Are You Kidding Me???? Oh, I Mean, In A Good Way!

The Boy Dog Was So Stoked About Water IN Camp

Let the amazing weekend Get-A-Way begin. Shadow Boy & I jumped in Toyota w/ The Blue Z and Arwen, next stop, besides for the piss breaks for Baby A, 8700ft. Just a mere 2 + hour drive away, absolute paradise in the forest awaits are arrival. We veered off 550  and onto County RD 7. The dusty dirt road continued bumping along for about 8 miles. What we found was pure bliss. May the photos below paint the picture of 1,000 words!!!!

Imagine if you will, OK, No More Cheesy Twilight Monolog, upon arriving, the dogs flew out of the car, smelled faint scents from long ago, and ran like crazed animals. Shadow took me over to the fire pit and showed me were we would be cooking his 3inch thick T-Bone steak to perfection over an open flame of course.

All of these photos were shot w/a GoPro 3 Silver at 11MP. In the background of this photo is the 14er Mt Snuffles. Have have climbed that monster but have no interest in reliving that accomplishment. The bouldering of that beast isn't all that fun and takes a sh*t load of time.

Another sweet camp, which was quickly found, occupied by two gals, way exposed to the main road though, is a pretty cool site. Notice the puffy white pillows floating our way.

Whats a blog w/o a Boy Dog marking the territory?????

Again, so stoked to have this stream, creek, sound bed of napping to. I can so appreciate clear snow melt off, the ripples from a smooth rocked stream bed, a seen of clear bliss.

And running Arwen was top priority  for me!! Throwing a disc was rather easy at this altitude and watching her chase the shadows from above was a joy. I don't know if she could see the disc but never lost sight of the shadows on the ground. She was just happy to run circles and hang w/the boys.

True Summer Storm Colorado Style

Thankfully, my brother showed up, set up the pop up, cracked a beer, all before Mother Nature rolled in. Hail, heavy rain, and rumbling thunder AT the time of lightning strikes. The amount of water that added up was exciting. Will it ever end?????

Calm after the storm!!!

We walked a weeeeee bit lower down valley and checked out multiple camp sites that were super impressive for camping.

Most sited had fire pits and the mighty little creek wasn't far from a treasured site. Even in this photo of Shadow, check out the beauty behind him or the cool water between his toes. All of these sites rocked.

I do like this photo above. Mt Sneffels captured in the most postcard perfect moment in time. This little meadow that we walked through was lush, rich w/a verity of greens, and wildflowers dotted the open spaces. What a peaceful walk by all. The dogs were happy that the lightning was past.

And The Boy Dog Ate

The Birthday MONTH Boy Dog

Great shot of the San Juan Range. And this is just a small portion of the range in Southwestern Colorado. I was also pleased by how few trees are dead compared to Summit County.

 These last three photos were basically a sweep from my brothers point of view were Shadow & I were posing for our Christmas 2014 Holiday Greeting Card. Up until this photo, we had hiked though a rain forest type of atmosphere. We were soaked w/sweat but the temp was perfect. On a side note here, my training for the Lead King has paid off. While training w/just the Boy Dog, having nothing to compare to, I was able to hold a conversation w/ my brother while hiking along the trail. Shadow & I waited a few times for my brother to catch up and catch his breath. Our hike started early in the morning at an elevation of 8,716ft & we still had approximately 1,700ft of climbing in about 3.9miles. My legs felt strong and my hips were fine until about this photo. I stretched my hip flexors and psoas while I waited for my brother to take this photo and catch up. My body was feeling great, consumed plenty of water, and ate well before and during. Most chomped on a few handfuls of my own mixed trail mix.

Looking back was worth it as this photo displays wildflowers, a majestic mountain range, and deep into the valley near Ridgeway Colorado. Just after this photo, an army of mosquitoes assaulted us from above, sideways, from below, an all out war for flesh. Shadow Boy & I took off. A quick glance at my Garmin to see the pace at 12min mile. We climbed and didn't look back at for my poor brother. We didn't leave him in any kind of danger, but I knew he would never even try to match my pace. The Boy Dog and I popped out on this ridge line that was gorgeous as all get out.
One of the best points of view thats unmarked by man. Soon, my brother rejoined and we were near the next memorable photo op.

Shadow & I On Pace

He Can Smell The Lake

 Shadow Boy had a few sips off some little stream crossings but decided that laying down is the only way to lap up this snowy run off. He would only drink for about 10 seconds and then quickly up and off to mark, smell, and back to rehydrate before starting this routine all over. Talk About Happiness!!!!!! Around this lake  ( 10,317ft ) is were we ate our pre made wraps of hummus, brie, spinach, yellow bell, & dried salami. We soaked up the sun and reminisced about childhood adventures, old girlfriends, and setting new goals. You know, We Bullsh*tted like brothers do. We relaxed and I stretched for about a half hour or so and began packing up for our decent back to camp. I was still mesmerized by the colors that the wildflowers offered. I mean, flowers are flowers, but alpine flowers and cacti in bloom are totally different. They scream to the pollinators to come pollenate me because we don't have long.

And The Colors

You just can't imagine how loud this raging water fall was and a little fuchsia from the plant named Indian Paint Brush in the foreground. Looking back, I wish we would have hiked down to the three smaller pools inside the this powerful waterfall. Those little eddy outs would have been nice to dip in.

The Boy Dog was heading for a little drink and a cool soak. I could have easily hung out an extra hour here and absorbed the sheer beauty this place had to offer. But when my brother caught up and rested, away we went around the next bend of breath taking beauty.

He was giving me that look like, "Must You Keep Doing That", "How Many More Photos Of Me Do You Need", "Shouldn't You Be Doing Something"??? Those kinds of photos crack me up. They are County Fair worthy.

More Water, More Wildflowers, More Awesomeness, & More To Come

This guy's shirt cracked me up!!! I missed his name but he said that he was from Provo Utah and hadn't been up this high before. I checked me for water, made small talk, photo, & he was on his way. Wonder what he thought of me????

Straight down a few thousand feet. One slip & Oh Boy

I love this shot!!! I don't even remember taking it. Wish this was taken w/a sweet Cannon D90 or something high end. Shadow Boy was a trooper for a 9 year old and clearly enjoyed celebrating his birthday month w/us.

Moss, Shrooms, & A Pine Tree Growing IN This Fallen Tree

My brother found all kinds of mushrooms and quickly became like a little boy in a moist forest of goodness. Everyone he found, gave me the name, how to dry it, how to cut it, what it complements, funny we never ate any at camp. I finally had to go as I wasn't ready to cool down. Shadow was TOTALLY pissed by the waiting around.

So The Boy Dog and I took Off. This stretch of the trail is were my confidence grew as I reflexed on the day. I have posted before about feeling slow or an ache or pain would show up after mile 5. Today, I was very comfortable w/my sub 10min mile pace at this point and focused on my lower half. I noticed how my toes spread during push off, how my knees were lined up over my feet, and how centered my low gravity hugged the trail of switch backs. My arms were relaxed and fully engaged w/synced steps.

We made the last of the trail a blur. I still stopped, acknowledged the on coming hiker that Shadow is very friendly, moved to the side as so they could pass, and fell forward w/speed.

Sure wished for a better photo of this trail head marker. At this point, I hit stop on the Garmin, also stopped during "lunch" at the lake, for data from the days hike. Shadow Boy & I began drinking water and I slowly stretched and reflected on my present body. I really am feeling better and recovering much quicker. We hiked the 7.68 mile up and back in 3 hrs 38 min 26 seconds. We climbed 1,738ft in just under 1 hr 30 min and I forget the milage at that point. Mt brother was worked when we hit the lake but seemed better when he rejoined Shadow & I near the trail head. Shadow & I took a COLD and rejuvenating plunge in the creek. Oh, it felt so good on my knees and feet. A party of tent campers made some comments about how we looked just sitting in the water. Nothing bad, just small talk, where we were from, how long was the hike, stuff I couldn't careless about because my hearing is so bad and the water was flowing.

More To Discover

The photo of all photos!!! After climbing out of the creek, we headed back towards the road, as only to rejoin my brother, Shadow & I found this camper's stuff. A vintage KAFM water bottle!!! Our little 300 watt community radio satiation is represented at about 8,500ft!!! And The Boy Dogs Face!!! This photo captures how amazing this day, area, lifestyle has become.

How was your weekend??? When have you camped last??? Whats for dinner when you are camping??

One Month Out….. Sept 14th 2014….. Lead King 25K

Here it is Boys & Girls…… The Lead King Basin….. Cant believe that it is only a month away….. Is this place gorgeous or what????

I am off to do more tile work, another quick swim, my block captain job during the Farmers Market, & then the free Fruita Concert.

Early Friday, Shadow & I will be headed for the San Juan Mountains to camp, run, & quite the mind.

Best Day Ever….. Best Weekend Ever…. Best Boy Dog EVER

The Bigger Picture

Love This Guy

I should have passed on yesterdays posting……. In other words….. What a waste of time…… Tomorrow will be my one month count down for the Lead King 25K….. I shall invest my energy wisely….. I can enjoy each and every moment…… Shadow Boy, Happy Birthday Month!!!

A Little Bit Of Climbing

I will be posting more positive and inspiring updates…… More Photos….. And you better believe more Boy Dog photos….. Happy Hump Day

Tuesday The 12th & Rant Time

Let me just say that I am pretty positive, upbeat, & do my best to point out the alternative  options…… HINTS…..
What Else Is Possible…
Now, where do I begin & how do we process this info????


Do I even share????


Do you wish to read???


Maybe I should just drop it.

















        Yesterday was a sweet day of tile work ( craftsmanship 101 ), a relaxing swim ( video ), cycling down to the office ( another new client ), & having a wonderful salad ( greens, tomatoes, etc out of the garden ). And since I threw in the blog title What Else Is Possible, I now give you, yet another reason for my displeasure towards Facebook. HINT: dumpingcrackbookblog I find my gmail has new crackbook e-mails. Sitting comfortable after rolling out my IT Band w/the foam roller, I clicked on CrackBook to find that Robin Williams had taken his own damn life. I so wanted to post PHUC U MR WILLIAMS

         Now, nearing the rant, today started off rather interesting after not sleeping so well. I really wanted to drive because I was feeling pretty dull but hell. Lets Ride The Commuter to the tile job. Saw a friend along the way and something was way off w/her. I didn't press but wanted to let her know that suicide isn't an option. Could you imagine how that would have gone over???? Saw another "friend" from the station & wanted to blab Blab BLAB the same words. Continue to ride I did. When I arrived at the groomers, a little tailwind was nice, I just didn't have it in me to work. My best move was recognition of being out of sort & gently reminded myself that loosing a finger or limb isn't on the agenda today. SAFETY FIRST!!! From there, I made real progress. Worked until it was time for me to head over to Vitamin Cottage for some items for Thursday's tailgate party.

           As I am riding along, wind in my hair, Mr Hugh honks like a manic w/that big old grin of his. I could so feel the shift in my body coming. My legs became powerful but I was riding hard, the miles were quickly adding up but totally effortlessly, & the sun was out but not hot at all. Upon my arrival, another sweet high end commuter bike was locked up, I strolled on into VC like a million bucks but not much in my pocket. Simple purchases were made and on my way I went. Do you still wanna hear the rant???

Still Thinking Of You Mr Padre 

         While riding along and enjoying myself, flying on by me, that car was close. I began to notice that nobody was signaling before turning. Another car flips a 16oz empty plastic coke bottle out the window near a corn field. Yes, I went back and picked it up. Another car passes my by w/enough room but then pulls over at their destination and parks in front of me in the bike path. Cars were coming from behind and head on so I quickly found a driveway that lead me safely up on the sidewalk were I was pleased a passenger wasn't in that parked car. I rode along and find a car pulling up next to me. Yes, I am clipping along at this point. As I look over, RANT TIME,  a woman ( sex is not the subject here ) is steering her car w/her left knee. She has a cell phone in her right hand AND GET THIS;;;;;;;;;;; doing her best to light a cig w/her left hand. Over the course of the next 2 seconds, I can clearly see a child in a carseat in the backseat.

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY did I even get out of bed?????? And why didn't I drive??? So back to the original questions from the entry: Where do I begin and how do I process??? Can I let the novelty of a celebrity suicide go??? Did he give two SH*Ts about me??? Should I invest any energy into drivers that simply blow off a signals or stop signs or littering??? But the lady smoking w/a kid in the car takes the cake. Pissed me right off. Why is it that stupid people bother me so much???? Do I dare go down that rabbit hole???? Here is what I can do: #1 Lay on the floor w/the Boy Dog. #2 Send some random e-mails to my friends w/a positive message & NOT enlightening them of my anger. #3 Take a nap. #4 Become inspired by others blogging their Ironman Journey, multi day mt biking adventures, etc. #5 Head towards the kitchen and start cooking for Thursday's party. #6 Remember how many times Robin Williams made me laugh out loud. Thats the answer. Just laugh and move on. Can I do that?? Will I allow myself that privilege??? TOTALLY!! Yes I Can. Yes I Will. Ah, I feel so much better. Thanx for your time

Shadow Boy, I Love You

8-11-2014….. Another Sweet Monday

What a kick A$$ weekend!!! Friday night was a BBQ kinda night w/all the good stuff. Pulled out the almost past due stuff out of the refrig and threw it on the Q. Yams, Squash, Beef, Onions, Corn, & A Few Peaches. The Boy Dog was stoked!!!

Saturday was for sleeping in!! Did my usual 5am wizzzzzzz and the Boy Dog just looked at me. He gave me that look like he could GO at any moment but was resting none the least. I climbed back in bed w/him and he casually rolled to his back for a few belly rubs. We both drifted off for another 4 hours. I can't remember the last time I crashed out until 9am??????? The afternoon was spent in the office and what a great day it was. Awesome clients and perfect sessions. I rode my bike down to Edgewater Brewery for the Great Car Raffle during Radio Days which supports our little community radio station. My highlight was seeing old friends and faces that I hadn't seen in many many SUPER moons. The bands were just OK and the beer is horrible. The brewery is a cool place but they have the worst beer ever. KAFM held the raffle at almost 9pm and the winner wasn't there. Total Let Down.

Sunday was a killer sunrise outing w/the Boy Dog. My coach scheduled a 10k plan and I just wasn't up for watching a watch. Shadow & I just walked. I knew and could feel that we were under a 14min mile and we held that pace the whole time. A few times, maybe, we cruised at about a 10min mile pace and we were gone for over an hour. The legs felt GR8!! Shadow had a blast!!! My friend Jeff set up a trip to the foothills and I said sure. Glad I did!!! Everything was green, awesome company, amazing colors, & an afternoon thunderhead spitting some lightning & light rain.

Killer Weekend & Feeling Alive

Today was another easy walk w/Shadow Boy during sunrise, worked more tile, swam at the gym, & a bike ride back to the office. I am back in the mind set of proper posture and relaxing while hauling A$$

8-7-2014

Working The Plank This Month

Happy Happy Folks!! A week of Othro classes, early morning walks w/the Boy Dog, and picking up new clients. Thats about how the month of August was gone for me so far. I am feel gratitude!!! Monday and Tuesday classes were specifically geared towards post session. Meaning, after about a 30-45min session, we learned some calming ways and movements towards integration to end the session with. I totally enjoyed the classes but the pace of them was way too slow for me. Wednesday was a day of practitioner training that damn near killed me. I say this because the class really had no direction and would drift off topic so quickly. I completely blame this on the lack of leadership by the new instructor. But it is what it is. Early before class, I was thinking about how lucky we as a class were because we had a number of working practitioners and a 30+ year chiropractor in the class as well. I thought about hanging back and just observing and listening about their approach and philosophy. What blew me away is some of the topics and situations that were brought up that had simply solutions. At one point, I asked another student if she worked out of her home. She went on and on but never thought about why I asked her that question. I was going to point out two ideas that would be very helpful for what she was explaining but I passed and let her ramble on. Later on in the afternoon, sitting w/two other students, I brought up the original situation that she brought up and gave my answers of possible solutions and they were like," Oh thats awesome." I threw this little fish hook out there in hopes that it will get back to the original student. Another problem that was brought up was how to get a client OUT of the office. I deal w/this all the time. Most of my clients will discharge thought their mouths and that is OK. They enjoy sitting in my waiting room and hope that we can continue talking as if it were a coffee shop. My simple line is something like this…… Thank you so much for coming in today. Now, notice what you feel in your body as you walk down the hallway and allow yourself to integrate the work. I need to clean up the room as I have another client on their way and I look forward to seeing you on _________ date…… That is one of the most simple and professional way of leading them out. And its the truth. But in class, the gals wanted to relive the clients situation and say things like, " Oh, I have this one client that _______ ." And away they go and no leadership to bring the topic back to focus. Thats the part that really disappointed me about the day. Everyone had a bitch or confession but nobody had a solution. Or wanted to come to terms w/that particular scenario.

Today & Friday we are covering Chapman's Reflexes which I learned about 4 years back and continue to use often. Well, maybe not that often, but they are an easy clue finder when I am suck in my problem solving skills or assessments. I am totally looking forward to the next two days and will really be diving in feet first. I also have my Block Captain job at the Farmer's Market today. So looking forward to that because our desert weather is shaping up to be beautiful. The past weeks have been windy or raining because of the Monsoonal flow. Today, its going to be 88F and clear as a bell. Clear as a bell???? What the hell does that even mean???

On Saturday, I have a 10K to look forward to. Bring it on baby!!! I will have some photos from that event, stories to share, and good news to spread. Life Is Awesome!!

Do you receive any body work???? What do you like about it??? What do you prefer??? Meaning, Chiro, acupuncture, massage,etc. Thanx so much for stopping by!!!

Thursday & Friday……. Awesome

Clam Before The Storm

Here is a photo of the 400 block were they call me the "block captain" for the night. The 5 story building on the left in this photo is were my office is located. Anyway, on Thursday, I am the Block Captain during the Farmers Market and my duties are PR work, helping new vendors find power outlets, helping folks find their booth space, and simply checking in w/others and telling them what they want to hear. Its so up my alley.

Must Ask Him His Name, AGAIN 

I really like this guy a lot because we have so much in common and he just told me that I am only a few months older then him. During this photos he was explaining how his father built this "shack" and later sold it to him for some side money. He and the family have turned it into quite the family biz. The key, he has an A/C unit inside.

And Mr Pablo's Pizza is awesome. I have had the please of building a great relationship w/him & his family over the past 10 years. Jeff is one of those easy going guys that finds time to make small take. I took this photo because he is turning on the gas for his oven. Last week, I was watching over his shoulder, the oven burner wouldn't light to save his life. As I said out loud," Doesn't seem to be getting any gas." he look back at me w/a huge grin. Causally he went to check the tank and realized that he had yet to turn that funky little knob. We laughed and I walked on to my next problem solving event.

The Solar Guys, new guys at the market, weren't as in gauging as the other guys that have been man their booth. About the only thing they were happy w/was me informing them that they could leave their truck there.

Colorado Java folks!! They are awesome. They are a family, married, cyclist, outdoor enthusiast, and they always show up happy as can be. We have really hit it off this year & I only hope that we might cover some road miles together this fall. Oh, and my office is on the 3rd floor of that building on the left.

The Kettle Corn Club. I agree w/these folks every week. Every Week. EVERY week they have something to complain about. Don't get me wrong, they have valid points. This week, they were quick to point out that the food truck was NEXT to them. I mean, damn near on top of them. I like this couple and their parents come out to help them as well. The older folks crack me up and I find myself gravitating towards them when I check in. Plus, they crank out the biz every week. Overall, I wish I could do more for them and help enhance their market experience.

These gals pump out the food!!! I am amazed at the production that goes on inside this oven ( the kitchen is overwhelmingly hot ) every week. They show up early and seem to be in slow mo but a switch is flipped and they step it up. Three gals inside and they are preparing in sync and they shovel out the food. Very impressive operation. I like checking in w/them and always give a short encouraging complement. I am not a fast food connoisseur or a vender eater and I wonder if they wonder why I never buy anything from them. Maybe, they are just too damn busy to care. Can I let that go????? Why Yes, I can.

The Soda Man!!! This Guy ( another name I space ) has his sh*t together. Every week he is smiling, sets up at record pace, and never has a bad thing to say. I like to help him as much as I can and he shares funny life adventurous tales w/me. He does really well at this market!!! He knows how to sell!! He understands marketing!!! He is a pleasure to work with!!!

 I always have a non profit group ( rotation of groups weekly ) on the right and the Cheese Cake folks on the left. Our little info booth is on the far right were I relax after the vendors are up and running. After updating this blog today, I realized that I didn't shoot any photos of the farmers, the vendors after they are set up, and how many names I have spaced. Classic

Not My Rig But A Sweet Road Warrior 

Friday was the 1st Friday Art Walk in GJ,CO. Jeff, The Dude, & myself whipped up a meal and rode bikes around town. We started off at the Art Center for their metal sculpting and mix media show. The show itself was poor but the people were great. Some old faces, friendly faces, and we found out that a new employee from Ch-Towns starts in Sept and will direct a new show in Oct. Gr8 news for sure!!! From there, we rode towards downtown, what a Colorado Sunset had by all. Out of all the galleries that we went into, Raw Canvas rocked. The GoPro sucks for night shots and I wish I had a camera because these artist are amazing. Big paintings, unreal ceramic sculptures, and wild visions to be shared. Damn, we had a great time hanging out there. The rest of the night was riding around and checking out all 5 of the live bands. Thats right, 5 bands in little old GJ. The music is ALWAYS way too phuc-n loud and my friends have grown accustom to the fact that I will NOT go inside. I am happy to be a supporter but walking in doesn't turn me on. On a side note, the air was beautiful out. Nice cool breeze across the desert the last few nights and the star gazing has been rich. Pedal On People