Random Photo: Vagabond Adventure Family at Telluride

Camera: Canon 5D | Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM | Setting: f/11, 1/40th sec, ISO 100

It's one of the small pleasures in road travel to behold bits of local beta and lore because you've somehow earned it.  Somewhere in a conversation with a small town local you managed to pass some kind of test that tells said local that you're okay, that you're kindred spirits, that you'll behold and tend to the beta she'll share.

For instance, let's say you're stocking up on groceries in . . . oh, say, Lake City, Colorado.  You smile at the girl at the cash register but not too much.  Just enough that implies, "I see that you exist, and I see that you are good."  She's good because she's probably got some beta for a good campsite, good trail, off-the-beaten path hike that takes you to a pure and rarely used natural spring or something.  She's got it, but she sees that you're a tourist.  Or you're definitely not from 'round here.  She waits for you to blow it, certify yourself as an ignorant outsider, someone who wants to come to her land, view it, snap a pic, post a tweet, leave trash, and go on your way.

And few towns are as protected by the inhabitants as Telluride, Colorado is.  That's because Telluride was once a sweet mountain gem for all manner of quiet mouthed adventurers like mountain bikers, climbers, snow riders, road trippers . . . until celebrities found out about it, bought property, built ridiculous 10,000-square-feet part time homes that blasted property taxes to the moon and sent Telluride on a the tail chasing exploit of urbanizing and developing just to keep up with the demand.

Oh relax, it's still a cool place.  But the locals are tight-lipped when it comes to back road beta.  They understand.  I understand.  When you're lucky, though, there's just something about your demeanor, or the way you haven't shaved in days, or the invisible gravity you pull that lets you through the local's guard and she - or he - will toss a nugget of solid info your way.

A young brunette thing at the gear shop connected with Brooke and Greg on one fine Telluride June afternoon.  "What kind of car are you driving?"

"Four wheel drive trucks."

"Okay, no prob.  You'll be fine.  Take XXXXX road about 10 miles, turn at the aspen grove, then keep your eyes open. You'll hit an awesome bluff that overlooks the valley. Camp there.  If anyone asks how you found it, you don't know my name. Mmm-kay?"

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That's where this camp is located, and I can't say where.  You'll have to earn the beta from a Telluride local.  Yes, I know, you can die and go to heaven simply by God's mercy, but when it comes to knowing sweet spots of Earth's backcountry . . . that's salvation you've got to earn.  I think they're both good systems.