Fond Times Lost to Memories

So we are back from Red River and if you've never gone or it's been awhile since your last trip you should definitely check it out! The town has grown immeasurably since I first started going there. There are new shops, sidewalks, hotels, restaurants, and curbs...yes they now have curbs! I tried, and desperately wanted, to blog from our porch or balcony but my service only allowed for phone calls. The beauty of that place will make your soul weep and your psyche will swim in relaxation. It is truly a wondrous place to vacation with those closest to you. No need to worry if you're not the outdoorsy type, as I said shops/spas/touristy stuff. But if you love the outdoors, this place is marvelous.

The rivers were swift, Rio Grande was running 1700+ cfm, and the stream fishing left something to be desired. But this made for great white water rafting! We set out with Arnie from Los Rios Rafting and had an exhilarating time. The bulk of our weight, three 250+ guys, sat in the back of the raft so we caused everyone else to fell as if they were paddling a ski boat! The pictures are wonderful. The rapids were pulsing and the enjoyment was overwhelming, that is a definite must do!

The guys in the tackle shop told us about some beaver ponds east of town in a quasi wilderness area.I caught one trout and Hillary had a nice size trout hit her hook and she tried to set the hook at the same moment the fish breached. The hook went left and the fish went right. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

My wife allowed her inner mountain woman to take hold and we went trapezing through the underbrush and waded through thigh deep water. The ponds back there were exquisite and packed with wildlife. It took her ten minutes to traverse the overgrown terrain to make it out on the 'loch' wall where she stood and fished a beautiful water hole. The beauty of Hill in her element was breath taking and she looked serene and serious all at the same time. That was until she ran into the owner of said beaver dam. In a yelp I heard, "BEAVER"! Two minutes later she had covered ten minutes worth of ground and was by my side again. It didn't take her long to recover and we were off fishing again. The hardest part of that excursion was when she allowed me to take the lead and push through the animal trails. I found a nice little place that we couldn't go right or left and the steep, 90 degree angled, bank loomed in front of us. So we began the little, yet steep climb out and with some cuts and bruises we made it back to the road.

While we were trailblazing Phil, Miss (T-Handle), and Ben were fishing the first beaver pond. Cameron went up into the mountains by Questa and did a little back country fishing in the wild rapids. He said some small Brookies were biting but nothing else. It's still a little early in the season and with the snow melt filling and pushing the rivers its keeping most fish docile. And due to excessive drinking and sleep deprivation Matt stayed at the cabin and napped. We were all drinking like fish but he was staying up late. We missed him and he missed out but what can you do? Can't say I blame the guy, when we got back I ate and went to bed shortly there after. Ben caught three trout, Miss caught four. We ate like kings and queens that night; eight fish for six people plus kielbasa sausage and veggies. Miss won the first annual 'Ye lil ole fishing tournamentay' so she won...well nothing.

When we awoke the next morning the weather reflected the group emotion, depressive and weepy. We weren't looking forward to leaving our little commune! The beauty and enjoyment was behind us and the real world, rutted, stress laden, every day that we were allowed to escape from for three or four days. The purse was saved by 'daddy' and the vehicles were loaded. We pulled out to do a little shopping before lunch and to have one last hooray. We went through the over priced shops and back to Der Market...over priced as well...and bought some souvenirs. We found a wonderful little Catina style Mexican food joint, Tia Buenas, and had some wonderful food and conversation. Hillary, Melissa, Phil and I discussed some of the local real estate and business that were for sale. Maybe a dream or it may be our future?! Only time will truly tell. The entire trip home was over cast and rainy, just as my mood was. The real world loomed and the splendor that was our friendly fun filled trip had become fond memories.

Until next time my friends...until next time.