Even though only three friends from the club joined me, this years Train Trip was a blast and definitely needed, especially after a busy stretch of work. I planned to drive down to camp after work on Wednesday, but decided against it. After picking up the rental from the Downtown Home City location, I loaded up the rental then relaxed for the night. Up early the next day, I headed South enjoying the drive over La Veta Pass before turning West outside of San Luis (Colorado’s oldest town). At the Antonito yard, I meet up with Ige and Dereck. After watching #463 leave the yard, we headed to camp to drop off the rental, then spent the morning chasing the train from Big Horn Wye. After leaving Osier, we spent some time picking up trash along the road back to camp- Ige said there was only a few pieces to pick up… It became a fun game. Then a relaxing evening around camp. Friday we enjoyed another great train ride, this year, riding the train from Antonito. The conductor ended up chatting with us quite a bit during the day, telling us fun stories from working on the railroad. Back in Antonito, we had dinner in town, then another fine night around the campfire. Saturday we chased the train out of Chama. Stopping at the usual spots for photos before turning off on Apache Canyon. Not being snowed in this year, we stopped to air down ( and get a few pics of the train), then headed out on the trail. We ended up befriending John from ABQ and he joined us for the drive. After fording the Rio de Los Pinos below Osier, we hung out again watching the trains. After, we packed up camp and headed for home. I love you summer:).

I ended up taking over 400 pics during the weekend, so a bit pic heavy:).

Views of the Spanish Peaks as I head South. Adventure bound:).

#463 ready for the days run from Antonito, CO.

The rental made it to camp. After parking it, we continued on chasing the train.

At Big Horn Wye waiting for the train and the start of the chase.

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Counting 23 vehicles in attendance for our first Clean Up day on Argentine Pass for 2024, would say the day was a success:). Patrick during the driver meeting made sure to say thanks for all the work and hours that the club puts in. To be honest, I never thought I’d see such continued excitement not only from the club, but hopeful new members when I got this trail adopted some twenty years ago.

After the mornings meeting, we headed out for the trail, breaking into two groups. One on the lower Power Line Road that follows the old wagon route and one on the Upper Road, following the old grade of the Argentine Central Railroad- Once claiming to be the highest railroad in the US. It also didn’t operate on Sundays. It was a beautiful summer day to be on the trail. I hoped in with my pal Andy and we checked out the route along the lower Power Line route. After a few fun water crossing and trash clean up in a few camps, we joined the upper group at Waldorf. An old mining town once claiming to have the highest post office in the US. It was also a good spot for lunch. We hung out, enjoyed the company and weather.

Headed back down the hill with my pall Andy. After showing of the new apartment, we headed over to Elway’s for a few drinks to end the day.

At the meet up spot having a pre trail meeting with the Forest Service.

Starting up the trail. We installed this sign/post almost 20 years ago:).

Just as we started along the lower road/ power line road Andy and I turned off down a spur to check things out. After a quick inspection and testing the water of the creek we caught back up with the group on the lower road.

Checking out one of the few campsites along the lower road. We spotted some trash so stopped to clean up the site.

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It’s not often that I get dolled up, addressed to as “Mr.”, or pampered. But this past weekend checked off all those boxes. And it was needed. The last few weeks have been crazy busy at work. So much that I ended up taking a PTO day just to recover.

Thursday afternoon I headed over to the local Home City location to pick up the rental. When I walked in, the lobby was full. Instead of just sitting there and waiting for my car, I went out back and started helping clean cars. Finally getting my rental, I picked up friend and we set off. Only to wait in DTC rush hour. Finally making it to the Broadmoor, we checked in then b-lined it to the bar for a few drinks. After a few drinks, we cleaned up and headed back downstairs. I had the Wagyu Spaghetti for dinner. After dinner, we chatted with some new friends then tucked in for the night.

Friday was a free day. After breakfast, my friend headed for the spa while I headed to Manitou Springs. After a quick safety talk, I boarded the train. The Cog Railway has been a bucket list item for some time. Knowing the amount of money Anschutz put into it, I was excited to finally be riding the train. The scenery was beautiful and the conductor kept the ride and jokes lively. Once at the top, we had a short time to enjoy the new visitor center and views, then it was back down the hill.

Rest of weekend was spent being pampered on and enjoying the Broadmoor. Definitely a nice break from things:).

I headed over to the closest Enterprise Home City location near my apartment to pick up the rental for the weekend. After seeing the front lobby full of customers, I couldn’t just sit there and wait for my car. So went out back and started helping out. After helping clean a few cars, I finally hopped into mine. Afterwards a few steps then we got on the road, only to hit rush hour traffic in the Tech Center.

After getting checked into the Broadmoor, we b-lined it to bar for some cocktails.

Watching the bartenders brand the ice cube for a coctail.

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Managed to finally escape up to the cabin for a bit this past Friday evening. It seems the past two winters have been similar in keeping me from getting up there. Last winter was dental work, this winter moving.

Friday afternoon some friends stopped by and picked me up (4runner is still not happy with a bad Power Steering Rack) and we headed to the cabin. A quick stop for food in Evergreen, we then b lined it to the Upper Meadows. Arriving at the pond, I was one happy camper as the frogs were out in force. A soothing tone to add to my most favorite spot. We spent some time there, listening to the frogs, soaking in the views and enjoying the company. The weather perfect.

After dinner at the pond, we took a quick drive to the meadow below Monkeys Face. Leaving the property, we spotted the gaggle (?) of Turkeys at the gate, then it was back down the hill and back to reality. I hopped on the W line while friends drove back up the hill to Dumont.

Needed.

Some always fantastic views of Mt. Blue Sky while coming into the property.

At the pond in the Upper Meadows. My Happy Spot. Sorry for the sun glare.

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After taking the 4runner to the shop for an oil change/tire rotation in preps for Cruise Moab, they informed me that the Power Steering Rack had finally gone bad. After having just moved and seeing the bill to fix the 4runner, I decided to wait till after Cruise Moab. So it was on to plan B. Talking with the top boss at work, he made sure I was well taking care of at the Downtown Enterprise Home City location. Bummed to not be driving my 4runner this year, it was nice to know that I was still able to go thanks to work.

Tuesday morning I picked up the rental. After chatting with the guys at the Broadway Downtown location, I loaded up the rental and headed out. Typical spring snow on the passes (Eisenhower, Vail) and an unexpected detour before Eagle thanks to a sink hole slowed the drive down a bit. I’d originally planned a night in the Swell for some solo desert time, but with the rental and delays, pushed on for Moab. Soon I found myself around good company. Enjoying drinks with long time friends. Wednesday I was up early and spent most of the day helping out with registration. Happy to be among friends. Thursday I hoped in with my pal Matt and after seeing the trail he was supposed to lead was only him, we joined up with the Crystal Geyser group. Even though we’ve both been to Crystal Geyser, the trail from Moab would be a first for both of us. Felt great to be out on the trail again.

Vendor Night this year was awesome. Flattered and humbled for all who came buy and bought a Cruise Moab poster!! Always fun seeing everyone and even chatted with the guys from Delta Vehicle Systems about some possible trips:). Friday we had our big Cruise Moab dinner and raffle. Always fun to see the whole event together, lots of people! The raffle was awesome, even if I didn’t win anything, typical… Saturday I hoped in with my pal Kurt and we headed to a friends ranch outside of town. After checking out the progress on the ranch, we headed down the road and spent most of the day helping repair a bobcat. The weather was perfect, the company great and really hard to beat those views.

Thanks to everyone for another great Cruise Moab!

After picking up the rental, I loaded up and headed West. Made it to Moab with a quarte tank to spare.

Made it to Cruise Moab base camp (Spanish Trails Arena). Here Sarah inspects the engine for the best place to cook burritos.

Wednesday morning kicks off Cruise Moab. Already had a big line for tech inspection and registration. Thursday through Saturday are guided trail rides.

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This past winter, was all about moving. Finding a place to call home after 16 years at my old apartment, packing, moving and finally getting settled in. I’ve spent the last month trying to get the new apartment to feel like home. The more I’m here and the more I get settled, the more I love this place.

Now that things are feeling a bit more normal, it’s time to get back to what I love (last time I got out to the cabin was the Winter Solstice in December 2023:( ). I’ve already registered for Cruise Moab and picked some trails for the event. Yesterday, My Dad and I started printing this years Cruise Moab poster. We got three colors printed, with three more to go. Excited with how it’s turning out.

After printing, we headed up to Golden to pick my 4runner up from my pals at Slee Off Road. Had the guys put some heavier springs in the back to level things out- after getting the rear bumper installed last year, found that the back end was sagging quite a bit. With the move, this will probably be the only thing I get done to the 4runner before Cruise Moab. Definitely made a difference though!

1st color run for this years Cruise Moab poster.

Printing the second color. Blue.

Second color run.

3rd Color Run. Image is starting to come together. Next week we’ll print the last three colors.

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Well, it’s been just over a month since moving into my new apartment in Downtown Denver. While moving into the new digs, my Dad and friend Dan made a comment that the new bedroom and walk in closet is bigger then my old apartment. Now that I’ve been here for a bit, I totally agree. This place is home.

I’ve been slowly un packing and organizing. Trying to make it right the first time. Make it my home. Fridays I hang artwork- with the hopes of not bothering neighbors. Then there’s times where I finding myself getting lost in the view. Looking out the window and across Denver. Next month is Cruise Moab, and after a mellow winter, so ready to be out with friends. Dad and I have been working on this years Cruise Moab Poster and just had another Wanderin’ the West sticker printed up.

Yay spring!

March snow.

Slowly making progress and feeling more like home.

So much room!

Love watching the evening light from the living room window.

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So after sixteen years of living in my little 400 SF (ish) studio apartment, decided it was time for a change. Well, I guess financially things decided for me. My little studio apartment is an affordable housing unit. Being a 40% unit, I was only allowed to make so much. Well last year I blew past that limit, way past. Knowing that the end was coming I started looking. Finally finding a place on Stout and 15th that had 60% affordable housing. Things looked like a done deal, until it wasn’t. Told me I made too much.

Frustrated (could have been looking at other apartments when I thought that place was done), I took a few days to de stress. I finally came to the conclusion that It was time to move away from affordable housing. This brought new things to worry about, but started looking. one thing was certain, I wasn’t leaving downtown. This has become my home and I freaking love it. Love being able to walk everywhere, take the A line to work, then hop in the 4runner and disappear to some remote spot.

Knowing I was now going to be paying market value prices, I got back to looking. Upon looking I stumbled across a unit off 19th and Arapahoe. Intrigued, I put in a notice for a tour. The day of, a resident let me in and informed management that I was there. Told me he’d been there for five years. Positive I thought. So got the tour and had a good feeling about the place and decided to move forward. Thursday evening I was informed that I had been approved with a move in date of February 14th.

16 years is a long time at one place. Originally I only planned to be here for a year, with plans to head out to the desert after.

Crazy yet fun to look back on all that’s happened while living in my little downtown studio apartment. When I moved in I had a 100$ to my name. Last year I made over 50k. From various jobs and countless adventures with the 4×4 club. More time spent in a hospital bed then wanted ( Sepsis, Open Heart Surgery) and even some international travel thrown in.

I’m excited for this next chapter and a bit more livable space:)

A fresh layer of snow on the 16th Street Mall. One of my favorite scenes as I walked to the A Line to get to work. Almost called off that day so I could photograph with the big camera.

Two big moments stand out to me photography wise while calling downtown home. The redevelopment of Union Station, and Covid 19. Some pics from both:).

Union Station Redevelopment. Completed in 2014. Here we are 10 years later and a refresh is about to begin.

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After a busy week of work, snuck up to the cabin to enjoy the Winter Solstice. Chasing the sun to the cabin, I made it to the pond in the Upper Meadows just as it was setting behind Rosedale. Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect evening. No wind and as quiet as can be. Back at the cabin, I got the fire going (with my goal of only using one match) in the winter quarters. Settled in, my pal Dan from the club joined me for the rest of the evening. Walking out later that evening to stalk up on firewood, the night was cool, but perfectly still with a full set of stars. The next morning, I packed up then headed out to watch the morning light on Mt. Blue Sky. A much needed escape and great way to ring in the Winter Solstice.

Chasing the setting sun to the Upper Meadows.

Watching the sun set behind Rosedale.

A toast to the Winter Solstice. Happy Festivus!

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Though a little later than usual excited with how next years Wanderin’ the West calendar turned out.

A small spiral bound wall calendar measuring 12″ x 18″ when hanging on the wall. The calendar showcases my photography as well as the adventures from the past year. Lots of fun ones too, from a return trip to Wyoming, Silverton and various train rides along with visits to the cabin.

Selling the calendars for 20$ (shipping included)

Currently have 40 calendars available.

My Paypal link

Feel free to email me as well: bh4rnnrpl@gmail.com

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