I am fortunate to have been able to purchase an ATV and although I have to really limit my riding due to the pain that causes and the subsequent medications I must take after a ride, I am still able to ride enough to really enjoy the days afield. There are a lot of 85 year old ATV riders out there so I guess no matter your physical abilities, riding can bring the back country to your doorstep literally.
Read MoreInspired thoughts. The setting sun on the Palisades frame the golden hues of God's glory ....
Read MoreThe Department of Wildlife, DOW, has a long history of successful game management in the State of Colorado. One of the species long protected from total extinction is the cougar or mountain lion. Many different sub-species of these occur across the United States but the largest numbers live in the West.
I have personally seen about two cougars a year just fishing and riding in the truck to lakes and events and being in that the animals are highly secretive and sensitive to humans, that's pretty remarkable.
Read MoreToday was a productive day and I spent part of it looking at TShirt designs and Hat designs for the Trout Republic blog followers. It was fun to try and design it with the tools on the internet and different manufactures. I will keep you posted when those are available and the styles and costs associated with each.
Read MoreThis morning dawned with extreme winds rattling the windows and the reverse 911 calls went out very early advising people to evacuate the town of South Fork south of Hwy 149 by 9 am. Both of the highways thru town are now closed for safety reasons and to allow both emergency responders safe access to the fire areas and to prevent looting.
It is so sad that following a disaster that looters would take advantage of other people and their losses.
Read MoreLast night I had a chance to catch up with a businessman from creede and it was a welcome meeting as his was the first house threatened by that fire and saved by a miracle.
The firefighters had already foamed the house in preparation for the fire moving thru and he said it was no more than 200 feet from the door when miraculously, the wind switched and drove the flames back. There are many stories like that and we can only thank providence for those kinds of salvations from disaster. While I do not understand why some are saved and others not, I am always thankful for the ones that are.
Read MoreThe smoke has cleared out some and being tired of sitting around waiting for the next emergency announcement, I decided it was time to get back to my routine of fishing. I have a great place to fish on the Rio Grande close to town. The night began with strikes almost immediately but I could not seem to hang a fish. I was fishing with a Royal Coachman number 12 on top and a size 10 Prince Bead head nymph on the bottom on a 24 inch dropper
Read MoreMorning dawned bright and sunny with little wind. We attended the briefing meeting at the Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte, Colorado this morning and learned about the progress of the firefighters with the inferno. The fire continues to burn of course but at a much slower rate at least near South Fork. A wind change direction is anticipated today and that may cause increased risks.
I am sitting out under the awning today under blue skies on the western side of town. I realize that many people want to come to their homes but so far the sheriff has only allowed the people north of hyw 149 access into and out of south fork. This is due to the dangers to the other areas posed by huge old pine and spruce trees in those areas that are not found here along the river. This is all open short grass areas with no trees to burn.
We still need prayers about the wind and also need the summer monsoons to cone in and soak up this country. Normal conditions for July are daily showers and you dare not go anywhere without a rain suit during those times. An early start to that would be a godsend.
Last summer, my girlfriend Paula and I decided to walk in to a small lake seen on the map. it took us three times to find it but its the second time I want to share about. We normall carry a small pack with survival equipment and raincoats in it. I had taken mine out to use the day before and forgot to put it back in.
After walking a short distance, it began to rain and when I reached into my pack, no rain suit. It was cold and dreary and the rain coming down steady. I got out my space blanket and improvised a poncho and sat there in the rain. Looking over to my girlfriend she was just standing there in the pouring rain lips pursed, upset that I forgot my coat. Not because I didn't have it but she has been on Mt. Everest and knows the dangers of hypothermia. I have seen the elephant however and all I could do was giggle at her. OF course that didn't help matters. We were a short hike back to the truck and I arrived there wet and cold and grinning. I had been wet before and needed a bath anyway. lol.
The funniest part of this is that when we got to looking, she had an EXTRA rain suit in her back pack. Now that's funny.
We finally found the lake and that's another blog for another time. Its pristine, hard to find and the fish bit every cast. .......kevin
We are back in the RV park in South Fork, Colorado. There are about 20 people still in town and we seem to be safe since we are north of HWY 149, and there are no trees on this side of the Hwy. We are under a watchful condition tonight and will get up and check during the night for any new happenings so we are not surprised.
Read MoreToday finds us evacuated from the town of South Fork. We were the last to leave except for a few hold outs who I think by law, can determine their own fate and stay if they want to.
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