![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR-ey3ATWh3j1B1K6e46XEJtGMyOsQiBBQf_50483ZTUksnliCzYfa3sJE5yJRp6svKh4Fsi_3K5getiQiIeaJwo2FOT4Rx9JLGfkY3HZxWAh1Zlpl2uymqvP2rxJjrEFQMeKIlF7L2OD/s400/mountainbikemoab.jpg)
Hi Again:
Yes Carol Ann, wherever you are, I did get up early all by myself.
This morning I didn't eat a big breakfast as I am not feeling well. I have planned to rent a Mountain Bike and go to "Slickrock Bike Trail" for some off trail riding. Everything goes well, at least in the beginning. I think the riding here is outstanding. The rocks remind me of Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada.
First the good........ you can ride on some very steep trails over these mountains as the stone surface is like sandpaper. So much fun and the scenery is beautiful. Now the bad in two parts.............
First, I meet a really good looking female rider who chats with me before we start. I think I will stay with her at least until I learn the ropes. Wrong, I can't keep up but I don't let her know that. At a fork with a wave goodbye I turn off onto another trail, my bad as now I don't know where I am going.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bzGjhAvHTZgVwJjXYiDOfxbu3pz_1bgDcE5XjipBDzafzX6W7hWGsks1UCiDboNsmwcfnK88hmZ3Ro97uiFEQtvQ1XBm0ZhsfRFX4GAxjp-2jbtk5U5v_T-sb07NrY1gcXaiml-jNw2-/s400/slickrocktrail2.jpg)
Second, I am really beginning to feel poorly, maybe something I ate? I feel sick and don't pay attention while going down a new trail with a steep drop. I find myself with too much speed and eventually go "head over heels". I cut my knee quite badly. It is a deep cut and for some reason it won't stop bleeding (more on that later on). A few riders come quickly to my aid. Lucky for me one has a liquid bandage kit and takes good care of me. Soon it is time to return the mountain bike. What fun I had even with the spill.
Back at camp I meet more real outdoor family types. It is so refreshing to chat with these honest, down to earth family's. I am invited over for their campfire but decline as I still don't feel well. I get a late start next morning and do some "outback" hiking. and picture taking. Once again, my pictures don't do justice to the beautiful landscape. As I suggested before, a search on the Internet will yield professional quality work.
It is now mid afternoon the 3rd day. I receive a very short "text" message from Carol. I am afraid I must report bad news. She sent...... "I cannot go with U Please do not call It is best us to just get on with life be safe Carol" Actually I was hoping for a person to person call and discussion. No such luck. I call her back and someone turns the phone off. I am really surprised by this. During our 17 years dating each other we have had some "on/off" times, but nothing like this. I am puzzled........ this isn't like Carol.
I decide to pack up camp and head NW. I love to explore the USA. As an International Airline Captain I have flown all over this world and find nothing compares to the good old United States. We have it all, north, south, east or west all different. Soon I am on my way and remember that Carol and I use to sing.... "on the road again". Note! She was always on tune but not me. More to follow.
Chriss Horstman
Yes Carol Ann, wherever you are, I did get up early all by myself.
This morning I didn't eat a big breakfast as I am not feeling well. I have planned to rent a Mountain Bike and go to "Slickrock Bike Trail" for some off trail riding. Everything goes well, at least in the beginning. I think the riding here is outstanding. The rocks remind me of Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada.
First the good........ you can ride on some very steep trails over these mountains as the stone surface is like sandpaper. So much fun and the scenery is beautiful. Now the bad in two parts.............
First, I meet a really good looking female rider who chats with me before we start. I think I will stay with her at least until I learn the ropes. Wrong, I can't keep up but I don't let her know that. At a fork with a wave goodbye I turn off onto another trail, my bad as now I don't know where I am going.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bzGjhAvHTZgVwJjXYiDOfxbu3pz_1bgDcE5XjipBDzafzX6W7hWGsks1UCiDboNsmwcfnK88hmZ3Ro97uiFEQtvQ1XBm0ZhsfRFX4GAxjp-2jbtk5U5v_T-sb07NrY1gcXaiml-jNw2-/s400/slickrocktrail2.jpg)
Second, I am really beginning to feel poorly, maybe something I ate? I feel sick and don't pay attention while going down a new trail with a steep drop. I find myself with too much speed and eventually go "head over heels". I cut my knee quite badly. It is a deep cut and for some reason it won't stop bleeding (more on that later on). A few riders come quickly to my aid. Lucky for me one has a liquid bandage kit and takes good care of me. Soon it is time to return the mountain bike. What fun I had even with the spill.
Back at camp I meet more real outdoor family types. It is so refreshing to chat with these honest, down to earth family's. I am invited over for their campfire but decline as I still don't feel well. I get a late start next morning and do some "outback" hiking. and picture taking. Once again, my pictures don't do justice to the beautiful landscape. As I suggested before, a search on the Internet will yield professional quality work.
It is now mid afternoon the 3rd day. I receive a very short "text" message from Carol. I am afraid I must report bad news. She sent...... "I cannot go with U Please do not call It is best us to just get on with life be safe Carol" Actually I was hoping for a person to person call and discussion. No such luck. I call her back and someone turns the phone off. I am really surprised by this. During our 17 years dating each other we have had some "on/off" times, but nothing like this. I am puzzled........ this isn't like Carol.
I decide to pack up camp and head NW. I love to explore the USA. As an International Airline Captain I have flown all over this world and find nothing compares to the good old United States. We have it all, north, south, east or west all different. Soon I am on my way and remember that Carol and I use to sing.... "on the road again". Note! She was always on tune but not me. More to follow.
Chriss Horstman