the big move

i spent the summer at the climax of a glacial recession. just a stones throw behind the house one can explore a cirque created years ago by a glacier, now devil's lake state park. the bluffs encasing this crystal lake are red granite and offer the best climbing in the mid-west. cycling to the south or east, one climbs bluffs. a westward or northward journey provides long, flat routes, good for endurance. now the berry farms are picked clean and the apple orchards are starting to multiply fruit.

if you were to enter this small-ish town of baraboo, you would be surprised to find a full-on circus, a restored downtown square, and a select group of residents - excited about farming, hunting and local business. i am among the few young adults enjoying the baraboo area.

i found companionship in two young men. one challenges me to ride faster and climb harder. he makes me laugh at work and fills much of my time before and after hours. another one invites me to backpack with his friends, play board games with his family, pick blackberries early mornings, and discuss spirituality and privilege. my parents are present, supportive, and loving. they are my backbone.

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last week i endeavored on an archetypical american journey -- travel west. at the end of the first day i tucked into bed at my brothers place in omaha, nebraska. with family is always a good place to rest and recharge. the next morning i drove across the flats of nebraska, ending in fort collins, colorado. i couldn't WAIT to be in the rockies.

thus began my newest adventure. i live with friends from uw-madison and am nurturing friendships with a host of other good folks. i work as a salesperson at a bicycle shop where i have met some keepers and i nanny for twin 4-year-old girls, isabelle and quinn. they are impossibly cute. i also volunteer at a food co-op and i'm writing a business plan for organized cycling tours. we will visit local farms, sustainable businesses, natural areas, music venues, etc.

fort collins is treating me well - i have already spent a weekend in the mountains, gone on a few bike rides, spent an evening hiking and climbing at the reservoir, taken part in a local festival (tour de fat, check it out!), visited one of the local breweries, and had a great night out which ended in gyros and donuts. imagine.

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i am living in a very dynamic place right now. realizing that many friends and loved ones are scattered throughout this world and that i will never have everyone together in one place. loving life and embracing adventure. taking time for myself and making time for others.

pura vida




the inside of full cycle



the service desk at full cycle



horsetooth reservoir - this water is used for irrigation and for all municipal water needs. it is low now because it is so late in the summer. i was surprised to see boats and skiers on the water.



horsetooth reservoir - greg and i rode up here on his motorcycle and went bouldering an hour before sunset



this is how we get to the park. if they wiggle around my front wheel can move up to two whole feet! so i prefer to take them in the trailer. it's a much safer option.



quinn is a great climber!



quinn



izabelle