Texas, Florida: October 2016

We had scheduled a couple of appointments in Quitman and Rice, Texas to get some modifications done to our Casita travel trailer. We enjoyed our time in Quitman, and surprisingly enjoyed a few meals there. Since we were in Texas, it was only natural that we hit the Interstate and head to the panhandle of Florida - right? Actually, our friends from Mountain Home were RVing there, and by putting some immense pressure on us, convinced us to come down and join them for a week. It turned out to be a perfect week weather wise, and we had a great time. Although Mark and I were not successful in trying our hand at saltwater flyfishing, we sure enjoyed being in the water and trying. Had some great meals, a visit to the Donut Hole in Destin, Flounders in Pensacola, and meals outside on the patio watching the Razorback football game on the outside TV. Fun, fun. Also, got to go over to Orange Beach for the day to see Ronnie, Sally, Heather, and Jeff. Ronnie and Sally fixed a wonderful meal for us - was a very nice coincidence that we were on the Gulf at the same time.

Santa Rosa Beach RV resort 

 

View of the bay and Koehlers' RV

 Cwab!

 Walking the beach

 Mark and Burnis Koehler

Tourista looking for shells

Tabor Men visit: October 2016

My brothers brought my Dad up once again for an opportunity to fish Dry Run Creek. This is a fantastic resource we have in this area to facilitate younger fishers, as well as an elevated ramp for a nice long section that allows physically challenged folks an opportunity to catch the trout of a lifetime. We have been able to get Dad up here a few times and he always is able to land some quality fish. He is the reason and the inspiration for my love of the sport and it sure is rewarding to watch him be able to do it again. I didn't get any pics of his fishing this time.

 It's over there somewhere

Steve, Dad, Ron, Larry

Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Arboretum trail. Octover 2016

 Treasures for you!

 Daddy is too cool!

 It's in there somewhere

 Crank that thing

What a fine looking group

Random vacation pics: July 2017

 Shelby in her beautiful home in Breckenridge.  Shelby is a great high school/college friend of Ben.  She is a physician now, practicing in Breckenridge.  Very much enjoyed spending time with her and her friend. 

 Post meal at Bella's in Saratoga with Carly and Lance:  Great meal, great folks!  The most famous place to eat in Saratoga is at the historic Wolf Hotel, and it is special.  However, we now have a new place that we must make sure we patronize on future visits.

 

Had to include pictures of our individual deserts.  Nice presentation, very yummy.

Renie, Haley, Matt, Everett, Sophia at Old Baldy Club. More really fine cousins!!

Fairplay, CO, July 2017: The "Cabin group"

After Rocky Mountain National Park, we traveled on down to Fairplay for some time at the Boyd Cabin. We were excited to have a week of frivolity with our Road Trip Friends: Sam and Marsha Vaughn, Kim and Nancy Smith, Dennis and Mary Miller, Larkus and Terri Pesnell - MIA were George and Kathy Butler. We timed this gathering to coincide with the annual Burro Days Festival in Fairplay, where thousands of folks descend on this little burg to watch the Burro Races, Llama races, Craft fair, and other assorted activities. The Pesnells arrived too late for the festival, so I missed the opportunity for their pictures. We had a very good week of fun, fishing, games, evening trips up the pass - a special group of friends having a great time!

Coming to the finish 

 Llama, Llama

 Crafts galore

 Quite the Llama "do"

 Miller time

 Us

 The Vaughns

 Kim and Nancy.  Not for sure what happened to Nancy

 The girls returning from a scouting trip

Da Boys



Rocky Mountain National Park: July 2017

Leaving Wyoming, we headed down for a week of camping outside Estes Park, Colorado, just outside the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park. Our first visit here and it was spectacular. Scenery, wildlife, streams, lakes, and lots and lots of people. Luckily we had sense enough to start our forays into the park very early in the day, since later in the day it was extremely crowded. This is one of the top 3 visited National Parks and for good reason. We would like to return in the off-season some time. I was, however, able to fish the headwater streams without much competition. I absolutely love to fish for the small wild trout in these small meandering meadow streams - size doesn't always matter!

 Headwaters of the Colorado River

Momma and baby moose

 Elk in the meadow

 Elk on the mountainside

 Marmot

 Another beautiful, clear snow-melt stream

 Double rainbow

 Headwaters of the Big Thompson River

 Monster bull elk

Unique and very cool mode(s) of transportation

Alcova, WY: Miracle Mile/Grey Reef, July 2016

Among the premier fly-fishing destinations in the country, the Grey Reef and Miracle Mile sections of the North Platte near Alcova, WY, have to be included. My first opportunity to fish this area. In fact, if not for the legendary fishing, there's probably not much to lure you this hot, desert-like area other than a special kind of natural beauty. To summarize my experience, I caught several very nice fish,some I brought to the net, and some that got away after a reasonable time on the line. I learned that it takes heavier leaders, tippets, and a little more experience in landing the big boys. Another must for future trips.

 Grey Reef section of North Platte

Sunset above our campsite in Alcova 

 Had a very nice fish on before long-distance release; Doggone it!

As they say, trout don't live in ugly places.  Miracle Mile below Kortes Dam on the North Platte

Looking upriver towards Kortes Dam on the North Platte; beginning of the Miracle Mile

Encampment River Canyon: July 2016

A place I've always wanted to visit on our trips to Saratoga is the Encampment River Canyon. We finally had an opportunity, but I had a couple of unfortunate geriatric moments that spoiled the day a little. To get to the public water to fish involves a pretty good hike into the canyon beyond the private camps. In July it is hot and dusty in this arid area. After hiking about a half-mile in, I realized I had left my fishing license in the truck. Charlcie was able to find a shady spot to wait while I did the round-trip to get the proper paperwork. This was after I had realized that I had left my wading shoes back at the camp, a good 30 miles away. So we trudged upriver to look for a clear spot in which to cast the fly - the water is a little fast to attempt to wade on the slick rocks in the stream. Valiant attempt - no results. Glad we had carried extra drinking water. However, there is no doubt I will return to fish this stream in the future.

The long hike back



Wish I could get in the water

Beginning the hike

Special place