So many of us on this flight! #a8cgm

So many of us on this flight! #a8cgm

Posted on Instagram 11:18 am, September 14, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9 = { positions : { 562 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.855096’, ‘-104.673738’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.positions ) { gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.bounds.extend( gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.positions ) { gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.map, position : gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.map.setCenter( gmap_mad82f0003642766786ad91ba6707e5d9.positions[562] ); });

View from the top of the world. Torreys Peak on the weekend. #14er #torreyspeak #colorado #mountains #view

View from the top of the world. Torreys Peak on the weekend. #14er #torreyspeak #colorado #mountains #view

Posted on Instagram 2:13 pm, September 12, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f = { positions : { 966 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.642777777778’, ‘-105.82111111111’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.positions ) { gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.bounds.extend( gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.positions ) { gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.map, position : gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.map.setCenter( gmap_m59a237c892229a815be77b0ec288441f.positions[966] ); });

Today’s hike: our 2nd AND 3rd #14er. #grayspeak and #torreyspeak.

Today’s hike: our 2nd AND 3rd #14er. #grayspeak and #torreyspeak.

Posted on Instagram 6:16 pm, September 10, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a = { positions : { 59 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.642777777778’, ‘-105.82111111111’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.positions ) { gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.bounds.extend( gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.positions ) { gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.map, position : gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.map.setCenter( gmap_mee9aeeffb7079e6fa9f9053c0a4aa62a.positions[59] ); });

First 14er – Mt. Bierstadt

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Last weekend, Erika and I (along with friends, Kelly and Emi) climbed our first 14er! We picked Bierstadt since it’s in the Front Range (easy to get to from Denver), is supposed to be relatively easy, and trail reports/weather indicated it should be pretty clear. We weren’t alone; there were a ton of people up there with us.

Erika and I had to get up at 3:45 so that we could get out of here in time to get to the trail for a 5:45 start. We got there, but hadn’t banked on no cell reception (duh), and so we didn’t find Kelly and Emi, and get on the trail until more like 6am (in the complete dark, so yay for headlamps). On the way up, we were treated to a crazy multi-color sunrise, blasted against the surrounding peaks and clouds.

(more…)

Backpacking Eaglesmeare, Upper Cataract and Surprise Lakes, Colorado

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At the Fjällräven Classic, I was a little smitten with the Kajka 75 backpack which I saw a bunch of people carrying around. As it turned out, we got a discount as participants in the Classic, so a few days later I found myself the proud new owner of a Kajka, and in need of a backpacking trip to “break it in”. Since I was still on sabbatical, it was just a matter of picking a location, packing up my gear and heading out.

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Drinking @stranahans #mtbierstadt #snowflake at the summit of Mt. Bierstadt. Like a boss.

Drinking @stranahans #mtbierstadt #snowflake at the summit of Mt. Bierstadt. Like a boss.

Posted on Instagram 11:00 pm, September 6, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41 = { positions : { 940 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.582462310791’, ‘-105.66902160645’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.positions ) { gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.bounds.extend( gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.positions ) { gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.map, position : gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.map.setCenter( gmap_md0c1db5e3b7e2cdd2fd69fc30584cd41.positions[940] ); });

Fjällräven Classic 2016 (USA)

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In amongst all of my own trips during my sabbatical, I was flipping through Outside Magazine (a really great periodical, BTW) and saw an ad for something called the “Fjällräven Classic“. As the page linked indicates, it was to be a 20 mile backpacking trip, spaced over 3 days (2 “half” days and a full day, and apparently ended up being more like 22 miles), chaperoned by the lovely folks at Fjällräven. I thought that sounded interesting, and almost flipped the page, when I realized that it was in Colorado, and during my sabbatical. Fate? I don’t believe in that, but it was a pretty neat coincidence which I wasn’t about to let slide.

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Incredible views from up here. #mtbierstadt #colorado #14er

Incredible views from up here. #mtbierstadt #colorado #14er

Posted on Instagram 1:10 pm, September 3, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae = { positions : { 23 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.58261494’, ‘-105.66885861’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.positions ) { gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.bounds.extend( gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.positions ) { gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.map, position : gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.map.setCenter( gmap_m7cb27544708bcaabbbadb20159c42cae.positions[23] ); });

SCOUT Epic, Days Seven & Eight (August 11 & 12)

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This is post 8 of 8 in the series “SCOUT Epic”

  1. Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure
  2. SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)
  3. SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)
  4. SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)
  5. SCOUT Epic, Day Four (August 8)
  6. SCOUT Epic, Day Five (August 9)
  7. SCOUT Epic, Day Six (August 10)
  8. SCOUT Epic, Days Seven & Eight (August 11 & 12)

A week-long roadtrip through Colorado and Utah, combining backpacking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Exploring National Parks, landmarks, and interesting areas of Colorado during my sabbatical.

(more…)

I was not actually surprised to com across an #alpinelake at his point. #colorado #mountains #nature #backpacking #sabbatical

I was not actually surprised to com across an #alpinelake at his point. #colorado #mountains #nature #backpacking #sabbatical

Posted on Instagram 3:35 pm, September 1, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9 = { positions : { 93 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.809279883333’, ‘-106.3025675’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.positions ) { gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.bounds.extend( gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.positions ) { gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.map, position : gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.map.setCenter( gmap_md972fe9940d0dfe78902d857f958eec9.positions[93] ); });

Feeding from lake to lake. #creek #river #lake #alpinelake #colorado

Feeding from lake to lake. #creek #river #lake #alpinelake #colorado

Posted on Instagram 3:32 pm, September 1, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67 = { positions : { 624 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.7935969’, ‘-106.3350285’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.positions ) { gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.bounds.extend( gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.positions ) { gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.map, position : gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.map.setCenter( gmap_m7c2fbe4cef33a606d00dbe805eb24a67.positions[624] ); });

Aspen for days. #aspen #colorado #sabbatical

Aspen for days. #aspen #colorado #sabbatical

Posted on Instagram 3:13 pm, September 1, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0 = { positions : { 743 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.83561857’, ‘-106.31805081’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.positions ) { gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.bounds.extend( gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.positions ) { gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.map, position : gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.map.setCenter( gmap_m41075f180d26a004dd69595fbe4338a0.positions[743] ); });

Setting off on another adventure. #colorado #sabbatical

Setting off on another adventure. #colorado #sabbatical

Posted on Instagram 3:12 pm, September 1, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b = { positions : { 748 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.837212720699’, ‘-106.31039431177’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.positions ) { gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.bounds.extend( gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.positions ) { gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.map, position : gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.map.setCenter( gmap_ma92f51a3be4b8fb7f081849251e6767b.positions[748] ); });

SCOUT Epic, Day Six (August 10)

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This is post 7 of 7 in the series “SCOUT Epic”

  1. Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure
  2. SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)
  3. SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)
  4. SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)
  5. SCOUT Epic, Day Four (August 8)
  6. SCOUT Epic, Day Five (August 9)
  7. SCOUT Epic, Day Six (August 10)

A week-long roadtrip through Colorado and Utah, combining backpacking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Exploring National Parks, landmarks, and interesting areas of Colorado during my sabbatical.

(more…)

SCOUT Epic, Day Five (August 9)

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This is post 6 of 7 in the series “SCOUT Epic”

  1. Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure
  2. SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)
  3. SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)
  4. SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)
  5. SCOUT Epic, Day Four (August 8)
  6. SCOUT Epic, Day Five (August 9)
  7. SCOUT Epic, Day Six (August 10)

A week-long roadtrip through Colorado and Utah, combining backpacking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Exploring National Parks, landmarks, and interesting areas of Colorado during my sabbatical.

(more…)

SCOUT Epic, Day Four (August 8)

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This is post 5 of 7 in the series “SCOUT Epic”

  1. Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure
  2. SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)
  3. SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)
  4. SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)
  5. SCOUT Epic, Day Four (August 8)
  6. SCOUT Epic, Day Five (August 9)
  7. SCOUT Epic, Day Six (August 10)

A week-long roadtrip through Colorado and Utah, combining backpacking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Exploring National Parks, landmarks, and interesting areas of Colorado during my sabbatical.

(more…)

SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)

This is post 4 of 8 in the series “SCOUT Epic”

  1. Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure
  2. SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)
  3. SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)
  4. SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)
  5. SCOUT Epic, Day Four (August 8)
  6. SCOUT Epic, Day Five (August 9)
  7. SCOUT Epic, Day Six (August 10)
  8. SCOUT Epic, Days Seven & Eight (August 11 & 12)

A week-long roadtrip through Colorado and Utah, combining backpacking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Exploring National Parks, landmarks, and interesting areas of Colorado during my sabbatical.

(more…)

Gorgeous Aspen grove near the end of the #fjallclassic2016. Such a great trip. Thanks @fjallravenusa! #fjallclassic16

Gorgeous Aspen grove near the end of the #fjallclassic2016. Such a great trip. Thanks @fjallravenusa! #fjallclassic16

Gorgeous Aspen grove near the end of the #fjallclassic2016. Such a great trip. Thanks @fjallravenusa! #fjallclassic16

40.5113831-106.0084839

Posted on Instagram 9:02 am, August 25, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe = { positions : { 478 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘40.5113831’, ‘-106.0084839’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.positions ) { gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.bounds.extend( gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.positions ) { gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.map, position : gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.map.setCenter( gmap_m5bd1473a82ceebbe928f0ff48ea62ffe.positions[478] ); });

SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)

This is post 3 of 8 in the series “SCOUT Epic”

  1. Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure
  2. SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)
  3. SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)
  4. SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)
  5. SCOUT Epic, Day Four (August 8)
  6. SCOUT Epic, Day Five (August 9)
  7. SCOUT Epic, Day Six (August 10)
  8. SCOUT Epic, Days Seven & Eight (August 11 & 12)

A week-long roadtrip through Colorado and Utah, combining backpacking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Exploring National Parks, landmarks, and interesting areas of Colorado during my sabbatical.

(more…)

SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)

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This is post 2 of 4 in the series “SCOUT Epic”

  1. Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure
  2. SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)
  3. SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)
  4. SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)

A week-long roadtrip through Colorado and Utah, combining backpacking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Exploring National Parks, landmarks, and interesting areas of Colorado during my sabbatical.

On the first day of the trip, I wanted to head south through Deckers to go fishing, and then get down to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The fishing in Deckers turned out not to be too great (and it was drizzling), but it was beautiful nonetheless. The water was also a lot colder than I expected, so I really should have brought my waders/boots so that I could have gotten out there properly.

(more…)

Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure

SCOUT Map

This is post 1 of 4 in the series “SCOUT Epic”

  1. Southern Colorado and Utah (SCOUT) Epic Roadtrip/Adventure
  2. SCOUT Epic, Day One (August 5)
  3. SCOUT Epic, Day Two (August 6)
  4. SCOUT Epic, Day Three (August 7)

A week-long roadtrip through Colorado and Utah, combining backpacking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Exploring National Parks, landmarks, and interesting areas of Colorado during my sabbatical.

When we moved to Denver, one of the primary reasons was to be able to get outdoors and enjoy nature a lot more. Between moving to a new city, then buying and working on a new house, I didn’t actually feel like we’d done much of that, so this summer I planned to fix that. With a three month from sabbatical, I had a lot of time on my hands, so I planned to take a road trip, and combine it with a bunch of hiking, backpacking, fishing and mountain biking. I spent a week on the road, heading south from Denver, then across the bottom half of Colorado, into Utah, back up to I70 and across to Denver again. It was amazing.

(more…)

Log-bridge creek crossings under sunny lens-flares. #fjallclassic2016 @fjallravenusa

Log-bridge creek crossings under sunny lens-flares. #fjallclassic2016 @fjallravenusa

Posted on Instagram 9:40 pm, August 21, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e = { positions : { 291 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘40.5113831’, ‘-106.0084839’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.positions ) { gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.bounds.extend( gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.positions ) { gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.map, position : gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.map.setCenter( gmap_mb485e20ff238e9d73b7d63477d285e3e.positions[291] ); });

Sun at the end of the valley. #fjallclassic2016 @fjallravenusa

Sun at the end of the valley. #fjallclassic2016 @fjallravenusa

Posted on Instagram 9:36 pm, August 21, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad = { positions : { 218 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘40.5113831’, ‘-106.0084839’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.positions ) { gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.bounds.extend( gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.positions ) { gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.map, position : gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.map.setCenter( gmap_mae9ccb533c36f9511f5a4e6b8a1314ad.positions[218] ); });

Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Adventure

As chance would have it, in the weeks leading up to my Colorado River canoe trip, I managed to hitch onto another canoe trip. This one was a little more “extreme”. A group of us were going to Minnesota for a friend’s wedding, and so the plan was to get there early, drive up to the Minnesota Boundary Waters, and head out into them on canoes for a 4 day/3 night adventure. Apart from this being the first time I’d flown into a different state to go camping, I’d also be going with 4 people I’d never camped with, and canoeing into very, very remote wilderness, where we had to portage our canoe between lakes, and were beyond the reach of motorized vehicles of any kind (let alone cell phone reception).

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The Best Way to Store Fresh Herbs

http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/04/the-best-way-to-store-fresh-herbs-parsley-cilantro-dill-basil.html

The Best Way to Store Fresh Herbs

Take a look at those herbs above. The ones on the left look like they were probably picked fresh just before I photographed them, while the ones at the right had been hanging out in my refrigerator for weeks in a forgotton plastic bag, right? Wrong. All of those stems of cilantro are the exact same age. 51 days in my refrigerator, to be exact. The only difference is in how they were stored.

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Colorado River Canoe Adventure

IMG_8057

This was my first ever canoe-camping adventure, and actually crossed something off my “bucket list” — going on a multi-day canoe-camping trip. I’ve kayaked a fair bit before, but have only been canoeing once or twice, and only on lakes, so in very calm water. For this trip, I was lucky enough to just tag along on something organized by Erika’s friend, Tom. He has actually done a very similar trip a few times before, so it was good to have someone who knew the score to point us in the right direction.

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Pretty ridiculous campsite y’all. #colorado #camping #backpacking #coloradonationalmonument #nationalmonument

Pretty ridiculous campsite y’all. #colorado #camping #backpacking #coloradonationalmonument #nationalmonument

Posted on Instagram 8:34 pm, August 11, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6 = { positions : { 105 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.100965816009’, ‘-108.73441429808’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.positions ) { gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.bounds.extend( gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.positions ) { gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.map, position : gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.map.setCenter( gmap_m2b90c5173029d803d03afc85ea0e6fc6.positions[105] ); });

View from tonight’s campsite. #colorado #nationalmonument #coloradonationalmonument

View from tonight’s campsite. #colorado #nationalmonument #coloradonationalmonument

Posted on Instagram 7:28 pm, August 11, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704 = { positions : { 558 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘39.100965816009’, ‘-108.73441429808’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.positions ) { gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.bounds.extend( gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.positions ) { gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.map, position : gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.map.setCenter( gmap_mb3616006c2ba13a20e8daf21ee5c7704.positions[558] ); });

Ridiculous sunset. #nofilter #colorado #telluride

Ridiculous sunset. #nofilter #colorado #telluride

Ridiculous sunset. #nofilter #colorado #telluride

37.9368324-107.8467141

Posted on Instagram 11:22 pm, August 9, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c = { positions : { 503 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘37.936832357025’, ‘-107.84671407332’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.positions ) { gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.bounds.extend( gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.positions ) { gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.map, position : gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.map.setCenter( gmap_m64e34c50416dc9d0a82d92145fafc39c.positions[503] ); });

Tiny Town. Telluride. From there gondola. #colorado #telluride

Tiny Town. Telluride. From there gondola. #colorado #telluride

Posted on Instagram 11:20 pm, August 9, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6 = { positions : { 299 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘37.931484449123’, ‘-107.83290200467’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.positions ) { gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.bounds.extend( gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.positions ) { gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.map, position : gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.map.setCenter( gmap_mc64b7452dcaff394b0b76e74068c98d6.positions[299] ); });

This is what a good ride looks like at the end. #fatbike #mountainbike #telluride #prospecttrail #mud

This is what a good ride looks like at the end. #fatbike #mountainbike #telluride #prospecttrail #mud

Posted on Instagram 11:19 pm, August 9, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889 = { positions : { 632 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘37.938048566667’, ‘-107.81100471667’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.positions ) { gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.bounds.extend( gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.positions ) { gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.map, position : gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.map.setCenter( gmap_m798bee1c8a978dd11059211b6594f889.positions[632] ); });

Creek crossings on a #fatbike. Yes please. #mountainbike #creek #colorado #prospecttrail #telluride

Creek crossings on a #fatbike. Yes please. #mountainbike #creek #colorado #prospecttrail #telluride

Posted on Instagram 11:14 pm, August 9, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1 = { positions : { 82 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘37.939153’, ‘-107.816317’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.positions ) { gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.bounds.extend( gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.positions ) { gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.map, position : gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.map.setCenter( gmap_m6c6e9f38ce6ed85d48bcb4f08d5c38d1.positions[82] ); });

Reflections of you…

Reflections of you…

Reflections of you…

38.0020257-107.8168177

Posted on Instagram 12:41 pm, August 9, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e = { positions : { 179 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘38.002025736531’, ‘-107.816817714’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.positions ) { gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.bounds.extend( gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.positions ) { gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.map, position : gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.map.setCenter( gmap_m84cca523224fe9c086112b0f98e9660e.positions[179] ); });

Worth the ascent. Stunning lake amongst dramatic cliffs/peaks. #bluelakes #lowerlake #colorado

Worth the ascent. Stunning lake amongst dramatic cliffs/peaks. #bluelakes #lowerlake #colorado

Worth the ascent. Stunning lake amongst dramatic cliffs/peaks. #bluelakes #lowerlake #colorado

38.0020257-107.8168177

Posted on Instagram 12:39 pm, August 9, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd = { positions : { 258 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘38.002025736531’, ‘-107.816817714’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.positions ) { gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.bounds.extend( gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.positions ) { gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.map, position : gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.map.setCenter( gmap_m2697cd662f1afa1d5957da9ad73501cd.positions[258] ); });

Yesterday’s sunset. #dragonpoint #paintedwall #blackcanyonofthegunnison #canyon #colorado

Yesterday’s sunset. #dragonpoint #paintedwall #blackcanyonofthegunnison #canyon #colorado

Posted on Instagram 12:33 pm, August 9, 2016 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76 = { positions : { 399 : new google.maps.LatLng( ‘38.488869182295’, ‘-107.74033621979’ ) }, bounds : new google.maps.LatLngBounds(), // empty for now, we’ll dynamically extend it later map : new google.maps.Map( document.getElementById( ‘gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76’ ), { mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.ROADMAP, center: new google.maps.LatLng( 0, 0 ), zoom: 16 // Seems to be a good zoom for a single point } ), markers : {}, }; // end of gmap // Extend the bounds of interest based on our positions for ( var m in gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.positions ) { gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.bounds.extend( gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.positions[m] ); } // Render markers for ( var m in gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.positions ) { gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.markers[m] = new google.maps.Marker( { clickable: true, map : gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.map, position : gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.positions[m] } ); } // Redraw map to fit our new marker-based bounds gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.map.setCenter( gmap_m7dcdf7bb405cdb6e880061efa247ba76.positions[399] ); });