Just back from Colorado!

[joshb]

I got some PMs from people who wondered where I’ve been. I was at at the Rainbow Trout Ranch, near Antonito. It’s a “Dude Ranch” of sorts. They have 147 horses to ride and a mile and a half of the Conejos River to fish. The guest cabins are 100 year old log cabins that have been modernized and the main lodge building is a log structure about 150 feet by 60 feet, built in the 1920s. The place has the feel of the old West and the family that runs it are top shelf. I had a blast riding and fishing. I’d highly recommend it for a nice family getaway! No cell service and very intermittent internet access. The staff is made up of the nicest bunch of “youngsters” you’d ever want to meet. Not a lemon in the bunch! Here are some pics of the valley, the ranch and some of my riding trainers.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Very nice! Did you go there for the mushrooms?

 

[ebb]

Wow that lodge is nice.

 

[joshb]

Ya know........I drove slow past one of those “pot stores” and wondered if they had any special oatmeal cookies. My wife loves oatmeal cookies. Never did stop tho. I figured the feds we’re watching the place and taking pictures.

 

[joshb]

Wow that lodge is nice.

Yup. Being a builder, I appreciated it more. You couldn’t push a butter knife between the logs. It was built by a bunch of Danish carpenters .

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

Josh
Glad you made it back in one piece. Hope you didn't get any saddle sores. Did you get any photos in your cowboy had and spurs?
Nick

 

[Dusty Stevens]

This explains the saddle your wife purchased awhile back.

No it doesnt. Not just yet.

 

[joshb]

Hey Nick! I can honestly report that I never fell off! My butt is sore from trying how to learn how to post. My wife says it’s because I’m a lousy dancer and I ain’t got any rhythm below my chin.
That’s what the saddle was for, this trip. The problem was, they picked her out a short, fat horse at first. It was so wide and flat on top that she kept sliding sideways on the horse. They found her another horse with more backbone and less width and she was ok after that.

 

[joshb]

Oh, it was fishy!

 

[PatMiles]

Yeppers, the Conejos is flowing this spring. Great river to flyfish, 3 hours from my door in Albuquerque. A long time friend, who just happens to be my son's father-in-law, lives 100 yards from the river. Caught a lot of NICE trout out of the Conejos, #16 orange Stimulator is the ticket during the summer.

 

[joshb]

Pat, I agree. It’s beautiful water. I couldn’t believe how high the river was. The water was silty brown. Nymph fishing was the ticket, using Stone Fly patterns and San Juan worms. I caught Browns and Rainbows up to 20 inches. The locals said they had a record snow fall this year. There was still snow on the mountains when we left. Last Wednesday, it was 26 degrees when I woke up. My wife pushed me out of bed to go build a fire to warm the cabin up.

 

[LitLBoy]

Ain't nothing like western ladies!

 

[nmkid]

Flyfishing!! I just bought a #4 at 8'. Them 20 inchers would have been interesting!!

 

[snert]

Heck, I couldnt even afford the view, let alone the ground i stood on. But good fer ya! Move on out there! That way I will have a nice place to visit!

 

[284winner]

I got some PMs from people who wondered where I’ve been. I was at at the Rainbow Trout Ranch, near Antonito. It’s a “Dude Ranch” of sorts. They have 147 horses to ride and a mile and a half of the Conejos River to fish. The guest cabins are 100 year old log cabins that have been modernized and the main lodge building is a log structure about 150 feet by 60 feet, built in the 1920s. The place has the feel of the old West and the family that runs it are top shelf. I had a blast riding and fishing. I’d highly recommend it for a nice family getaway! No cell service and very intermittent internet access. The staff is made up of the nicest bunch of “youngsters” you’d ever want to meet. Not a lemon in the bunch! Here are some pics of the valley, the ranch and some of my riding trainers.
View attachment 1112155 View attachment 1112158 View attachment 1112159 View attachment 1112160

Them don't look like dudes !!!

 

[284winner]

Ain't nothing like western ladies!

We'll, Eastern and Southern Ain't too shabby either. Head north and...Well, just keep driving !!!

 

[joshb]

Flyfishing!! I just bought a #4 at 8'. Them 20 inchers would have been interesting!!

I bought a 6 ft. 6” rod in 4 weight just before I left, to try on the river. I used it most of the time because it was so fun. It handled those trout just fine!

 

[joshb]

Ain't nothing like western ladies!

These two are still single!

 

[nmkid]

These two are still single!
View attachment 1112284

What is the problem with Colorado guys??

 

[PatMiles]

I bought a 6 ft. 6” rod in 4 weight just before I left, to try on the river. I used it most of the time because it was so fun. It handled those trout just fine!

6 ft. 6" rod?