Wandering Retirees

Connie and I rode out of Estes Park toward our new base in Silverthorne, CO. Our six hour route took us along Rt 119, the Peak-to-Peak Hwy we so enjoyed our last time through. Mt Meeker is particularly impressive. We realized we were tired from our days’ rides. So we took our time and stopped often to stretch, drink some water and enjoy the view.

There was a bad storm brewing late in the day and we wanted to sit it out. So we pulled off I-70 to a coffee shop / trading post in Georgetown called Colorado T-Shirt and Espresso Bar. They had a little bit of everything. We got a cup of coffee and a nosh from an engaging young woman named Myami who is in her early 20’s and hails from Michigan. After graduating from high school at 16 she has traveled for a number of years as a seasonal worker to resort areas in multiple states including Michigan, Arizona, Texas. (Alaska is on her horizon, too.). Her demeanor is bright, open and friendly, and she is very sharp.

Myami says her experiences will help her choose a place to settle that is a good fit. She’s made a lot of good friends on the road from all over the country. And she has plans for her future as a professional in a service industry. Sounds like a plan to us. She is another remarkable person we’ve been so lucky to meet. (She very graciously allowed us to take her picture to share on our blog.)

The weather cleared as we finished our coffee. Which was good because Myami was closing up shop. We said our good-byes and finished our ride to Silverthorne. Our new base is in a condo complex that is always full during ski season, but Sier I fully quiet now. It’s located above Silverthorne at about 9,000 feet. The view is awesome overlooking Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding valley about 800 feet below.

Today, the 11th, we decided on a down day, went shopping and prepared some home cooked meals for the next few days’ stay. It’s funny how homogeneous grocery stores are everywhere in the country. Everything is similarly placed and pretty easy to find. Except Whole Foods, which is always an adventure.

Tomorrow we have reservations to take the Mt Evan’s Scenic Byway to the just below the summit. At 14,213 feet, it’s the tallest of the peaks in the Front Range of the Rockies. The road to the top is the highest paved road in North America, and fifth highest in the world. The weather in Colorado, and especially the higher elevations, is always subject to change unexpectedly. We’re very excited to ride to the top of Mt Evans, though weather is forecast to be very cold with the possibility of snow. Cold we can deal with. But snow? We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

As always, thanks so much for listening and following along. Have a good night.