June 26 - July 11, 2002
Griffin and I return to Colorado and I limp along the hiking trails at the Maroon Bells Recreation Area. I test my rapidly-healing knee when I meet up with a friend to run the Aspen Grove trail half marathon, which features significant elevation gain, excellent views and many bees that seem upset with me. I put The Chief to the test as we conquer Colorado's steepest mountain passes on our way to Mt. Beirstadt where I hike for the first time to an altitude above 14,000 feet.
With my knee troubling me again, I visit an orthopedist who takes x-rays and recommends an MRI. Awaiting the results of the MRI, I drive southeast and tour 800-year-old cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park. Griffin and I visit Durango where wildland fires have recently roared. Signs thanking firefighters fill the town, which now borders many acres of charred and fallen trees.