Next week marks the end of this epic journey filled with great moments, adventure, lovable characters, hilarious dialogues, and the most breathtaking of settings.

Two months I've been working on a crew with the Southwest Conservation Corps creating and restoring trail along the fantastic continental divide. The clutter and chaos of everyday life siezed to exist in the mountains, news headlines became somewhat irrelevant, and the pressures of "what will you do?" could be settled with "well, right now I'm doing this. And it is good."

I've made lifelong friends here, I am sure, and I'm just as sad to leave them as I am excited to see friends and family back home.

Honestly though, I'm a little nervous to go home. Many things have changed while I've been away. Many things. Some realities will hit pretty hard, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it. Part of me just wants to stay here and avoid it all.

At any rate, being with family eases most troubles. I am excited for smiles, hugs beyond hugs, and to relay the tales of my most exciting adventure. I hope everyone reading this is well and happy and in good and loving company. And of course enjoying some awesome Fall weather.