Back in Colorado...

After leaving Moab, we decided that we were not quite finished with Colorado, so here we are again.  There are several areas around here we would like to explore and we decided we want to go skiing.  I have never been, so I think I will be happy to take a lesson.  Or two. 
Today, we went for a wonderful hike with our friend Brandon on Dakota Ridge...affectionately called "Hogback".  The coolest thing was seeing all the mountain bikers attempting to traverse this incredibly rocky terrain.  I was starting to wonder about mountain biking in Colorado until I was told this was one of the toughest trails around.  I certainly could see why.  Yikes.  Thank you for the beautiful sunny fun-filled day!

Slickrock rocks!

This past week in Moab has been a blast. I apologize for being such a slack blog writer this week. My excuse? Distracted by fun! We have filled these past few days with many adventures on trails with wheels and on foot. We met a father and son from Alberta CA on the Poison Spider Mesa trail. We spent a couple of fun-filled days together exploring the backcountry on the Porcupine Rim 4 x4 trail and the White Rim trail through Canyonlands. We have seen some truly amazing scenery. The landscape is vivid in color and texture. The sky in the west seems to be a particular shade of blue not seen anywhere else.
The past couple of days we have spent exploring Arches National Park. The geology of this area is truly unique. The layers of sedimentary rock eroding and leaving these unusual formations of spires, arches, balanced rocks, and other amazing shapes is fascinating. The setting sun on the red sandstone is breathtaking. The sight of the full moon rising over the La Sal mountains from inside the park on Thursday was a sight that is beyond words.

More gnarly trails...

Oh what a gorgeous day today here in Moab! Although it was only about 50 degrees, the sky was a vivid blue with plenty of sunshine.
We hiked the Negro Bill Canyon trail. It's about 4 1/2 miles long, criss-crossing a beautiful clear creek, and ending up at the Morning Glory arch. Apparently this arch is actually the sixth largest natural bridge in the world.
Then we drove the Poison Spider Mesa jeep trail up some totally gnarly terrain.....dude. It's always interesting being on a trail in a four wheel drive vehicle as well as mountain bikers and dirt bikers. It certainly gives you a different perspective. Of course here in Moab it's all about the fun and adventure!

"Occupy Yourself"

Moab!

After several fun filled days in Colorado, we are now in Moab, UT.  Denver got 10" of snow yesterday after we left. Wow. Welcome to winter. We had a great time with our friends there.  We explored all the surrounding areas...Boulder, Lyons, Evergreen, Morrison, Golden, and everywhere in between. We went to the red rocks amphitheater and finished one scenic day with some of the best Indian food I have had in a long time. Thank you Brandon and Renea for a terrific few days in Colorado. 
We camped last night at the Rabbit Valley mountain biking area and woke up to heavy rain and sleet during the night. Amazingly, it seemed dry and ice free this morning despite freezing temperatures. 

Today, we did the Hell's Revenge trail here in Moab. All I can say is...phew!... That is one gnarly trail. It was an absolutely beautiful day and now that we are out of the car I can breathe deeply and say, mostly honestly, that we had a blast. Remember, when you ask for adventure in your life, you get it!

"The Path"

The path can be anything we choose
Joy or misery can easily be ours
The thoughts of today
Create our tomorrows
So what path are you on?

Happy Anniversary love!

Kansas... Crops, windmills, AND hiking trails???

Although we have been in Colorado for several days, I must share the wonderful experience that was our one night in the state of Kansas. I had never been to Kansas and had no expectations other than what I have seen in the Wizard of Oz. However, it seemed Oz, I mean Kansas, had much more to offer. 
After about a 420 mile day, we pulled off at one of the numerous rest stops to take a break. As it turns out at this particular one, they let you camp for one night only, and have these secluded picnic areas along these winding side roads. We found a great place to camp for the night and of course the building had bathrooms complete with hot water. This rest area even had a zig-zaggy hiking trail that I have to say was much steeper than anything I would have thought existed in a place renown for being so flat. It ended at the top at a giant windmill sculpture surrounded by huge cottonwood trees. It was quite lovely. Kansas thank you for a most enjoyable experience. 
The universe always provides exactly what you need at the exact moment you need it. 
In gratitude...

Kansas isn't as flat as I thought...

St. Louis!