Lately I’ve been working too much and exercising too little. My mountain bike resides in my office, where it mocks me every time I sit down to respond to a new batch of emails. My camera, hanging in the closet opposite my bike, echos the sentiment while reminding me that the local cottonwood trees are flaunting colorful autumn leaves. Or maybe the bike and the camera aren’t tormenting me and I’m just losing my mind. Either way, I obviously needed to clear my head.
With Project FJ’s front end newly suspended and yellow foliage marching across the desert, I made the decision to let emails pile up and head east out of Moab on the River Road. I needed to clear my head with some four wheeling and photography. First on the agenda – Dome Plateau. I’d hoped to drive the whole trail but I dilly dallied too much along the way and ended up having to turn around early so I’d have enough time to get back to a previously scouted sunset location.
I stopped along the Colorado River a few times to make photographs of things like whimsical tree limbs and colorful marsh grass. I walked through mud so thick it encased my hiking boots in sloppy red armor. I discovered a new-to-me area where I’d like to go camping with my family. Before long all the junk mail that had been floating around in my head was thinning out. I enjoyed watching afternoon sunlight move across the cliffs, canyons and towers in ever-deepening shades of red.
Finally, I made an image of several vibrant cottonwood trees below Parriott Mesa burning in the final light of day. On the way back to my truck I stumbled across a young guy in the process of setting up an illegal campsite for the night. I think he was just as surprised to see me as I him. He was on a week-long motorcycle tour through southern Utah. We chatted for a few minutes and I learned that he’d been working too much lately. He said he needed to put on some miles to clear his head. Indeed.
8 Responses to “Clearing My Head on the River Road”
Russ Bishop says:
Seems to be a sign of the times Brett – too much time in the office, not enough under the stars. I know the feeling and a recent climbing and phototography trip was the remedy for me as well. Glad you made the time, and some great images along the way!
Ben Chase says:
With a backlog of like 2000 images to process – I can totally relate. Right now I’m running 35-45 miles a week and starting the Mountain Athlete base fitness program which I’m hoping will keep me in top shape this winter for some of the trips I plan on taking.
I find that getting out, even for a short hike of a couple hours is the ultimate head-clearer.
Bret Edge says:
I’m glad to hear you’re still getting out and training hard, Ben. I need to return to that, business be damned. I did great through spring and summer but when it got super busy this fall, my training fell to the wayside. I feel some serious Crossfit workouts coming on to whip me into shape FAST.
Bret Edge says:
Thanks for the comment, Russ. Sign of the times, indeed. I can’t complain because it’s great to be this busy, especially when the economy is still shaky. I just need to manage my time better so my fitness doesn’t suffer which in turn will keep me mentally stronger.
Mike Smith says:
Great work – ‘nuf said!
Bret Edge says:
Thanks, Mike!
Greg Russell says:
I’m glad you got out, Bret! Sometimes the best thing we can do is hit Command-Q on the old email and run off for some much needed rest and relaxation. I have been dealing with an injury, but am inspired by Ben’s 35-45 miles/week…impressive!
Bret Edge says:
I hope it isn’t a serious injury, Greg. I know how frustrating it can be to sit at home w/ an injury when you’d rather be outside playing in the nice weather. I hope you’re back at it again soon!