You need to spend some time away from Boulder when...

May regret putting this out there on the web, but here goes...

• You feel a bit affronted when a stranger doesn't greet you with a big smile and a friendly word.
• You say 'om' and 'namaste' without a little inward giggle.
• You assume there will be a well-maintained bike path to any local destination.
• The moms you are out for supper with assume you know what an "ACL" is.

Will never tire of these ponderosa pine trails.

• You double-take when you see an overweight person in the street.
• You think it is normal for middle aged men to go round clad in lycra emblazoned with cycling logos.
• The only non-white person you have any real contact with is your son's football coach.
• You assume that all American families have 2 cars, go ski-ing in Vail and Aspen and take an annual vacation to Hawaii.
• You always know which way is west (towards the mountains right?)

12,000 feet

Hello after a break - and actually we are on our way home TODAY.  Sad and excited all rolled into one. We have had a wonderful final fling in Canyon country and the Rockies, including a huge hike near Telluride - 12 miles, topping out at over 12,000 feet.  Needed to say "Yo bear!" a lot to encourage bears to keep their distance (saw a big footprint), and had a close encounter with a porcupine.  

Sorry - not time to turn around - an early view on our hike.

Across the high Boulder field of Lizard Head trail

Album cover at 12,000 feet

Snow bank across our path - exciting.

Weary and triumphant at our campsite