Walked around the town of Buena Vista, went to a small local museum.  Also rode the Royal Gorge dinner train.  We could only get the evening tickets.  Next time hope to do the breakfast or lunch train.  Once it got dark couldn’t see out – but a very nice adult evening with an excellent dinner.

The Pony express never showed up – hoping some oxen will come by and give me a pull

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

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 – 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!