Geo: 38.8702, -106.986I've had a few friends tell me in the past that if I ever went to Crested Butte I might never leave.Well, I got into town about 20 minutes ago.......and I might not leave. :)After some finnicky wireless in Hotchkiss and a pleasant cruise along the rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, I found myself having some tasty beers and honey-chili sweet potato fries at the Gunnison Brewery. Gunnison, the ice box of Colorado. Perhaps of the nation! Any time in the winter while watching the weather channel (how was that for some alliteration?), I always shudder and offer up a prayer and solace for the people of Gunnison. However, lovely summers close to abundant hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. As long as your skin is made of down-filled Goretex.Driving north from ... read more

Geo: 38.7997, -107.719Once or twice a year for the past few years I take a sojourn to the canyons of Utah. Solo trips, lasting anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks. The Needles, Dark Canyon, Paria, Escalante, Muley Twist, Zion... A dozen times I have come across an arch or natural amphitheater or massive dryfall and thought "this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!". And then the next day I say the same thing. And the next. Hiking miles and miles through slot canyons is a fascinating mind bender: every turn, every wall, looks the same. But at the same time, each turn and wall is completely fresh and new and different.I feel the same about Colorado. I have lived here over 5 years and have explored quite a bit of the state. But ... read more

Geo: 39.4022, -107.211First of all: thank you, Avon Westinn, for the magnificent shower this morning. A full bathe - shampoo, conditioner, full body lathering (even between the toes), all leaving me actually smelling like I can afford being a member of a place like that. And afterward - a clean shave. It's true. An actual razor meets my face once, maybe twice a year. I find it somewhat humorous that this year's first occurrence happened while living out of my truck.As usual, spent the morning at Loaded Joe's for a final latte (I've said that before!). The past few times I had been there, I overheard the same man talking to people about spirituality and energy and human design. It all sounded interesting and, upon arriving back in town last night, hoped that I would run ... read more

Geo: 39.19, -106.818Yesterday was quite the full day (I know, I know - I said this wasn't going to be a dear diary blog, but I just want to be able to get some of these memories down while they're still fresh).Had spent the night before in Avon - my last night there. A few microbrews at the Gore Range Brewery, a welcome shot of 151 when I showed up at my friend's house, a couple rounds of pong and some whiskey sampling may have had something to do with my condition upon waking in the morning: doubled up head-to-toe on a couch hardly big enough for one (waking up to random feet just inches from your face is mildly alerting, although humorous), and my neck forming a right angle where my head was rammed up ... read more

Geo: 39.6314, -106.522The Happy Valley. More commonly known as the Vail Valley (or Male Valley). Known to some down-valleyers as Eagle Valley. Beginning as Vail Pass drops into the far reaches of East Vail, and extending through Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, Gypsum, and Eagle.The Happy Valley. Fantastic winters. Gorgeous summers. No crime. No sickness. No "bad" neighborhoods. No minorities. No culture. "Like something from a novel; somewhere in a dream. Everyone is beautiful."The Happy Valley. A good friend once stated: "this place pierces your soul". In some way or another, for better or for worse, for every person, this place pierces their soul.The Happy Valley. My home from September 2010 through April of 2011. Vail reported 524" of snow - a record! This winter was my first experience being a ski bum. My... read more