Put about 250 miles on the bike today – rode Independence Pass – beautiful

Mom & Dad left me home today – I thought I would catch a ride with the Pony Express

This was a good indication that riding the bike today was the right decision! There was another sign that said you WOULD get stuck on the switch backs and there was a $1000 fine.

The switchbacks provided quite a view – but I accidentally took a video of the switchback so now I can’t show you!

A little villa in Aspen for sale – said we would take two!

A postman suggested we go the city market that had a little deli, this is Alan and I slumming in Aspen for lunch.

They really should not have left me home – I slept in the cat bed today – wait until Dad tries to cuddle me – hope he brought his eye drops for itchy eyes!

Did some riding today.  Did about 160 miles.  We rode the Tennessee pass and the Battle Mountain pass.

Starting our day

Some serious mountains

This is Colorado riding – traffic stopped in both directions while they cleared loose rock from above

Leadville is the highest incorporated town in the USA.

Look what I found in Leadville – a rug beater or wife beater as Alan would say

And look what else is sold in this shop

Enough said

The Pauls must be traveling – please note the rain gear.

Laid back day today – mostly visited.  Went to the town donut shop but they wouldn’t let him in!

Had to hold Big Al back – he really wanted a donut

This is an attraction in town – it’s for the tenants cats from the second floor down so that they don’t have to walk down from the second floor to let them out or in.  They just open the window!  Quite clever.

The cat elevator

Drinking coffee on the front porch – this is what you see except there are probably 30 of them flitting around.  Have not been able to take a picture of the many chipmunks running around the patio.  Heard wolves last night to.  So busy visiting did not have a chance to ride today as planned.

Very short travel day – arrived in Buena Vista today – beautiful drive between Colorado Springs and here.  It’s really a feast for the eyes.  Saw buffalo and antelope on the ride over.

I didn’t do it – honest

Travel day today.  You know you are in the hinterlands when your accessing your GPS for poi (points of interest which includes gas, restaurants, et.) and the screen comes up blank!  We were on US 94 and let me tell you there was 70 miles of NOTHING but grazing land.  Did see fields of sun flowers – odd to see all the heads of the plants facing one way towards the sun.

Just to let you know camping is alive and well.  It took several calls yesterday and again today to find a spot for the night.  Statistics say that there are 8.9 million rv families and that was back in 2011.  I think at least half are on the road with us!  The place we are at tonight in Colorado doesn’t have a blade of grass.  We are packed so close together I think we are in New York city.  So much the wide open spaces (at least for tonight)!

Tight quarters tonight

Travel day today – it’s amazing how clean everything is – never see trash on the roads.  All rest areas spacious, welcoming and clean, until moron pet owners don’t act responsible!  Everyone knows how big Big Al’s tootsie rolls are and we always pick up.  Sooooo annoying when it’s obvious how much effort is expended to maintain the rest areas for travelers comfort.

I am looking for Toto – do you know where he is?

This museum was an interesting place to visit – spent 4 hours – what a deal for $5.00 – if interested in the history of farming its an education.

Big Al goes for a buggy ride

This museum is located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa

Kitchens back in the day

Note all the irons – for different uses such as the ruffles on your collar

When electricity first introduced to the rural communities here is one of the first electric washing machines

Read this then look at the picture below – seems funny now but not so back then

Enough said.

What a deal!

This museum was really quite interesting.  Tucked in Mount Pleasant, Iowa this museum highlights  the evolution of farm equipment from horse, to steam, to the current day motorized equipment.  It also presents the contribution of women to the farm way of life and how the introduction of electricity changed women’s way of life.  The dioramas all deserved attention.  The collection of steam engines was mind boggling and it was our understanding that EVERY engine is in working order including the railway steam engine nearby.  The old printing presses on display make you appreciate the printed book.  Apparently, Labor Day weekend there is a 5 day fair called the Threshers Reunion which attracts over 40,000 people from around the country.  The campground nearby has hookups for 1000 and would you believe there is not a site to be had.   Oh, and a ticket to the 5 day fair is only $20.00!

Miles and miles of windmills and corn

Big rest area for a big rig and nothing but blue sky