Chick had a climbing trip planned for August. He would go to Estes Park, CO with a couple of climbers from Cleveland. I had just started working for him, and was stoked to be invited to join him. Already planned was my vacation to visit my family in Minnesota. No problem, I’m always up for a road trip. My brother Paul and our childhood friend Mason came along for the ride.
Ultimately, the persistent rainy weather in Estes Park dictated the postponement of the climbing trip. I ended up flying back to Cleveland from Denver. Now we’re here in Cleveland, focused on growing and strengthening the Climb Cleveland community.
From here on in, I’ll leave the storytelling to the photos. I hope you enjoy, and are a little more inspired for your next adventure.
We stumbled upon the infamous Sturgis Bike Rally, which had taken over the small town of Hill City, SD. Quite a sight.
Getting on the road always feels great. My brother, Paul, expresses his delight during a road-side stretch break.
Skate break. We found a fun bank in Lusk, Wyoming. This is our way to get moving after several hours in the car.
Glendo State Park, Wyoming – our first overnight stop
Our first campsite – Glendo State Park, Wyoming
We happened upon a wildlife sanctuary, and spent some time watching the Elk and Bison.
Seedhouse Campground near Clark, CO. We found a great spot off the road, free and welcoming. It was convenient being right on the Elk River.
To capture a captor capturing the sunset…
Our camp stove may be lazier than cooking over the fire, but we sure had fun preparing good food.
Paul explains the finer points of shitting in the outdoors.
We enjoyed hiking in Routt National Forest, the valley was lush and gorgeous.
Mason bathes in the frigid Elk River. This was unanimously the favorite experience of the whole trip – swimming in chilly high-elevation water.
Mason fun-riding a hill outside of Steamboat Springs, CO
Skating outside of Vail, the beginning of the longest run I’ve been on – nearly three miles of downhill riding.
My storm watch lookout post near Piney Lake, CO, outside of Vail. We got hail and a thunderstorm shortly after.
A goodbye feast for the eyes, sunset overpass shot leaving Vail on Interstate 70.
