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Friday, July 29, 2016

Blue Lakes 7/29/16


"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt."

John Muir


I know, another Blue Lakes Hike?....YES.  This was a combo fishing and hiking trip. It was a beautiful day and the wildflowers were at their prime.






Mountain views weren't too shabby either!

Friday, July 22, 2016

Fishing Grand Mesa - Butts Lake - July 22, 2016

"Take only memories, leave only footprints."
Chief Seattle

One of my favorite past times (next to hiking of course) is fishing.  It is even better if a hike is involved.  I especially like remote mountain lakes or rivers.  Butts Lake is a favorite destination dating back to childhood.  As a young feller in my 20's my dad and I had Wednesdays off in the summer.  Each week we would load up our little 8' aluminum boat on a bicycle wheel rack and drag it up to Butts.  We had some great times and made memories that will never be lost.  Dad is gone now, but I still often return and still enjoy it like yesterday.


Wildflower show on the way up the trail.



Passing Little Eggleston Lake



Colorado Columbines - my favorite wildflower.



Butts Lake - the fishing was poor.  But the scenery and flood of memories was priceless.  I had an unusual treat of a fighter jet going back and forth across the mountain.  Since Butts is tucked in against the Craig's Crest cliffs, there were times I wouldn't even hear him coming.  He was very low and the rumble would make me jump every time.  Hey....maybe he scared the fish!  Who knows? It was a great day anyway.



Part of the problem may have been that it was so still.  The water was like a mirror.  That usually does not bode well for fishing.


But, all in all, there was no way to find fault in this day.  Thank you Lord!

Friday, July 15, 2016

Richmond Pass 7/15/16

"Hiking is the answer.....who cares what the question is?"

Richmond Pass is always on the short hiking list.  It's just a wonderful hike for any reason.  This day was perfect in every way.

Up through the aspens in the morning sun.



Looking back to the Red Mountains....a pathway in paradise.


Rising higher.  Looking down on the Red Mountains and the Corkscrew Pass jeep road.



It was unusual that there were still snow drifts at the pass this time of year.



View from the pass looking west into Yankee Boy Basin and Imogene Pass.



Abundant wildflowers just above Half Moon Basin - looking east.




Saturday, July 9, 2016

Fishing Big Blue Creek...July 9, 2016

"There's always time for one more cast!"

I got a new Tenkara rod for Father's Day.  I was looking for the perfect stream opportunity to test it out.  Big Blue Creek seemed like the spot and this day seemed like the time.  I only caught a couple small brookies.  That Tenkara stuff is definitely fun and has a bit of learning curve.  Since I was alone I took my SPOT signaling device with me.  Somewhere in that maze of willows I lost it.  I had been all over through there and felt there was no way I could ever retrace my steps and find it.  Prayer seemed to be the most logical thing to do....so I did.  I then began trying to retrace my paths and realized that was completely impossible.  It all looked the same.  But, after about 15 minutes of wandering, I poked through a tangle next to the creek and there it was.  My heart was full of wilderness stream fishing and thanksgiving.  It was a beautiful day!

Penstemon on top of the Alpine Plateau on the drive to the stream.


The willow maze where I lost my SPOT - temporarily.  Thank you Lord!


Wow this stream is "purdy".  Post-card purdy!


I'll be back and hike on up this creek!  Several years ago I hiked up it to Slide Lake.  But, I didn't fish on that outing.  I will on the next run.


Monday, July 4, 2016

Independence Day Fishing Grand Mesa July 4, 2016

"Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread." 
Edward Abbey

Joann and I took off for Grand Mesa on this Independence Day.  We hiked up to a lake off the beaten path.  It appeared to be dead, except for the abundance of water dogs.  So, we left and tried a few other lakes.  The fishing was definitely not good - the only thing biting were the mosquitoes.  We fed them well.  The day ended with a heavy hail storm that turned everything white.  Unfortunately, I was trying to stay on the muddy road so I only got one shot out the windshield.  Any day in God's mountains is a good day regardless of bugs and snooty fish.