04/08/12  Aurora, Colorado

Today is Easter Sunday.  We decided to take our two and a half year old son, Baruch, to Aurora Reservoir for a day of fishing and barbeque.  It was a beautiful day, about 70° with a light breeze, perfect for the lake.  After gathering all of the fishing and picnic supplies, we headed to the store to pick up some last minute items.  Upon entering the market, we quickly realized we had forgotten salt, pepper and utensils.  Daddy decided to go to the deli and grab the items we needed.  Our next stop was to the fishing supply store to buy a few things we needed to hopefully catch Baruch’s first fish.

We arrived at Aurora Reservoir very excited.  It being such a warm day for early spring, the place was packed, but we were able to find a cozy spot for the three of us to set up camp.  Daddy unloaded the car while I watched Baruch excitedly run straight down to the water’s edge and start digging in the sand with his tractors.

Once camp was set up and the fishing poles were in the water, Daddy decided to build Baruch a boat out of some sticks that they collected from the waters edge.  While he was assembling the boat, he noticed that one of the fishing poles was getting a hit.  He jumped up and set the hook then handed the pole to Baruch and proceeded to show him how to reel in his first fish.  Baruch had reeled the fish about half way in, when the fish swam straight into some branches and tangled itself.  Daddy was concerned that Baruch’s first fish was going to get away, so he jumped into the freezing cold water to untangle it.  After untangling the fish he let it go back in to the water so Baruch to continue reeling it in.  Daddy said to Baruch “you caught a big fish” and Baruch replied “no wittle fish”.  Success, Baruch’s first fish!  As they posed for some pictures. The fish was wiggling around and Baruch said “it tickles” too cute!

We started to prepare the food we brought but could not find the salt, pepper or utensils Daddy got from the deli.  We looked everywhere.  Oh well, a bland meal for us.

As Daddy started cleaning the fish, Baruch wanted to help.  He picked up the pliers that Daddy had used to remove the hook from the fish’s mouth and proceeded to clamp on the fish’s guts with them.  Then we smothered the fish in butter and grilled it. After everything was finished cooking, Daddy took a bite and Baruch said “Daddy, no eat Buhbuck’s fish” we thought that was pretty funny.  After he said that we all enjoyed some yummy trout.

A little later, we decided to see if the boat was seaworthy.  Daddy and Baruch went to the end of the pier and launched the vessel.  The boat hit the water and the wind immediately caught the sail and it took off, much quicker than we had expected.  Baruch became very upset and started crying.  He demanded that Daddy retrieve the boat from the water.  Only some distraction from the Canadian geese could calm him down.  At that point it was late and getting chilly so we started to pack up camp.  Then we noticed that the boat had reached the other side of the lake.  I guess the boat was seaworthy after all.

What do we think?

Although Aurora Reservoir is open all year (except certain holidays) some of the attractions offered are not.  Once the season starts, you can play on the swim beach, learn about our water’s journey to our faucet in the Awqua Lounge, rent paddle boats and kayaks, windsurf and much more.  However, they have a great playground, along with barbeques, trails for hiking, lots of nature to observe and learn about and of course fishing that can be enjoyed all year.  We plan on returning this summer to check out some of there other attractions and events.  Keep an eye on our blog to see what we discover.

Ratings 1 to 10 (10 being highest)

Cost – 8  The fee is $10 per vehicle or you can bye an annual pass.  We gave it an 8 because some of the attractions are closed.  Once they open in summer, this will undoubtedly change.

Cleanliness – 9

Fun for all – 9

Kid friendly – 9