ID/WA Photo Run – Days Eight & Nine

Left out of Casper and headed south on I-25. No GPS and no destination in mind. We got about 50 miles before I decided I was going to head to Colorado, I-25 runs right through it anyway. I’ve got a chance to see family and just can’t pass it up so we continued south. Was a very uneventful day but we did catch some rain coming into the Denver area. Wasn’t bad but did slow me down as the roads were wet. Didn’t get any slippage on the back end this time but the road wasn’t soaked, just wet. We’ve been lucky since day one. The only rain encountered has been light and I’ve not donned my rain suit since.

We got into town about 4:30, made a quick call to find out where I was headed and jumped back on the interstate. We’re headed south a few more miles before cutting west towards the Colorado Rockies. We made it just of couple of miles before hitting traffic. Stand still for two hours. I knew the cause was an accident because the emergency vehicles were all coming in behind us. It was 7:00 by the time we started our trek westward to Breckenridge.

I’ve been on this highway before, coming the other direction. Don’t really remember it other than I know it’s not really bad mountain roads, a few slower turns but nothing drastic. The road itself sucks but I’ve lived in Louisiana. Crappy asphalt is nothing new to me. It’s getting dark though. Not to thrilled about riding up the mountains in the dark. There’s not a ton of traffic but plenty to help light the road ahead and to follow around the curves.

We made it into Breckenridge just after 8:00 and checked into our room, not much camping up here. I wanted to freshen up a bit before linking up with my cousin and her friends. So I put on my last set of clean clothes and wiped my face with a wash cloth which ended up a dull black, a lot of exhaust in my face earlier.

Finally linked up and had a few short hours with her, her husband and a few friends of theirs. We talked, laughed and played games. I really enjoyed their company and hope they enjoyed mine. It was after midnight when we said our goodnights and I headed back to my room. I enjoyed a couple more cold ones, watched a little TV, then went to sleep.

The plan was to get up and out by check out time 10:00am. We’re going to meet up at a local place, have some lunch, a beer or two and watch some football. I’ll head out by noon or so and get as many miles in as I can.

I woke up about 8:30 and fiddle farted around until check out time. I looked up the address where we’re meeting and realized the place doesn’t even open until 11:00. I made a really tough decision. Called my cousin and told her I was headed out. If I leave now I might be able to get back into Texas, be home tomorrow and get a full day off to catch up on everything back home. Plus I’m going to lose an hour still.

I didn’t get to see Breckenridge yesterday because I came in after dark but it’s a beautiful little ski resort town. Tree covered mountains everywhere with ski areas clearly visibly. The big seasons are summer and winter. I’m betting it’s absolutely gorgeous in the snow. Reminded me a bit of our time in Europe.

So we headed out of town just after 10:00, back down the mountain. Hit a little bit of traffic on the way down. A lot of traffic really. All the weekenders headed back to the Denver area. Spent about 20 minutes in it before scooting into the express lane. It was moving well while the regular lanes were crawling. Good idea too, we went several miles before getting to the front of it. Likely saved a couple of hours. Back out of the hills we headed south again towards Colorado Springs. The same route we took during the west coast trip. I remembered a lot of it. Pikes Peak, the Air Force Academy and later the gusty winds.

Winds weren’t bad this time. I remember them being a bit gusty last time. As we closed on New Mexico we were racing rain again. Doesn’t look terrible but wet its wet and I still don’t want to test it. Was able to get past it before it crossed our path and made it back into New Mexico without issue. Back on more roads I recognize. Wide open plains, a few small mountains and wind. Lots of wind but still not as gusty as before.

We finally made it back to Texas around 5:00, Central Time, I just lost that hour. I’d set my goal as Amarillo. If I can get there then I can make it home tomorrow for sure, assuming I don’t run into any major weather. We’re back into the open ranges and cornfields now. Our biggest issue for the day probably was running up on a few farm trucks hauling shredded corn stalks. They’re only going a few miles down the road and run on the shoulder but we’re getting hammered with dried leaves and chunks of stalks. Flew by them as quick as we could.

We made it into Amarillo right at nightfall. I’ll get a good nights rest and set out for home in the morning. I’ll likely end up going to work on Tuesday. I can still take the day but unforeseen circumstances have arisen and I’m needed. It’s just not in me to ignore it.

So we’re back in Texas and barring any serious weather should be home by tomorrow evening. One last check-in then.