Family helps

So, a huge gift of the trail has been connecting with my nephews Stephen and Sam. How incredible that Sam, who lives in Oklahoma was in town, and that he works with Stephen now?

I'd seen Sam a few times in the last few years, but not Stephen (the last time we see each other for an extensive period was 24 years ago when they were 6 and 8 years old...I took them into the wilderness). It was a pleasure to see that our worldview is similar, especially looking out at the crazy making, gaslighting media culture. He introduced me to the podcaster Michael Malice, and we had a great time watching the hilarious but sometimes scary "What is a Woman?" documentary. During which I drank all his milk and chocolate syrup, because I found that the only food I could keep down was milk, yogurt and... Donuts for some reason. Up until the last night in Denver, my stomach was an unreliable partner. Towards the end of my stay, I finally read something about Norovirus and giardia, and saw that I'd been making it harder to recover by drinking beer and eating spicy food.

It's hard to convey, but I guess you'll know it well... When your appetite and stomach are broken, the colour drains out of life!

Still, on the upside, I had Stephens new apartment to myself! He and Kaitlin would be moving in the next week. I did city things like riding an Über Bike... Going to bookstores... Even catching an afternoon screening of the intriguing David Lynch film "Lost Highway." I'm so impressed with his work! 

Sam, me, Stephen and Kaitlin

reading the shocking book "Dopesick" on Stephens balcony

Stephen points to the river at his soon to be vacated apartment
Stephens motorcycle, which is his way to explore the local mountains. Very cool.
dropping me off in Grand Lake for another wilderness jaunt.

It felt really good to connect with family. I'm quite a loner. Mom has been gone five years, the father who loved me (and showed it) died in 2007. Seeing my nephews was like seeing new green leaves of life that will expand in brilliant ways. Denver is not so far from Munich. We all share a love of the mountains (Sam is planning to move there soon!).

Feeling a bit week, I hugged Stephen goodbye, shouldered the heavy pack, and started walking north Sunday afternoon...



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