PHWFF soldiers on the Rio Grand River
Alamosa, Colorado
2-6 September 2008
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing had the gracious invitation to the Wason Ranch in Creede Colorado. The ranch sits on 4 miles of the Rio Grand River. Mike Geary of Lewis & Clark Expeditions hosted the trip. Mike has been a long time supporter of our effort in PHWFF. The Wason Ranch was the perfect backdrop for our fishing ambitions. The ranch was founded in 1871, by Major M. V. B. Wason and remains in much of the original condition. The ranch house and the Rustic Log Fishing Cabins that many of the soldiers stayed in were constructed in the early 1900's.
PHWFF had the opportunity to send 12 Army soldiers from the FT. Carson WTU and 3 from Walter Reed. Three soldiers from Walter reed were Specialist Art Schur, Sergeant Bob Williams, and Staff Sergeant Ryan Ferre. On the first day of their arrival after their flight from Washington DC to the ranch, the group of eager anglers headed to a beautiful pond to warm up for the 4 days of fishing that they had ahead of them. Later that night the group was in for its first treat of Mike Geary's gourmet cooking. We were never let down by one of Mikes meals that he, or of his guides prepared for us.
The next day breakfast was served outside the ranch house and everybody was set for a great day of fishing. The weather was perfect. It was mid 70's too lows 80's, as it was each day. When we reached the Rio Grand river with the guides we were all greeted with a gorgeous view and a heavenly habitat for fish. The river had been previously reconstructed and rerouted in order to make small pools, that were perfect fishing beats. Each pool was separated by a rock wall which creating a set of ripples as water flowed into the next pool. This half mile of river proved to be prime fishing for many of the days of the trip.
Many of the anglers had much success on the first day. But for one it was his first time to land a fish on his fly pole. Art Schur started the day with high expectations and hoped to catch at least one. His expectations were far exceeded, as he caught one early in the morning and continued his luck throughout the trip by landing several nice fish.
The following 3 days of this trip consisted of the same routine, fishing all day and eating great food. What else could be better then that! When it came time to leave the Wason Ranch many of the soldiers wanted to stay or to have the trip start all over again.
