Photo: "Orange Wallpaper"

On a fall trip to Colorado a few years ago, I stopped to paddle board to this amazing canyon. It was just under 4 miles from the launch to these canyon walls, but before I made it here, I wound through the narrow cliffs and watched the textures and colors of the geology change as I navigated deeper into this beautiful canyon.

Photo: "Iron Sky"

This location was once the home of a large Steel Corporation and a town with a population of 4.000. The property contained dorms, an auditorium and a swimming pool, among other amenities. Also located on this property was what became one of the largest California iron mines. In 1983, this mine ceased operation and the mining town was abandoned.

Photo: "Black Sands of the Vestrahorn"

We spent many sunrises and sunsets at the base of these mountains. This beach had the darkest sand I have ever seen. The winds roared over the mountain tops down onto where we stood. The lines in the sand mesmerized as the waves crashed on the rocks. 

This is still one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. 

Photo: "Alternating Reality"

I never imagined that I would brave the crowds to explore Antelope Canyon, but the option of adventuring into the canyon on my SUP was definitely something that interested me. 

It was pretty incredible winding through the canyon, landing on this beach and walking the canyon while being almost completely alone. 

Taken last September on my way to Colorado.