So, after the super-fantastic burro race (in which I converted Cody to be another ass-lover, so to speak), we made a decision: we were going to stay on the road one more day.  Thrilled at the prospect, we called Valley View Hot Springs and made a camping reservation.
( Pics and semi-harrowing stories... )

On day eight we woke early to get to Buena Vista.  Why?   Because it was the day of their big Pack Burro Race, the third leg of the Pack Burro Triple Crown. (And, yes, folks, there really is such a thing.)  Apparently, there are petitions to make pack burro racing the official sport of Colorado.

( Many asses under the cut - in the work safe sense, of course... )

The next day dawned with most of us feeling tired and a little worn-out.  Still, we had Walt and Willie and one another, and all was beautiful.  We headed for Buena Vista, Colorado (which, oddly the locals pronounce as "Bewna Vista" and the Collegiate Peaks area.  I don't have the actual shot, but, predictably, we had to photograph Cody with Mount ( Read more... )

So, Walt in hand and Willie singing in our ears, we left Utah via Highway 70 and some of the most frighteningly desolate country on earth.  Soon, however, we left that for the relative safety of the mountains of Colorado.

( Pics and stories... )

Day Four was also spent in Moab, exploring the (tiny) town and surrounding area. Many of 'yall will be relieved to note that I actually took very few pictures that day, so you're screens are safe. Anyway, had breakfast and wandered around town taking in the tiny tourist boutiques and thrift stores.  In fact, the thrift stores was perhaps the most ( Read more... )

On Day Three we awoke early to the incredible brightness of the rising sun.  Seriously, man, it was bright.  But, after a delicious breakfast (well prepared by Andrew), we found ourselves driving through some of the most desolate country imaginable and heading toward Moab.

( Pics and more... )

Day Two was a wonderful adventure as we left the cool of Colorado for the dry heat of Utah.

( Cut for length and pics (all work safe)... )

So, we began our trip with a visit to Pagosa Springs, Colorado.


( Read more... )

Apparently, a study finds that barely half of US adults are married. But, guess what? I AM! And it's been nine years as of today! Yes, today is our wedding anniversary. Boxing Day! Easy to remember, but a bit troublesome in the fact that it's difficult to celebrate when one's servants have the day off. (LOL. Remember folks, I live in an old commune ( Read more... )

My husband is a mighty warrior! He succeeded in his campaign against unwanted rodents and killed the evil gopher! There was much rejoicing at New Buffalo - especially amongst the chickens who received the body as a tasty trophy. Sorry if that grossed anyone out, but that's what farm life is like.

In other news, Yolanda (the bartender) brought me ( Read more... )