Yesterday, the 23rd, we wandered around Idaho Springs to get a feel for what this town is like. The downtown has been blocked off as a pedestrian only area with tons of cute shops, restaurants, curio sellers, jewelers, rock/mineral shops, second hand emporia. It’s fun to walk around. A couple of buskers were playing quite well for change; one was delighted we knew who Pete Seeger was. Actually so were we. It reminds us of what New Hope, PA used to be before it got fancy and yuppified. We like this town.
On our way we stopped in at the Visitors Center staffed by a quintessential “retired” hippie. Wilma is a woman of a certain age who was raised out east, lived life completely, and finally landed in this town of mountains and accepting society. We talked at some length with this fascinating woman who is replete with tattoos and some hair raising tales of youth. She was delighted to share of her life and her happiness from finding this place to call home. Despite the trials she has endured, she is grateful for the life she has.
It seems that many folks who settled here from other places have sought out towns like this where they can feel at home, finding acceptance for whom they are. Not a bad definition of home, don’t you think?
Idaho Falls boasts its own hot springs resort and of course we took advantage. It was a fair 10 minute walk from our lodgings and worth the effort. Entrance was not cheap: $35 each but it was wonderful to soak in the common pool. Everyone was polite and respectful so it was easy to let our muscles unwind in the 100 degree water. About an hour divided in three shifts was plenty to turn us (me at least) into mush.
Today we got an early start to get to Mt Blue Sky for our timed reservation. We geared up for plenty of warmth because the weather is a little different at 14,000 feet. Riding to the entrance gate for the Mt Blue Sky Scenic Drive was really pleasant in the morning light and brought us to about 10,000 feet. After checking in at the gate, administered by the City of Denver, we rode 14 miles across ridges and through switchbacks to reach the paved summit at 14,130 feet. The temperature had dropped from the 60’s to low 40’s. (Hence, the layering up.) I’m glad it was cool because, as beautiful as the ride was, it was challenging. Even brought a drop of dew to my brow. The road was every bit as narrow and twisty as the roads in the Italian and Austrian Alps. They required close attention.
There’s a rhythm to riding alpine roads. When you find it you stop focusing on technical minutiae and start looking through each move to the next. It’s like dance steps that gradually become natural and fluid.
Coming up to a goat or elk in or along the road, the dance lets you adapt to the change without stumbling or freezing up. Which is a good thing when there aren’t guard rails and you’re not quite sure what a fellow driver (or a goat) is going to do. We got a couple of pictures (Connie got the shots) of some goats who were having a klatch at the inside apex of a tight turn. All but one decided to scoot. The last one sat contentedly chomping some grass and wasn’t moving for anyone. Nope. Not gonna do it. About a half-million dollars worth of vehicles quivered at a halt waiting on the pleasure of a 40 pound goat. Amusing in retrospect.
The vista at the top is beyond spectacular. Despite smokiness due to wild fires in Utah, we could still see for dozens of miles. It’s breathtaking! Speaking of which, we bought a canister of O2 for the low, low price of $20 and we were glad to have it. At 200 puffs per canister, that’s only 10c a puff. A bargain at any price when you want it.
The ride down the mountain was easier because the roadway below is more visible. When we reached the entrance to the park, it was exhilarating to check off this bucket list item. It feels awesome!
That’s about it for tonight. Thanks so much for checking in! Be well.
Wandering Retirees 