Happy Colorado Day!

'Twas a mere 132 years ago that my new state became a new state and an official part of that newfangled country called The U S of A. So, what better way to celebrate than to pick up my best buddy from DIA and plot our week-long road trip around Colorado?

Gins and I have been planning this since January and amazingly, the day has finally arrived. We're going to head west on I-70 and than make a big loop - down to Durango and over to the Sand Dunes NP. Our first tourist function will be to ride the famous Georgetown Loop Railroad - something I've been wanting to do since I got here. And our first night will be spent in a yurt, atop a local peak called New York Mountain (elev: 11,200) just outside of Eagle. I can hardly wait!

We're going to be stopping in Montrose to visit the Colorado Yurt Company. Why? Because I've got QUESTIONS. Loads of 'em. Namely, can you get an Internet hook-up in a yurt? Where do you pee? Such are my concerns about yurt living. The more overpriced McMansions I see, the more I like the idea of scaling down. Most people think I am nuts, with the exception of Eric Shively, who I also hope to visit along the way.

I have no plans to take my computer along (Kath, I can hear you gasp from here!) so there will be no blog posting unless the Internet happens to cross my path by divine order. However, I am woefully behind on my guitar practicing so that will be the priority during downtime. I may even bring along my much-neglected travel journal and put a pen to paper - like they did back in olden times.

Colorado Fun Facts:

The cheeseburger was invented in Denver in 1935.

The highest paved road in North America is the Road to Mt. Evans off of I-70 from Idaho Springs. The Road climbs up to 14,258 Ft. above sea level.

Colorado means “colored red” and is known as the “Centennial State.”

Colfax Avenue in Denver is the longest continuous street in America.

Katherine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” after being inspired by the view from Pikes Peak.

The World's First Rodeo was held on July 4th, 1869 in Deer Trail.

Colorado has more microbreweries per capita than any other state.

For some bizarre reason, Colorado boasts the highest number of certified scuba divers than any other state.

Year after year, Colorado is determined to be America's leanest state. (Hence, my new running habit.)


So... get out there and explore your own backyard - adventures await! See ya'll in a week!