I am a Fan of the Rockies… Mountains, not Baseball!

Driving up the Pass, Shane loved my combination of steering and shooting pics!

The air is cooling down as we rise up around each turn.

A Stocking Cap Needed at the peak of Independence Pass – Yes is was that Cold… sorry Kansans!

The first of Many Serendipitous Mountain Moments…Fred & Linda Mitchell, Uncle Steve’s long-time friends were already up in Aspen with Steve’s wife Nancy. Shane and I had spoken with them about their day and it included a trip to Independence Pass… Without cell reception up in the peaks, we had no idea of our proximity to their schedule.

Close to noon, Shane and I parked the truck at the summit. We Stretched our legs and 3 minutes later, Fred, Linda & Nancy pulled-in two spots down from us at the mountain top parking lot…. Accidental?? Nope.

After deciding that the top of the mountain was too cold for lunch we found a mid-creek picnic spot.

Linda and Shane at nature’s picnic table

Lunch Crew

I like Colorado

Nancy and Fred Relax on the Rocks

This was the beginning of my appreciation for being among such wonderful people. Stories of Uncle Steve’s life were coming from all directions. Fred and Linda were so welcoming and open. They live part-time in Steamboat, Co and had put together the details of this weekend.
Thanks Again!!

After pulling back onto the descending Pass road leading to Aspen… SOME JERK was riding my bumper!! A few curves later we pull over and he Won’t go around me!! Well here was serendipitous moment #2 – Cousin Brandy and Family was right behind me!! Later we found out that Stan passed us as we stood on the roadside. All our schedules were different, yet we met on the exact same road at the exact same times… CRAZY!!

While we chatted, I threw Wade up on a Big Rock.

After arriving in Aspen and getting set up at the Hotel – the whole family headed out for Dinner…

We had the McAdoo Clan including the kids and friend Blake, Brandy & Jess Nichols with 2 of their 3 kids, Stan & Janice brought granddaughter Gracie (above), Fred & Linda Mitchell, Nancy, Shane & I… Wonderful to have us all together!!

Peace Out Wade

The ski lift is right in Downtown Aspen

Back at the hotel, the Nichols Men gather for refreshments and discussions and more Stories of Uncle Steve…

Wisdom and Whisky, they go hand in hand!

Last shot before bed, early rise coming up for a great mountain morning.

Early Morning at the Maroon Bells. If you Ever get a chance… YES, you should visit here

Lakeside, we begin our hike up the trail…

Uncle Stan and Brandy… last, but not least!

The views of these peaks are spectacular!

Shane, a solemn morning for a Man in mourning. Love You Cousin

Beatiful Walk, not too strenuous of hiking… slight rise, and bursts of color from millions of wildflowers

We find a leveled out meadow with beautiful 360 degree views.

Stan found some Bighorns up on the rocks and then we settled in for the ceremony.

Together with these people, I feel so blessed!

We all got together, found peace in moments of silence and started a Squeeze Prayer… We gave thanks to God, to each other and to Steve and our other passed-on family members… There were tears, they were good ones though After that Stan and Shane shared in the scattering of ashes. Proud to see Brother and Son honoring The Man.

Moments later, a young doe walked almost directly up to our group and began to graze on the flowers. She stayed with us and we appreciated her company. A buck followed her and hung out on the edge of the meadow, keeping a friendly eye on us…

More Cousin Pics and We all enjoyed the moments and memories we were creating there…

Shane, Nancy, Fred, Linda and Steve’s Spirit among the Bells

The Family Group, again with the Spirit of Steve in Us.

Enormous Spruce dwarf Cousin Brandy

Back at the bottom of the Trail

It was a special morning to all of us

Thanks Nancy – Love Ya!

Our ceremony concluded mid-morning. Hugs and appreciation for a job well done by all. The weather was perfect and the setting storybook. Thanks to Everyone and the thoughts of love from back home too!

Back at the hotel, we say goodbye and most of the family headed back to Kansas. Glad that they had safe travels!!

For the next day and a half, I was privelidged to spend time with Shane, Nancy, Fred & Linda. We really had a wonderful time sharing more stories. The Mitchells and Nancy were generous hosts and guides around Aspen. Meaningfull conversations and meals together. I was so lucky!!!

Thank You all so much!

Hotel Jerome was a stop for a cocktail before dinner.

“The Vapors” got to Nancy as we passed through this stunning Hotel… Luckily the couch and her sense of humor saved her

Shane in downtown Aspen. We had a great meal that evening, as I said, Wonderful Company!

Sunday morning Breakfast and then our time in Aspen was coming to an end. Thanks So Much to the Mitchells for coordinating and sharing this event!

Nancy’s private plane was picking her up around 3, so we said goodbye at the ritzy Aspen airport.

Back out on the Road East. Shane and I discuss the weekend of family times.

Glenwood Canyon and the overlapping highway made for a nice ride back to Denver… UNTIL we hit sunday mountian traffic after the tunnel…. WHOA! Stop and Go for three hours!

Another great dinner in Denver. Thanks for the Steaks Ruskin! and more cute Abby moments…

The cruise home to Kansas went pretty smooth and with Shane Ridin’ Shotgun, we had a lot of good laughs at each other’s expense. Thanks Shane! Glad we shared such a great weekend!!!

I know this was a long post, but really glad to be able to share it with you all. Uncle Steve was such a wonderful guy, we miss him dearly. His spirit was with us and that was proven over and over. Thanks to Everyone involved, we are all truly blessed!!

Love

- A

Leon Redbone for Shane and Steve

Darren opened the Captain’s Call and we motored on back to the dock and our Campsites.

Momma Kell was ready to get off the boat and out of the heat. What a Trooper!! Her and Darren’s little baby girl Harper is just about here! YAY!!

Joe ponders the physics of the tiny propeller and our massive ski boat’s speed and power!

Back at camp, Cousin Brandy (Blackhawk Pilot) and his family are setting up their camper for the night. Little Amelia is just about as cute as it gets!

And we love the Wader-Tater and big Sis Scout too! Sorry didn’t get Scout’s pic

Yes, Roxy was glad to be camping again, she much prefers it to the hum-drum life under the shaded porch at home.

Another night around the campfire… except it was waaay to hot for a campfire here!

Really does it get much better??

The timing of the trip from the Ohio kids fell perfectly into place with my intense thoughts of love and of missing thier Mom. Being with them and seeing how they are just wonderful little beings and wanting so much to just hug the heck out of them all the time, made me happy and sad both. I’ve said my thoughts throughout this blog and if these pics don’t reinforce my message, then I don’t know what would.

I just love that our Family/Extended Family finds ways to stick together at all times and places importance on each other. I love you All, and I will always know that we are looked upon from the great beyond and helped and supported constantly.

This week I am focused on building my new company True North Financial Fitness Coaching. I have had lots of response to the blog and questions from folks who want to better understand their financial situation and start to really reach for thier goals. As I transition from Traveler to Go-To-Guy for Money Questions, I’ll think of all the kids in these pictures. As we learn to take control of our finances, make smart decisions and save for our future, we automatically and radically change the future of these children’s financial lives. Not only will our generation have more money in our accounts, but we will be teaching the little ones, by example, how to handle their own finances properly from square one. Many generations of our own family right now, will benefit from learning the simple lessons that our Grandparents always knew and has been lost in the last 50 years of social attitude toward credit and keeping up with the Jones’s…

To continue my committment I give you a quickie overview of Dave Ramsey’s (basic common sense) 7 Baby Steps!

1. $1000.00 Emergency Fund

2. Pay off all debt with the Debt Snowball

3. 3-6 Months Expenses in Savings

4. Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRA’s and Pre-Tax Retirement Savings

5. College Funding

6. Pay off the House Early

7. Build Wealth and Give!

- A

What a Message!! Let’s look at The Man in the Mirror!

Rox and I say hi from Grandby Lake, Co

The Yellow Pool Hall T-Shirt puts you in a silly mood!! AHHH DA SUN!!!

Tasty lunch out in Arco, Idaho

Would the trooper look good with one of these??

Golden Bear Booty

Oh Crap! BIGFOOT!!

Didn’ notice this pic from San Fran – till going back through them. See the Elephant? That was an instant reminder of Grandma Dorothy Nichols – My Dad’s Mom served in the Kansas House of Representatives and had a huge Elephant collection at home. She’s left an awesome legacy of family and pride. Love You Grandma!

COMIDA CHINA – out close to L.A.

This was Roxy’s attitude about Malibu

I need to ask Roland what “Pow-lish” Headlights are and if they’re dimmer than others… Really this sign corn-fused me and Nick both for a minute! We’re REAL smart!

Delicious Dessert!!

Just a couple more killer pics of the Bristlecones… Can’t Wait to go back there!

These two brothers were close by each other, one twisted, one straight… Know anyone like that??

Okay, I had to do it too

Nick’s Dark Knight Pic

I’m guessing something was REAL funny here!

I don’t have to guess. THIS ONE IS HILARIOUS!!!

Well I hope you’ve enjoyed the odds and ends pics… I liked going back through them last night… Today, my Ohio family comes to town. I’ll see Johnny and the kids today, so I may post an update early in the week, with our weekend stories… I hope you all have a wonderful couple of days and thanks again for keeping up with the blog. Love Ya!

- A

Life Is a Highway!

To really get the feeling of being home, I pedaled up to the Brandin’ Iron and happened to run into Robert… “Where the hell ya’ been boy! I thought you’d fallen off the face of the earth!” – Well kinda??

Let’s discuss for a moment that “Fall”… I would rather call it a “Leap” and more of the backstory is here…

Back in January, on our annual Ski Trip to the Rockies – I took my first proffesionally instructed (a’hem! RUSKIN!) ski lesson… Obviously getting down the mountain in the best way possible is to master the Turn… something I had yet to perfect. Two things happened on that day that changed my thinking forever.

The Instructor explained that the first step to a great ski turn is to point your eyes, head and shoulders down the hill… If you properly do this – IT WILL BE SCARY!! You are doing the unnatural. Your body tells you this is unsafe and you Will Crash! You are leaning out where your lower body is not there to support you… This is the exact moment that I realized how Faith works… By doing the unnatural, by trusting in these instructions, by GOD, did my legs, feet and skis end up Exactly where they were supposed to be!! It’s true, go try it! The turns flowed flawlessly without Overthinking everything or purposely moving this leg here, that ankle there…

The secret was so simple and yet the exact Opposite of the way our minds are built to think…

Also on this day, a fun pair of ladies were in my class and on the lift we talked and laughed… One says “You know how you get comfortable with turning only one way, then once you get to the edge of the run, you are out of room to make your comfortable Right Hand Turn??” I had been there many times She went on… “Once I had this issue, my friends were down below waiting on me and when I slowly got to the side of the run, I was So Stuck! One of my friends yelled up at me… ‘JUST MAKE THE FRICKIN TURN!!’- She said from that moment on she had to pop out of the comfort zone and JUST MAKE THE FRICKIN TURN! Of course, she had the skills already and once she made up her mind to DO IT, the turns worked out just fine…

These ideas have played a huge part in the last few months for me. They were integral focus points on this trip as well… It was time for a leap of faith in my life. Overthinking and trying to manuever life on my own is hard and trying to figure out each detail is exhausting… A moment of faith. The knowing that somehow, If I leaned out, then things would work out… Priceless Advice!!

Out on the Road, I did become a Do’er and not a Think’er… Waaaay too long I’ve been a Thinker, Analyzer and Judger of What If’s… Out there, your ONLY motion is Forward. Time after Time, I found that just moving forward is how the problem or puzzle was solved. No answers, just motion. The answer comes when you’ve shown up in the right place at the right time and the only way to get there is to move Forward…

Thinking back to the travels there are so many serendipitous moments, I can’t even count them! This is the force of the supernatural at work, in real life, in my life and I hope you’ve enjoyed the sharing of that here on this blog.

I do have an itch to load the truck up right now and continue… I will take my lessons from the Bristlecones and know that time will come for more travel, more adventure. For now, I continue moving forward with True North Financial Fitness Coaching. I’m passionate about helping people understand their financial situation and a true believer in the quote “If you’ll live like no one else, Later, you’ll get to live like no one else!!”

More photos, maybe more commentary are still to come… This Shell and Stone Story has not Ended Yet!

- A

Get your lighters out and hold ‘em high!

This lake just went on and on!

A stop for late lunch with LD and Chad, a couple of Nick’s buddies who were working out here. Real nice guys and glad we got to hang out. We even have several mutual acquaintances. Small World!!

More clouds, little baby shower in the late afternoon.

Nick was the photographer of the day, I was FOCUSED on the Road… Like always

Back to the Mountain views…

A stop at the Royal Gorge had Nick and I cracking up on the bridge. Quite a funny feeling. The bridge is moving constantly, and it IS way way up!

We were having fun up there.

The the drive across was a little crazy. Cars and people and the popping and creaking and cracking sounds of the boards underneath, really made it seem like the bridge is coming apart under your wheels!

Camp was set up right outside the Gorge and the evening was so peaceful and nice…

Rox was Pooped!

Sun setting and things getting quiet

Campfire crackling…

Neighbor Les stopped by for A beer…

Then Nick and I noticed a little place across the road with a couple neon signs. We thought we should reward ourselves with a couple cold Buds…

Bartender Bri agreed!! Several Times!!!

And of Course it was Karaoke night too!! WOW, anyone surprised by this?? FUN NIGHT, late start to the next morning!!!

The summer mountian roads of Colorado are just wonderful. I will be back. This fly-by of the country has helped me to determine my next points of interest for future journeys. Thank You for keeping up with the roadtrip here on the blog. I’ll have more pics from the finishing up of things and probably a wrap-up/blooper blog and probably more preachings too… So stay tuned in!

Right now Nick and I are pulling into Aggieville… Hmm, looks like this Ride ain’t over yet!!

- A

A warm spot but worth the stop.

This flatlander from Kansas, just can’t get enough of these colorfully dazzling views.

I mean Really!! What are these things doing out there!!

The variations on the theme are endless.

I was so glad to see this display of blue, white, red, green and tans of every shade.

You know me and those cloud pics! Yup, I’ve got more to come!

This one was Church Rock. Our whole day of just cruising through northern Arizona was full of things like this… The entire journey was Eye Rock Candy.

This cloud bank was GIGANTIC!!! We watched it in the distance for hours…

Red Mesa and we’re getting closer to Four Corners.

This may have been the beginning of the Ute Mountians in Colorado. We skipped across the corner of New Mexico – The last new state on the list

That huge cloud bank hung out to give us the first real rainstorm of this trip.

I like all the things that Mother Nature has to show us and this storm was one of them.

The area here is also really interesting. A little dark for photos though…

Near Durango we pulled into Leightner Creek Campgrounds. Our first rainy setup, but all was good.

The three of us chillaxed in the tent for a bit and enjoyed a cold one. Actually, I enjoyed Roxy’s for her.

Night came to a close with Steaks on the grill, laundry in the wash, a little refreshing brew, and technology to keep us up to date with the world. A rainy Sunday night in the tent doesn’t get any better.

The painted rock of Arizona kept us in awe for an entire day of driving. We wondered and discussed and tried to make sense of the incomprehensible.

If you are a master of your craft, and you’ve done it all: Created the Oceans wide and the Mountians grand, then I could see the joy in sculpting these wildly intricate, ornately decorated and sometimes ridiculous stone formations. Thanks again God. You ROCK!

Have a great day, I know I will Million Dollar Highway, here we come!!!

- A

This storm caught us at Mesquite, but helped cool off the campgrounds later.

I like cloud pics!

Sweeet Canyon Pass into Arizona

Even Nick can take nice pics!

Just HAD To!

Getting close to Zion National Park

Camp is set. By a River. For Free. No Facilities… A Shower is sounding REAL GOOD about now!

Nothing like FB on a Droid and the Laptop going to feel like Campin! Another great night around the campfire with cousin Nick-O-Lie!

What a drive today. After a small hiccup with the car this morning in Big Pine (which turned out to be a false alarm) We blasted across the biggest roads we could find. The hot weather of this desert really changes your attitude about meander-ment and stopping to smell the roses. Again, TOUGH individuals who made a stand out here the in exposed furnace-blast of treeless sandy soils.

Poor Rox is ready for the cool air of the Rockies again! So in the morning we’ll hit Zion and beyond. Eastish is the direction… I think we’ll get to wherever that somewhere is supposed to be

- A

This classic came on the radio during one of the rare moments of reception

One Young Bristlecone, One Old Bristly Nick!

Using the dead wood in this area for core samples, they have recorded history for the last 10,000 years, basically since the last ice age.

Being in the presence of these creatures was invigorating. It was a much nicer day up here than they are used to.

The Bristlecones live high above any other trees. Their soil is rocky. The air is the driest ever recorded anywhere on earth.

They know what other plants do not. This example was most likely over 4,000 years old. The signs do not designate their exact age in order to protect them from us humans…

See how no other tree would show it’s face up here? Literally, there are tiny shrubs only up here other than the Bristlecone.

It was so quiet up here, that when not walking or talking, a fly buzzing around was super loud!

The Bristlecones are survivors. They are the single toughest thing pulsing with life that has been around since before the pyramids were built. I admire them, respect them and love the wisdom they teach.

Find places that other plants are too weak to survive in, therefore safe from fire or disease. Endure forces that would kill anything but the rocks on the ground. Grow little in the dry years, grow much when there is plenty, but use patience for the long haul. Among these stoic individuals we do however find contrast and more lessons.

There are sides of the slopes that offer protection from the elements. Soil that is more rich for the roots. A more “desired” spot to grow and prosper… The trees who happen to take root here, will see but a mere fraction of the years. Thier wood is softer and they do not live nearly as long as the true majestic ancients…

Those thats seeds find their way up to the rockiest, windiest, most exposed krags of dolamite, with the least soil and least moisture, they gleam and beam. Their wind-polished twisted trunks and demon fingered branches have reached into the sky victoriously for millenia. They, who have seen the hardest times, dealt with the most pains and chosen to survive where no others would, get to reap thier reward in thousands of years. You see, it is the Elements themselves, the wind, the dry, the rocks which strengthen the wood for endurance, and without the elements, they would remain soft like those in the protected shadow of the cliffs…

Nick and I spent one hour among them. Not even a half of the blink of an eye to them. I was and am in awe. I will for sure be back… 22 miles of gravel roads to the west is the Patriarch Grove. More ancients who are even older. I’d like to find another moment of Ancient Wisdom among their branches.

We say g’bye and head back down the trail.

Lookout to the Sierras

Navi-Nicky working on road choices for the days to come.

Camp is set, Dogs are on the grill and only one cold brew before bed. Great day and really is nice to have Nick with me now on the Trek back to the East and toward that place… what is it called?? I’ve almost forgotten… Oh yeah, Home.

- A

Just a cool tune, hope you like.

At Wal-Mart for supplies the Trooper’s battery gave out in the Parking Lot… Good Place to do so! Yes that is an allen wrench and a screw used to keep things tight on the new terminals

As we pack up, Rox is ready!

SOO glad to get to hang with the Comstocks!

And glad to get to take more flower pics!

Discussions? Jokes? All of the above!

Skaters came bearing gifts

And sportin’ battlewounds!

And learning life lessons from Uncle Nicky.

After all that action, they needed a break in the Manrage

Another great dinner to send us off. Thanks Tom!!!

Grandpa and the Boyz, getting the blazes going… It was built beautifully

Cowboy and the Campfire.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Another Great Night, but Mañana it’s time to head out

What can I say. Our family is wonderful, mostly all parts of it. Even Nick! So glad to have spent the time out here to get to know this side of the family better. GREAT Hosts, Great location and another spoiled week for the dog.

I have to tell you that therapy on this trip has come from all directions. Of course the mind-blowing views of nature have had thier place. But the love and friendship of the people in my life has blown me away as well.

Hanging out with Stacey is surreal. That spark. The same genes that made Megan such a gift to spend time with, is present and concentrated in her. If you’re missin our Ohio cousin, as I am… Come and spend some time with your Cali Cousin. It doesn’t fix a thing, but does make you remember, smile and laugh your ever-lovin ass off. Thanks Stace – You are a wonderful cousin, awesome parent, talented cook, great late night campfire conversationalist, and so much more. Lots of love and we’ll see you again sometime for some more great Mañanas. Soon I hope

- A

The Gin Blossoms for Stace. And now Nick, Rox, the Troop and I – Hit That Road!