We managed to find some public land that we made home for two days. The weather here is similar to early spring, overcast, occasional rain, with the sun always trying to poke its way through. The fire danger was low which allowed us to make a campfire that helped keep us warm after the sun sank below the mountainous horizon. Before coming to report for camp duty we went to breakfast where I was lucky enough to have the best french toast I have ever had, strawberry filled. We made our first summer trip to Buckets, and did our laundry to start the summer off without any dirty clothes. We arrived at camp for work on Sunday night. We have been occupied by lots of name games and trip leading activities to get us ready for the backcountry. Today we are departing for our staff trip to a National Park in New Mexico (more to come). I am looking forward to being the backcountry with 11 others who all share my love for adventure and learning how to backpack in large groups.

New Mexico bound.

Disc golf in Boulder was a perfect way to start our day. After our impressive finishes we decided to head down to the mile high city, Denver, CO. We stumbled upon a parking spot that placed us across the street from a Colorado Artists art show/sale. Pictures from across the globe caught our eye. Paintings, sculptures, and sketches filled the tents all sparking some form of amazement. Lunch was served at Jason's Deli, after we managed to get a free sample of a extravagant brownie with nuts. Lunch gave us the energy we would need to survive our R.E.I. shopping adventure. It is always difficult to walk through the store and actually leave with only what you had intended to buy. Chris and I claimed squatters rights on a camp-able portion of public land just outside of Fraser, CO, a few miles from where we will be working at camp for the summer. It managed to provide a beautiful night sky, some exciting humming birds, a fun balance beam, and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Another playdoh day.

Humans have 27 bones in one hand
Giraffes have 7 bones in their neck

Today I sit in the Estes Park, CO Public Library; able to look back on the past week which has been full of road trip miles and great adventures. Orlando, FL was a great time to bask in the sun, and enjoy the heat. It was a long drive to Orlando but taking the scenic route through the Smoky Mountains helped pass the time. Lacey and I helped Gabe and Christina move into their new apartment. A nice place for Cash to grow up. It was refreshing to spend time with Gabe and Lacey, catch up on life and renew sibling quarrels. With just enough time to get rejuvenated from the Orlando trip, Chris and I packed my mom's Camry and hit the road. The first 11 hours were easy driving, landing us in a rest stop 30mins outside of Omaha, NB. The night was windy but comfortably warm. We chose a sheltered picnic area as a nice wind block and set up our sleeping bags for a good nights rest. We awoke to a pancake breakfast and continued to Estes Park, CO. As we entered the northwest corner of Colorado, the excitement was building but was not fully realized until; through the cloudy sky, the Rockies emerged, in their majesty. We made a stop to the Estes Park visitor center to see if we could find a nice (free) camping location where we could pitch our tent for the night. We were directed to the Lion Gulch trail in Roosevelt National Forest, roughly 5miles outside of Estes Park. We found a nice site roughly 1.5miles from the trail head, next to a stream and giant pine tree, and set up shop. We enjoyed white chicken chili for dinner and were joined by our friend Carlos Rossi (sangaria and chanti). Next to camp we constructed an impressive LNT fire and made some top notch smorgasms. It was a great welcome to the Rocky Mounatin State. Colorful Colorado.

25K
15.5 miles
Runner # 5733
2:10:58.
Fifth Third River Bank Run, Grand Rapids, Michigan


Wooo! I successfully completed 15.5miles without stopping and keeping a rather impressing pace. It was my first time that I did not run by myself, instead I shared the road with 17,000 other runners. Spirits were high and we started with a great pace. Caitlin, Chris, Kelly, Matt, Morgan and I were tackling this beast as a group, to the best of our abilities. The roads were lined with people shouting and encouraging, handing out water, ice, and gatorade, and supporting everyone.I chose a slower pace about half way through at the 8mile marker, I ran alone at a nice steady pace for a couple miles until I was surprised to hear Morgan's encouragement catching me. From then on Morgan and I helped push each other until we had 2 miles left; at that point we extended the stride and started running. I was relieved to finish, out of breath, but my body was better than I had expected. The Physical Therapy paid off! The time has come to say goodbye to Allendale for the summer. Time to pack the van and start summer with adventure numero 1: Orlando, FL; here we come


Good Job 25K River Runnas