It was this time last year when I was in the air on my way to Colorado to look at houses and do some fishing near Estes Park, when I looked at the ground below, varied colors of foliage and could only think about all the leaves I had back at home I was going to have to rake when I returned.Those chores that hung over my head soon disappeared when we hit Denver and checked out the Zoo and Museum of Science. They became ever distant when we reached our cabin on the Middle St. Vrain near Raymond, what a magical little respite on the winding road to places I had yet to discover. This was my first experience to the Rockies and we hiked the usual tourist traps like around Lily Lake and a few other trails.This had sparked my interest to explore more of our own country, specifically the RMNP and Yellowstone National Park. I mentioned a few choice states I would like to visit in this lifetime during an interview with Chris Hunt from EatMoreBrookTrout.com – (sorry I left a few off the Big List, like Idaho). http://www.eatmorebrooktrout.com/2012/10/20-questions-brian-kozminski.html?spref=fb
Where the Yellowstone Goes
But this began my thirst for what this great country has to offer and I recently decided that with many friends who recently moved to parts of Montana, Colorado, North Dakota, and yes, Idaho, I should make a point to visit old classmates and fellow riparian enthusiasts and to take a walk in their water. So I ordered a copy of “Where the Yellowstone Goes…” a month or so back and it came in the mail a week ago. I didn’t know much on the background, only that I have an excessive need to build my fishporn collection and that this was endorsed by SIMMS so I figured it would be well worth the risk. http://www.wheretheyellowstonegoes.com/ The description on the website is this:
“Experience a soul searching and inspirational 30-day drift boat journey down the longest undammed river in the lower 48. Connect with colorful characters, get lost the cast of a fly rod, and savor fireside stories in this heartfelt river adventure.
Description~
Presented by Trout Headwaters, Inc. Sponsored by MONTANA, Simms Fishing, American Rivers and Costa Sunglasses. Where the Yellowstone Goes follows a 30-day drift boat journey down the longest “undammed” river in the lower 48. Intimate portraits of locals in both booming cities and dusty, dwindling towns along the Yellowstone River, illustrate the history and controversies surrounding this enigmatic watershed leading to questions about its future. Connect with colorful characters, get lost in the hypnotic cast of a fly rod, and experience silhouetted moments of fireside stories on this heartfelt river adventure.”
In a nutshell~ take the journey, get sand spit in your face while trying to tent in an open sandbar along side the river, feel the sunburn on your cheeks from days on end rowing, hop on a little Cessna and get a first hand view of the terrain that this great undammed river molds and shapes day to day. But don’t expect the high-end energy 220 beats per minute soundtrack we have been accustomed to in past venues. This journey takes its time. Think more like Jack Johnson acoustic and unplugged, but not at Red Rocks, more like in your back yard campfire, way before he was discovered. This trip takes you back to when the West was still wild and you can get that feeling of discovery around every bend.
I rather enjoyed this trip down some moving water I hope to someday feel between my toes and I think you might too. Pick it up at your local fly shop or find it online, this is worth your $25. See you on the river~
Tight Lines,
Koz
Now I gotta see it! Thanks for the post Brian, I won’t force you to come to Idaho but I will promise an amazing fishing experience. So make your plans for next summer, and COME ON OUT!
I will definitely try to make my rounds out west> My boss says I can book a few ‘guy weekends’. I hope to see friends in Montana and Colorado and now, Idaho to meet you and get my fish on!!!
Tight Lines!
Koz