Papaw and Sons

My brothers Ronnie and Steve brought Dad up for a long week-end together. Charlcie was in Missouri for a long week-end trip with her sister, so it was a bachelor party at our house in Cotter. We had a great time together, highlighted by taking Dad to catch many large fish at Dry Run Creek. We are all big St. Louis Cardinals and Razorback fans, so we enjoyed watching the Cards clinch their division series and the Hogs defeating Auburn. It was really a great time for the four of us to be together for a few days! Unfortunately, I got so caught up in the moment that I forgot to get pictures of all of us together. Anyway, we were excited that Dad did so well fishing. I failed as a guide - although I rigged him up with the right flies to catch the fish, I managed to not net the very largest fish that he caught before they broke off - I'm simply not experienced in catching such large fish, a couple that exceeded 24".

Credits

It has been pointed out that I should give more credit to Charlcie for the pictures on the blog.  Although we sometimes are confused about which one of us has taken a particular picture, I must admit that my favorites were taken by her - the trout on the home page, the man in the boat on Taylor Reservoir, and the panorama of Taylor Reservoir with mountain ranges in the background.

Returning Home

After a very fun three weeks, we headed back to the Ozarks today. Although we missed the scenery as we traversed Slumgullion Pass, we were able to enjoy the aspens one last time in morning light as we approached Creede. The beauty is endless in these parts - including the upper Rio Grande that parallels the highway for a good distance.

Engineer Pass

On our last day in Lake City, we loaded into the Jeep and headed up Engineer Pass - unfortunately, rain storms were brewing and greeted us soon after we started the ascent. Greg and I were high and dry, but Diane and Charlcie were in the rumble seat and were getting the brunt of the rain, so we had to retreat.

Max and Tess were so worn out by our visit, they crashed end-to-end

Gold Mountain - Vickers Upper Ranch Steak Cook-out

We were lucky to be here for the last steak cook-out of the year on top of Gold Mountain. The folks at Vickers Ranch have a weekly cook-out in-season on their upper ranch. The 4-wheel drive up to the picnic area is worth the trip in itself. We have to say that this is the most incredible setting we have ever enjoyed a steak in.

Cinnamon Pass - American Basin

Took a jeep ride by Lake San Cristobal, up through Cinnamon Pass to American Basin. This 30-mile round trip took three hours - what has always been a 4-wheel drive road should be designated jeep-only this year(and luckily we were in one). According to the locals, they have never seen it this rough - we're ready for the rodeo now after that drive. But it was well worth the trip. American Basin is not covered with the wildflowers that are normal in spring and early summer, but is still spectacular and the road up is incredible, made even more so with the peak aspen colors.

The ladies in the rumble seat

Fishing Lake Fork of the Gunnison River

Greg and I went to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River for three hours of fishing in the afternoon - a great three hours! Greg, being the perfect host, pointed me to the "honeyhole", a perfect run in between two sets of riffles that yielded all these fish in the 14"-16" range. I was so excited, I failed to take pictures of this beautiful, clear stream that courses through a shallow canyon with monstrous spruce trees.

To Lake City to visit our friends the Grahams

We were excited that our friends Greg and Diane had invited us back to stay a few days at their wonderful house in Lake City. They are so hospitable and enjoyable to spend time with. And this year we were here for the perfect time to view the aspens. These two pictures were taken from their front deck - what a deal!

Taylor Reservoir: Cottonwood Pass

Had an opportunity to drive up through Cottonwood Pass, along the Taylor River up to the Reservoir and Dam. One of our favorite areas from our trip last year and this year was enhanced by the aspens turning. My only regret was not having time to fish below the dam for the legendary huge rainbow trout.

Gunnison: Black Fork of the Gunnison River

After Salida, we drove over Monarch Pass to Gunnison to spend two nights. We enjoy this small town - immediately upon arriving we drove straight to the little place that sells huckleberry smoothies - we each downed the largest ones they have. Also enjoyed breakfasts at "The W", an institution around these parts.
Later, we drove to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, a spectacular fishing destination. Hooked some nice ones - unfortunately, I forgot my camera and Charlcie had wandered upstream to take other pictures.

Last Day in Fairplay - On to Salida

Leaving Fairplay today to spend a night in Salida. Had to take time to say good-bye to our friend that we call Snow Ball - she always shows up and hangs around at meal time and is a real sweet dog, but is reluctant to receive a pet on the head, so we have to work up to it.
Had a good day in Salida, visiting the galleries, flyshop, and enjoying lunch at the Boat House on the Arkansas River.
Actually got to fish for a couple of hours on the Arkansas with some success - regret I didn't have more time as it was good fishing in a very nice stretch of water in a red canyon south of Salida.

Fishing Fourmile Creek

Each year I reserve and fish Fourmile Creek - a small meandering meadow stream that holds some surprisingly large fish. Caught several nice fish, but missed on the larger ones. Was constantly keeping an eye on the coyote that showed up on the scene as soon as I got there. Shouting at him only raised his curiosity and he not only did not run away but kept coming closer. I threw a rock in his direction to try to scare him - he pounced on the rock! Eventually he ranged farther, apparently hunting for more prey.  If you click/enlarge the center photo, you can see him.