Utah and Colorado
August 9 - 19, 2004

After I arrived in Denver, I did a little in-line skating, but it was the mountain biking I really enjoyed. I borrowed a bike with duel suspension that was really fun to ride. I got used to the bike on a paved trail path between Copper and Frisco, nearby the Interstate 70. The scenery was incredible, even though it followed nearby the highway.  On another day I rode near Fruita, which is near Grand Junction. This was a single-track ride in the desert which was a completely new experience. I only had to get off the bike once to negotiate a short, but steep rocky incline. I will definitely be considering a mountain bike purchase in the future after this adventure.

While in Salt Lake City, I was invited to join a paddling trip down the westwater section of the Colorado River. This is a 17-mile section of river located on the eastern border of Utah (basically in the desert). The scenery was very unique and beautiful: the canyon consisted of impressive, 300-500 foot red rock walls along one side, and varying topography of sand, desert rocks and cliffs along the other side.

I made many new friends on this trip, and I felt very fortunate to be part of this trip. Many thanks to the folks at Paddler Magazine and Chan for providing this incredible experience in my travels.