From the Ground Up - Photo Journal of the Cabin Construction

Throughout my life I have only hoped to have a cabin on or near some primo fishing and hunting.  Over the course of the last few years, my dad purchased two lots of land, equaling nearly ten acres, along the Conejos River with hopes of constructing a hunting/fishing headquarters for the family.  Last spring we had the well drilled, road constructed and archway built while toying with the idea of cabins, meanwhile I did not think it would be a reality for some time.  

Drill rig after installing the well - December 2010

End of the road at the end of the property...  Future site of the cabin

Wapeti Archway courtesy of Jimmy Duran

Right after I got back to Eagle from PA this past spring, my dad calls and informs me he set up a meeting with an Amish cabin builder named Ivan Miller.  I was shocked that my dad was going forward with it so quickly, but was very excited none the less.  In a little over a couple weeks, we had a contract signed and blueprints drawn.

Finding the right logs

Construction began at Ivan's home by constructing the first floor of the cabin, Lincoln Log style.  While this was taking place, my dad and some close friends in Mogote chose the location for the cabin on one of the lots.  Once the foundation was set and the pieces of the first floor were labeled, they were packed up and moved to the property in late July.

As my season continued to keep me wrapped up in Eagle, my pops took care of overseeing the construction.  Since the cabin and property are in my sister's and my name, I had to make sure to stay up to date with deadlines for permits and contractors for all aspects of the final product.  By the end of September, I was the point person for the electrician, plumber, stone worker and cabin builder.  I was excited to get down to the property in early October to be there and help out first hand as the "final touches" were being made.

Dad and Gabe checking out the progress

Before there were walls

Looking out to the river!!!

In one bedroom, looking to the other room, bathroom and loft

This is when all of the chaos with my dad's health took place, so I found myself trying to stay informed with the construction while I was with family down in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.  During my dad's last couple of weeks, he stressed how important this project was to him and insisted that I take the reigns to ensure all of the work completed exceeded all expectations.

Spray-Foam insulation - Going to stay ROASTY in the winter!

La Estufita de la Casa - Source of the heat

Seeing the tongue-n-groove come together

Some of the first snow, cabin is nearly fully sealed up!

Beginnings of the kitchen counter

View of upstairs from loft

Soon after my dad's passing, I found that I would be the busiest I had been yet, making sure all of the t's were crossed and i's dotted with the final touches.  The biggest pain has been dealing with Xcel Energy who dragged their feet with setting up power on the property.  Basically a month and a half behind, we should have power on the property by this weekend.

Floors are in!  Progress early December 

Kass and I moved some furniture in.  One step closer to it being completed!

With a couple more weeks before we plan to head up for the first official fiesta, I hope everything goes smoothly and all inspections are passed.

Loft view from bedroom

Finished product for stairway

I am excited to see the finished product very soon.  I look forward to having this amazing cabin to use as a home base for many more hunting and fishing adventures.  Thank you dad, for making your dream come true and in turn, helping your family share the love you had with the great outdoors.  

The Most Beautiful Crappy Day

On Tuesday morning I woke up knowing I was going to head out to one of my favorite places, Cheesman Canyon.  The weather forecast could not have been better, low 60's and little to no wind.  I made it to the Gill Trailhead only to find three more cars.  Things were looking great and I was excited to throw my gear on and head out.  I was on the river by 10:45 and enjoying the weather and being back in the canyon.

With the nice weather, I wish I could say there were small midges coming off, but instead there were TINY midges coming off.  The fish weren't coming to the surface, but I could see them moving around pretty actively in the deeper seams and pools behind the rocks.  I finally got some attention by using a size #22 Palamino Midge trailed by a #24 black RS2.  Had a few takers on the RS2, and continued to switch out the lead fly in the nymph rig.  The golden ticket came when I put on a #20 pheasant tail with the RS2 behind and I was able to pick up fish on each.

The fish were stacked up on one another in the deep pools, just on the edges of the main channel. I picked up some decent fish, all on the nymph rig.  Throughout the day there would be the sporadic riser, but nothing to get excited about.  It was clear the fish were feeding on the larva or emergers.  

I couldn't help but enjoy the day spent outside in a short sleeved shirt, standing in the river, catching fish under the sun.  Unfortunately things were about to change as I as wrapping up the day.  I hiked out and made it back to the truck.  As I was walking up to it, and noticed the back window was pushed out, and not locked like I had left it.  Immediately I swelled with anger and fear as I opened up the back.  My plastic tub with my flies and reels was gone.

When I moved back to Denver, I consolidated all of my reels and flies into that tub and did not think about it being a risk.  In all of my years I have never heard of gear being targeted or stolen, and did not think twice about throwing the whole thing in the truck for the day.

This whole experience leaves an extremely bitter taste in my mouth.  I can only help to think that this one instance is a wake up call that we can never become too comfortable.  I have fallen guilty to overlooking risks that we should all be aware of.  Even if you park in a 'fishing parking lot,' be conscious that there are the same risks as parking outside your house and only bring those things that you will need for the day.  Never again will I have my entire arsenal of gear, even if it is only my reels, with me at one place.

I am now working with the insurance company (renter's insurance), trying to sort out everything I lost and how to prove it.  As I am sure most fisherman do, I accumulated much of my gear little by little, over a period of years.  Since it has been so long, I don't have receipts for those goods, but hopefully the pictures I have with the reels in action will suffice.  If anyone has any advice, please feel free to respond.

In the meantime, maybe take a minute next time you are cleaning your gear out and snap a pic or two of  it all, or even better, keep a detailed log with receipts of your items as well.  If something ever happens with your cherished fishing gear, maybe that will help out.