RedBell 2014 - The Goal is to Finish

I have been on my bike a few times in the last month, but not nearly enough to call myself "prepared" for RedBell tomorrow.  My goal is to finish before the beer garden closes and still have enough energy to raise a pint in celebration.

I have definitely not been as active this bicycling season as usual and am still fighting the uphill battle of getting back in shape and staying motivated.  It's time to get my butt in gear, get outside, and get moving!

Look ... It's a Rock

Nearly 1,600 miles and an impromptu weekend in Vegas later, my trip across the Southwest was a success.  It was a great experience in traveling independently, but I did miss having someone to share it with at times.

I was reminded the rules of travel still apply:

1. It will always take longer than you think to get there.
2. Your stuff will explode to fill all available space no matter the size or dimension.
3. If you play it by ear, you will end up having some great experiences.
4. There is too much of a good thing 

It was funny going through the nearly 2,000 pictures I took explaining where I was and what the picture was about.  This one was of a rock, that one was of a red rock, this other one is of a slightly different color red rock, but look at the way the light plays off the red rocks around it.  

I took a couple photos that I'm proud of and entered them into the Share the Experience photo contest:

• A bunny at Arches
• Bryce Canyon covered in a late snow
• My hiking companion at National Bridges
• Beautiful light play at Arches

If I get around to it I may submit a few more, but feel free to give these a vote if you enjoy them.

Back to the Wild

Despite a strong desire to explore it has been a while since I've taken any trips that did not involve sitting on a beach with a cocktail in hand.  Don't get me wrong, those vacations are great, but it's time to get back to the wild.

In a couple days I will be setting out on a solo trip through the National Parks of the Southwest to unplug and indulge in some photography.  I've rented a campervan in Las Vegas and will call it home for eight days as I loop out to Arches (Moab) and back.

So far the weather looks promising to capture those amazing sunrise and sunset images, I'll try to post some of my shots as I go along.  My itinerary is flexible and I plan on camping wherever I end up at the end of each day.  The only rules are to top off gas and water whenever I get the chance and be back in Vegas on May 2, to catch my flight home.  That and try not to fall off any ledges while I'm at it.  

Wish me luck!