Sorry for the hiatus. I just wasn't sure what I was going for with these updates. I think that I wanted to incorporate some sort of business into my blog--which may still happen--but for now I just need to write.
I am still going to write about cool places that I've gone, but I think I'll relax on pimping out products just for the hell of it. Now, if anyone wants to pay me for it, that's a different story.
Once again, my main objective for writing this blog is to continue to keep inspiring myself. Selfish? Maybe. But it's similar to looking at old photos from a trip you took. It keeps the memories fresh and inspires you (or me, at least) to keep traveling, keep seeing new things, and to keep having fun.
Since my "time out", which was around three months ago, I have done my fair share of rambling. For someone who works a full time job, I've been getting out a pretty good amount. Ideally, one day I would like to somehow ramble for a living...or at least be able to work from the road while on a ramble. That's a work in progress.
Back in April my wife and I road tripped to Taos, New Mexico and then on to Santa Fe. If you ever get the chance to visit Santa Fe, I highly recommend it. The art, the food, and the drink is fantastic! There are so many art galleries and great restaurants that it would be almost impossible to fit them all in during one trip.
I do have to mention one particular place that we visited on our way to Taos: The Colfax Tavern...or their more popular name, Cold Beer. Cold Beer is a roadhouse bar in the middle of nowhere, New Mexico (actually on Kit Carson Hwy in Cimarron, NM). Roger, the proprietor of Cold Beer, slings a mean beer. He asked why April and I didn't take the more scenic route to Taos. I explained to him that we had some time to make up due to getting stuck in a snow storm. Roger replied, "Good thing you decided to take this route...'cause you found Cold Beer!" Yes we did.
After arriving in Taos and grabbing some surprisingly good food at the Alley Tavern we ended up finding a bar stool at Eske's Brewery. Be sure to find this place when you go, and order a 10,000 Foot Stout. I've read the Taos Green Chili Beer is tasty too, just wasn't in a chili beer mood.
The next morning, after a delicious breakfast at Michael's Cafe and some gallery perusing, we headed towards Santa Fe. On the way, we ran across a sweet little winery called the Black Mesa Winery. Snag a bottle of Antelope '07 if you like a peppery cab.
We rolled into Santa Fe and immediately began exploring.
One sweet-ass place that we hit twice was the Coyote Cantina. This is a rooftop bar/restaurant that is a little trendy, but is solid when it comes to their menu. Be sure to order the Lava Lamp...it's a pint of Dos Equis with a frozen margarita dumped in it. Yea, that's right.
There are also several places that have been showcased on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". We hit one of them, Harry's Roadhouse, which was as Guy would describe it, "Out of bounds" or "Legit" or some other catch phrase that he's getting a million dollars for every time he says it. But it was. A blue corn, bacon waffle is most definitely legit.
I could go on about which restaurants we hit, what bars we frequented, and so on...but the main thing that I took away from Santa Fe and Taos was inspiration. For anyone who is passionate, or at least moderately intrigued, by various styles of art, food, drink, and culture, the trip that I took definitely stirred those interests and made me want more. It made me want to slow down and grab hold of my artistic side. That side used to be my more prominent side, but since has been overshadowed by 9 to 5's, rush hour traffic, suburbia, and way-too-far-inside-the-box thinking. Sure, that's my own fault, but it's really refreshing to visit that artistic, cultural mindset once again.
Upon coming home from New Mexico, I immediately wanted to purchase canvases and paints, inspired to leap feet first back into the world of expression. I wanted to study Southwestern cooking and perfect a green chili recipe. Hell, I was ready to buy a little casita on Canyon Road and sell my paintings for $10,000 a pop...
Immediately though, I realized that I had to be up at 6am, fight traffic for an hour, and be at work the next day. The rest is predictable...
I did buy a waffle iron, though! Mmmmm, blue corn, bacon waffles...
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Time Out.
Blog on hold. Starting to sound pretentious. Check back later after I figure out how to talk about my rambles without sounding like a prick.
Hugs,
Earl
Hugs,
Earl
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Arkansas River Ramble.
A couple of weeks ago I had a day off from the four grey walls and decided to jump into my auto and head West. My intention was to get in on some of the "crazy, ballistic, jumping out of the water" fishing that was supposedly happening out towards Salida, CO on the Arkansas River.
I used to guide on the Arkansas, albeit miles above Salida just above the lovely mountain town of Buena Vista. I used to do pretty well up there. My clients always caught fish in sometimes difficult weather and wading conditions, and when it was my turn to fish I generated some really good days for myself.
Funny thing is, ever since I left BV the Arkansas has been my nemesis. It's like she's pissed off that I left her for the Front Range and is withholding all trout from me. But I thought I'd give her a whirl.
I hit the road fairly early and gawked at the sunrise in my rear view mirror as I rolled over the big hills. I started rumbling pretty bad, so I kept an eye out for some sort of town that might have an eat 'em up joint serving biscuits and gravy in particular. I've been on this road before, but couldn't remember if there was any civilization to speak of...especially the kind of civilization selling hot breakfast.
My radio, which was set on "scan" made a full loop through the channels before getting caught by 93.7, "The River Rat" http://www.ksbv.net/. The Rat is the perfect radio station for up in the middle of the mountains. I was introduced to it by some fellow fly fishing guides in BV a few years ago. The completely local station plays a mix of classic rock, mostly obscure or "deep" tracks, which is essentially new music to a lot of people. It was the perfect way to end a long day on the water with some cool people over quite a few beers. And now, I listen again to Leon Russell, Little Feat, and the Stones before the DJ (can't remember his name...) rants on about local politics in Salida...and then plays a commercial for the "Cannabis Connection", a medicinal marijuana dispensary. That's a real radio station. It's the best radio station.
Then, over the hill I came upon Baily, CO and the Cutthroat Cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (157 Main St, Bailey, Colorado 80421(303) 816-5099). Fucking A. Bs & Gs? You bet. But it was the hashbrowns, surprisingly, that stole the show. None of that frozen Ore Ida crap. A cup of coffee, glass of orange juice, and a plate of happiness later, I got back on the road.
Unfortunately when I got to the river, it was rolling hard. I noticed a lot of wet weather tributaries muddying up the water and making it difficult to wade and fish. On top of that, I had 45 mph winds trying to sink me. How's that for excuses? If you're wondering, she's still pissed at me. One fish...about a 16 incher, which I didn't even land. We call that a "quick release".
I decided to head back up to Buena Vista to my old stomping grounds, confident that there would be a bit more action. There was not. Same result...nada. Probably a good idea that I stopped guiding...
Although the fishing was tough, I saw some beautiful things. Like the snow storm brewing over Mt. Princeton; the elk herd stopping traffic in front of me; several enormous rainbows spawning, obviously much more interested in humping than eating. And I met some cool people, like the sheriff that pulled me over for speeding. Never had a cop talk to me about fishing for 10 minutes on the side of the road. "...the golden stones are starting to hatch below Salida in the canyon. A buddy of mine got a 17 and 22 a couple days ago...oh yea, I'm going to go ahead and give you a ticket, but I'm reducing it to the minimum fine. Good luck!" Nice guy.
Oh yea, and seeing as how I'm pimping products that helped my excursion...if you ever want to pick up a pair of new waders, buy Patagonia http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/patagonia-guidewater-waders-regular?p=82645-0-050. I'm going on five seasons of putting them through hell. Sliding down rock embankments, traipsing through briar patches, bushwhacking to the river...they're still holding up remarkably well. They didn't help me catch any damn fish though.
.
I used to guide on the Arkansas, albeit miles above Salida just above the lovely mountain town of Buena Vista. I used to do pretty well up there. My clients always caught fish in sometimes difficult weather and wading conditions, and when it was my turn to fish I generated some really good days for myself.
Funny thing is, ever since I left BV the Arkansas has been my nemesis. It's like she's pissed off that I left her for the Front Range and is withholding all trout from me. But I thought I'd give her a whirl.
I hit the road fairly early and gawked at the sunrise in my rear view mirror as I rolled over the big hills. I started rumbling pretty bad, so I kept an eye out for some sort of town that might have an eat 'em up joint serving biscuits and gravy in particular. I've been on this road before, but couldn't remember if there was any civilization to speak of...especially the kind of civilization selling hot breakfast.
My radio, which was set on "scan" made a full loop through the channels before getting caught by 93.7, "The River Rat" http://www.ksbv.net/. The Rat is the perfect radio station for up in the middle of the mountains. I was introduced to it by some fellow fly fishing guides in BV a few years ago. The completely local station plays a mix of classic rock, mostly obscure or "deep" tracks, which is essentially new music to a lot of people. It was the perfect way to end a long day on the water with some cool people over quite a few beers. And now, I listen again to Leon Russell, Little Feat, and the Stones before the DJ (can't remember his name...) rants on about local politics in Salida...and then plays a commercial for the "Cannabis Connection", a medicinal marijuana dispensary. That's a real radio station. It's the best radio station.
Then, over the hill I came upon Baily, CO and the Cutthroat Cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (157 Main St, Bailey, Colorado 80421(303) 816-5099). Fucking A. Bs & Gs? You bet. But it was the hashbrowns, surprisingly, that stole the show. None of that frozen Ore Ida crap. A cup of coffee, glass of orange juice, and a plate of happiness later, I got back on the road.
Unfortunately when I got to the river, it was rolling hard. I noticed a lot of wet weather tributaries muddying up the water and making it difficult to wade and fish. On top of that, I had 45 mph winds trying to sink me. How's that for excuses? If you're wondering, she's still pissed at me. One fish...about a 16 incher, which I didn't even land. We call that a "quick release".
I decided to head back up to Buena Vista to my old stomping grounds, confident that there would be a bit more action. There was not. Same result...nada. Probably a good idea that I stopped guiding...
Although the fishing was tough, I saw some beautiful things. Like the snow storm brewing over Mt. Princeton; the elk herd stopping traffic in front of me; several enormous rainbows spawning, obviously much more interested in humping than eating. And I met some cool people, like the sheriff that pulled me over for speeding. Never had a cop talk to me about fishing for 10 minutes on the side of the road. "...the golden stones are starting to hatch below Salida in the canyon. A buddy of mine got a 17 and 22 a couple days ago...oh yea, I'm going to go ahead and give you a ticket, but I'm reducing it to the minimum fine. Good luck!" Nice guy.
Oh yea, and seeing as how I'm pimping products that helped my excursion...if you ever want to pick up a pair of new waders, buy Patagonia http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/patagonia-guidewater-waders-regular?p=82645-0-050. I'm going on five seasons of putting them through hell. Sliding down rock embankments, traipsing through briar patches, bushwhacking to the river...they're still holding up remarkably well. They didn't help me catch any damn fish though.
.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Offspring.
It's been brought to my attention by a friend of mine that my desire to ramble and sample and see different things in different places is more or less a pipe dream for those who have children.
I realize that I have certain freedoms in my life currently that many people do not. I do not have kids. Now, seeing as how I am kidless, the last thing I'm going to do is preach about what can and can't be done if you have kids.
I have never been a parent, but I have been a kid with parents. I've been a kid who's parents took him outside at an early age.
One of my fondest early memories are of me, my dad, and my uncle (my dad and uncle are both fantastic fly fishermen) sitting at the Montauk Lodge on breakfast bar stools having a plate of biscuits and gravy before we drive up to the Spring Hole to start the day. I was eight or nine probably, waders three sizes too big for me. But even at a young age, I knew that these two guys were really good at what they did--which happened to be fly fishing. And they treated me with the respect of not only an "apprentice" so to speak, but more so an equal.
I have extremely early, vague memories of going out into the lake in a boat with my family. I was too young to fish, but I still have memories of it. I remember the inside of the aluminum boat. Dad casting towards the bank. Sitting on my mom's lap. It was really windy, so I remember hunkering down inside the boat. I was two...and I still remember it.
I have endless memories of growing up that would most certainly be considered rambling. The two stories above, to me, are proof that you can still ramble around to different places and check out different things that are out there...even if you have kids. My folks did.
If one day I ever have children, I plan on including them as much as I can in my (our) little adventures. It doesn't matter how young they are, they'll remember it in some sense. And whether they realize it or not, it will help shape who they are. At least it did with me.
The art of rambling is different for me now than it will be when I have kids. But I do not intend to stop. I just plan on adjusting. Sure, you've got to go to soccer games and Lego Land, but there's no reason you can't take your kiddos to the lake, to the river, on a hike, or on a little roadtrip.
Ramble with the fam, and let me know how it goes. I'm going to be adjusting my rambling styles sooner than later, so I would definitely like to hear your stories.
That's my ramble for the day...in one definition of the term.
.
I realize that I have certain freedoms in my life currently that many people do not. I do not have kids. Now, seeing as how I am kidless, the last thing I'm going to do is preach about what can and can't be done if you have kids.
I have never been a parent, but I have been a kid with parents. I've been a kid who's parents took him outside at an early age.
One of my fondest early memories are of me, my dad, and my uncle (my dad and uncle are both fantastic fly fishermen) sitting at the Montauk Lodge on breakfast bar stools having a plate of biscuits and gravy before we drive up to the Spring Hole to start the day. I was eight or nine probably, waders three sizes too big for me. But even at a young age, I knew that these two guys were really good at what they did--which happened to be fly fishing. And they treated me with the respect of not only an "apprentice" so to speak, but more so an equal.
I have extremely early, vague memories of going out into the lake in a boat with my family. I was too young to fish, but I still have memories of it. I remember the inside of the aluminum boat. Dad casting towards the bank. Sitting on my mom's lap. It was really windy, so I remember hunkering down inside the boat. I was two...and I still remember it.
I have endless memories of growing up that would most certainly be considered rambling. The two stories above, to me, are proof that you can still ramble around to different places and check out different things that are out there...even if you have kids. My folks did.
If one day I ever have children, I plan on including them as much as I can in my (our) little adventures. It doesn't matter how young they are, they'll remember it in some sense. And whether they realize it or not, it will help shape who they are. At least it did with me.
The art of rambling is different for me now than it will be when I have kids. But I do not intend to stop. I just plan on adjusting. Sure, you've got to go to soccer games and Lego Land, but there's no reason you can't take your kiddos to the lake, to the river, on a hike, or on a little roadtrip.
Ramble with the fam, and let me know how it goes. I'm going to be adjusting my rambling styles sooner than later, so I would definitely like to hear your stories.
That's my ramble for the day...in one definition of the term.
.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Welcome.
Main Entry: 1ram·ble
Pronunciation: \ˈram-bəl\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): ram·bled; ram·bling
intransitive verb
1 a : to move aimlessly from place to place b : to explore idly
2 : to talk or write in a desultory or long-winded wandering fashion
I love rambling. I love songs about rambling. The Stones, Creedence, Led Zeppelin, and The Allman Brothers all wrote about the art of rambling, and I listened.
I decided today that I'm going to ramble quite a bit. I'm going to move aimlessly from place to place and explore idly. I'm going to experience more. More rivers, more roadhouses, more campfires, more greasy-spoon diners, more music, more mountain highways, more drink, and more big sky. These are all aspects of life that lured me out West to Colorado in the first place. I've just gotten too wrapped up in all the day-to-day bullshit to appreciate that all these things are right around me...I've just got to go find them.
This blog site is not intended to be a pretentious forum for me to brag about what I'm doing and what other people are not. In fact, it's more to inspire. Sure, it's meant to inspire you to get out and sample what's out there. But it's mainly a selfish endeavor...one that allows me fulfill my left-brained needs of creativity through writing, and soon-to-be pics and video. At least I think the left-brain is the creative side...
The basis of this blog is to celebrate what I have become enamored with years ago: Rambling. I'm assuming you've read the definitions above, both of which are right on point with how I use the term. But there is so much more involved with rambling. Allow me to elaborate.
I sometimes think that my desire to ramble comes from my not-professionally-diagnosed-yet ADD. I have a hard time focusing on one thing and being content with staying in one place. I want to see what's around the corner. I want to check out the next riffle. I'm also a very jaded and cynical sort, especially when it comes to daily grinds. I want to meet interesting people on my own watch...not be forced to associate with dipshits for a living. And some of the desire to ramble has to do with experiencing a non-popularized American culture. What I mean by that is meeting the type of person who is genuine, unique, idealistic, simple, and real. Small town, mountain town, no town...the type of person who is not fueled by corporate ladders, 401Ks, a nicer car than their neighbor's, power, and greed.
Rambling for me represents freedom. It consists of a roadtrip, an adventure, exploring, meeting new folks, eating new food, trying the local flavor. It's an escape from real life. And unfortunately for a lot of us, real life consists of the type of negative people described above. When they start getting the best of you, it's time to ramble.
I'm going to build this blog around the freedom to ramble. My getaways are going to be documented by word, photo, and video. Along the way, I intend on giving a "thumbs up" to people, places, and products that have helped me further enjoy my time rambling. "Thumbs up" is just a non-nauseating way of saying "props" or "shout out". "Credit where credit is due" may be a better way of putting it. Anyway, I'm giving credit where credit is due and my honest to goodness opinion on all things that make me grin or cringe along the way. If I stop at cool place that I think someone else should try out if they're ever in the area, then I'll let you know. I'll give you my two cents and link or something. If I'm using a piece of gear while fishing or hiking or whatever, I'll let everyone know that it's good shit. As long as there's something or someone that makes my excursions more enjoyable (and there always is) I'm going to give a thumbs up.
If there's someone or something that throws a wrench in my ramble, you'll hear about that too. So don't make shitty gear or be a jerk.
So if you're ever in the area of one of my rambles, check out my recommendations on taverns, breakfast diners, gear, trails, rivers, roadhouses, gas stations, and eat 'em up joints. I've got fantastic taste. And you never know, we might just end up finding a truck stop where you can get a Diablo Sammich and a Dr. Pepper (and make it fast, I'm in a goddamn hurry!).
If you don't get that reference, well then I just don't think I want to be associated with you.
And please, share any ramblings you might have experienced lately. I love to hear about a good roadtrip or getaway. Let me know about your eats, drinks, meets, catches, traipses, and meanderings. I don't care if you drive ten miles out of town or go across sea, it's still a ramble, and I still dig it. You can either comment on this blog or start your own. Try something out, then let me know about it. I think that'd be tops.
And don't forget, if you run across a place that needs a little credit because they helped make your ramble a success, let us know. They deserve it.
Fun shit, everybody! Ramble on!
.
Pronunciation: \ˈram-bəl\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): ram·bled; ram·bling
intransitive verb
1 a : to move aimlessly from place to place b : to explore idly
2 : to talk or write in a desultory or long-winded wandering fashion
I love rambling. I love songs about rambling. The Stones, Creedence, Led Zeppelin, and The Allman Brothers all wrote about the art of rambling, and I listened.
I decided today that I'm going to ramble quite a bit. I'm going to move aimlessly from place to place and explore idly. I'm going to experience more. More rivers, more roadhouses, more campfires, more greasy-spoon diners, more music, more mountain highways, more drink, and more big sky. These are all aspects of life that lured me out West to Colorado in the first place. I've just gotten too wrapped up in all the day-to-day bullshit to appreciate that all these things are right around me...I've just got to go find them.
This blog site is not intended to be a pretentious forum for me to brag about what I'm doing and what other people are not. In fact, it's more to inspire. Sure, it's meant to inspire you to get out and sample what's out there. But it's mainly a selfish endeavor...one that allows me fulfill my left-brained needs of creativity through writing, and soon-to-be pics and video. At least I think the left-brain is the creative side...
The basis of this blog is to celebrate what I have become enamored with years ago: Rambling. I'm assuming you've read the definitions above, both of which are right on point with how I use the term. But there is so much more involved with rambling. Allow me to elaborate.
I sometimes think that my desire to ramble comes from my not-professionally-diagnosed-yet ADD. I have a hard time focusing on one thing and being content with staying in one place. I want to see what's around the corner. I want to check out the next riffle. I'm also a very jaded and cynical sort, especially when it comes to daily grinds. I want to meet interesting people on my own watch...not be forced to associate with dipshits for a living. And some of the desire to ramble has to do with experiencing a non-popularized American culture. What I mean by that is meeting the type of person who is genuine, unique, idealistic, simple, and real. Small town, mountain town, no town...the type of person who is not fueled by corporate ladders, 401Ks, a nicer car than their neighbor's, power, and greed.
Rambling for me represents freedom. It consists of a roadtrip, an adventure, exploring, meeting new folks, eating new food, trying the local flavor. It's an escape from real life. And unfortunately for a lot of us, real life consists of the type of negative people described above. When they start getting the best of you, it's time to ramble.
I'm going to build this blog around the freedom to ramble. My getaways are going to be documented by word, photo, and video. Along the way, I intend on giving a "thumbs up" to people, places, and products that have helped me further enjoy my time rambling. "Thumbs up" is just a non-nauseating way of saying "props" or "shout out". "Credit where credit is due" may be a better way of putting it. Anyway, I'm giving credit where credit is due and my honest to goodness opinion on all things that make me grin or cringe along the way. If I stop at cool place that I think someone else should try out if they're ever in the area, then I'll let you know. I'll give you my two cents and link or something. If I'm using a piece of gear while fishing or hiking or whatever, I'll let everyone know that it's good shit. As long as there's something or someone that makes my excursions more enjoyable (and there always is) I'm going to give a thumbs up.
If there's someone or something that throws a wrench in my ramble, you'll hear about that too. So don't make shitty gear or be a jerk.
So if you're ever in the area of one of my rambles, check out my recommendations on taverns, breakfast diners, gear, trails, rivers, roadhouses, gas stations, and eat 'em up joints. I've got fantastic taste. And you never know, we might just end up finding a truck stop where you can get a Diablo Sammich and a Dr. Pepper (and make it fast, I'm in a goddamn hurry!).
If you don't get that reference, well then I just don't think I want to be associated with you.
And please, share any ramblings you might have experienced lately. I love to hear about a good roadtrip or getaway. Let me know about your eats, drinks, meets, catches, traipses, and meanderings. I don't care if you drive ten miles out of town or go across sea, it's still a ramble, and I still dig it. You can either comment on this blog or start your own. Try something out, then let me know about it. I think that'd be tops.
And don't forget, if you run across a place that needs a little credit because they helped make your ramble a success, let us know. They deserve it.
Fun shit, everybody! Ramble on!
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)