Take Me To The Mountains, Won't You Please

Leo and I were just sitting outside studying the Mountain Directory West for Truckers, RV and Motorhome Drivers, when I noticed I was beginning to sweat while sitting still.  This, among others, is a signal that once again I've waited too late to head north.  Today's high was 88 degrees in the shade.  Another signal is that I'm one of the last "Winter Texans" still here on the banks of the Guadalupe. Most have pulled out over the last two weeks, with several leaving today. The combination of warming temperatures and the upcoming arrival of the summer "toobers" who float the river in inter-tubes, accompanied with floating beer coolers, sends us packing.

It's been a good six months here at Rio Raft on the Guadalupe River. Of course, the highpoint of the season was the White-Molleur wedding on February 2.

Kiss The Bride - Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Molleur

I can't recall seeing people having more fun than Maggie and Jonas had that day. And their happiness spilled over to their friends and family gathered to share it. It was a grand party for all.












Shortly after the wedding, the Leos made a run to Kentucky to take Charlotte home, then we returned to the Guadalupe just in time for Trout Fest. This is an annual event put on by the Guadalupe River Chapter of Trout Unlimited.  Doug joined me for the weekend and we got in a little fishing between workshops.  It gave me the chance to show him that there are trout in the Guadalupe.


But now that the temperature is rising and the toobers are coming, it's time for us to start our run for the mountains. We plan to leave here on Saturday and start north.  After a brief stopover in Duncanville, we are heading for southern Colorado this year and plan to spend our time along the Conejos River in the San Juan Mountains near Antonito, Colorado. 

The Conejos River

I learned of this area from friends I meet here on the Guadalupe. Susie and Nick have been traveling for several years and usually start the season along the San Juan River in northern New Mexico before heading further north to Idaho and Montana.  However, last year they stopped for a few days along the Conejos. They said they liked it so well the spent the entire summer there.  That sounded like a strong recommendation to me.  So....the Leos are headed north and up, where the air is cool and the fish are biting.  And I'll be posting more frequently, since we'll be on the road till mid-November.  Stay tuned.