DENVER - LOOKOUT

Denver - I'm coming for you!  I've got a plan ticket booked for October 21st through the 28th.  No real agenda other than to explore, hike, fish, and camp every single day.  Sounds like a good plan, right?  Of course it does.  I have been relying on the interwebs to provide me lists of places to go/see and things to do, but now I am asking for help from whoever I know that is there in Denver or the surrounding area to provide me with your hot spots.

I'm kidding.  I'd never ask anyone for their hot spots, but if you would be so kind as to tell me cool places to hike that have some epic views near camping and fishing, that would be killer!  I've never been to Denver or the state of Colorado, and this will definitely be my first time exploring the Rocky Mountains.  I am super stoked for the trip.

One thing I do have on my list of things to do is eat at The Buckhorn Exchange and have some Rocky Mountain Oysters.  Crazy to think that one would be excited to willingly put Bull testicles in his/her mouth, but I'm game.

Any other recommendations for places to go hike, camp, fish, must do's, and maybe your favorite brunch place.  All information is much appreciated!

Maybe I'll even get to visit with +Howard Levett! 

Bushcraft - Feather Sticks

So, we finally got cable at the house.  I haven't had cable for 4 years.  I don't watch much television, but one day I got hooked on this show on The History Channel, and started binge watching it.  The skill the guys on this show have are incredibly impressive.  While this is a reality TV show that's a contest like Survivor, you can actually learn and take away things from this show, unlike 95% of the other crap that's on the air.

After watching this show, I started to do some research on Bush craft, and realized, I should know some of this stuff.  Most of the knowledge I obtained can be used when I'm out on my fishing/camping trips....such as...making a fire.  So, I started to do more research on proper knives.  I have had my SOG Seal PUP for the longest time, and it's been a great blade, and provides me with a sense of protection when I carry it on my person, while I'm wandering or wading in the places I am.  The only drawback to the knife is, it doesn't stay sharp for long, and it really is limited to certain applications around camp.

Feather stick with the SOG Seal PUP.

Prison shank???

My bush craft knife research brought me to purchase a Morakniv Companion.  I read countless reviews, and you just cannot beat the high ratings and the price of around $15 bucks.  This knife was super sharp right out of the sheath, and it felt great in the hand.  After using it a few times to make some feather sticks, and then use it on a few outings, I was extremely impressed.  You seriously cannot find this high quality product for that price anywhere. 

Here are a few feather sticks I made with this blade.  They look good, right?  They helped light a fire just fine, too.  I liked this knife so much, I bought one for The Fat Gordo as a gift, for when he's out on his solo trips.

Some other Bush crafty things I learned from Alone Show was these guys carved out their own spoons.  Over the winter, I plan on giving carving out some spoons, and other random things out of wood.  Adding another hobby to my never ending list.  

Anyone else dabble in bush craft or wood carving?

Camper with the Family

Family time is the best time.  My GF and I, headed up to my Grandparents camper at Fish Lake Beach in Volo, Illinois, to hang out with some of my family. 

We arrived just in time to join in on a hay ride around the campgrounds.  Not everyone joined us.  My Grandma stayed behind to wave at us when we rode by.  Everyone but 3 people on the hay trailer were a part of my family.  We were the best group that the residence of Fish Lake Beach ever experienced, hands down.

We always know how to have a blast.

When we were nearing the campers behind my Grandparents.  My Grandma was standing outside with a sign that read "Homeless - Need Family"....Hilarious!! We all got a great big laugh out of that.  Ain't she a riot!!

She cracks us up!

After the hay ride, a few of my cousins and I headed down to the lake with our fishing gear.  My cousins have all fished before, so, they all sort of know what they're doing.  My cousin Giacomo (Red Shirt), and Jeff (Not pictured) have more experience than Michael aka Big Red and Sam.  This lake had a terrible fish kill when we had our polar vortex winter, and some have told me it has bounced back through stocking, but I am not too positive about it.

The fishing was tough, as expected.  I was the only one to hook up with a fish, and boy, oh boy, was it a whopper.  After trying several streamers, I switched flies to a small san juan worm, and I cracked the code to Fish Lake Beach.  

Trophy catch.

After fishing, my cousin Jeff and I headed to the store to restock the firewood back at the camper.  Once we returned there was a fire already started, and we all started to make use of it for a snack.

Hot diggity dog.

Awww...here's me pictured with the person that hates all of my jokes, my lovely GF. :)

My Love.

Here we have pictured myself with a few of my many cousins.

We're a pretty awesome group.

As the evening turned into night.  The campground was having a Ho Down type dance at their pavilion a stones throw away from the camper.  Before we all headed over there, we made some pot pies.  Butter, bread, pizza sauce, and some cheese.  Close the pot pie, and stick it in the fire, and viola, a great meal. 

I've always enjoyed a good campfire.

I apologize, but there were no photos taken of my dancing.  I know you're all disappointed, but what I do have, is photo with my very awesome, special, and beautiful Grandmother. 

My Grandparents are part of the reason I love the outdoors as much as I do.  As a kid they used to take me, my sister, and my cousin Sharese camping with them all of the time.  They used to have a pop up camper, and belonged to a group who would travel together to different campgrounds. 

She doesn't read my blog, but in the event that she does - I LOVE YOU!!!

Love this woman!

Camping

So, I went camping at Jellystone.

There was a big group of us. My GF's 2 brothers and their families, and her cousin and his family.  We played basketball, spent some money at the arcade, met Yogi Bear, and Boo Boo, and all kinds of other fun stuff.  A good time was had by all.

My favorite part about camping is in the evening and night.  There's just something about a nice cold beer and a campfire that really relaxes me.

Beer and campfires go together like peanut butter and jelly.

There is a downfall to campfires and kids, for me anyway....and that is marshmallows.  I hate marshmallows! Gross!!  I do love the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, and would totally befriend him, but I just cannot stand marshmallows.

Let's just be friends.

There were 2 lakes on the campground, but due to an influx in rain during the week, they were both blown out and overflowing.  Now that I think about it, a few day prior to our arrival, a tornado touched down not far away from the campground, and my GF's brothers were worried that they were going to be closed.  I was able to take my GF's brothers fiance's boys fishing, and they even caught fish...at the same damn time!!!!  How awesome of a guide am I, that the boys doubled up on some warmouths.  I was proud.

My lovely GF cooking up some bacon. Can't have enough of that stuff.

Before we left for the trip, I started to put my extensive collection of decals and stickers to use by decorating my Nautilus Reels Yeti Cooler.  I spent more time on this than I probably should have.  There are a few spots open, but they're already reserved. Actually, I have already filled them in, and just haven't updated the photo.

Deeking out the Nautilus Reels Yeti Cooler.