July 2020 Is History

These trails twist and turn through almost a medieval fairy tail setting. Totally feeds the soul when hiking around these 10,000ft +/3,084m + locations. A number of times I just stopped to listen to how quite the world can be. My heart grew three times. Smile Inducing

NUMBERS:
Biking Miles - 476 but only 22 days of riding
Hiking Miles - 21
Activities - 30
PR's - 13
Miles On The Year - 2,456.2 miles ( July 2019 536mi )
Kayak River Miles - 24

One of the highlights while riding the River Trail, Wildlife!! There was this little dove perched on a Cottonwood limb singing away. To my left was this crazy alien looking spacecraft clearing the tree tops by inches without moving a feather. POW!! It was a Bald Eagle in stealth mode and just as it approached the dove, threw forward its razor sharp talons, nothing but little white feathers lingered representing where that dove once sang. Like A Cartoon

Another moment worth mentioning here was completely engulfed by Mother Nature last week. Full on Bluebird Day here in Colorado. I rode out to Highline Lake and the thunderheads climbed into the atmosphere while I rode. While on my return trip, a massive headwind slowed me to a defeating crawl. Before I knew it, massive tailwind propelled me for about 2 race pace miles. Then, the sky opened up. I was soaked in a matter of minutes. Welcome To Colorado, Just Wait 5 Minutes

RADIO SHOW:

On the 28th of July, tribute show, hosted Wildlife On The Highway. One of my better shows but not perfect by any means. Still continue seeking that elusive perfect show. Opened the show with Mr Blotto covering America The Beautiful and then it was classic B-Side rock. Here is the link to the show https://www.radiofreeamerica.com/show/wildlife-on-the-highway-2-kafm-community-radio

Some of the deep cuts I threw out there were from Super Tramp, Outlaws, Mountain, The Allman Brothers, John Lennon, Join Mitchell, Tom Petty, Peter Gabriel, April Wine, The Doors, David Bowie, Grateful Dead, Van Morrison, and Steely Dan. Loads of piano cover instrumental tunes as background tunes while I spoke on the mic. Again, this was a tribute show for Old Dog that recently passed away so a number of stories were shared surrounding Old Dog's influence on community radio. Good Stuff

RIVER FLOATS:

My latest adventure down the Mighty Colorado River covered 9 miles / 14.4 km in 3 hours time. Obviously on a high water day and adding some animated effort, could be rushed in about two hours. Will have to admit that the water has never been so damn refreshing. I would submerge my towel in the current with the water plunking against my boat and then draping the cool wet towel across my legs for a decrease in overall body temp. Refreshing

Something way cool happened and was unaware of just how many species or genus of Dragonfly's are out there. One in particular appeared black but translucent with a giant red spot on both wings. Together we floated along while the river pebbles whisked about in the under wash like pieces of glitter. Super Cool

A number of blueish grey Dragonfly's lazily found my boat and a few opted for a little rest on my UV protected long sleeve shirt. I wondered if this was a sign or just a coincidence?? And the birds of prey were plenty to say the least. At one point, wasn't sure what I was witnessing. It was a baby boy buck swimming across the river. Only its rack, eyes, and snout were above the waterline as it effortlessly fought through the swift current. Dig It

NIGHT SKY:

August will showcase a number of autonomy highlights. The Delta Aquarius and Alpha Carricornids meteor showers are tops on my radar. The Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn will all dance together in the night sky. The Sturgeon Moon will be full on August the 3rd. A waning gibbous moon will meet up with Mars by August the 8th. With a ready telescope, the 15th of August will offer a rare double transition across Jupiter. Two of its major moons will cross in front of Jupiter and be sweet. Looking forward to this one. On the 28th, basic binoculars, Saturn plays hopscotch with Mr Moon. Good Stuff

STRUGGLING:

There are two aspects of my current life were I am clearly struggling with. One is finding it more and more difficult to have meaningful conversations with folks based of facts and logic. Consistently dodging combative responses and plain and simple delusional reactionary replies. On a number of occasions I have witnessed someone speaking far from being present and spouting off absurd BS comments. Head Shaking

My other issue is that I truly miss bodywork. I miss my practice and I miss the human interactions. I miss this form of giving back. I miss contributing to the community and I miss having something to offer. I really miss the older folks telling stories and reminiscing in general. Our weather has been scorching with over 100F and guess what ......... The virus has yet to magically go away bigly

MOUNT SOPRIS:

Here are two photos for Sondra. I went up and over McClure pass last week and Mount Sopris was in clear view with all its glory. The Boy Dog & I climbed this beast many moons ago. Back before blogging was cool and no printed photos unfortunately. Sure wish I had taken the time to print photos of that Boy Dog. Damn U Digital Times

This would be the view from McClure Pass facing North. Sopris is just outside the world famous Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs. Hike up to the top, experience the vast landscape, and back down for a soak before dinner. Totally Feasible

GOALS

1. AUG 2019 664 Miles
2. Work Through The Dark Years
3. Hydrate 
4. Rebuild My Resume
5. Seek The Best Possible Outcome
6. Be Thankful For The Little Things 

Cheers