Some of my earliest memories are of fishing in Colorado with my parents and grandparents. I suppose that's why the Rocky Mountains and rushing rivers still hold such a strong attraction for me. Twenty-five years ago, my wife, Lisa, and I began making short vacations to the mountains. We'd spend two or three days in an area, exploring, sightseeing and fishing, and Lisa developed the same love of the mountains I have. Eventually we settled on an area around Creede because we found a wonderful ranch on the Rio Grande River that rents rustic cabins. We've returned to this area each year now for 20 years, and we've increased our stay to a full week. Three days just weren't enough. We spend every daylight hour outside, soaking in the cool mountain air hiking, fishing, and taking photographs. I realize that nearly everyone who spends time in the mountains appreciates the spectacular scenery. However, our connection is deeper. The mountains, the rivers, the brown trout, all renew a passion that developed in me when I was five years old. The time I spent with my family at a very young age makes this annual trek to the mountains a necessary event for me. While Lisa's tradition is younger, it's no less important. I always think of Granddad and Grandma when I'm in the mountains, and I'm still amazed at the impact the time I had with them has on my life.
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