. I’ve wandered among the cedars and shared a beer with friends not seen in months, but as of yet, no cutthroat. Ah, well, those days will come.
It’s a bizarre thing to see your whole world reduced to a few measly boxes and even more stunning to see your whole business fit in the back of a little Subaru. It’s a reminder that things are just that, things. The important stuff will make it and the rest will move on to someone else. That being said, I wouldn’t trade any of those things for this view I get to see every day.
Read moreNew Discoveries, Familiar Places
We've fished this river for three years, several times a year, but not this section. Instead of heading up, as per usual, we took a gravel road down, until we reached the river. It was much smaller than up yonder, more enclosed, like the tunnels we are used to fishing in back East. Looking down into the small stretch of water there were no flashes of light indicating little trout, but we were already here. Plus, why not try and fish an entire stretch of river?
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 moreWhat's in Our Bags
- Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag - This year we'll be spending our three weeks out West in the Durango KOA campground, specifically a tent parked on my parent's campsite. One of my favorite things about our trips to Durango is spending the night outside under the stars. My Kelty sleeping bag is perfect for three season camping! It's breathable while still keeping me warm down to 20 degrees.
- Broner Train Station Hat - It's a hat. It keeps your head warm, keeps the sun out of your eyes, and even makes you feel just a bit more stylish!
- Nalgene 32oz Narrow Mouth - My tried and true! I've had this water bottle for five years, after my last Nalgene, which I had since high school, was lost in the outdoors. Best part, it's virtually unbreakable!
- MacBook - So I can keep up with the blogging and let all you good folks know what's up!
- Free Fly Bamboo - Jacob and I both LOVE all our Free Fly stuff! From shorts to drawers, literally the best stuff on the market for keeping you cool or warm.
- Patagonia Stormfront Hip Pack - Basically the best hip pack on the market! Why? Because whenever I wade in too deep, which happens quite a bit, or get caught in a rain storm, I don't have to worry about my very expensive camera staying dry.
- Simms Women's Vaportread Boot - I can't say enough about these wading boots! They;re basically the weight of a good pair of hiking boots, plus the vapor grip
- Osprey Mira Pack - I utilize this pack to carry my camera, computer, external hard drive, and any other necessary technical equipment I may need. Once I get to where I'm traveling this is the most amazing day pack. It comes with a hydration bladder and rain cover, plus it's large enough to handle fishing stuff, camera, rain gear and snacks for a day spent in the back country or alpine lake.
- Sixty Meters to Anywhere - Hands down the best book I've ever read! Which makes it a must take for a long road trip or falling asleep at night in the comfort of a tent. Because believe me, it reads even better in a sleeping bag.
- Costa Del Mar Cin Sunglasses - Better to see you with, my dear!
- Orvis Superfine Glass Fly Rod - Just like most other anglers, I've got more fly rods than I know what to do with, but this is my ride or die! I've basically abandoned all the others and stick with this guy. I've gathered up an assortment of reels, all filled with different weight lines. I've discovered with this rod overlining or underlining changes it completely and I can manipulate it to fit almost any situation I come across.
- Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket - Because Colorado is cold in the morning, and at night! And I enjoy being warm.
- Force of Nature - This little bandana from R.E.I, to remind me to be a force of nature!
- Simms Guard Socks - These guys make wet wading a dream! Although I am taking waders, I will literally only use them if I'll die from hypothermia if I don't. Not a wader girl, but I also don't like getting gravel and sand in my boots. Hence, guard socks.
- Chaco ZX/1 Classic - The only shoes I wear. Seriously, I had to take them off for the photo.
- Outdoor Research Helium Pant - If I learned anything about Southwestern weather from last year is that storms pop up out of nowhere. And, unlike here, the temperature dips, a lot, and you get cold. Always remember your rain gear, or you'll end up on San Juan, in a boat, freezing your nunnies off.
- United by Blue Avalon Tank - Just in case I feel like venturing out into town and not look like a total trout bum. Plus this tank is super comfy and breathable.
- Moleskin Notebook - To write down all of the ideas that pop into my head while sitting on a trout stream or standing on the side of a mountain.