Gerg, the man behind the mask.

Diver: Gerg Murphy
Interesting facts: The U.S. has never lost a war when mules have been used, and are back-to-back world war champs. Happy Birthday, Merica!
 

Dear Diver,

Now that summer is in full swing, I’m finding myself with an excuse to drink every night of the week. I keep telling myself I’ll take the night off, but then another party or raft trip or post-celebratory bike ride drink comes along and ruins my good intentions. Should I be worried for my liver? Is there any way to stop the summer slosh cycle?

– Al

Al,

I can see your reason for liver concern, but to me it sounds like you are doing it exactly right. When it comes to my liver, I like to think of it like the buffalo herd effect. As the slower buffalos get killed off, the heard can actually move faster and cover more ground. Just think of your liver as losing dead weight and now more efficient for those bike rides and floats. All forward!

- Diver

Dear Diver,

After a year in college, I’m spending the summer back in my parent’s house. Bless their hearts, but I don’t know if I can survive three months of constantly being asked where I’m going and chastised for my eating habits. I can still taste the Keystone Light and chicken nugget-fueled freedom of the last nine months away from home. I would run away, but they might be less inclined to pay for half of my tuition. Do you have any survival advice?

- Closely-Watched

CW,

Living with the rents after the sweet, sweet freedom of college is a rite of passage we have all had to endure. I would treat them as you would any other roommate, find out what things are nonnegotiable and what things can reach a compromise. Perhaps you can eat all the McNuggets you want after you mow the lawn, or only 3.2 beers during the week and save the hard stuff for the weekend. Ultimately, it’s their house, their rules. So, give them the respect they deserve and I’m sure they will come around – and you will be SHREDing by August.

- Diver

Dear Diver,

Now that the thunderstorms have receded, I’m excited to go out and enjoy the outdoors. However, if I spend more than 45 seconds in direct sun I turn into a blistered, peeling pink mess. I know it’s lame, but I have trouble rallying to bathe myself in oily sunscreen and pack some for the road (to apply every hour) every time I go outside. Should I bring back the parasol trend? Hole up in my dark, cool house? Wear a hazmat suit?

– Snow White

Fairest of them all,

I’ve been considering bringing back the zinc nose and bright colors. Perhaps we can get this started together?! To really enjoy Durango you have to be outside – so short of you & your dwarfs running beside you with an umbrella, you are going to have to rekindle your relationship with sunscreen and long sleeves. You could also consider the early morning and sunsets. They are incredible, as you know, and still have potent UV rays, but should be less intense given the time of day. See you on the trails!

– Diver