Amy’s Brain :: The Blog

Nostalgic June 30, 2008

This weekend we escaped to the mountains for a quick break from the city. We went up the Poudre Canyon and stayed at a place called the Sportman’s Lodge (aka the little brown cabin). It is a rust place about 50 miles outside Fort Collins. A wood stove and cold running water (no bathroom). One room with two beds and a table. It was cute. Sort of half-camping.

When I was a little girl we used to go there every summer. I used to think that we stayed in the same “little brown cabin” every time we went and that the chipmunk that I used to feed peanuts to was the same one year after year. I was wrong….there are multiple cabins and we stayed in several of them and I kind of doubt it was the same chipmunk over the course of 10 years. I caught my first fish on the little pond there. We walked over to it but it’s not so impressive anymore. It is interesting how your memories of your childhood are different from reality. Being at the cabin and up the Poudre is what I think of when I think of being in the mountains and fishing. I have a lot of great memories there and wanted my kids to share them with me. Perhaps it will become a family tradition. Next time for more than one night, it was too short.

We arrived Saturday afternoon after a picnic on the lower Poudre. Checked into the cabin and after a small meltdown by all (dogs included) we grilled some dinner and enjoyed the mountain air. Saturday night we had a campfire and enjoyed roasted marsh mellows and smores. It was a little chilly so it did not last long. Woke up early Sunday due to the freezing cold so we snugged together for some body heat, puppy included. We went hiking on Sunday on the Dadd Gulch trail. A great trail for kids! Splashed in a creek, saw some beautiful butterflies and columbines. I could have hiked all day but the kids were tired. Had a picnic on the Poudre and headed home. All and all a great time was had by all - especially the dogs. They are meant to be in the mountains. I am thankful to live in Colorado. We need to get out and enjoy where we live more!