I thought my summer travels were over. I’d seen enough, climbed enough, and risked my life enough times for one season. But 24 hours after touching down in Santa Barbara, I was on the road again - this time with my partner Kitty, two dogs and a black horse named Merlin. The five of us traveled west, to the scarlet pinnacles and eroded badlands of Utah’s Red Canyon, where Kitty and Merlin tested their combined mettle during four days of endurance racing.

Their bond had developed two years ago when Kitty was recovering from breast cancer and chemotherapy. Merlin had suffered through emotional trauma and injuries after being abused by previous owners, but the horse and rider found solace in each other’s company. They healed together and eventually became a formidable team. During the Red Canyon race, the duo covered 150 miles of beautiful redrock scenery before the week was up and it was time to make the long, hot journey back to California.