After 10 days in Wyoming, we were ready to get out of there. So much so that this morning we braved the wind and cold again to leave Laramie behind. The motel was noisy and pretty much a dump, so we really didn't want to spend another night there. And with the weather, or rather wind, being what it was, even though it was 42 degrees and blowing we took off for Fort Collins at 9am. It's a 65 mile ride, but we weren't out of town for 2 miles before the wind started blowing us off the road again. Actually into the road, which is worse. So we talked and talked about what to do, and decided to press on. It took us 2 hrs of effort to go the first 12 miles. We were pretty discouraged, especially after we had to walk up another hill, so we pulled into the first sign of civilization, which was a fireworks stand offering 25 cent coffee.
Big O practically had to be tied down, then we went in to get coffee and talk to the staff. The staff was 2 Iowa kids about 19 who live there as well. This stand is up on a hill where the wind never stops, and they had been there since January. A worse job would be hard to find. A worse place to live would be even harder. Mike Rowe could do a show up there. They sit there all day with no customers, just listening to the wind blow. In the winter there's nothing to do at all, they get snowed in, and the tv is sporadic because the power fails all the time, for a long time. To all the questions we asked about why, they were unresponsive, kind of like Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Once we left there and climbed a couple of hills, we entered Colorado. Mercifully the wind died down, and the hill started down. Home never looked so good. We stopped at a little church, the only thing in Virginia Dale, and took pictures in the cemetery. It warmed up, and we had a nice ride into Fort Collins after blueberry pie for lunch, arriving at 4pm. So we're at Heather and John's house and feel like a King and Queen, the only thing better would be if they were here, but alas they are in San Diego. Sorry to all for the uncertain schedule, we just can't always tell what will happen. Tomorrow is uncertain, we may go to Denver or maybe stay here. We will sleep well tonight.
4 comments:
Welcome to Colorado! Almost home!! I can't imagine how nice it must have been to get out of the wind and on the home stretch for now. Much love from Balmer.
Hey Larry and Laura welcome back to beautiful Colorado. Laura that tape of Larry singing "beat it" is priceless, we played it in the tracon last night. Every time I get frustrated I come into the TM office and play it. It cracks me up. Maybe now that you guys are back the Rockies will start winning. Hopefully Larry you can hook up with us on a Wednesday at bennigans. Take care guys, Letti
I am sad you have left God's country but from the sounds of your last two blogs you couldn't wait to leave Wyoming behind. Actually, the wind does not blow in Wyoming--it is just that Nebraska sucks. I enjoyed our time together and enjoyed taking the Big O for a spin as stoker even though I had to do most of the work. If it makes you feel any better, my 30 + miles back to the car after we split up on Friday was just as windy and rainy as the rest of your day and my ass was really sore. Enjoy your few weeks of rest before you continue with your adventure.
Hello Larry and Laura
If Tom had any grand ideas about doing this when we retire, the two days of pain in his arse and his shoulders gave him great doubts. He's finally able to sit down without yelping. I checked his buns out and they're nothing like ya'lls though. It was so good to see you, even if it was only 15 minutes at most. Life has been hectic with the new job but it will hopefully settle down soon. From the likes of the empty beer bottles in the glass recycling bin, you guys had a great time and Tom is still raving about your great home-cooked dinner Laura. Thanks for taking care of him! Come back through sometime when it's summer (I think that happens in July and August) and we'll treat you to some good weather.
Sorry for the wind but like Tom says, Nebraska sucks.
Maggie and Reilly say hello (ruff). Have fun in Hawaii. Will you still be blogging from there?
Take care and hope to see you soon.
Pam
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