I set out to do the “Angel’s Landing” hike today. The plan was to do the hike and then depart for Page, AZ, home of Antelope Canyon. The hike was glorious…strenuous but rewarding. At the summit, a panoramic view of Zion welcomed me. Despite the hostility of the potential drop from my perch, I was comfortable. I drifted off to sleep for about an hour…restful.

It was a spectacular outing with such natural beauty. There were a few moments of disappointment…I’m sure Tina’s parents are proud.


When I reached the canyon floor again, there was a junction to the Emerald Pools trail. What could I do but to delay my departure by taking the scenic way back. It was not a mistake. Company was kept with several Aussies. It was no surprise considering the timing of their holidays.

I stopped by the visitor’s center today. I guess I did it in reverse…stopping on my way out. I was drawn to the backcountry permit area. While “window shopping”, I came across the description for the “Narrows” trail. It’s a long hike, requiring an overnight stay as well as the need for hiring a shuttle to the trailhead. Being short on time, I started planning a day hike up the Narrows with an afternoon return planned. 10 miles may be enough, especially since the “trail” involves walking up the river…IN the river.

It was a tough decision because it means that I will likely have to cut out Hualapai and Havasu Canyon. I very much wanted to visit this place because of the interest my Mom has for it. It will have to remain a priority. A flight into Flagstaff and a 3 hour drive is all that it would take to return.

Plans are so fluid at this moment. I have a general plan but the details change. It’s a new feeling a lifetime so deliberately laid out. But, the bottom line is that there is still not enough time for everything.

I also had a chance to meet King’s childhood friend, Mark who is visiting from the Northwest. King recently has developed a fascination for violins. Like most things that King has an interest in, he has learned much about this subject is a short time. King’s friend, Mark, has had this interest for the past 3 years as well and has imparted much of his knowledge on King. I learned much during our short conversation about the history of these instruments. It was just enough for me to develop a respect and appreciation for the depth and complexity of this history. The World has gotten bigger for me once again…wonderfully fascinating!

I have learned so much about living life with grace from King. I am thankful for that. I look forward to celebrating his union with Lynne tomorrow. I’m glad that he was found such a lovely partner to share life’s adventures for many years to come.

We stopped by the Santa Cruz Wharf to pick up some fried calamari and clams at Stagnaro’s, a small fish market that serves some hot food. The calamari there is the best I have had, barring none. Pricey restaurants have not been able to match the tenderness of Stagnaro’s. It is one of life’s simple, but yet decadent, pleasures for me.

The conveniences go on and on. Trang and I took a few moments to sit downtown in San Jose, sipping yummy bubble tea while doing work on our laptops via wireless internet. After that, we trained in an indoor climbing gym that simulated the wilderness.

The climbing gym was loads of fun! It is a place of gathering for good friends. I was so very happy to see a few more familiar faces as well as meeting new friends. Some people may criticize indoor climbing gyms for their attempt to simulate something as grand as mountains in a sub-30 foot structure. I, on the other hand, have climbing gyms to thank for the opportunity to develop lasting friendships. These friendships, derived from a common desire to become stronger climbers, have never remained limited by the walls of the gym. Rather, these friendships have taken me to many places, from real mountain peaks to Vietnamese noodle restaurants.

I did stop at one of the salt flats. Now, that was pretty neat. I was tempted to lick the ground but figured I would be too thirsty afterwards.

I did cross another time zone and got a bonus hour. How will I spend it? I’m having a nice latte right now. In reality, I only have this hour on credit since I will have to pay it back later as I drive East. Oh well…this whole trip is on credit anyway.

Too bad the moment was tainted by a few individuals. There were several people who had gathered to enjoy the sunset up by Delicate Arch. Many individuals wandered towards the arch to snap some photos while others were satisfied with sitting along the lip of the bowl. Unfortunately, 2 “unique” people decided to take it upon themselves to ruin the peacefulness of the moment by shouting obnoxious comments at each person who walked out to the arch. It was as if these 2 people felt personally violated…as if the people who wanted to get closer to the arch for a quick photo were standing between these 2 rude individuals’ personal television set. I sat and watched as these 2 people’s aggressiveness kept a European family from taking a family picture by the arch. Anyway, the scene was too beautiful to be ruined by the efforts of such classlessness.

But, by breakfast time, the skies gave us a break.

Our finger tips were still raw from the previous day’s climbing but there were so many climbs waiting. We did our best with some success and some…well, waiting for next time. All is all, Rifle was a riot.

It was fantastic climbing with Ed. I’m glad he had the time to hang. I appreciate all of his hospitality, opening up his home to me. Hey Ed…thanks for the climbs, roof over my head, and most of all, the laughs.

For very steep limestone, Rifle is the perfect place. But, to be perfect here, you’d better pay your dues. Ed and I found some “moderate” climbs which were quite an introduction. But, we are both looking forward to more tomorrow.

The set-up in my vehicle was put to the test today. The sky couldn’t decide whether to let loose or not so it just kept on drizzling on and off. We packed and unpacked the cooking gear several times with ease and efficiency. Thanks again, Matt.

I was wondering why I was so out of breath from just walking a few hundred yards. Then I took a look at my altimeter. Just what I thought…I did have an excuse (other than being out of shape)!

May I offer one more excuse…



Ed finished work in the late afternoon so we sneaked in a few climbs at a local area (Montezuma’s). The climbs were challenging; but, for me, the approach hike to the climbs through the forest was the true challenge. But, it was nice to outlast the sun!

Tomorrow, we head out to Rifle, a climbing area famous for very steep climbs. Hopefully my Arby’s roast beef sandwich that I had for dinner will power me up the climbs instead of drag me down.

I’ve tried to not think about how thirsty my car gets every few hundred miles. But, it’s getting hard to ignore. This is a quick example of one of many feedings…and the tank was over ¼ full when he started drinking. This will be my last mention of gas prices, especially since I’m a big part of why the prices are so high. I just had to take the big beast out for a stroll…around the entire U.S.

I was treated to an absolutely amazing display of the power of nature. As I was reaching the end of the plains, I caught a glimpse of the sunset off in the distance. The sun was glowing a fiery orange-red. What made the scene far from trite were the superimposed storm clouds acting as a veil. The lightning flashes added a sense of hostility. I wish I was able to capture this powerful scene but there was definitely too much scene for my current photographic skills.

I reached Ed’s place here in Colorado. I have to say, I arrived just in the nick of time. I was moments away from developing a hemorrhoid from all of that sitting.

It’s great to see Ed. From moment one, he has been very generous with his hospitality. I’m looking forward to hanging, climbing, and catching up.

As for sleep, I’m horizontal right now so it will be only a matter of seconds before I take that extended blink.

I missed my early morning departure because of the need to have my oil changes. I was running a little late yesterday and I paid for it.

I did stop off at the Dunkin’ Donuts to pick up my last cup for a while. There seems to be a shortage of D & D’s out west. I did manage to fulfill the request of my buddy, Ed, who loves Colorado but misses the D & D of the East.

Welcome to Pennsylvania. Our neighbor is quite large. Its happy 18 wheel inhabitants like to live in the left lane. Anyway…

I do believe I’ve over-utilized this rest stop. So without further ado, onto the open road (actually, not so open with those pesky trucks).

If you’re having some difficulty spotting the problem, here is a better view…

One tough aspect of traveling is being away from friends, especially when they are about to face some new challenges. I hope that my friend, “D”, knows that my thoughts and concerns are with her even when I’m thousands of miles away.

It won’t be the first time that I have lived in my vehicle for an extended period of time. However, it will be the first time I am doing so while paying a mortgage and taxes (crazy-high taxes at that) on a “real” home at the same time. On some levels, that doesn’t make sense. On others, it makes all the sense in the World.

The trip has been…well, as Roger would put it, “brilliant”. I’ve been inspired once again by the determination of the “kids” in the program as well as those who are dedicated to helping to improve their lives. The recovery effort thus far by the Caymans after the vicious hurricane last year has been incredible. And, the beauty of the ocean still leaves me breathless (often due to running low on air in my tanks because of my reluctance to leave the beauty at the end of each dive).





The “graduation” celebration at Decker’s Restaurant was filled with delicious food, spirited beverages, and good spirits. I had the opportunity to meet Roger’s brother, Bobby, who sustained a spinal cord injury during Vietnam. Since then, he has gone on to make a few accomplishments such as starting an organization to address the landmines left from war and winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Bobby loves diving in Cayman.

I would like to thank Chris Brandson who is the underwater videographer/photographer who has been very generous with sharing his knowledge and wisdom. I was inspired by Chris's wonderful work as well as the ease in which he navigated the underwater world to capturehis images. Though my credit card has taken a major hit, I'm happy to start my exploration of underwater photography.

We’ll all go separate ways now but hopefully we will all reunite again soon. Safe travels to all.

The kids (I’ll use the word “kids” for now since “teenager” sounds hokey and “young adult” takes too long to type) continue to amaze. They took to the open ocean like it was the hotel swimming pool. They coasted through their skills requirements and after these first 4 dives (and passing the written exam) they all now all certified divers! Quite an accomplishment!

Now, I can't forget to mention the Turtle Farm here on Grand Cayman. It's a very unique place. The Turtle Farm is a privately funded and sustained effort to breed sea turtles (for return to the ocean to replenish the population as well as for lunch). We even got to participate in the "liberation" of a lucky turtle.

This organization welcomed the kids from ours and treated them to an up-close-and-personal visit with these little critters. Of course, during the entire visit, I was thinking back to medical school and learning about how sea turtles can carry salmonella. I thought it was a silly, useless fact back then but now I realized that I learned this fact back then so I could respond appropriately "NO" when one of the kids asked if it was okay to kiss a sea turtle.

It was “Pirates’ Night” at the Westin tonight. Sure, it was a little touristy, a little cheesy, and hokey; But, it was also fun. The buffet was delicious and as a result, I had trouble showing restraint. I only had one of almost each desert but to prove that I have self-control, I held off on the studdle.

Of course, the kids didn't have a monopoly on the fun...

Congratulations to Kelsey, Deanna, JT, and Ryan on becoming certified SCUBA divers. I’d be honored to buddy-up with any of you guys on any dive. Cheers.

It’s time to rest right now. Tomorrow we hit the water. I just want to make sure I don’t hit it too hard in my sleepy state.