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Temagami, Ontario ...... August 1998
against the waves, storm, emergency camp uphill, day late

Aspen, Colorado ...... Sept 1999
hiking on ski hill, 8000ft to 10,500ft


Independence Pass ...... Oct 2000 - Colo x2 ... for pictures
My best exploring year ever was coming to an end, and with the cooling Arizona sun, my photo opportunities needed a variety. The turning leaves and hopefully snowy peaks were calling my name from Colorado. A year earlier I spent 2 weeks there, hiking and driving and camping, and of course taking pictures.

This time I brought slide film and a tripod. 800 miles of road from Phoenix to Aspen were quick and filled with anticipitation. I slept after 600 miles, but only for 3 hours and in the car. That was all I needed the first night, and excitement was stronger than my need for sleep. Aspen was ok, but the road from Aspen to Independence Pass was my real target. I woke up before the sun, getting dressed inside of my sleeping bag

... to be continued


Cycling time trial (California) ...... Dec 1, 2000
A cycling event in December? Why not? Just like Arizona, California is still warm on December 1 ... right? The 50 mile El Tour de Tucson (in Arizona) at the end of November was great (and warm). And the little 12 miler in California - do ittttt. I drove through San Diego and then by LA, bypassing the big bad city. Around 11pm I was close enough to the race location, and I found a campground. My bike slept in the car, and I stayed in the tent (a year ago my bike stayed inside another, bigger tent with me, just before Missouri State Championship).

The morning was cold on my way through the land of oranges. They were growing left and right along the road. I found the start of the race, arriving just before a young Louisiana dude with 60's style Mercedes. I was still fully dressed with a sweater, a scarf, and a jacket covering my jersey, and a hat on my head. The cycling shorts were ok, but my torso needed a lot of protection. With the 20mph cycling i was hoping for, things were only going to get cooler. I kept all my clothers as I clipped into the pedals, while a staff guy was holding my bike from behind. He gave me a push following the "go" -- standard starting setup for time trials. We left in gaps of 30 seconds. Drafting (similar to "tailgating") was not allowed -- there goes my survival strategy. Of course I would have to catch someone first. I never caught anyone, but I did get passed by a couple of riders before the halfway mark -- a turnaround point. It felt like uphill both ways and same with head-on wind. :-) I reached the end wondering if anyone could possibly be behind me, because at least a handful of riders passed me since the halfway mark. Those animals were fast! Good thing the divisions were by age groups, or the 60+ gang would have stolen my well deserved 3rd place. :)

Notes: "Animal" - strong cyclist, swimmer, etc