Hey Colorado, It Was Not That Long Ago. Only a few of us around have ever even heard that song, but I remember parts of it. Probably because I have left Colorado so many times and thought of those lyrics from time-to-time. Well, one of the things that keeps me sane while living in Baltimore is going home to Colorado to visit 4-5 times per year. I connect with family, friends, places and my soul while visiting. Soon I’ll depart for another in a long series of trips back home and do a little fishing if the weather cooperates.
A fat Rainbow trout caught on the Eagle River
This trip I get to try out the new commuter rail line between Denver Intl. Airport and downtown. From there I catch the light rail to the Oxford St Station where if my little sis remembers will pick me up. Last March when I was there the commuter line was still under construction but trains were rolling in and out of the airport on training runs.
Airport train area
I figured it would not be long before I got to ride the new train line.
Practice run
I’ll only spend the night in Denver before grabbing a rent-a-car and speeding up to my favorite spot on the Eagle River to go fishing with my best fishing friend Jonathan. Last year we caught so many trout and several of them were over 2-3 pounds! We released all of them and might get to catch some of the same fish again. Wouldn’t it be great if most anglers released the fish they catch?
Glenwood Canyon
I rarely get bored on the drive to Grand Junction where I own a rental home. The canyon has enthralled me since I was a wee child sitting in the back seat of the station wagon looking up at the towering rock fortress that seemed to want to engulf us any second in a rockslide. Colorado National Monument is one of the sites I look forward to seeing on each trip to Grand Junction. The colors are hypnotizing and the road through the park a joy to drive hugging hairpin with tires squealing.
GJ as seen from the Colorado Ntl. Monument at
Daybreak
After GJ it’s back to Denver with another fishing stop along the way. In Denver if the weather is the typical October blue sky day with temps in the 70s I’ll visit downtown and the 16th st Mall.
16th st mall free piano time
There are so many great restaurants to choose from in the downtown area. Last year I ate at the Appaloosa Grill. It’s in a totally cool historic red sandstone building and the food is good too.
Appaloosa Grill
I hope to pop into Union Station and check out info on the ski train that is coming back into service after a long hiatus. This train to Winter Park ski area is the best way to travel. Forget traffic jams, just ride the scenic railway out of Denver, into the foothills, and deep into the Rockies for a memorable trip. Speaking of skiing. Last year was once again a great season and we hit Aspen twice. Nothing like a blue sky day cruising Aspen Buttermilk’s black runs.
Aspen Buttermilk, up top view
With a little luck and planning we will go back this March for some of the best spring skiing anywhere. Or we may go to southern Colorado and ski Durango Mountain for a change. I love the town of Durango and a stay at the Strater Hotel is a taste of the old west.
Durango’s Strater Hotel
Like most trips to Colorado this one will be over with too soon. The good news is I’m already planning the next one in December. Even when I lived there it seemed I never got enough of the best state in the U.S.
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Hello, Good blog. I want to see more of your site. Fish on.