I know…I know. Far too long. In truth, now into our 10th month of living in Houston, the absence of Fly Fishing options has left me a bit out of balance.
But….the 60th Birthday of a dear friend, someone I have known since the mid 80’s, offered a glimmer of hope in that it offered an excuse to head up into the mountains, again!
After a quick, Thursday drive (by which I mean roughly 15 hours spent on the road, much to the chagrin of my back and neck) I arrived in Colorado Springs. Bright eyed and … no. Sorry. I just can’t try to claim that the drive didn’t take a lot out of me.
A good beer consumed, thanks to my Brother, who lives in the area and was willing to go out and find me one of my preferred beverages, I headed off to bed for the first night and planned for a couple of great opportunities the following day.
First stop on the Friday… Garden of the Gods.
Having heard a fair bit about it did not prepare me for the impact it would have. From the first overlook at the edge of town…
To the welcoming committee that chose to take up a position just inside the park, that day…
The park was offering some excellent view.
It was great to see so much green space preserved and set aside.
Having left the PNW in July of 2023, this was the first real chance to get back into the type of landscape the continues to pull at my being. A chance to recharge and enjoy the peace and enveloping comfort that green lands and majestic, natural stone formations can bring.
After that…a drive up into the mountains for such very much needed time standing in a river and flailing about with a long stick!
But, that is a story for another time.
Until then (maybe tomorrow)…
Tight lines…