b

safford to morenci

black cannyon hills road not much to sit on but there is a nice place
right before their about a couple miles after buzzards roost cannyon

rattle snake cannyone just after.

cows in the morning.

no elevation change

3 way liquar store at the 3 way of 191

there was cliinbg and a huge shoulder even with passing lane

clifton to morenice is 1,000
morencie 4,000
library 3 computers and slow. free books and cold
no librar after school
shoulder all the way almost last miles or so two lane
clifton three downtowns

food
2 oranges
2 ramon nooodles
3 double cheese burgers
sausge burrito

spent 20 bucks at bashes
beef jerky 3.5 oz
oat meal
PB and tortilla
1lb carrots
gronola bars
apricots
2 gallons of water
powerade

.5 lb mash potatoes
bannna
corn dogs.

One last entry for ya!
I rode into downtown and got lost several times. The one ways sent me to and fro.
I got to use the left lane a couple of time seeing how this was a one way with three lanes. It is proper to move all the way over when you want to turn left. So you're not fighting traffic. I finally made it around to greyhound complrtly dismantled bike and trailer and hauled them to shipping.
Tour complete!
2300 miles 83 days.

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Red rocks to 470
So after a lovely sunset I set out of the park. Down the windy and cracked asphalt.
I then headed into the small roadside town of Morrison a bike path started but I remained on the road as usual. I then stopped in a gas station for some wake me up since I wasn't sure how long of a night this was going to be.
The night was still warm and I was rather happy at this.
I went under the 470 and checked out Bear lake 18 dollar camping left me with a salad.
You see if you go into a burger palace and they give you salad. You again order a burger and they give you a salad what do you do?
Well I don't pay is what I do.
You see I only need a patch of grass to sleep in the vast hundreds of acres and that grass worth 18 dollars yeah right. So gasping at the price noticing they close the gate. I went back to the bike path. I knew it went under 470 and that ment no cop cars. Because it used the same bridge Bear creek ran under.
So I found the bridge as I always say the MUP always goes every which way but straight. So I chill out waiting for him to close the gate. I had internet so I played with that after a good while say the new day. I strolled over to some picnic tables one was behind a small hill. With no signs indicating it was the Park. I took out my trap wrapped it around me and sleep about 3 hours. I woke up at 400 and poured over my routes.
The ride on 8 was sureal with the huge park I felt I was in the country. There was a jesus cross on the hill behind me huge and lit up.
Then as the park gave way I fell on a four lane take my lane thanks.
I came upon a sign that gave me ten seconds to get across after that the road looked like alley way with very little access from side roads. It was super small only two lanes. Complete with milage markers and huge wooden fences on each side. That fianally gave way and I was again taking names and lanes.

The first place was a groccery store to get some food I am so hungry. I finally saw a kings food after all the semis I have seen on the road.
I found the usual yogurt, cheese, milk, and ritz crackers, with PBs tortillas.
I then ate brekfest, charged my phone.
I tried to find a box for my stuff with no luck yet lots of boxes I went to target to get a duffel bag.

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So I made it now what the hell do I do.
The ride was again out of this world!
As directed by Larry I took 73 to 74 and Omy gosh canyons, rivers , cliffs and realluy winding roads. I at several points was doing the speed limit. I don't thin I even pedaled. Although I think I did a little. 35 and 25 where those speed limits. It was great fun whipping around the cornors. Thanks again Larry that ride topped of my 2300 miles of out of this world scenery.
What a way to end my ride. Of course I then went to Red Rocks which overlooks Denver. " I can see it!" I waited 81 days to take it all in. I talked to all my friends. Wahooooo!
I also at the 73 junction got some lunch at subway thanks again Larry.
It rained just like the last two days only sprinkling. At one point on the 285 I had wrapped my gear and then before I could leave the sun came out. Imagine that. 285 sucked spots I had to take the lane doing 3 mph at other times I had traffic squeezing by me even though there was two lanes. After Crow hill I went up to go down to go up. It was 1500 feet of I don't want to climb all that. Yet the down hill was great and hot.
While I was eating the second wave of rain came by.
Today was a good day.
I only need to ship my stuff and then I am good to go. This will most likely be more expensive and more challenging than my trip HA!.
I just did over 50 miles today and all the down hill has left me hungry for more. Yet my trip is done. I can't believe it no more cycling. My journey is done. Time for my next adventure.
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so i headed out from red hill so early in the morning. My alarm was still working so I got an early start. I finally made it back to the road after a short walk with my bike the road was well a BLM road the stay was great although lots of Skeeters. So having all my clothes on in the morning was a great way to ward them off. I walked a little the sun had come up from the horizon yet there was a bank of clouds which then hid the sunrise. I sate there for a moement and then headed out. I went down a steep hill got about 30 mph and slowed down then i had to climb another hill and after that it was mostly down hill to level expect for one small hill. I saw a sign and it said "Watch for Wildlife" not watch for cyclists mind you we had our own 2 to 3 foot shoulder which then all the big trucks and anyone not wainting to give you space or i might add the oncomming passing cars would squeeze you as they went by.
I made it pass (Cowely) and then road by Jefferson which had a neat depot painted bright blue and a C store. The whole way from Red Hill was a just a valley and as I said it was level to downhill. I then found the Konesha Pass 10000 feet. The three passes so far have been nothing.
I climbed the pass unexpected my day was over by 10000 am. I looked around the colorado trailheads on both sides and the east side had the dispersed camping.
I found a nice level patch of ground in tall aspens where motor vheicles couldnt go.
Although they disregarded signs and went into the pasture right below me and had a fire. Which below smoke my way. Arggg
I then woke up with no alarm as my cell phone died. I wasn't worried though I only had another 10 miles or so. I new it was on a hill so I was like please let me stay at this awesome site.
So i loaded up and off I went. It was all down hill yet for a small portion and by 0900 i was at the trail head. the valley was awesome with a shoulder huge to none at times. I followed the river most of the way to Bailey. Pine trees galore dotted the canyons. I put up my bear bag and loaded up my backpack. I climbed up some easy switch backs and soon was at the top of the hill. I searched for some level land and I didn't find any so I took some angled land. Again like yesterday at 1200 guessing the thunderstorms started. It would rain both days off and on. I was glad to have such a short day as I was in my tent as the rain came down. I was able to read Tai-pan and another book that book i finished in less than 18 hours. Not sure if that is saying anything on the book it was ok a little like fantasy though.
So I made it into Bailey and decided to do my Laundry which is a ruse to charge my phone ha.
But getting your laundry done is fine.
while doing my laundry I met Larry who I connected with right away. We talk he is now living at 8700 feet retired living the high life eh? I was rather jealous considering the heat I was about to enter. His two dogs looked rather happy from there faces which I thought was an odd character to have. It was a great little Laundry shope both of us agreed. A place right next to the river to bait a hook and a bar. They also had a historic park picnic anyone and a nice ped bridge over the South Platte river.
Larry's generosity again caught me off guard as he offered me breakfast which I kindly accepted. Larry then gave me a great route to Denver as I told him where I was going. I get to avoid 285 which I was so happy and provided me with a nice senic ride into Red Rocks. I was really glad to talk with Larry as I normally just brush people off after answering there questions. Spending time out in the middle of nowhere doesn't give me alot of social skills. He gave me my final burst of motivation with his his excitement he showed for my trip, and hopefully I gave him some to go bait a hook or check out a trail with his dogs. Thanks Larry.
I then got directions from the Laundry lady and she said just atop of Crow Hill year right.
Well crow hill is a frikin pass worse than the three passes I just climbed. So I climbed I climbed and I even though I found the place so I left the main road only to go back to it. Finally a library sign and I was off yet more signs lead me around and around and I found the great library.
I was able to pound alot of time on the computer as you can see from here.
I will be finishing my tour by tomorrow as I book a hostel on my last day of my tour.
So one more post one more night in the woods for me!

So I made it into Fairplay and checked the town out. For not having a railroad near by that I could see it many old buildings.
It also had the famous Front St from the east coast.
I also learned why the national forest had people living in them. In the 1930s they issued permits to live their and of course they don't want to give them up.
Seems fittin the selfish people don't want you to camp there either.
I chatted with a lady from the historical soceity. The library was built in 1896 and it was a couthouse with a mock setting complete with chair. Even had vaults where you could find books dtacked on shelfs
We agreed on BLM land.
They agency hides it from us and the locals don't want you on there. I talked to the ranger lady and discussed BLM she told me of a road on the right. Here I am in the most aloof public entity of America. There was a beware of dog sign on the gate. Next to it close gate my cows are on open range. So now I have better cell phone coverage than in the city Imagine that. The ride out to red pass was easy and dangerous. It is offical I have 85 miles left tommorow that goes down to 45.
I am at 9000 feet. Battery is almost gone and I will need some charging
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Buena Vista to Forest road 215 now 307. 8 miles
So leaving the expansive shoulder of 24 to a small one foot shoulder proved difficult for some drives. Of course now spoiled I to re adjust to almost loosing my life every time two motors meet. Semis even.
At any rate I survived the ordeal. For some rational little and I mean little sections had a wide shoulder. I think I will be old and gray by the time they complete that portion of HWY.
They had the coligate scenic view ahead just as I climbed a small hill. There was rain on the road and I must have missed that. Just like sunday when I saw the rumble strips filled with rain. Storms behind me and rain as present before me. I think the rain behind me was local MT stuff not affecting me.
The ride reminded of a few other places I climbed more than I went down. I entered the San Isabel forest and quickly found 315 I knew I was golden then. Signed and every thing. (They called them county roads). Again flat land is a hard thing to find so with light dwindling around I rode on I knew this wasn't an expansive forest by any means. Which I was a little worried for that reason yet it proved to be a forest yeah.
So then I saw 305 life is good then I got thrown off by 307 the book said 215. So I am guessing they wanted it to jive with the rest of the forest 302 and 304 were I believe transferred into other roads as I didn't see them. They also would have come before the forest sign. That sign is like gold. You may commence sleep.
So I decided to keep going still 307 would rejoin with 285. And behold has twilight was creeping up on me I saw it rejoin. Not only that there was flat land! I only needed to go about a 1/4 mile off the main road. There is a bridge in case I need shelter. Water in case I need to filter. And that gargling sound streams make.
On a side note I saw an aquarium 10 gallon with some rain water in it. On 24 heading into Buena Vista
I also was on the colgiate peaks scenic by way. Wow lots of by ways.
By the numbers I had a great day! 54 miles. I am just about under a hundred left.
By the time you read this I will be passing 80 miles and i will have 4 more days left.
But for now a few days rest.
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A day of rest.
I have not had two days of rest in over 15 days. I had been outside Walden with 20 or so more days to go. My restlessness got the better of me I cycled more miles trying to forget the dates set aside. Racing towards some unseen goal or finish line I did not want to cross. I knew as children know the night before they open there christmas presents, something greater lingers on the edge of my horizon. For now I only needed to get up and cycle to the hidden plane.
Like the child something new to obtain and behold. Now amiss with the looming deadline. A herd of anexity awaits for my corral.
My life in an endless jump crafting mystery from boredom and shunning any thing not so foreign.
For that fleeting moment until it becomes routine and subtle. Comfortable in the way socks cling to my feet.
This profound torment and my daily routines squeeze my lungs with a pacified air.
Out here life is simple get up and explore nature as it awaits and adorns unconditionally never closing never having scorn.
I rest on her and she allows me to dream. I walk with her and she never leaves.
Now closing another chapter and writting anew I drift off in questionable thought.
Tomorrow another day of resting and reflecting. Engrossing in an English novel of days before equality. Before a person could be free from the chains of money.
I am awaiting my own christmas. Patiently as possible with little cycling to do I can only soak up the time allowed. Where the radios are silent, the tvs blank, and introspection has no mirror.
in a few days I will be pulled from the secrecy which I have groomed, I will be brought back to a life I have crafted with skilled precision and nature's opened gifts that await my companionship.
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Another rest day.
I cleaned up my camp and got things in order, for a quick departure.
I am groggy from all the sleep and resting.
I almost finished aye the Tai-Pan. An fantastic read. 720 pages of excitement.
Although I am going buggy with thy speech. Na that I would want modern speech slang in an 1840s book.
Wow to thee writer must'n be difficult.
Nice and cool at 8000 feet.
I am in a valley so the sun is lazy greeting me and quick to retreat.
Tommorow shall be a challenge at best with my joss and strength I will climb my last three passes if not there is always tommorow.
Yes August 1st and six more days.
For now sleep!

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So I woke up a little latter than normal and got out at 0730 hours. I rode up to 9300 trout pass seemed rather easy for 1200 feet. Of course all the semis and trucks wizzing by me sure didn't help much. Comming down I topped out at 37 miles since I had to move a little more than I wanted to be on the side of the road. With a 1 foot shoulder and very bumpy white line.
It was a no brainer I tried a different route. I found out why traffic was so stack. I took 24 to Hartsal. Another 13 miles. Up and down at one point the chip seal was pretty rough. It was about two miles out of my way, but anything to avoid 285. The town Hartsel was after SR9 so it was only 11 miles. SR 9 now below the interstate. Everyone was avoiding this because of construction. I still had my share of idiots and the route was going up. At point a huge started blowing his horn. Keep in mind all the semis never did. So I just took my lane by moving more left. After it was a nice passing zone and I am sure the rv could come back the other way. So why not pass me like any other vehicle eh?
At any rate I got to look at the 14s the whole way as there ahead and to the left, this portion of the trip was 17 miles.
At one point for about .5 miles they reduced it to one lane. I was told by the flagg man that I could ride in the dead lane. I did. I only had to wait long enough to get off my bike and grab some water and they flag man let our lane go.
Amazing how a new road doesn't warrant a shoulder. Considering this was an AcA route. I will say all the truckers too extra caution when passing me. Most of them had to slow down and wait to move over and pass me proper.
Fairplay is nestled in the MT. By now I was biking and resting. The last five miles felt forever with a head wind. I also saw a bicycle 76 sign not sure what that ment but if it gives me a wide lane then great.
So a nice long rest and then my red hill climb. Since I didnt loose to much during my ride I should have only a few thousand to climb.
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Pancho Springs to Bunea Vista.
Pretty easy ride up down and then some more up. Rather simple followed the Arksnas river which was going south. It was hot but I still am at 7500 feet. I went 2 miles to the big town. Did some library will eat dinner and then go shopping for a few items. I have everything mapped out and I get to finish my adventure at red rocks. Should be pretty easy I am dropping down to less than a 100 miles in about 10 miles I get a couple more rest days. Then climb three passes in one day ouch. Then rest some more and head into Red Rocks.
It is hard to plan to land in Denver right on the day.
I am going for the 5th. We will see. 100 miles sure doesn't sound like that much.
We will see. I remember starting out it sure did.

So I am at the library and chillen I might even go KOA just might since I have plenty of free camping.

I would defiantly recommend the way I went I had all the big shoulders when the other side didn't.

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So in 22 my extension extension has been completed and I will be back on just my extension.
WoW
What a ride it only took a week wow even with my slow ass and two Passes.
I rested yesterday I didn't do anything but sleep the whole time I was out.
I had cycled seven days straight. And resting on the Continetal Divide seemed fitting. I had to hike a good distance in to find the first flat spot. Which turned into a mini stream. I slept till 1400 hours and then woke up as some drops fell on my face. I slipped the fly on and waited it hailed, rained and lighting.
The sound of the thunder was deafing in the canyon.
I periodically looked out at my small stream make sure it didn't flash on me. Most of my tent avoid the stream just a piece of the corner I made sure the stream could under it. I saw maybe a foot wide. It rained for hours. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I heard was my alarm. I must have been super tired. I even got up late. Waiting for it to warm up a tad bit.

Most passes you climb climb and then at the top you get a picture with a plaque. Not this pass.
Monarch Crest operated since 1954. The pass originally transported goods and helped the mines. Then they rebuilt the pass for autos. Monarch the town survived on skiing. Then they rebuilt the current road to modernize it. The other side had only one lane going up. So I picked the right side for that climb.
Monarch Crest was an oddity at best they even have a gondala ride up to tthe top of a MT.. They had a wildlife section with stuffed animals. I could have bought a gun. Then the gift section. they also had a forest section which told the history. Lastly they had a food place where you could eat. I saw three bicycle tourist come in a pack and I passed one lady on her way up she was just out for a ride. The place burnt down in 1988 they had trouble getting up the pass and then ran out of water and had to go to Modina mines to get water. So the next place was built out of concrete with a green roof. This place was great but will it end up a ghost? We will see.

The ride down I topped 40 miles for the first time. It went pretty fast the whole 13 miles no shoulder. I stopped a few times to chill out ha thaw out!
I am now in Pancho Springs not much here I have another 25 more miles to end my day in a forest.
Kudos to the Pancho springs visitor center for the free wifi if they would only open there doors. They claim they are the crossroads to the rockies.
So I should be back on 285 headed for Denver by the end of the day.
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Black Canyon Nationa Park

My hike out to Crystal Creek.

My stay at pioneer point.

I could resist
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Sunday Gunnison to Monarch crest
41 miles and climbed to 11312 feet
So after eyeing some thunderstorms and waiting as long as I can. I headed out of the city at 1500. It was bicycle city lots of them. I saw a half a dozen unlocked bikes at the grocery store.
There was art in the park I stopped there for a short bit. I also got a subway the usual. The ranger station didn't display a map but I had a picture of the map.
I also got some air at the Conoco since it was free.
I did some laundry, acquired food, and talked on the phone. I also picked up some screws. I was tempted to stay at the KOA but decided I could get some miles under my saddle instead. The ride continued to follow the river as it got narrow and lazy. I was still in a wide canyon with mesas abound.
For most of my adventure it was down hill I had the wide shoulder and still the water was on my side. . I was making some good time but it never reflects it. After about 20 miles and after Gunnison there was only service in Sergents. Which for 5 bucks a half gallon of milk no thanks. Amazing how gas is cheaper than milk.
The whole way I saw rain behind me and skeeters trying to bite me. Talk about motivation. I only got sprinkled on. At the end of the day sprinkles were a little heavy and I wrapped my gear up with a tarp. The shoulder dropped off as I entered the forest Gunnison. I had a huge shed on a trailer almost hit me and some idot who ran me off the road when he was passing a semi.
I started climbing shortly after Sergents. I had 9 miles of 6% not to much fun, but they had a lot pull outs and a second lane for mr all the way up. It was either wait somewhere at the bottom or climb I decided to climb given how safe Sunday night traffic is compared to Monday morning traffic. It took roughly three hours to ascend. I reached the top just before 0000 hours. I tried in vain for a place for my tent it was a little to hilly I walked up 906 and just when I am maybe going to get flat land "No public access". That figures. I then decided to hike back down this is going nowhere. After I got back I then did like all the other truckers ripped out my sleeping bag and tarp and slept till 0600 in the parking lot. No stealth here and no problems. Trying to find a place to sleep is a bitch. I then tried to climb this MT in daylight hours so I could watch my bike no dice.
So I am going to try a place a little closer to the road if that doesn't work I am going to use the Continental divide trail and descend a little see if I can't find a frikin piece of flat land. I am going to use the CD with the trail register if that happens. On 906. Since I know there is a creek (5 miles ouch) I can filter my water. (Hopefully or I will just come up after one night.)
Of course the view is out of this world and they have a gandala ride up to 12 foot peak for 7 bucks. Which when I climbed my MT I saw cell towers o joy. Well I am now 156 mi closer. Now that my tour is winding down I want it to be over and move onto the next fun adventure. Which will be a fast 600 mile an hour jet to MLPS for some relaxation and maybe some bike riding.
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So I collected water at the picnic ground next to the boat wash. They're trying to prevent mussels from getting in the water.
I ate my ranon, PBs, apricots, and had some ritz crackers. I manage to drink almost a half gallon of water right there.
I saw some thunderstorms coming my way and exited. I was having good luck dodging them over the last week and today it appears I remain dry. Even though it is raining all around me ha! Even at night I thought I was going to get rained and nope no rain for you. I can see why Gunnison has the title coldest place. For some reason this is a very cold place.
I went to my first site and playing by the rules no camp within a .5 mi literally took me out of the recreation area and onto state land where you need stamps.
I decided not to forge through to the National forest after all I had a back up plan. The lake is 96 miles long they say I believe it. I met a couple of tourist who looked prepared after I came out of Rainbow lake road. I had a nice graded hill. Today was pretty easy even when I went uphill. After crossing the dam was my hardest hill. Oh I loath 50 nice wide shoulder chopped up with rumble strips and wildflowers blocking your path. For Saturday it was busy. As I said it was an easy ride compared to the last several. Tomorrow I get to go back to the great forest land. I will be happy maybe not so happy to cross Monarch pass a 11500. I will make sure I take a rest day.
So I winded through the now Gunnison canyon with still has the lake beside me which gave way to more mesas on top. I finally arrived on some BLM land I had to turn around as I missed the road. Funny thing they don't say road 726 they say Gunnison wildlife area. Another ruse? Yet the smart and wily bunch will look at a map and go aha there is BLM just before I have to use those stamps. So now I am literally on the fence posts of state land as CO is filled with land you can't physically camp on due to a massive angles and sage brush the sage brush is evenly spaced for water rights. I managed to find a bare spot. The land was great no skeeters, ontop of a hill which looked over the valley and the river now which rain through with of course MTs in the back ground.

At any rate I am outside Gunnison and will head there tomorrow.
So today is sunday no library yet no blue laws either thank god (joke).
I arrived and started my searches after I arrived at a safeway which was from the 1950s. I knew there had to be another food store and there was. I don't like rip off palace. So I happily went out of my way and arrived at a better place.
The ride was pretty easy again river flowing up hill and me going semi down.
I was comming into town and all these old 50s motels sprang up to greet you right before the city.
The Rodeway inn won the 2008 best inn award. I was like what kinda obscure award is that for that crappy place.
I then passed the airport and found two frontage roads and the huge expansive 50 talk about a waste of space. You would score a touchdown each time you crossed the streets. After I got my food I pigged out. Yogurt, breakfast burrito, cookies oatmeal, coleslaw, and 3 string cheeses.
It seems I can't sleep on anymore. I managed to make it to 700 this morning out on the road by 800.
So now what to do?

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Pioneer creek to. Forest road 724. Have a rest day and then head into Gunnison on monday. I will spend my rest day on some blm land near never sink.

So I didn't have to hike 2 miles only a mile and 800 feet.
I hiked back in not much time ate some food. I have about a day left unless I can find some water then two days. Because some food is water based.
I might spend another day I might not.
I met Traci who was the first at the trailhead. We talked about look at some pictures and she was off. She had spent more time in some of the spots I toured.
Well back on the bike.
So I finished off the canyon and the crossed the Blue Mesa Dam and traversed the Blue Mesa res. Pretty bland after going through the canyon.
I tried to hike up Dillion pinnacles but never made it. I did 1.5 and need to save the rest of my energy for the ride. O well I had some exhausting couple of last days.
I stopped in the visitor center and charged my phone and got where I can stay for the next few days. I love how they display the maps.
Pretty easy day my tour is winding down. Lots more rest days comming up. I managed to get my bike in working order.
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Chasm

Majestic walls salute me as I appear from the secluded tree growth. Now standing on the rocky moss dwelling, nature has provided.
Sheltered by the sun with a thin sheet of white whisper.
The snaking river craving out its appetite as an unwilling refugee. Imprisoned to cast its fate digging deeper trying to find safe passage.
Nestled within myself knowing time has left us both. Blinded by beauty I no longer see.
Listening to reality as it has my only escape. The bees attracted to me, the water screaming, as it seeks a balance with it's unlevel plight.
I move to recover I move to feel the solid moss beneath my feet.
I am free and the river remains. I am free to which the river never obtains.

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