I always imagined snowshoeing to be a difficult thing. I pictured wicker baskets tied to my feet and frequent face planting. This being my first winter in Colorado, I have a lot to learn. I’m working at a gear store that functions as a bike shop during the warmer months and transforms into a ski shop in the winter. I understand bikes, but the looming transformation to the ski world was intimidating. People stop in the store frequently just wanting trail info-we should put a tip jar out for all the tips we give to travelers. I could talk the talk when it came to hiking or mountain biking advice, but I've had to listen in on my coworker's conversations to learn the way of the winter wanderer. I've learned that Denny Creek to Brown’s Pass is the go-to recommendation for snowshoeing around here. I think I once advised some cross country skiers to give it a try. Oops.

At some point in our lives, we’ve probably all heard life compared metaphorically to a river or a mountain. Or a box of chocolates. Or a country song. Personally, I vote country song.

The rush of rapids next to my trailer lulls me to sleep after long days. The water level rises and falls, but in less of a rhythm than the ocean’s tides. I can watch the ebb and flow marked with water lines on rocks, but it is less predictable than the daily highs and lows the sea brings. The salt is missing from the water’s scent. The blue hue isn’t there. But the white capping bubbles roll over themselves the same. I can sit and watch the rushing of wave upon wave and forget if i’m near the Atlantic Ocean or the Arkansas River.

Most of us have had a crush on another person at some point in life. But have you ever found yourself enamored with a company? Maybe they have the most beautiful clothes you’ve ever seen, or incredibly innovative products, or they are supporting environmental awareness in a cool way, or their employees seem to love working there. Perhaps you want to work there. Or maybe you’d prefer a shopping spree. For whatever reason, they inspire you.

My first taste of the East Coast Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival was a bit different than most participants....mostly because I was wearing a fake mustache and dressed like Ron Burgundy. Though different, it was quite pleasant all the same. The Thursday before the festival kicked off, Traveling Ink had been invited by Charleston County Parks and Recreation to particpate in the Ron Burgundy Media Challenge, and I was more than happy to assemble a team. Professionals from various news and media outlets came together to get a sneak peak of the festival, participate in a paddling relay race, and channel the energy and couture of the movie Anchor Man (costumes were encouraged).