The photo above was taken in either 2001 or 2002 during my first trips to Romania. The sweetheart that is on shoulders is Gabi, a little girl that lived in the children’s home where I would serve for 2 ½ years. I’ve been thinking about Romania in the last week, all that I learned there … Continue reading Finding a Groove in Uncertain Times
Positive Hope 03.22.20
Little Things
When the sense of wonder found in my yard matches that found in the backcountry, I feel my heart and soul are better appreciating all things natural.
Equinox
East, sun rises anew, Spring Equinox dawns. West, waxing moon sets, Capping winter's rest. Full moon awaits, To rise in the eve. Spring emerges complete, Winter left to grieve.
Staunton Jaunt
Just before Jamie shuts the car off in the parking lot I see the air temperature. 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The expected high is to be in the 40's, but that will be after we finish. I've dressed for about a mid 20's start so it seems as though I'd better generate some heat. We embark … Continue reading Staunton Jaunt
40 Days
My wife Pam has an iPhone, I have an android. Apple has a built in app that tells you how much time you spend on your phone. I was really glad that my Samsung had no such device, but curiosity got the best of me and I went searching for one. Of course, it revealed … Continue reading 40 Days
Day 8 – A Ridgeline Walk and Orphan Butts!
A short day allows me to catch up on napping, reading and reflecting on a trek almost completed.
Day 7 – Soaring Spirits
It takes a week to cleanse my soul resulting in a carefree attitude on trail.
Day 6 – More High Ground, a Sheep Herd and a Race for more Food!
Another challenging day to find a resupply so as to stay on schedule to finish in three more days. The beauty of the mountain surrounds me.
Day 5 – The Literal High Point of the Colorado Trail
The heart of the San Juans in all their glory along with meeting lots of people makes for a great day on the Colorado Trail.
Day 4 – Enter the San Juans…Enter Big Mountains and Big Views!
I mark over 100 miles on my trek in four days. I'll take a "zero" day in Lake City and enjoy a rest.
Day 3 – Today is About Miles
I need to log a big day in miles to have an easier time the day after. Time to get after it!
Day 2 – Rain, elk, Soldierstone, 🌺, and rattling chains
Day 2 in a nine day excursion on The Colorado Trail
Back on The Colorado Trail
Back on The Colorado Trail - I take ten days, nine on trail to go 230 miles on the back half of the Colorado Trail.
Comanche National Grasslands – Picket Wire Canyon
Spring camping in southeast Colorado exploring dinosaur tracks, petroglyphs and trails.
Colleen’s Last Homework Assignment – My Eulogy for Her
My dear friend of over 20 years, after an eight month battle with endometrial cancer, handed out one last homework assignment. It was my pleasure to honor her at her memorial service. This is the text of the eulogy I delivered on her behalf.
Meeting my Mistress
Beyond my front door, afar from the confines of my comfy chair, lies my mistress. I sneak off to be with her whenever I can as she causes my heart to skip whenever we are separated.
Next Steps
Let not waste a day nor an hour, let not waste a sunrise or sunset, let not waste an opportunity to tell one that they are loved.
A Yoga Story
I’m up early every weekday. On Fridays, I hit a regular yoga class with other early yoga birds that begins at 5:45. Today, as I move about on my mat and check in with hips, knees and ankles, it feels especially warm and humid in the room. I gave up trying to figure out the … Continue reading A Yoga Story
R2R2R – Endeavor in the Grand Canyon – Part two
Part two in our R2R2R trip across the Grand Canyon and back.
R2R2R – Endeavor in the Grand Canyon
A culmination of year's training for R2R2R hangs in the balance as a dirty bug attempts to foil the plan. Part one.
Dark Timber
Photo courtesy of mahtingproductions.com The average person or hiker would never have a reason to head into dark timber. It reminds me of forbidden areas of forests, scenes from fairy tales, big bad wolves, the boundary where the hero or heroine is told "never to go", which means, later on a climactic event will play … Continue reading Dark Timber
Grand Traverse 40 Mile Trail Race
Running 40 miles in the Elk Mountains from Crested Butte to Aspen, CO makes up The Grand Traverse. These words make up my experience.
Bald Mountain 2017.08.11
Friday, 11 August 2017 Bald Mountain, Boulder County, Colorado Time 1017 Elevation - 9,031’ Warm, sunshine, clouds, and inversion below After a long hiatus from sitting still for an hour, I am back. Spring came, the world outside came alive and I needed to be moving. I’ve spent much of my time this summer on … Continue reading Bald Mountain 2017.08.11
A Journal Entry
An early morning thought on pens.
Day Hikes Start in the Dark
I've done this trip enough times in the last three years that I can almost do it in my sleep. The ritual goes like this; set the alarm for 3:30, out the driveway by 4:00 and hiking from the trailhead at first light just after 5:00 during this time of year. When I first began … Continue reading Day Hikes Start in the Dark
Day 3 – Lost Creek Wilderness Loop
Day three in the Lost Creek Wilderness 84 mile loop! Meeting lots of nice folks today!
Lost Creek Wilderness Big Loop – Day 2
52 kilometers on my 52nd birthday with a pack on my back and not too many cares in the world.
Lost Creek Wilderness Backpacking Day 1 – Big Loop
Four solo days in the Lost Creek Wilderness of Colorado to celebrate one's birthday.
Question on Bear Peak – 2017.04.05
Question on Bear Peak Wednesday, 5 April 2017 Bear Peak, Boulder County, Colorado Time 1006 Elevation - 8,241’ 40℉, windy, but sheltered, blue skies, new snow It’s getting to the time of year where I want to be doing more and longer hikes and trail runs. With an open schedule I planned to do a … Continue reading Question on Bear Peak – 2017.04.05
52 Weeks – An Hour at a Time
An Exploration of Observation The idea for this project came quickly and without much thought. I was reading a Facebook post from a virtual friend who was testing out some clothing for outdoor activities. He walked into the forest, sat for one hour, and wrote a review of how the clothing performed. It can be … Continue reading 52 Weeks – An Hour at a Time
Impressions in Time
Impressionable For years I've walked my dogs past this patch of sidewalk near my home. Finally, yesterday, at the start of the eighth week since life has shifted, I stopped. I learn each day from the changes that have come about in my world. I remain healthy. I become relaxed at times. I attempt to … Continue reading Impressions in Time
Positive Hope 04.16.20
Positive Hope 04.13.20
Spring's Illusion or A Joke in Poor Taste
Positive Hope 04.12.20
Positive Hope 04.09.20
Positive Hope 04.10.20
Positive Hope 04.08.20
Positive Hope 04.07.20
Photo credit -Pam G.