Wandering Retirees

Another 800 miles between yesterday and today. Saw some nice scenery and talked to a couple of interesting folks, but I was pretty focused on getting to Estes Park. So dallying was kept to a minimum.

Yesterday was all about the heat. It hit 93 by 10 AM and traffic was slow. I made it past Kansas City (Kansas) and had to pull over to get cooled off and drink about a gallon of water. I’m grateful that I was able to spend an hour inside a chilly convenience store. I tried to make up for it by drinking the high priced expensive H2O with vitamins and minerals and maybe fairy dust, too. Feeling better I pressed on to Oakley, KS where a cool shower and an early bed time did wonders.

Today started pretty and got better. Sunrise was a gold and red burst of pleasure. It was a bit hazy and that may have added to the spectacle. When I saddled up it was already almost 90 so I skedaddled toward higher ground. Pretty soon the road climbed the Colorado plateau and the temperature dropped.

I intentionally stuck to roads off the interstate as much as possible. Riding north on KS rte 27, then US 34, I found myself on the Land and Sky Scenic Byway, a procession of hills, arroyos and big sky. There may be a pic or two that can make it. The road took me through many small agricultural towns, like St Francis, Haigler, Wray, Yuma, Otis and Brush before landing at Fort Morgan, CO and lunch. I parked next to a Highway Patrol motorcycle that looks a lot ours. It’s a R1250rt that has lots of extras. The officer was inside the restaurant so a brief conversation was inevitable.

Fort Morgan is at 4300 feet and after lunch the road climbed further into the mountains. Estes Park is at 7500 feet. Some rain and lots of cool air and … nice! since we’re staying here for a couple of days, I’m heading to the grocery store for some supplies. Connie flies in tomorrow and our adventure begins. We’re so very excited!

One extra: As I was unloading the bike, a pair of Elk bulls sauntered through this group of cottages. They were big and handsome and completely indifferent to my presence. They sampled richly from a flower garden and some tender leaves conveniently within reach. And taking their time, they grazed their way through the entire park before wandering back into the forest. I was very lucky!

More tomorrow. Have a good night!