Hike on Clear Creek: Cimarron Canyon

June 20, 2010 The only thing that could have made this Father’s Day any better would have been to have our son and our fathers along for the ride. We know they would enjoy immensely. But the day started out perfectly with a call from Ben. And we were able to call our Dads too! We are getting organized and about have the camping routine down. We are getting very good at brewing the morning coffee in our Coleman percolator, and juggling a couple of menu items on our one-burner Coleman propane stove – although we’ve decided to probably expedite the process by buying one more one-burner. Who would think that a fried egg sandwich, fresh carrots, and a Little Debbie snack would be such a taste treat – but when done in the outdoors, it is hard to beat. Couscous w/chicken, Vienna sausage and saltines, some fruit, and we’re there. We went on an approximately 2-mile hike on Clear Creek trail. You have to remember that many others hike this trail so you can not think too much about rattlesnakes, bears, mountain lions, etc. This is a heavily forested area of conifers and aspen that pretty much encompass the trail and many downed trees to avoid. The beauty is enhanced by a little stream that runs beside the trail. Of course, I had to take my fly-rod after encouraged by the park ranger. It was a challenge to maneuver a nine-foot rod through all the brush and to avoid snags on all the limbs in the stream – for the opportunity to catch a 6-inch fish. However, these are wild fish that are so beautiful and have unbelievable survival skills to manage in their little, dangerous world. I lost several flies, but it was worth it to catch one fish.