For the past two years now, my good friend Nahum comes back to Colorado to work with colleagues still here at CU, see friends and to play in the Rockies that he loves so much.

Part of the reason for me modifying my Canadian trip was the fact that Nahum (along with his someone Patricia and his daughter Shayna) would be in the Boulder area for a little over a month. The backpacking trip was planned. The month stay in Boulder, not so much. Long story short is that Shayna (only 5 mos old) needs a liver transplant within six months. Some of the world experts in pediatric liver issues are at the Denver Childrens Hospital.

There were other reasons (personal, family, being gone a lot and wanting to enjoy the Colorado summer) for modifying my Canadian trip, but being here to see my friends and support them in their time of need was a factor as well.

Continue reading Alpine Lakes, Flowers and Campfires! Oh my! at PMags.com.

My good friend Nahum continues to be in town for the month of July. As part of his being in town (Aspen actually), Nahum wanted to do at least two social backpacks: Little mileage in, the emphasis on camping rather than hiking, day hikes from base camp. I prefer a more traditional backpacking trip, but spending time with a good friend trumps taking off into the woods by myself and being anti-social.

For this trip, Nahum's lovely someone Patricia would be joining him for the weekend. As they have not seen each other in three weeks, this trip would be a much needed reunion for two people who have been wed less than a year.

My friend Julia and I picked Patricia up in Boulder. We then drove up to Aspen to spend the night in the apartment Nahum rented (courtesy of our tax dollars via grant money. These professors sure have it tough! ). The happy couple was reunited and we spent a little time walking around Aspen.

Continue reading Avalanche Creek Basin Backpack at PMags.com.