Where did I leave off? Three weeks agon when I last I wrote I was in Texas cruising bayous in a pontoon boat. Yikes. In lieu of the next great American blog update, I'll try to recap the more important events in as engaging (and brief) manner as possible.

I went back to Texas (I know, I know Texas in August) for three REI presentations in Dallas, Austin and Houston. It was a lot of fun and I met some great people. In Dallas, Jamie MacCammond became my instant benefactor - offering me a place to stay for the night, driving me to the airport and dropping my rental car off. He even made me breakfast! We talked for a long time about camping, gear and our favorite places. Thanks Jaime, I hope our paths cross again.

After a bit of heat exhaustion during a mid day run (I know bad idea) outside of Austin, it was a relief to be back in Colorado. A couple of friends and I went on an incredible backpacking trip. Just one night in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness, but totally amazing regardless.

Special thanks go out to Jeff Lederman (older brother to my PR Agent Lora Lederman) for helping to arrange and facilitate a visit to my home state of Minnesota and presentations at the state fair's sustainability stage. I love Colorado but I think Dorothy said it best, "there's no place like home."

Back in Minnesota the fireweed had already gone to seed and a few maples were already yellowing their way to crimson. Fall is near which means that winter is right around the corner. I'm excited for the new season but the ending of one thing always leaves me a little melancholy. Believe it or not, I love summer. A short canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (see picture) reinforced why I call northern Minnesota home. A cook out on the shore of the biggest lake in the entire world was nothing short of incredible as well!

Some sad news: My neighbor, Bonnie Meier, from my hometown in Wisconsin died. I lived next to the Meier family for over 20 years. Their daughter Audrey was one my best childhood friends. It is hard news to hear and a difficult burden for all those whose Bonnie's life touched. For now, I take solace in the fact that my life is better because of her.

My own mother turned 70 on September 10th. She is still as spunky and full of advice as ever. I'm not sure what surprises me more - that she is 70 or has a Twitter account.

Thanks to the folks at Sierra Designs I'll be heading to Oregon next week. I'll be taking the Save the Poles traveling ice fest and gear review on the road to Portland and Bend. You can catch the action on these dates and at these REI's:

Tuesday, September 22: REI Tualatin
Wednesday, September 23: REI Clackamas
Thursday, September 24, REI Bend

Yesterday in Colorado the weather seemed a bit different. A cold and and rainy morning sent me searching for more layers. How is your long underwear collection these days? Do you have any long johns? If not, I'm here to help. Well maybe not me exactly but my base layer sponsor Terramar can. Get Terramar's ThermaTx2 or Helix base layers at 25% off MSRP. All you need to do is email your order to terrapromotx@gmail.com.

Today it is still cool and wet but the outside is calling and my mountain bike needs to be ridden.