reflections

...on a great trip up to god's country.

engineer mountain

Words can't describe.

scenes from the colorado trail

Big big ride yesterday up to the CO Trail, to then rip down Corral Draw back to Hermosa Creek.

If that scorching descent was not reward enuf, a spell of casting dries to willing fish proved a great way to cool the jets.

return of the king

Pull out a map, find a remote blue squiggle, reap the rewards.

There's enuf high country to make any angler feel like a king.

roll em out

Heading out for weeklong excursion in Durango. Both cars loaded to the gills with fly fishing, mtb, camping gear.

You guys keep an eye on the house, will ya?

closed

Amidst our high desert closures, there are still signs that life goes on.

coming up roses

So this week we sold our house.

And then bought a house.

Kids both podium'd at Oso High's xcountry race.

And now it's thunder-showering at la Casa de Heitman for the second day in a row. In what is seasonally the driest month of the year. During a hundred year drought no less.

Yeah I'd say that was roses.

what is love

Caring is installing a new bash guard for my beautiful bride of 19 years.

Love is searching for just that perfect one- adorned with meadow flowers and butterflies.

pre race checklist

So my young racer fails to follow our long established pre race checklist, forgets his mtb shoes on the bed at home.

Like 3 hours away. 

Says I: you guys have your sunglasses? Yes Dad.  Water, gloves? Check. Shoes, helmets? Yep.  Thinking a checklist is only good if you like, actually check, amirite Dads?

Both racers now safely off on up the mountain.

Time for pre race checklist of my own.

race ready

One race into the season has both kids coming off competitive, but disappointing finishes (their words).

So with soccer done, I've noted a renewed dedication to their training for the remaining season- of their own volition.

Next up- Angel Fire's Oso High.

Win, lose or draw- I could not be more proud of how far they've come.

As racers, yes, but most importantly, as disciples of dirt.

mean season

Our beloved NM high country is reeling from a one-two punch in the Jemez and Sangres ranges.

The Thompson fire NW of Redondo Peak in the Valles Caldera is threatening to complete the devastation started by the 150k acre Los Conchas fire of 2011.

In the Pecos- the Tres Lagunas fire is blowing up, ripping through NM's prettiest trout country as I write this.  Our thoughts are with the home owners, ranchers, fire fighters in harm's way.

For our trout and forests now, it is likely things will never be the same.

Pecos On Fire from Outside Magazine on Vimeo.

dirt merchants

Want to feel like a kid again?

Ride with kids.