Flaming Gorge Family Vacay
Flaming Gorge Sunset
It was the fall of 2015 as we hovered around the family table sipping cold beers at my folks home in Elizabeth. The time had arrived to decide where our next family vacation would land us for 2016. After much discussion and countless options thrown about, we all agreed on one thing. Fishing, more specifically fly-fishing was our priority for this family vacation. Several of us wanted to camp while my folks preferred a cabin. After years of camping in our Colorado mountains, my mom felt her camping days were over and rightfully so. To be fair, we had been tent camping all summer, every summer since we were kids. We were searching for a destination that met the needs of all and we soon found it on the outskirts of Utah.
Flaming Gorge Nation Recreation Area boasted phenomenal fishing, camping, hiking and a reservoir to boot. The other advantage of this area was the travel time, from the Denver Metro Area it was a mere 6 1/2 hours away. As we loaded up our gear, the family and one very excited 6-year-old nephew, we hit the road eager to experience all Utah had to offer. Each of us daydreaming of the trout we would catch and evenings filled with good company around booming campfires. There was little disappointment at the end of our trip with sunburned faces, tired legs, and happy hearts as we made our way back home...
Enjoying the company, campfire and sunset together!
Flaming Gorge Resort was the perfect fit for everyone, they offered cabins, campsites, a dining area, and a tackle shop for all your vacation needs. The cabins were clean and well kept and made the perfect gathering spot each morning before our next outing. In the evenings, amidst a crackling campfire we laughed the night away as the sun dropped low. The sunsets alone were a sight to behold with startling bursts of orange and red filling the expanse of the sky.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir was blissfully uncrowded as we lowered the boat into the water. Spanning 91 miles, their was plenty of space for all. The afternoon was spent tubing, skiing and fishing all while basking in the sun and warm weather. Many a water fight ensued, instigated by my nephew but we all joined in. The water felt cool, clean and crisp as we jumped from the boat again and again. Later, we lined up for a tour of the Flaming Gorge Dam, erected in 1958 the process looked daunting but the result was impressive. After 6 long years of construction the magnificent dam was completed. Since its birth, the dam has worked as a huge component of the Colorado River Storage Project. It is also the main flood-control facility for the Green River and a major source of hydroelectricity, the guide shared with us.
Flaming Gorge Dam
As the dawn of our fly-fishing float trip arrived, we woke with eager anticipation. All except my big sister Liz, she always had a knack for sleeping in on our camping trips and some things never change. After rousting her from her sleeping bag with a bad case of bed head, we headed to the Green River. The day sparked bright and beautiful making it perfect for a float trip. Within minutes we were into fish, and not just any fish, HUGE 18"-24" rainbows and browns. We hollered in excitement from each boat as we reeled in multiple trout at a time. Their colors glinted boldly in the early sun and as the day progressed we cheered each other on.
Our guides from Flaming Gorge Report where on top of their game, not only were they incredibility helpful in providing tips and suggestions but they didn't bat an eye while we kept them busy for the day. We docked nearby for a packed lunch and shared our favorite stories. Turned out, fighting big, healthy trout on the Green River was all it was cracked up to be. A mere 10 hours later, we begrudgingly pulled the boats out of the water. Fishing days such as these are few and far between and none of us were eager to go.
“Eventually, all things merge into one & a river runs through it.”
As the years pass, each one more quickly than the last, I recognize how truly blessed we are to have our family. Our parents made a choice to raise us outside, playing in the dirt and surrounded by our big, beautiful Colorado mountains. This is something my sister and I will forever be indebted to them for. Now, as adults I cherish the time we all take to spend together. Spending quality time with family and close ones is never time wasted. We all struggle with busy schedules and hectic regimes and it is easy to forget the things that truly matter in life. Family, is by far the most important for they are what make you who you truly are.