Wet and Wild in Gunnison

After a couple days of rain we made our way through the front range of Colorado to find beautiful sunny skies in Gunnison.  All the rain helped set the stage for the Gunnison River Festival.  The festival was part of a series of programs that made up River Awareness week.  Apparently locals are dealing with several issues that threaten both the water quality as well as the quality of recreational experiences in the area.  Mining threatens the watershed for Crested Butte which has the potential of damaging fish populations as well as other forms of aquatic life, while upstream water diversion threatens to destroy the thriving water sports community that exists in and around Gunnison.

 The river festival was a great opportunity to rally folks who are passionate about their rivers, as well as coming together to enjoy the beautiful white water park.  The festival featured a variety of vendors, the largest watershed model we’ve ever seen, a portable climbing wall, and of course the white water park.  The healthy flow of water gave kayak competitors great waves to surf during the rodeo comp which all the spectators appreciated.  The day concluded with local folks who dressed up in costumes rafting through the park on some of the most creative rafts ever, one of which was a giant pizza.  One things for sure, Gunnison locals know how to have a good time.

 

Happy Trails,

 

Topher and Alexis