all through the colorado mountains, and deep in the kansan winds

Ohhhh Hite, (Utah, that is)

Greetings followers, this is Tasha, I am Shane's sister. Recently I had the opportunity to intercept these three road-trippers on their journey. We met in Glen Canyon Recreation Area, at 'Hite' campsite on Lake Powell. Over the course of five days we shared great food, stories and made a couple fond memories of our own-including a day long hike to a little place called "Sundance Canyon" (later more appropriately renamed by Elspeth "Pyramid of Death Canyon"). This ordeal (I will call it as we later all decided it was not just a hike by any means) was followed by arriving at the car, (intoxicated by lethargy at this point)at 10 pm and navigating our way over terrain best compared to the planet Mars. Eventually we returned to camp, where Shane, Elspeth and Rush prepared a stellar meal of Salmon, asparagus and rice...soon we drifted off, and called the day done. I must say I am so grateful to have had the support of the rest of my family to be able to provide nourishment that these brave souls needed to replenish and move on across our country. As they each told me stories of their travels thus far, a powerful theme became apparent to me (that they were seeing clearly also). It seems that just when they may have thought that their luck had run out, (in whatever way, blown-out spokes, lack of available campsites, needing some local info, etc.) the universe would show it's abundance of various resources, and good faith, in turn, was restored. Departing Friday morning was hard, but amidst the sadness, I truly realized what depth of character, strength and heart these three posses and must access every moment on this trip. I love you guys and rock on.

Tash

Smiling Faces, (very) Warm Places

Though the arid and beautiful landscape of southern Utah filled us with more awe than we could usually handle, the heat and desolation began to grow heavy on our bikes and minds. Then after a frustrating afternoon of constantly just missing our desert mirage, Tasha Darwent drove out of the canyons and met us on the hot shore of Lake Powell. With 8 hours of driving in a car full to the roof with amazing food and treats from the Darwent family we started refuling. Four days, several insane hikes and many full bellies later and we were watching Tasha and all her amazing energy drive off into the desert to head back to the land of Colorado from which she came. Two nights later and we were camping in Colorado still living off the wonderful food that the Darwents send. My belly was full and all that was left of the fire was a few glowing embers. I remembered how biking away from Lake Powell I needed to think about something other than the 45 m.p.h. headwind so I concentrated on replaying everything that had happened in my life in the last 6 months. First I remembered my friends and family and all that they have given me and next I remembered all the generous people in my life. The fire was almost totally extinguished and now the full moon was illuminating the desert trees I turned off my headland and found my way back to the tent with a little help from the moon. Overwhelmend by the generosity of everyone in my life - complete strangers to close family and friends - and I fell asleep a happy man.

Thank you all,
Rush

antelope daydream