Ha, Sylvan Lake
I fished it in the summer of 2006. I had a contract with CenturyTel installing and upgrading their fiber loop and equipment. After work we would drive back into the canyon to fish Sylvan Lake. It seemed like a long drive because of winding Brush Creek Road and then on West Brush Creek Road a rough (dirt road?). I still remember that little old log cabin on the way in as if I am seeing it today.
It wasn’t a big lake, but I seen a lot of trout. Fishing was slow the summer when we were there, but the view was worth it all. Walking around the west side by the dam (It looked more like a spill way then a dam) one weekday I looked down into the waters edge and to my surprise spied an old dead rainbow trout that was huge. The local fishing shop in Eagle told us that ice fishing Sylvan Lake was good early. They also told us the story behind the (I think) Sylvan Family, mainly about the old man who sold the land to the National Park. Living way back in there back all those years ago! That was a long way from civilization back then I’ll bet!
We also hiked up into the White River National Forest a few times. What beautiful hikes! Early in the summer we hiked with 70 pound back (to acclimate with the packs) up into the snow; seeing cougar tracks, bear sign and lots of mule deer (which didn’t seem too scared of us) until it was knee high and deeper. Walking right at the canyon edge was real scary, one slip and down we would have gone. We hike farther than we should have one day and barely made it down before a late snow storm hit it, it was totally dark by the time we came out.
Not to worry, we have headlamps and hiked/train in the dark. I once over hiked in Glazier National Park (which gets so dark (just like Bob Marshal Wilderness) that the only way I can describe it is to say it is suffocating!) I became exhausted and a little dehydrated. I had to stop and re-hydrate. So, right at the trail side I took a little catnap and awoke at dusk. Before I could get my barring and headlamp out; it was totally dark. By the time I made it to the trailhead it was well after midnight. I can tell you that after that the Park Rangers seem to take more of an interest in my whereabouts.
Anywho,
Most of the time I like to travel! Up to Kremming, fish the reservoir and streams. To Steamboat Springs back to Eagle down to Pagosa Springs over to the Black Canyons! Going over the State Highway 24 pass down to Pagosa Springs was scary as hell too as you guys are well aware of I am sure! Especially when the snow started to fly! Pagosa Springs is a whole different story. I just wish I could have stayed there for a couple of years and really check it out! But the contract came to an end (too quickly) and onward to other states we hauled ass.
Why is the world in such a hurry anyway? Now we are out of work and could have taken our time and enjoyed life a little more! But no, everything has to be today (or like they like to say in the business) yesterday!
Tightlines Mates!
