Experiencing Crested Butte is beyond words

Next up: The thrills of mountain biking in Crested Butte

Crested Butte is Breath-takingly Butteiful

At over 9000 feet above see level, Crested Butte was definitely taking away our breath. We noticed it just walking around or bending over to pick something up. When we went on bike rides, we were short of breath without putting in much effort.

Not being able to breathe was a small price to pay to visit one of the best places on earth. The views were amazing, the people were relaxed and friendly, the bike trails were spectacular, the air was fresh, the food was surprisingly delicious and varied, and the bike trails were spectacular. Yes, the trails were great enough to mention twice!

We landed at the perfect time. The farmer's market was just beginning and other business were starting to open. However, those pesky tourists hadn't started to arrive yet. Most of the trails were open, although some were still covered in snow. We felt very fortunate and are probably ruined for visiting at any other time (or any other place!).

Welcome!

Even our RV Resort had a special aura

It wasn't a double rainbow, but it was still a beautiful sight after the excitement of a passing thunderstorm

A typical Crested Butte street: lots of green and plenty of bikes

The battle and the scenery was epic

Our 2nd home (after we somehow purchase our 1st)

Next up: The gorgeous scenery of Crested Butte

Where in the world is Fruita, Colorado?

Most people haven't heard of Fruita, Colorado. Unless you are into farming, mountain biking or the spin of the wheel allowed you to be born here, you probably haven't either. Since we are in category number 2, we put it on the agenda.

We spent enough time here to get in some great rides, eat great food and relax. Well, that is what we have been doing the whole time regardless of the length of stay.

Evidence that Fruita is all about farming and mountain biking (birthing not pictured)

The riding trails were fun and beautiful (a little steep at times)

Mike waiting patiently while Crystal practices the panoramic shot on her Android phone

Crystal having fun while riding on one of the many Kokopelli trails (they went on and on and on)

Mike scaring himself again riding down a steepish hill (but it is so much fun!)

Midget Crystal next to a full-size bike on the way to the carnival-like 18 Road Trails

A bunch of children's bikes line a driveway in Fruita. What happened to all of the children?

A "little" print on the trail we were riding on. We were thinking bear (and pedaling a "little" faster). What do you think it is?

Next Up: The best place in the world!!!

Final adventures in Moab

So, internet connection continues to be an issue. Overall, it is a good thing that we are disconnected from the internet and having a great time in the real world. However, it has delayed the sharing of our great time with others. So it goes.

Below are a few remaining pictures from Moab and Arches National Park. We had fun, but the heat forced us indoors during the hot afternoons. We chose not to take pictures of us enjoying the forced relaxation in the air-conditioned motorhome. You are welcome!

For the bike geeks out there: Poison Spider Bicycles, Moab's best bike shop

Mike cautiously riding near the cliff edge; Crystal taking the picture while uncomfortably screaming for Mike to get away from the cliff edge

Crystal riding on the fantastic bike path that runs from Moab, past Arches National Park, towards some of the ridiculously fun singletrack trails we were able to enjoy

Mike bravely saving the helpless green shrub from certain death

A huge hole in the rock (see the tiny people?) that we couldn't be bothered to get out of the motorhome for (it was still a bit hot for our liking)

We were very excited to see some of the beautiful rock formations in Arches National Park

Some of the rock formations were very excited to see us as well!

Next up: Movin' on to Fruita, Colorado for more biking fun

Colorado River Cruise (Moab, Utah)

We have been riding our bikes for hours and hours on a daily basis and it has been terrific. It feels great to be physically active so consistently and see such wonderful sights, not to mention it is just fun to ride mountain bikes. But, to be honest, we are lazy sometimes. 

However, laziness hasn't affected our desire to explore. Enter the Colorado River Cruise. We got to sit there and fly down the river while seeing the beautiful sheer cliffs towering over the Colorado River. We also got to see rock climbers and beavers (actual animals, not naked female climbers).

The Captain of our vessel, full of horrible jokes and puns, made the cruise really fun

The camera doesn't seem to capture how cool things looked from the boat (you will have to take our word for it)

The sheer cliffs shoot almost straight up from the river. Again, "the camera" didn't do a very good job of getting the enormity of the cliffs in the frame.

A rock climber was having a fun time repelling down the cliff (you can see her in the previous shot if you look closely)

Beautiful Crystal chilling out and looking cool (an amazing feat considering the temperature was close to 100 degrees)

The river continuing its work of wearing down the rock year by year

After the cruise and a delicious meal of meat and potatoes, we noticed this fun bike thing (for lack of a better term). Your descriptions are welcome.

Next up: Our final adventures in Moab

Water leak in the motorhome

Not everything has been perfect on our trip. Close, but not quite.

After doing a few water related things in the motorhome, we noticed that there was water flowing through the kitchen. We are new to motorhoming, but we guessed it was not supposed to do that. Mike brought some tools, so he got to work investigating the mystery. 

It started out small, but got a bit out of control.

Mike starting small by removing the vent and looking under the sink

Mike having way too much fun, using the leak as an excuse to dismantle the motorhome

The fun reaches an end and the experts must be called

The experts (crammed into a very tight space) save the day!

After much sweating on a 100 degree day, the broken pipe was repaired and we were ready to move on to other adventures.

Next up: Colorado river cruise

Slickrock Trail - Moab, Utah

This may be obvious, but when you are in the middle of nowhere (with apologies to the fine people in Utah and Colorado), consistent internet access is a challenge. So, we have not been able to post any pictures for a while. However, we are now connected and will be posting a few more of our adventures. If anyone has been checking, thank you for your patience.

From Park City, we went south to Moab, Utah, a place known for its beautiful red rocks and fantastic mountain bike trials. We also found out it is known for its heat, with one day topping out at an unpleasant 106 degrees. But we adapted and got up at 5:30 am to get rides in before the high heat of the day. It was worth it.

One of the most famous trails in Moab is Slickrock. It is miles of undulating sandstone that some insane person painted little white lines for bikes to follow. With the incredibly steep ups and downs, it is psychologically intimidating. Your mind tells you it is impossible (or really stupid). However, the mountain bike tires grip the sandstone like sandpaper, so you can go up and down things that would be impossible on regular dirt trails.

The pictures below do not get close to showing how scary and fun it is.

The trailhead at Slickrock (Moab, Utah)

Slickrock isn't just for bikes: 4x4 Jeeps heading out for a day of fun

Crystal enjoying the beautiful view up the valley

Crystal not enjoying the view quite as much as she pushes her bike up a very steep climb

Mike squealing with glee (and fear) as he goes down one of the many descents

Where's Mike? Stupidly pedaling off a cliff (at least it looks that way when you are riding up to it!)

Mike having a blast riding over the gorgeous and flowing red rock

Mike and Crystal (not pictured) enjoying a well-deserved feast after riding Slickrock

Next up: More adventures in Moab, Utah