Dark Canyon

You could spend a lifetime exploring the area between Redstone, Aspen, and Crested Butte.

Don't Cry Baby, It's Only a Low Head Dam

Don't freak out. It's a gravel dam with a low water slot. I was a little nervous to go on the river with two infants, but it is the Western Slope afterall. We had a low flow, low key time...the kind of float where you use your PFD to sit on. This section of the Gunnison is stunning; the put in is 20 minutes from P-towne. Nice day to snap photos, eat a few snacks, and completely relax. Sadly it was a send-off for Austin and Erynn as they are heading for parts unknown, infant in tow.

Third World Nation? Nope, Just GJ

Cutting weeds with a machete, fixing mopeds in a muddy alley, and riding in the back of trucks. Guatemala? Cambodia? Kazakhstan? Nope, just GJ. Made a trip over to visit the Cope girls (and Honorary Cope, Austin). Engaged in all things Western Slope such as shooting the Red Rider in the back yard (you'll put your eye out), listening to bad pop radio, and mowing the lawn with a rotary push mower...had a ridiculous amount of fun by not doing much of anything. August feels more like September. It hasn't broken 80 degrees in three weeks. Thunderstorms every night. Peaches are coming in. They haven't peaked and are slightly acidic...but still righteous. The local orchards start picking pears August 23. Saw a Granny Smith fall off a tree and nearly clock a guy in the head today. The whole valley is buzzing with life and growth. The energy is palpable. Enjoying the last weeks of summer. All will be gold up high within a month.

Trung's Grand Canyon permit came up. I think he's been waiting 8 years. We put on October 27. I've been wanting this for 15 years. Trip of a life time.