Former Portland Mainer, MOACer and house mate of mine, Karl, sent along a few pics from his latest exploits in the Colorado Rockies, where he's been living and playing since 1998.

Karl holds down a good job as an engineer in Denver, but I know it's just a front. A top snowboard instructor at Breckenridge and a certified wildman, he's more likely to be found on the slopes or on the trail somewhere above Breck, than behind his desk.

I very nearly moved to Denver myself last year, so these images stir up a few mixed feelings. But I'm happy I stayed put in the great state of Maine, home like nowhere else.

I would like to get out to the Rockies more often though, because the hiking is outstanding. I spent three weeks out there a few years back, traipsing around through the high country along the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park and climbing in Eldorado Canyon. Wild! Got to do more of that.

And, of course, the Colorado skiing is outrageous, but I can only say that second hand. That has to change sometime soon.

In the meantime, I'll think I'll just hum some John Denver tunes...

Photo by Karl Kluge
Mt. Guyot, a 13,000 footer in the Colorado Rockies near Breckinridge.

Photo by Jill Kluge
My friend and former Mainer Karl on Mt. Guyot.

Photo by Jill Kluge
Karl mugging it up as the weather closes in on a high ridge in the Rockies.

Photo by Karl Kluge
The typical afternoon thunderstorm moving in over the Rockies.