Tarryall Creek at Cline Ranch

This is a new place for us to visit and fish. A consortium of private and public entities have purchased the ranch land and the Department of Wildlife manages this new public fishing area (just opened to the public on Labor Day of this year). Pretty challenging access to the stream through brush and beaver ponds resulted in us getting plenty of exercise (we walked about three miles - a good portion of it on other than flat ground). The stream is divided into 4 sections, and fishing access is designated by parking in one of 4 spots - so if you arrive and claim a parking spot, you are allowed to fish the corresponding section on the stream - a unique, fair, and very workable way to limit/manage access. A huge valley surrounded by mountain ranges in all directions - a fantastic western fishing experience.

Weston Pass

Another of our "mandatory" activities out here is an evening drive up Weston Pass to 11,000+ feet elevation. For the usual reasons: spectacular views, wildlife sightings, not-so-wild life, and the cool fresh air.

Up Buckskin Gulch to Kite Lake

Each time we are out here we "must" make the trip up the rough dirt/rock road to Kite Lake - for the wildflowers, views, crisp and clean air at 11,000+ feet, and to catch the beautiful cutthroat trout in this small alpine lake. While the "bowl" is not carpeted with wildflowers this time of year, as compared to June and July, there are plenty to capture your interest. We picked a perfect day, although a little chilly, we weren't threatened by the usual afternoon thunderstorms.

Though small (avg. 6-8"), these cuttroat trout are true beauties. We were told these are Pikes Peak cutthroat, which are a hybrid of Greenback and Colorado River strains. Size does not always matter!

Mosquito Gulch

Busy day on the 18th: Beginning with trip up Mosquito Gulch, followed by trip up to Kite Lake via Buckskin Gulch, and capped the day with an evening drive up Weston Pass. All these destinations are up Forest Service roads in the Alma/Fairplay area. Much to see around here!

Evening Trip up Four Mile Road

Fourmile Road heads up to Mt. Sherman, just outside of Fairplay and at the upper end is begins the Fourmile Creek, which eventually runs in to the South Platte near Hartsell. I have fished several stretches of this stream as it widens out in the valley. The creek, changed along the way by several miles of beaver ponds, parallels the dirt road in some sections. Of course, I had to try to catch some of the small brook trout that live in the beaver ponds - several strikes, one hooked, but not netted - spent most of the time untangling line and flies from the heavy bushes. Surprisingly, we didn't witness any wildlife on this trip.


One member of the yak herd at the ranch as we enter the highway from the cabin

First Snow

The cabin is at an elevation slightly over 10,000 feet, so we received 1/2" on our first night. The higher peaks received considerably more and reports are that the ski resorts will start "making" snow next week.

Aspens begin to turn

The smaller aspens at the lower elevations have started flashing their fall colors - we think we have scheduled our trip perfectly to witness the complete changing of colors.

Badger Basin WMA: Middle Fork, South Platte River

Fished a new stretch of the Middle Fork outside Hartsell. Typical meandering meadow stream set between mountain ranges - full of "S" turns,riffles,and runs that provide perfect habitat for wild trout. These trout are well-educated and can sometimes be quite challenging - therefore, I caught only two small brown trout - but they are wild and they are beautiful. And the setting is unbeatable.

Colorado Road Trip 2011

September 13, 2011
It is time for another road trip! After weeks of high temperatures, high water on the local rivers, and delays in getting our house started, we decided we could take a couple of weeks and head for cooler weather, changing aspen colors, and hopefully some monumental fly fishing in Colorado (recent reports point to excellent September fishing conditions).
So again we hit Highway 412, which carries us from home across the panhandle of Oklahoma before we hit I25 headed north for a first night stay in Walsenburg to acclimate to the altitude. Among several options of highways to Colorado, this route is our preference as we get a taste of small farming towns interspersed between miles and miles of wide open highway. We are drawn to the sights of the old homesteads, ranches, and towns with their abandoned windmills, machinery, barns, storefronts, and vehicles – but at the same time saddened that these once vibrant areas are slowly fading to remnants of what they once represented.
We are always on the watch for wildlife along the way. We always see red-tailed hawks in great numbers. We did see two dozen wild turkey pecking their way across a freshly-plowed field. And once in New Mexico, the antelope are plentiful near the highway.
Of course, hours of driving across hundreds of miles of relatively uneventful terrain can lead to monotony – but it doesn’t have to. Satellite radio provides endless useful entertainment with a heavy dose of Soultown, BB King Bluesville, and Classic Vinyl. And put on the recently released CD of Keb Mo, and a duet of Keb Mo and Vince Gill singing “My Baby’s Telling Lies Again” becomes a quartet with the two of us singing along, and even at top volume the cows and antelope don’t seem to notice (no humans are within eyesight). A little waist-up dancing does wonders for a tired body and mind.
Started raining the minute we unloaded at the cabin in Fairplay – and the first 2011 winter advisory for the high mountains for tonight. We only received about ½ inch of snow here at the cabin, but is a big change from the hot and dry at home.





Signs posted at the roadside rest area after entering New Mexico

Ben's week-end with Grandfathers

Ben wanted to visit his Grandfathers so he drove up from Little Rock for the week-end to visit with them. We drove down so we could all spend time together, first in Ft. Smith and then in Siloam Springs. It was too blasted hot to do much in the way of activities, but we did enjoy visiting with the families.


Three generations on Larry's side of the family

Three generations on Charlcie's side of the family

While visiting with our Dads

Ben had wanted to go fishing with Dad but the weather and river conditions were not favorable - however we all went over to Marval Resort below Tenkiller Lake to visit with Ronnie and Sally and Jeff, Heather, and Jaden. They have permanent trailers at the resort and a boat up on the lake. Had a nice visit and lunch at the marina.
While in Siloam Springs, Ben got to go to the casino with his Grandpa, Charlcie, Kevin, and Tami (I don't do casinos very well). Also, Charlcie, Tami, and Kevin wanted to have a picture taken in front of their old high school before it becomes a junior high when the new high school is completed.
A little bit of a sentimental journey this week-end.


Kevin, Charlcie, and Tami in front of the old high school

Ben wading with 2nd cousin Jaden

Taking Ronnie and Sally's golf cart for a spin - taking Dad for a ride along the river