The miserable heat and humidity, the warning for more of the same, and the prospect of having to view Kansas in the daytime helped me decide to get underway Sunday night. I left St. Louis at 11:30pm with the temperature still in the 90's and the humidity not far behind. I initially planned to make it to Topeka and get a hotel, but once there, it had cooled down and I just kept going. I got a little sleepy so I pulled over and took a nap behind a dumpster in an abandoned gas station somewhere in Kansas. Then back on the bike until I was tired again, then slept on the sidewalk next to the quickie mart. Before you know it, I was in Colorado, so I motored on to Colorado Springs and then on to Buena Vista. The GPS was a lifesaver and got me there with no problems.
I was tired and SORE when I checked into the lovely "Topaz Hotel" and slept from 6:30pm until 9:00 the next morning. I was seriously considering selling the bike and getting a plane ticket home. I don't advise that stretch of highway for first-time riders. YUK!
The next morning I was up and out by 10:00 and on my way over Independence Pass. It was a breath-taking ride. Much more enjoyable than the previous 19 hours. The temp dropped into the low 50's at the top of the pass.
I made it to Katie's in Grand Junction, and have been hanging here for a couple of days trying to figure out what's next. Katie and I did a hike into the Monument yesterday, then joined Ernie and some friend's of Katies for some cold beers and dinner. It was nice.
I'm off tomorrow to cross Utah and prepare for the "Loneliest Highway in America" across Nevada. I hope my butt can hold up.
So glad to hear from you! Hope the next leg of the trip includes upgraded sleeping accommodations. Take care. Remember, if you get stuck I'll come and rescue you in the mighty Suburban.
ReplyDeleteHi Randy!
ReplyDeleteHey just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your campsite with us in Yosemite! We would have had to sleep somewhere in the woods with all the bears if you hadn't! ha ha We were looking at all your adventures you've had on your trip, you are quite the photographer. VERY beautiful pictures. We were so glad to hear you jumped off hwy 101 and took the "Avenue of the Giants". Wasn't that amazing? It is still our favorite place. We love to walk around in the groves. We hope all has gone well for you on your trip. We head back for Koosharem tomorrow. Vacation went way too fast. Anyway, thank you again for your friendship and hospitality. Feel free to keep in touch if you'd like.
Jeff and Jen Gallacher
jgallacher@utah.gov