Yesterday was a down day for rest and laundry and a little four mile stroll around the Estes Park Reservoir. Everyone said it’s easy and restful and invigorating. They lied. It is pretty and the mountains look spectacular reflected off the water. But we were whipped at the end. We barely had energy to drop in the local chop house for a Father’s Day supper and then fall into bed. Rough, huh?
Today we headed out for a fun tour of Poudre Canyon and a visit to Mishawaka Cafe and Resort. We rode here in 2023 with a friend we met in Austria in 2022. Unfortunately we couldn’t connect again this year, but the ride was fun and satisfying. Our trek lasted about 130 miles over four hours.
Along our route, we stopped at the Masonville Mercantile Store on County Road 27 (Buckhorn Road). Wow! A blast from the past if ever there was one. The outside and inside have been lovingly restored to reflect an older age of community general store. In addition to necessities, there are advertisements for home remedies of all kinds, including Snake Oil that cures everything that ails you. There’s a kiosk for Zoltan the Magnificent who, for a modest consideration, will tell you your fortune and bring you luck. (Look up the movie, “Big” with Tom Hanks.). Of course it’s kitschy, but it’s done so lovingly and honestly that you can’t and shouldn’t resist stopping in to buy.
While wandering the mercantile, we met Greg and Kathy (we think the spelling is right) from nearby Loveland, CO. They are about our age (don’t say anything about dinosaurs, Ben!) and we’re out riding on their brand new Can-Am, a 3-wheel cycle with two wheels in front and one in back. We’re sure you’ve seen them; they are as open as two-wheelers but more stabile. Greg noticed our BMW because it matched his old ride to a Tee. He battled cancer and won! But it left him wanting a little more stability, hence the Can-Am. But his old bike had given him so many wonderful memories.
Of course we shared suggestions for good rides and experiences on our bikes. Greg offered a lot of solid suggestions about local conditions. Talking shop it was: with memories we wish we could reanimate again. This was a couple we felt were well met.
Tonight we’re getting set to travel a little south to Idaho Springs for the next stage. If you check your map, you’ll see we’re riding just west of Ft Collins and Denver. This will put us in range of Mt Blue Sky (formerly Mt Evans) which we intend to ride to the top. We are very excited!
Have a good night! We send you our best.
Wandering Retirees 