Yesterday the weather was really pretty awful, so we chose to limit our travels to a quick shop, the post office, and a bite to eat. The shopping concerned necessities and snacks which are normal supplies. The stop at the Post Office was to mail home extra stuff we brought along that we didn’t need but have been taking up valuable space. And brunch was a pleasurable meal out because pancake mix doesn’t fit anywhere in our pack plan. A nap, some reading and an early night were real pleasures.
Today, the 13th, we were determined to make a long loop south and west of Silverthorne. I’d like to mention that there was frost on the ground and on Shiney at 7 AM, and an ambient of 35 F when we loaded up. We made a fair imitation of the Michelin Tire mascot as we scrambled aboard. It did warm up some, reaching almost 60 F at one point. There was also a rather enormous moose munching in a flower garden as we left the development; we paid each other no nevermind.
Our route took us south on CO Rte 9 by the Dillon Reservoir and following the Blue River, climbed toward Breckinridge, a famous ski and resort area. Lots of fine twisties, some hairpins led us to Hoosier Pass at 11,500 feet. Gorgeous views all around, even with light rain.
At the little town of FairPlay, we picked up US 285 and continued south to Buena Vista where we stopped for fuel and a stretch. We talked to a guy who claims to have nine years to go until retirement and wants to do what we’re doing when he gets there. There is so much that is beautiful out there!
We turned north on US 24 and rode through Granite and rolled into Leadville, a small town that is home to a National Mining Museum and has a ton of charm. We got a look at the Silver Dollar Saloon, billed as the “Best Wild West Saloon in America” when we stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant called “Casa Sanchez.” On walking in we recognized that many of the patrons are local folks, which is always a good sign. We both had burritos and they were out of this world. The bike was fully laden when we climbed back on.
We continued north and marveled at the grandeur all around us. Turning East on I 70 we passed Vail and the several ski resorts that surround it. It’s hard not to be impressed at the scale of tourism in Colorado. Luxury resorts and condos and related businesses are going up at a considerable clip. It’s impossible to appreciate the scale of tourism here until you see it for yourself.
We arrived back at our temporary home a bit after 3 PM and enjoyed warming up with a cuppa. We are so enjoying our stay here.
One final note for those who have expressed the opinion that we are not in our right minds: riding in the cold, in the rain, on a motorcycle.
I concede that we are a bit crazy; non compos mentis; whatever. By the same token, we’ve seen numerous rafting, canoeing and kayaking expeditions, spray in their faces, hurtling down snow fed rivers in 40 F weather. They are smiling. They really seem to be enjoying themselves. I posit that these demented souls are the ones who are truly cracked. Surely not Connie and I. Surely.
Have a great night, and thanks for following along.
Wandering Retirees 