The Loneliest Monk

North Platte, Sailda, Ridgway, Moab, Salt Lake City, Siverthorne, and Buena Vista all places called home for at least a night over the course of our two week road trip.

It's a long haul to the mountains from Sioux Falls, SD. Somehow over the past 4 years this drive seems to get easier each time. Guess that we are getting good at getting gone. Colorado - June 2016 below.

Nothing like a long day in the mountains to kick off my brothers bachelor party. A unique experience introducing my brother and his friends to Colorado's high places.

114 days since my last paddle. Lots of hours at the office in between. Sunday was a no alarm clock morning. Pulled out of 5505 at 5:30 am and was east bound to the Iowa side of the Big Sioux River. Head lights of the Kia proved to be just enough light to portage my kayak down to the river bank at Gitchie Manitou State Park.   Kayak and beer stashed I made way south to the Grandview bridge to wait for Tyler. Sunrise from Grandview Tyler arrived right on time at 6:30 am we promptly started our 6 mile run back to Gitchie Manitou State Park. Morning temp was brisk and a nice northern breeze pushed us back towards our point of origin.  Making it back to our stashed vessels we took a minute to catch our breaths and bundle up for the paddle. Tyler's trusted co-captain, Nicole, met up with us for this leg of the journey. We shoved off and my first paddle of 2016 was underway. Glide Below the cliffs at Good Earth Changes on the river are always subtle but t