To Cast is to Hope

In October 2019 the Roaring Fork Valley hosted the fourth annual Casting for Recovery Western Slope Retreat at the historic Redstone Inn. This no-cost-to-participants fly fishing retreat weekend is geared towards female breast cancer survivors of any age and any stage. Fifty five participants have now enjoyed this healing and informative weekend retreat since its Western Slope inception. CfR is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is nationally recognized for introducing survivors to the art of fly fishing and encouraging them to continue their pursuits as well.  

Many thanks are in order, first and foremost to the generous staff of the Redstone Inn, Dave Johnson from Crystal Fly Shop and Redstone Mountain Mercantile, and Deb and Bob McCormick, owners of the Redstone Preserve on the Crystal River. Each participant is treated to a guided day at these retreats; thanks to guides Dr. Michael Attas, Chris Vaughan, Paul Zimmerman, John Patrick, Sheldon Doolan, Christina Medved, Flinn Pomeroy, Woody Boughten, Robert Hirsch, Liz Gustafson, Tom Skutely, Aaron Beinhauer, Dr. Clifford Zwillich and Jordan Duchein for assisting our participants on their much-anticipated fishing day. 

None of this would happen without the hard work of the all-volunteer staff of CfR Colorado Western Slope. Kudos to Shannon Outing, Michelle Miscione, Nancee Dodge, Lani Kitching and Ellie Phipps. A special thank you to Peggy Plant Stevinson, Jen Lofgren, Paula Fothergill and Marlene Collins as well. Thanks to Fryingpan Anglers, Crystal Fly Shops, Aspen Outfitting Company, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, Shannon Outing Photography and the Roaring Fork Valley Fly Fishing Club also.  Our 2021 dates are  October 1st-3rd, if you or someone you know are interested in joining us as a participant or volunteer in Redstone, be sure to apply at www.castingforrecovery.org for our Colorado Western Slope 2021 retreat.  

Ashley Smith, CfR Colorado Western Slope Retreat Leader 

Scott Spooner, CfR Colorado Western Slope Guide Coordinator