Category ArchiveEverywhere Once |

Kayak Durango

by Brian on July 30, 2012 in Colorado, Travel, United States

Brain navigating a rapid on the Lower Animas River, Durango, CO

There is a certain amount of self discovery that goes hand in hand with trying new things. Prior to setting out on our current journey we never really considered ourselves particularly adventurous. Now we know that most of our favorite activities, from ziplining in Massachusetts, to mountain biking down Pike’s Peak 14,000 foot summit, to spelunking in Kentucky (and Belize, New Mexico, . . .), all require some form of head protection.

Why should whitewater kayaking be any different?

Mesa Verde an Ancient Metropolis

by Brian on July 25, 2012 in Colorado, Travel, United States

Tower House Mesa Verde National Park

Some things never get old. Like the ancient cliff dwellings scattered throughout the American Southwest. We find them endlessly fascinating.

In previous posts we’ve likened the structures at Bandelier National Monument to ancient condos and those at Gila to primordial McMansions. Compared to those parks, Mesa Verde is an Ancestral Puebloan metropolis. The park’s 52,000 acres contain nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including a whopping 600 cliff dwellings.

Photo of the Day: Red Rocks Amphitheater

by Brian on July 23, 2012 in Colorado, Photo of the Day, United States

Red Rocks Amphitheater, Red Rocks Park, Morrison, CO

Break the Rules. Go Home with Strangers

by Brian on July 20, 2012 in Colorado, Lifestyle, Travel

Nelly’s handmade saddle

As often happens in life, good things start with a beer. That is, after all, how Shannon and I found ourselves on the back of Nelly, the very first horse either of us had ever ridden.

In retrospect, we didn’t really stand a chance. The Main Street Brewery in Cortez, Colorado, was walking distance from our campground. We find so few things in this country we can walk to that we always take notice of those we can. Boozy establishments that we don’t have to drive home from are especially rare and prized finds. So there never was a question of whether we’d pull up a bar stool at the brewery a few blocks from our door. It was really just a question of when.

Our timing couldn’t have been better.

The Map is not the Terrain

by Brian on July 16, 2012 in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Travel

The Four Corners Marker, where Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico meet

There isn’t anything special here, at least as far as the eye can see. There are no natural boundaries or landmarks. No buildings or structures of note. Even the surrounding scenery is unremarkable. Only a small plaque identifies the significance of this particular point.

As with many silly things in American life, this one started with an act of Congress. Read More…