In what has become one of my favorite days riding Dan Sheeran took me on a trail on the Blue mountains. This veiw is to the LaSals and shows the aspen forests the trail winds through. From a different view at this same point monument valley is visable.

Dan Sheeran, from Monticello Utah was my guide through the single track trail through the Abajo or sometimes referred to as the Blue mountains. We went in early October and this little lake is the staging area to begin and end the ride.

Grandma Susie and Monroe under the arch. Monroe is a hiker and chatted with me all the way up the climb. I couldn't respond to all the questions asked because I didn't know the answers or was too out of breath, or she would lose interest in my drawn out responses. Grandpa, why is this rock so hard? Grandpa, why is Gramma so much faster than you, Grandpa, why is this hike so long and why don't we already see the arch, Grandpa, did you know that I like quarters and dimes and nickels, do you have any, Grandpa, why are those frogs living down there in the water, grandpa, why do you like milk shakes so much??? Hmmm milk shakes.

Good friends John and Brenda Barry made the trip to Moab this fall and hiked to the arch as well. As is customary, they posed underneath the most famous arch of all. Brenda and Susie spent considerable time rearranging furniture in the cabin. These are scary moments as generally they involve a lot of labor from me, but these two never really asked for any help or opinion, they just did what they wanted and informed me later. Fine.

Grandma Susie helping up Monroe, at delicate arch. Monroe is 4 years old and quite intrepid when it comes to hiking, offroading, sightseeing and general adventure. She hiked all the way up to Delicate with no complaining. She did however take advantage of her grand mother's offer to carry her down for about an 1/8th mile, not because she couldn't continue the hike, rather Grandma really wanted to carry her awhile. This photo looks more dangerous than it is, as Briana (the mom) was at the bottom of this rock offering a catch if needed. These sights are always more special when sharing them with friends and family.

Moab cabin

CABIN: "I left my home in Tennessee at 4:15am to begin my adventure to Moab, UT. After the 2 leg flight to Salt Lake City through Denver from Nashville, renting a car, and then driving 4 hours to Moab we finally arrived at the destination we had anticipated for 3 months.....John & Susie's cabin on top of the mesa on Sand Flats Road. After arriving at the cabin and soaking in the scenery......I realized I would have driven another 12 hours to get there!"
Jim Van Vleet

Descent from Burro Pass

MOAB 2010 026: "This creek crossing was on the descent from Burro Pass toward Warner Lake. Truly one of the most epic and spectacular mountain bike trails on the planet! This photo was taken of my friend Dustin and Miguel as their anticipation builds of crossing this creek at a very high rate of speed."
 Jim Van Vleet

Mountain biking through Aspen in Moab

TRAIL THROUGH ASPEN TREES: "I don't know what Heaven looks like, but I'd imagine it has to look a lot like this."
 Jim Van Vleet