Well, it finally happened. Just like a lot of you predicted, Miss Trixie has finally left Ol’ Dutch. Well, I guess it's just temporary as she is out in Colorful Colorado while I settle some unfinished business in Texas.  I have to say honestly, I am really lonely for that woman. 

Our story is kind of unique, I think, as we met some 13 years ago and have lived in an RV together for 12 of those 13 years. That's a miracle in patience and good nature by Ol’ Dutch in and of itself I might add. I probably need to write a self-help book as a lot of people have told me that I need help, right?  

Regardless of my great contribution to the relationship, Miss Trixie has hung on like a bulldog with a wild hog in tow. And I have the marks to prove it. 

I do credit her wonderful attributes to her parents.  Her mother passed away too soon, but she was a one-of-a-kind jewel. Her dad, who is still living, is a fine man and must have been a good father to have raised Miss Trixie up to who she is today. 

This past Sunday we all celebrated fathers with their special day once again. I read somewhere that Father’s Day is actually #20 on the list of holidays running far behind Christmas at #1 and Mother’s Day at #2. But fathers do get one day at least. Usually, we get a present and go out to eat – all on our dime – which seems kind of crazy to me.  

To celebrate the day, Ol’ Dutch I went to church with Bubs, my son, and his family. As always, they were so loving to me, and it was nice once again being thanked for being a dad. When your granddaughters give you a hug and wish you happy Father’s Day, well, it just cannot get any better than that. 

We followed up church with a soccer game for Grand #2 and they won 11-1 so it was a wild match. Both the grand’s got $5 out of Grandpa Dutch for snacks, and everyone was happy except Tinkerbell, their mother, who prefers they go sugar free. It is amazing how fast a loving hug can separate Ol’ Grandpa Dutch from his money. But don’t tell Miss Trixie or she’ll come looking for her due. 

My own father passed away last year.  I am sure many of you can relate how much we miss our fathers when they are gone. If your dad is still alive, don't wait another year to spend time with him. Do it now. You won't regret it. 

I want to close by talking about Mountain Man Rafting in South Fork. This summer marks their 40th Anniversary in business and there will be lots of events throughout the summer to commemorate that accomplishment. One event this week is a Community Float of the Rio Grande river on Saturday, June 22. 

It's a gathering of people who love to float the river on a raft or kayak with other like-minded folks. If you want to join the fun, be at Narrow Ridge/Mountain Man's new digs at 5 Brown’s Drive in South Fork on Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m. They will offer free shuttle service to Wagon Wheel Gap, and shuttle you back from take out at Town Park for those who need it. Bring a sack lunch and some cash as they plan on stopping at Cottonwood Cove for Blue Bell ice cream along the way. 

Mountain Man also has rental equipment available to those who need it. Please call 719-873-0188 for more information. They have moved operations to 5 Browns Drive in South Fork and are excited for you to stop by and see all they are doing. 

Ol’ Dutch hopes to be there for the fun but if not, you can rest assured Miss Trixie will be flying high all over that event all the livelong day and would be happy to meet you. So come on out and celebrate with a great raft trip down the Rio with us. 

Kevin Kirkpatrick spends his days fishing, hunting, ATVing, hiking, or making people laugh. His email is Kevin@TroutRepublic.com. Additional news can be found at www.troutrepublic.com or on Twitter at TroutRepublic.