This week on the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast, Stan Cromlish takes you straight to the banks of Wyoming’s iconic North Platte River for a fly fishing week filled with laughter, lifelong friendships, and big trout energy.

Joined by longtime friends Rowdy and expert guide Brian Hilbert of Bucktrout Outfitters, Stan recounts an epic float down the famed Grey Reef section, a humbling day on the lower river, and a last-minute lake redemption that proves great guides don’t give up—they pivot.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories of shared snacks, missed hooksets, and life reminders from the boat deck. From stellar fishing days to the simple joy of good company, Stan shares the real rhythm of RV life on the river.

Plus, he gives a glowing shoutout to The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park—the week’s home base and a must-visit destination for RVers and fly fishers alike.

🎣 Featured Highlights:

• Floating the legendary Grey Reef stretch of the North Platte
• A fish-scarce float turned a fruitful lake session
• The magic of fishing with friends
• Why The Reef Fly Shop is a top-tier basecamp for RVers
• And of course… “Stan, watch your bobber!”

🛻 Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV Park
• Colorado River Outfitters - Book a trip with Brian Hilbert
• Wandering Gypsy RV Life Website
• Read the accompanying blog post

💬 Have a favorite North Platte memory or a “fish got away” story? Share it with us on social:

📸 Instagram + Facebook: @WanderingGypsyRVLife

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📌 Episode Summary:

In this special episode of Wandering Gypsy RV Life, Stan Cromlish opens up about the deep, personal pull he feels toward the High Plains and Rocky Mountains. From the dusty pages of Louis L’Amour novels passed down by his Grandma Juanita to real-life cowboy work in Eastern Montana, Stan shares the story of how the rugged West first captured his imagination—and never let go.

You’ll hear how John Denver’s lyrics struck a chord, how fly fishing in the Rockies brings him peace, and why the open skies of the West always seem to call him back. This one’s for the dreamers, the wanderers, and anyone who’s ever felt the tug of a place that feels like home—even if they’ve never been there before.

Whether you’re on the road, in your rig, or just dreaming of wide-open spaces, this episode will remind you of the freedom that comes with the journey.

🗺️ In This Episode, Stan Talks About:

• His introduction to the American West through Louis L’Amour’s novels
• Working on a Montana ranch in 1992 and falling in love with the high plains
• The emotional power of Rocky Mountain High by John Denver
• How the Rockies and plains offer more than views—solace, peace, and perspective
• The magic of fly fishing in cold, clear Western waters
• Why RV travel keeps bringing him back to the places that make him feel whole

💬 Quote from the Episode:

“Maybe the call of the West isn’t just about the scenery or solitude. Maybe it’s about remembering who you are—when no one’s watching and the land doesn’t care about your résumé, your status, or your schedule.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

🌐 Website & Blog: https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com

▶️ YouTube Channel: Wandering Gypsy RV Life on YouTube

📸 Instagram & Facebook: @wanderinggypsyrvlife

🎣 Related Blog Post: Why the High Plains and Rockies Always Call Me Home

🎧 Listen Now On:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | RSS.com | Amazon Music — or wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode of Wandering Gypsy RV Life, host Stan Cromlish takes us back to the tiny Wyoming town of Alcova—where the trout are legendary, the rivers are crystal clear, and the town sign proudly declares, “It’s a Dam Site!”

As Stan gears up for his epic 55th birthday trip at the end of May, he reflects on last year’s unforgettable float down the North Platte River with fishing buddy Rowdy and local guide Brian. From tangling every possible line on the boat (earning the nickname Mr. Botangles) to landing slab-sized rainbows in the Grey Reef section, this trip was packed with laughs, lessons, and lots of midges.

This year, the same crew reunites—with Bertie Bea parked at The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages, and RV as home base—for another shot at Wyoming trout, campfire stories, and untangling memories.

🎣 Want to know what makes Alcova a hidden gem for fly fishing and RV life? Tune in for river stories, small-town charm, and a sneak peek at what’s to come this birthday week.

👉 Check out the full story from 2023 at:

https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com/2023/09/23/an-unforgettable-day-on-the-north-platte-with-rowdy-and-brian/

🎧 Subscribe, follow, and stay up to date on all things trout, travel, and tangled tippet at:

wanderinggypsyrvlife.com