Making some burn piles to help protect RMNP." />
On Monday we worked with Rocky Mountain National Park on our service project for the trip. We teamed up with the park’s fire crew to construct fire piles for the morning. Fire piles are essentially large piles of tightly stacked wood made of slash, or dead trees that were cut down. The piles are then burned during the winter and rid the area of easily combustible material which is a threat to nearby infrastructure and people. After our service work we undertook a drive to outside of Buena Vista in order to be closer to the Arkansas River and our float trip.
Some Bighorn Sheep from our drive to Buena Vista." />
One of many high alpine cutthroat." />
With our extra day, we took the opportunity to hike to a secluded high mountain lake in search of some Colorado River cutthroat trout. We were not disappointed. Most of the guys managed to land several of these magnificent trout, plus they were some of the biggest trout we saw on the trip!
Another beautiful cutthroat." />
Pulling trout from the Arkansas River." />
Today was the capstone of our fishing adventure as the guys hit the Arkansas River with guides from Ark Anglers of Salida. They acquitted themselves admirably, with everyone catching some nice trout. Tonight we will be camped on the shores of Lake Dillon in Silverthorne, and will celebrate the trip with dinner at The Famous Mint steakhouse. Then it’s up early tomorrow to head to the airport and go our separate ways. It has been a great trip, and I’m sure the memories will last a lifetime. Hopefully we will be seeing these guys on future trips, but until then…
One more from our float with Arkansas Anglers." /> Tight lines! Charlie Parr
