30 Jun: QQQ success this morning. It rose from the get-go to new highs, enabling Ron to sell at substantial profit. Pat was able to tear himself away from his truck and steering pump problem to join us for lunch at the Stone House. After we said our goodbyes, we rode off towards Ouray without much traffic to bother us. The day was warm and the scenery pleasant rolling hills and ranchlands. Ron is quite puzzled by his recent lack of confidence in turns. It is embarassing for a motorcyclist to be slower on mountain roads than cars. The snow-covered peaks at the tops of the passes were worth the ride, and traffic remained unnoticeable. A good day was had by all the survivors. We arrived at the West End Lodge in Pagosa Springs and were greeted by our familiar friends here. They had even put our packages into "our" room and provided a flower vase. Apparently we are more memorable than I thought. On our evening walk to the lake, we noticed smoke from a forest fire much too close to agosa Springs. Firefighters shopping at City Market explained to Ron that this was one of two fires, each covering about 200 acres. 3.9 miles
29 Jun: To be continued after packing & riding. The ride from Grand Junction to Montrose was short and sweet and early enough to be comfortable, although the scenery was unremarkable. Again the Quality Inn said we'd have to wait for our room, and again we rode over to the Stone House for luncheon salads. Cynthia found a pedicurist and Ron visited with Pat for the afternoon until dinner time at Denny's. We were shocked and disappointed to learn that the waitress lied to us. The person delivering the food said the cook had used as little oil as possible, and our omelets looked quite oily. Never again will we order at Denny's without first asking if they have cooking spray in the kitchen. 2.06 miles
28 Jun: The ride from Steamboat to Craig on US 40 was pleasant, but without snow-covered mountain scenery, just large expanses of open grasslands and hills. The ride south from Craig to Rifle on Colorado 13 became hot although the roadside scenery was delicious yellow brown grasslands - actually dying from excessive heat and little moisture. The remaining miles from Rifle to Grand Junction through that winding canyon was terrific scenery since I-70 follows the Colorado River. 1.85 miles
27 Jun: We had the most spectacular view of snow covered mountain peaks from our Rodeway Inn hotel this morning. We expected more similar views as we rode, but none matched the magnificence we saw in Leadville. The wind started out disturbingly strong from Leadville on Colorado Route 91 north to Interstate 70, but I-70 is a disaster since it is badly rutted and potholed. Add the wind and the traffic and we were happy to get off I-70 nine miles later to take Colorado Route 9 north toward Kremmling - - - until the wind grew in intensity again and again and the ride became a tedious battle with the unrelenting wind. One has to continually remind oneself that there have been no recent reports of motorcyclists blown off the road by the winds in Colorado. The thought of those winds above tree line caused us to abandon our intended route over Trail Ridge Road crossing Rocky Mountain National Park at 10,000+ feet. Instead, we headed west on US 40 to Steamboat Springs, again with strong wind gusts broadsides several times, but once we cleared Rabbit Ears Pass, the winds diminished significantly so that the last 15 miles was actually pleasant. After booking ourselves in to the Quality Inn, we ate at Seeds, a new, healthy choices restaurant there. Delicious. Being way too full afterwards, we walked and sat by the Yampa River, watching rafters and several young boys who were surfing in a standing wave on the snow-melt swollen river. 2.03 miles
29 Jun: To be continued after packing & riding. The ride from Grand Junction to Montrose was short and sweet and early enough to be comfortable, although the scenery was unremarkable. Again the Quality Inn said we'd have to wait for our room, and again we rode over to the Stone House for luncheon salads. Cynthia found a pedicurist and Ron visited with Pat for the afternoon until dinner time at Denny's. We were shocked and disappointed to learn that the waitress lied to us. The person delivering the food said the cook had used as little oil as possible, and our omelets looked quite oily. Never again will we order at Denny's without first asking if they have cooking spray in the kitchen. 2.06 miles
28 Jun: The ride from Steamboat to Craig on US 40 was pleasant, but without snow-covered mountain scenery, just large expanses of open grasslands and hills. The ride south from Craig to Rifle on Colorado 13 became hot although the roadside scenery was delicious yellow brown grasslands - actually dying from excessive heat and little moisture. The remaining miles from Rifle to Grand Junction through that winding canyon was terrific scenery since I-70 follows the Colorado River. 1.85 miles
27 Jun: We had the most spectacular view of snow covered mountain peaks from our Rodeway Inn hotel this morning. We expected more similar views as we rode, but none matched the magnificence we saw in Leadville. The wind started out disturbingly strong from Leadville on Colorado Route 91 north to Interstate 70, but I-70 is a disaster since it is badly rutted and potholed. Add the wind and the traffic and we were happy to get off I-70 nine miles later to take Colorado Route 9 north toward Kremmling - - - until the wind grew in intensity again and again and the ride became a tedious battle with the unrelenting wind. One has to continually remind oneself that there have been no recent reports of motorcyclists blown off the road by the winds in Colorado. The thought of those winds above tree line caused us to abandon our intended route over Trail Ridge Road crossing Rocky Mountain National Park at 10,000+ feet. Instead, we headed west on US 40 to Steamboat Springs, again with strong wind gusts broadsides several times, but once we cleared Rabbit Ears Pass, the winds diminished significantly so that the last 15 miles was actually pleasant. After booking ourselves in to the Quality Inn, we ate at Seeds, a new, healthy choices restaurant there. Delicious. Being way too full afterwards, we walked and sat by the Yampa River, watching rafters and several young boys who were surfing in a standing wave on the snow-melt swollen river. 2.03 miles
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| Cynthia foreground, snow behind |
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| Ron, Cynthia, Helen and Doug in Aspen |
25 Jun: Montrose, CO, Ron spent the day with Pat A. working on his truck after dropping Cynthia off at Zion Lutheran Church to worship. She walked the two miles back to the hotel, stopping at Denny’s for lunch. After Ron and Pat finally found all the bolts holding the steering pump and the reservoir in place, we all gathered at Denny's for a goodbye dinner.
24 Jun: Ron decided The River’s Edge to be his favorite place to stay in Ouray because the owner walked across America a couple years ago. We were packed and on the road early, arriving in Montrose, CO at 11:30 AM, unable to check in early. That was fine, we love eating at the Stone House. Our grilled salmon salad was delicious. They had a fantastic lemon sorbet for dessert. Ron was happy to get half of Cynthia’s.
23 Jun: Worn out, we slept late, Ron researched the markets, and we walked the River Trail. 4.0 Miles The name of the river means “Dirty Water.”
17 Jun: Our wifi has been down. Cynthia walked to the plaza and found it too crowded to walk! We enjoyed a lovely dinner with Mark and Vangie.
24 Jun: Ron decided The River’s Edge to be his favorite place to stay in Ouray because the owner walked across America a couple years ago. We were packed and on the road early, arriving in Montrose, CO at 11:30 AM, unable to check in early. That was fine, we love eating at the Stone House. Our grilled salmon salad was delicious. They had a fantastic lemon sorbet for dessert. Ron was happy to get half of Cynthia’s.
23 Jun: Worn out, we slept late, Ron researched the markets, and we walked the River Trail. 4.0 Miles The name of the river means “Dirty Water.”
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| Uncompahgre River is raging today |
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| There is snow high in the Rockies |
22 Jun: Ouray today, a cabin next to a river. Durango to Ouray, CO is always a breathtaking ride. Today, it was more so, the air was crisp, and the leaves on the trees fresh and new, with magnificent snow-capped mountains on three sides. It seemed like spring at Nola’s Summit Pass. Arriving in Ouray, we quickly shed our jackets to walk about searching for food. Only one restaurant has food we eat, and they don’t open until five. We settled for splitting a very large house salad and an English muffin before locating our lodging. Ron remembered it was on the Umcompaghre River, but it wasn’t the hotel he thought it was. That’s ok. The Rivers Edge is better. We walked the River Trail 4.0 Miles.
21 Jun: We hiked six miles on the Horse Gulch Trail. The trail was very dry, loose, soil causing Cynthia to slip twice and fall on her tush; Ron slid once, except he stayed upright. We ate sandwiches using sour dough bread from Jean-Pierre’s Bakery, and spinach and kale because we did not want to buy more food. Ron said he brought the wine (water).
20 Jun: Cynthia’s hand Dr appointment was good news and bad news. The good news is her hand is healing, no surgery is needed, but she must wear the hand brace two more months. The bad news is her left thumb is dislocated due to arthritis, and it needs reconstruction similar to a knee or hip replacement. The Dr. gave her a cortisone shot in the thumb, plus a comfort brace. We enjoyed lunch at Jean-Pierre’s French restaurant.
19 Jun: Ride to Durango, CO, lunch at Abiquiu Cafe is lovely
18 Jun: Happy Father’s Day! Today, we pack!
16 Jun: will be here too soon. No wifi. We rode to Walgreens to pick up a RX.
15 Jun: Ron intended to blog, but spent the morning watching QQQ climb and climb and climb now that I need it to go down. We walked to the Administrative Office of the Courts following the path Ron used to take to work, toured the Capitol, walked to the plaza and saw where Swansons Ice Cream used to be. They went out of business when Ron moved. And we walked to 408 Arroyo Tenorio, his second house in Santa Fe. 4.5 miles
14 Jun: and another day. Let’s take a hike! So we did that with John B. on the Ponderosa Trail in Bandelier National Monument. Ron and John hiked down a trillion switchbacks into the canyon and across the creek while Cynthia stayed on the trail atop the canyon. We had a great dinner with Nina, John, and Linda at Vinaigrette, despite arriving late in our hiking clothes!!!
13 Jun: Here we are in Santa Fe with no idea what we might want to do with ourselves on a nice day - and we have yet to come up with any ideas. Ron should have gone shopping for popcorn and pretzels. We enjoyed a pleasant visit with Michael and Claire at Vinaigrette from 5 pm until 7 pm. They are as delightful as ever.
12 Jun: Ron had a wonderfully lovely visit with Lupe until Cynthia called at 3 pm to say she saw road signs for St. Francis Drive. Cynthia’s flight to ABQ was delayed while United found another aircraft, but she still caught the shuttle to Santa Fe and arrived early for her reunion with Smooch. We were excited.!! and are pleased to discover that we still love each other after an entire week apart. We returned to the apartment and allowed Cynthia to catch up on her sleep. (She awakened at 3 am two mornings in a row.)
10 Jun: Granddaughter Zoe and Jack’s wedding in Round Top, Texas, was a lovely affair held under a huge oak tree, which shaded and cooled the magnificent event. The bride was beautiful, and the bride's grandmother was also beautiful. Cynthia stayed overnight in a lovely hotel in Round Top. In Santa Fe, Ron and John got an early start at 9 am for an industrious hike at the Santa Fe ski basin up the Windsor Trail to the Wilderness boundary fence, then up along the fenceline to 11,500 feet elevation in the snowfields. We met Sylvia, a delightfully enthusiastic young woman hiking solo up there who claimed to be 70 years old, rehabbing after a successful knee operation. The hike went up and up and up, and the views expanded with each up. We returned just in time to clean up for Peter's dinner party, full of interesting people, as can be expected in Santa Fe. Ron seldom remembers names but did particularly enjoy conversation with Steve. Cynthia stayed up past midnight getting her new iPad copesetic.
9 Jun: Cynthia packed and shipped Ron’s shoes and stuff to Colorado, plus she is getting a pedicure. Cynthia's iPad fell on the floor, cracked, and refused to connect to WiFi or Verizon. Long story. She could not make a phone call. Or text. Ron spent the afternoon with Janie and went to dinner with Janie and Roxanne.
8 Jun: Ron had a successful day with QQQ, then he visited Tony at nine AM, ran to a hot luncheon with Maria Tortilla at 11:30 at Vinaigrette, and joined John for a short (5 mile) hike at 3 PM. The hike was down and down and down, crossed the stream, equal parts up and down to cross the stream again, then up and up and up to the starting point, the Borrego Trail above Hyde Park. The stream flowed vigorously, and several smaller trickles wound down the watershed.
7 Jun: Cynthia again had a doctor's appointment. She got an A+ for perfect weight and terrific labs. Linda laundered Ron’s clothes, and Ron could hang them all over the apartment to dry. Ron called Janie S. for lunch at Harry's Roadhouse (no longer owned by Harry; he gave it to some of his employees). We walked in the arroyo in the evening with Janie's two cats, so Ron learned all the new cat calls.
6 Jun: Dr. Appts. Cynthia received an A+ on her mammogram. Her hand is healing; she has two and a half months to wear the brace! Ron started late morning and rode the old Highway 14 (the Turquoise Trail) through Madrid to Santa Fe. This route is a calm and pleasant way to get to Santa Fe instead of the busy interstate highways.
5 Jun: Cynthia has a flight to Texas. Charlie convinced Ron to stay a day before riding to Santa Fe. Charlie and Ron walked three miles on walking paths around his neighborhood. Very lovely with the mountain views, so close.
4 Jun: We rode on I-40 to I-25 south to Gibson Road and Yale Avenue to the Albuquerque Airport Comfort Inn (not recommended). We arrived at the hotel early to find rooms unavailable and no reservation. Evidently, the website needed one more click to actually reserve the room. After unloading bags, we walked the half mile to Dennys for egg white omelets. It is warm in ABQ! Dinner with Sam and Charlie was delightful. Sam prepared salmon and asparagus, yum.
3 Jun: How fun to make a new friend from Washinton State riding a nice Suzuki V-Strom. Ron chose the wrong lane and got on I-40, but we turned around and took the exit south on New Mexico Highway 602 to Highway 53 East. The Zuni reservation surprised us by being so green as we turned south into the turquoise Valley. Every house had many vehicles, but gas stations were scarce once we detoured west on 53 to Zuni, NM. We thoroughly enjoyed hiking two miles in El Morro Monument with a steep climb to a very exposed, narrow ridge walk (click here). Amazing hike. Exhausted, we arrived at Sky City Casino and Hotel lodging near Acoma.
2 Jun: We rode on the Indian Highways through Indian lands to the Comfort Inn in Gallup, New Mexico, beginning first on US 89 N 3 miles, R on the Townsend-Winona Road 8 miles until the left turn towards Leupp, then continuing on Indian Highway 15. And we skirted rain hither, thither, and yon as we wound around through the volcanic landscape in the arid Southwest. We rained on a couple of times but kept going anyway. I had forgotten that the Indians don't believe in road signs, so we saw one or two Indian Highway 15 signs as we started, but no indication of which way to turn at the first T intersection (left) and no notice that Highway 15 was a right turn three miles later. Ron was sure he was going the right way, but the only signage read "Do not pass" and "Pass with Care." We even rode through Greasewood without knowing that there was a town there. Coming upon a familiar Chevron station at the intersection with AZ Highway 191 was quite a relief. We followed 191 south towards dark rain clouds and ducked into the Hubbell Trading Post museum at Ganado to avoid a shower. (We have stopped there before.) The museum is a delight to tour, and we watched a Navajo woman meticulously weaving a rug. After passing through Tec Nos Pas, we turned south on US 491 to Gallup.
1 Jun: Flagstaff, AZ: Just as the merry month of May was at its merriest, here we are in another month and another town. Flagstaff is much more relaxed; Cynthia wore a jacket to breakfast. We rode 18 miles to the Sunset Crater National Monument (click here) and thoroughly enjoyed the Visitor's Center and a good long hike around the Lava fields. This volcano is unique because Indians lived in the vicinity as the volcano started warning of the impending eruption. They moved several miles away, taking all their "valuable" possessions, including roof beams !! We were rained upon getting there, leaving, and one other time today. The arid Southwest in action. We rode 20 miles north to Wupatki (click here), where the Indians built an impressive pueblo that has been significantly restored. We enjoyed another mile-long walk through the pueblo, although the sun was quickly too hot whenever it peaked through the clouds.
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| Alto Street is narrow here |
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| 408 Arroyo Tenorio |
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| Santa Fe Supreme Court Building |
14 Jun: and another day. Let’s take a hike! So we did that with John B. on the Ponderosa Trail in Bandelier National Monument. Ron and John hiked down a trillion switchbacks into the canyon and across the creek while Cynthia stayed on the trail atop the canyon. We had a great dinner with Nina, John, and Linda at Vinaigrette, despite arriving late in our hiking clothes!!!
13 Jun: Here we are in Santa Fe with no idea what we might want to do with ourselves on a nice day - and we have yet to come up with any ideas. Ron should have gone shopping for popcorn and pretzels. We enjoyed a pleasant visit with Michael and Claire at Vinaigrette from 5 pm until 7 pm. They are as delightful as ever.
12 Jun: Ron had a wonderfully lovely visit with Lupe until Cynthia called at 3 pm to say she saw road signs for St. Francis Drive. Cynthia’s flight to ABQ was delayed while United found another aircraft, but she still caught the shuttle to Santa Fe and arrived early for her reunion with Smooch. We were excited.!! and are pleased to discover that we still love each other after an entire week apart. We returned to the apartment and allowed Cynthia to catch up on her sleep. (She awakened at 3 am two mornings in a row.)
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| Jack and Zoe seated behind roses |
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| girlfriend, Jack, Robin, Alexander, Cynthia, Hamilton and Jon |
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| Robin, Alexander and Cynthia |
11 Jun, Sunday: Cynthia thoroughly enjoyed visiting niece Robin and her sons, Alexander and Hamilton, at the Wedding Brunch. Ron could not find friends to visit in Santa Fe today; bummer. He idled all day, including waiting at Mark's house for a couple of hours doing his eye exercises and calling Paul about QQQ.
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| Grandmother Cynthia is the shortest |
10 Jun: Granddaughter Zoe and Jack’s wedding in Round Top, Texas, was a lovely affair held under a huge oak tree, which shaded and cooled the magnificent event. The bride was beautiful, and the bride's grandmother was also beautiful. Cynthia stayed overnight in a lovely hotel in Round Top. In Santa Fe, Ron and John got an early start at 9 am for an industrious hike at the Santa Fe ski basin up the Windsor Trail to the Wilderness boundary fence, then up along the fenceline to 11,500 feet elevation in the snowfields. We met Sylvia, a delightfully enthusiastic young woman hiking solo up there who claimed to be 70 years old, rehabbing after a successful knee operation. The hike went up and up and up, and the views expanded with each up. We returned just in time to clean up for Peter's dinner party, full of interesting people, as can be expected in Santa Fe. Ron seldom remembers names but did particularly enjoy conversation with Steve. Cynthia stayed up past midnight getting her new iPad copesetic.
9 Jun: Cynthia packed and shipped Ron’s shoes and stuff to Colorado, plus she is getting a pedicure. Cynthia's iPad fell on the floor, cracked, and refused to connect to WiFi or Verizon. Long story. She could not make a phone call. Or text. Ron spent the afternoon with Janie and went to dinner with Janie and Roxanne.
8 Jun: Ron had a successful day with QQQ, then he visited Tony at nine AM, ran to a hot luncheon with Maria Tortilla at 11:30 at Vinaigrette, and joined John for a short (5 mile) hike at 3 PM. The hike was down and down and down, crossed the stream, equal parts up and down to cross the stream again, then up and up and up to the starting point, the Borrego Trail above Hyde Park. The stream flowed vigorously, and several smaller trickles wound down the watershed.
7 Jun: Cynthia again had a doctor's appointment. She got an A+ for perfect weight and terrific labs. Linda laundered Ron’s clothes, and Ron could hang them all over the apartment to dry. Ron called Janie S. for lunch at Harry's Roadhouse (no longer owned by Harry; he gave it to some of his employees). We walked in the arroyo in the evening with Janie's two cats, so Ron learned all the new cat calls.
6 Jun: Dr. Appts. Cynthia received an A+ on her mammogram. Her hand is healing; she has two and a half months to wear the brace! Ron started late morning and rode the old Highway 14 (the Turquoise Trail) through Madrid to Santa Fe. This route is a calm and pleasant way to get to Santa Fe instead of the busy interstate highways.
5 Jun: Cynthia has a flight to Texas. Charlie convinced Ron to stay a day before riding to Santa Fe. Charlie and Ron walked three miles on walking paths around his neighborhood. Very lovely with the mountain views, so close.
4 Jun: We rode on I-40 to I-25 south to Gibson Road and Yale Avenue to the Albuquerque Airport Comfort Inn (not recommended). We arrived at the hotel early to find rooms unavailable and no reservation. Evidently, the website needed one more click to actually reserve the room. After unloading bags, we walked the half mile to Dennys for egg white omelets. It is warm in ABQ! Dinner with Sam and Charlie was delightful. Sam prepared salmon and asparagus, yum.
3 Jun: How fun to make a new friend from Washinton State riding a nice Suzuki V-Strom. Ron chose the wrong lane and got on I-40, but we turned around and took the exit south on New Mexico Highway 602 to Highway 53 East. The Zuni reservation surprised us by being so green as we turned south into the turquoise Valley. Every house had many vehicles, but gas stations were scarce once we detoured west on 53 to Zuni, NM. We thoroughly enjoyed hiking two miles in El Morro Monument with a steep climb to a very exposed, narrow ridge walk (click here). Amazing hike. Exhausted, we arrived at Sky City Casino and Hotel lodging near Acoma.
2 Jun: We rode on the Indian Highways through Indian lands to the Comfort Inn in Gallup, New Mexico, beginning first on US 89 N 3 miles, R on the Townsend-Winona Road 8 miles until the left turn towards Leupp, then continuing on Indian Highway 15. And we skirted rain hither, thither, and yon as we wound around through the volcanic landscape in the arid Southwest. We rained on a couple of times but kept going anyway. I had forgotten that the Indians don't believe in road signs, so we saw one or two Indian Highway 15 signs as we started, but no indication of which way to turn at the first T intersection (left) and no notice that Highway 15 was a right turn three miles later. Ron was sure he was going the right way, but the only signage read "Do not pass" and "Pass with Care." We even rode through Greasewood without knowing that there was a town there. Coming upon a familiar Chevron station at the intersection with AZ Highway 191 was quite a relief. We followed 191 south towards dark rain clouds and ducked into the Hubbell Trading Post museum at Ganado to avoid a shower. (We have stopped there before.) The museum is a delight to tour, and we watched a Navajo woman meticulously weaving a rug. After passing through Tec Nos Pas, we turned south on US 491 to Gallup.
1 Jun: Flagstaff, AZ: Just as the merry month of May was at its merriest, here we are in another month and another town. Flagstaff is much more relaxed; Cynthia wore a jacket to breakfast. We rode 18 miles to the Sunset Crater National Monument (click here) and thoroughly enjoyed the Visitor's Center and a good long hike around the Lava fields. This volcano is unique because Indians lived in the vicinity as the volcano started warning of the impending eruption. They moved several miles away, taking all their "valuable" possessions, including roof beams !! We were rained upon getting there, leaving, and one other time today. The arid Southwest in action. We rode 20 miles north to Wupatki (click here), where the Indians built an impressive pueblo that has been significantly restored. We enjoyed another mile-long walk through the pueblo, although the sun was quickly too hot whenever it peaked through the clouds.
