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Well, about 10 years ago I was living in Colorado and was very lucky to explore the state. One trip included a camping, hiking and fishing trip to Gunnison, Colorado. It was one of the most memorable trips I have taken. Mom, Dad, boy, girl, and dog made the trip. We walked and fished various streams around Gunnison to start. Our son was fly fishing, and our daughter started off just walking and hiking. We saw a lot of wildlife, including new families (deer). Out daughter wanted to fly fish, but she settled for carrying the fly rod.
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While the boys went exploring for more fishing, the girls (my daughter and I) did some amazing hikes! She is quite the trooper- especially at her age at the time. She never complained. She just walked on and on. Luckily she had great hiking shoes and the weather was kind to us. All she needed was to be powered up by her good morning hot chocolate – cooked on a stove you can find here, in cups you can find here- 1) the best stove ever, that I have used for over 30 years, 2) portable pots and pans, again, 20+ years in usage, and finally, some awesome cups to enjoy that morning coffee, tea or hot coco!
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Can anyone ever complain about this quality time with their beatiful, well-rounded daugher. Absolutely NOT! After the girls ventured to central Colorado hiking, we joined up with boys again at Black Canyon! The boys were at the bottom river of the Canyon, fly fishing. It was the bottom of the canyon, so I suggest some waders, and shoes, so depending on adult or youth, buy right gear. My son at 12 was wearing my old gear because he was about the same size as me. You can find a starter fly fishing gear set here-https://fortheoutdoorenthusiast.com/product/9ft-fly-fishing-rod-reel-combo-with-line-lures/
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Now, if you look at the pictures above, maybe it doesn’t seem like a big deal, however, just to give you perspective, it is a lottery to get the chance to fish the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and you must hike through some fairly nasty terrain and poison oak to get to bottom.
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Look at these photos from the top of the canyon. We had to hike down to bottom. I’ve added a picture above of my son, switching from fishing to reading. Always a good option. I just LOVE that there is no electronic device in his hand! When he decided to take a break from fishing, my daughter took over and tried her hand at fishing with spinning rod! This is just an amazing area and a MUST see for anyone.
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Look at this hidden treasure in Colorado. Please explore! What you can learn from the carving on the walls on of the canyon is outstanding and definitely worth the visit. They say Gunnison is one of the coldest winters in the US, but….. I am hoping it will be my retirement. Crested Butte is close, I will ski, eat ice cream, fish, hike, and camp as I explore one of the best parts of the country. +++ recommended.