Catching up (long post)

I am a little behind on "blogging," but with good reason... having lots of fun!

My last day in Silverton I cleaned up the house a bit and got out for a final mountain bike ride, give the legs a break I thought. Well, as unskilled as I am crossing a stream (on a dirt road) I went down smacking my left knee pretty hard. Just as I was thinking, well maybe I will get out for a little run this evening. Nope.

The Baer's returned to Silverton late Monday night and we shared some stories, Emily and I got out for a run (which made my knee swell up quite a bit), Ernst made us a wonderful breakfast and dragging my heals I headed out (with Swiss chocolate in hand) Tuesday (17th) afternoon in the snow. I'm happy to report that Ms Alice did quite well, but after 7 hours, two gnarly snowy passes and witnessing a couple of people sliding I opted to take a room just outside of Colorado Springs and wait till morning and sunshine before proceeding on to Denver where I visited my Sister and Brother-in-law.

Just a quick visit in Denver as those two were headed to Estes Park on Thursday.

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Originally uploaded by kmoehl2000.

Next stop Los Alamos, NM where I got to spend a couple of days with Nate, Petra & Hailey McDowell. Nate's parents were also in town so there was a full house. Petra and I got out to play quite a bit in those two days, 2 great runs (my knee started to feel a bit better after two days of driving, icing & massaging) and some amazing climbing. From their home we crossed the street to immediately connect to endless trails. Climbing, within a 20 minute drive - check out the pictures, it was beautiful! Saturday morning we drove about 15 minutes up to the ski area Pajarito (more pictures) and ran on a portion of the Jemez Mountain 50 mile trail run. This race is in May and is a must add to any runners' "to do" list.

On my way out of town I stopped at Bandelier to see the Pictographs and hike on the trails carved right through the settled volcanic ash - it was a cool little self guided hike.

A couple hours later, I stopped in Santa Fe thinking I'd get some lunch and just check out the town in an hour or two... about 3+ hours later I finally wandered back to my car. I could definitely visit Santa Fe for a couple of days; an artsy town, somewhat touristy, but the flavor really sucked me in.

Then I headed west and 7 hours later finally arrived at Ashley and Nate's house. They had saved me some dinner and Ashley & I (in true girl form) caught up. I ran with Ashley in college and we've stayed in contact but haven't seen each other in two years; one of those friends that I immediately feel comfortable with no matter the time lapse.

The next morning the three of us plus the two dogs Bella and Loa headed out for an 11 mile loop which we crossed the road and were on a rocky access trail and then climbing up in the hills. I have yet to carry my camera on this run, but will get some pictures - it is beautiful! These guys have it good being so close to great terrain.

Nate owns Endurance Rehabilitation and is arguably one of the best PT's in the area. There are two clinics, one in Scottsdale and one in Phoenix. On Sunday we went to see the Scottsdale clinic and Nate fixed both Ashley and I up with stem and icing treatment. (My knee is still a bit swollen)

We had lunch at a fun cafe north of Scottsdale and enjoyed a pretty mellow Sunday, Ashley and I continuing to chit-chat, share pictures, etc.

Today - finally! Caught up! Another run right across the street and up in the hills and more stem/icing treatment at the clinic (I feel so lucky to have this added help in recovering this knee). I went to XC practice at the nearby High School with Coach Ashley then headed down to Glendale to visit Jamie. Tackled with the biggest hug we hung out and then went to a yoga class at her university. Jamie is in her first year at Midwestern University and will soon be able to care for all our foot related ailments.

Wow – its late and we are getting up to for Jamie’s long run at 6am.