I'm in Purgatory!!!!!

 ScottDate: 2 Oct 2022 (Holy cow that's today!!!)

I've been traveling with Dwight and Karen for the past 4 days and it has been a blast to see and hang out with them again! We rented a "cabin" in the middle of the woods about 1/2 mile south of Purgatory Ski Resort in CO (this is about half way between Silverton and Durango). The house is awesome and I think we are the second people to rent it as you can still smell wood from construction.

To help me get ready for my Grand Canyon hike, I did a moderate 5.3 mile RT hike with a gain of about 2000 feet. The air is kinda thin for a Missourian, as the hike started at 8400 and ended at 10400 ft (that's quite a bit to gain in 2.1 miles). This was a good test and training for the GC and I felt pretty good afterwards. My legs are a little fatigued today, but nothing bad at all after not being able to run or hike or bike or...other stuff for a bit. So I'm in good spirits about future hikes. The view from the hike was absolutely worth every step. The view from Castle Rock into the valley was breath taking and as always, it is worth noting that the images are nothing like being there in person.

Heading out toward AZ tomorrow, so I'm excited to be on the road and sad to say goodbye to Dwight and Karen. Luckily, I"ll be meeting up with Craig on Friday on the North Rim of the GC! :)

Western Adventure Continues

 ScottDate: 26 Sept 2022

After leaving NW AR, it was time for the adventure out west where I will be meeting up with my longtime backpacking/hiking buddies on three separate occasions. First off was spending time with Mikey at his place in KC, which served as the launching ground for the next 3 weeks on the road.

It was great to catch up with both Mikey and SiFou for a wonderful evening and morning. My next stop was in Manitou Springs, CO. It was a long 9 hour drive as driving thru western KS and eastern CO has some of the most riviting scenery ever!!! Especially when you like wide open fields. Being in Manitou Springs, I decided to climb a fourteener mountain. This time I had my Edge to drive me to the top though...

Thus I enjoyed a left over snack that I bought for mom while she was in the hospital...nice view for some cheese n crackers.

 

The next day it was time to loosen up the shoulder, so golf was back in the picture! I played a fun round and even shot a 90! (Johnny style). It was nice to be able to swing a club and hit a ball after being in such pain on the last two days of the guy golf trip. Hopefully I'll find another course to play before I head home. I think a course in Manhattan, KS is calling (thanks to Mikey's recommendation).