Welcome Back

Driving north out of Raton, approaching Trinidad, Colorado, the Spanish Peaks welcomed me with blue skies and sunshine - plus a bit of snow! Colorado will always be my first love. 

Happy Veteran's Day

Thanks to all who served. Today is a celebration of the spirit of service. The dead are remembered on Memorial Day. This is a happy day.
11/11/23

Coal Creek Canyon

Long-time friends live in this amazing mountain home, and for some reason have always opened their doors to me. They live at 8700 feet and have an unobstructed view of the Continental Divide from their deck. They had 9 inches of snow two days before I arrived. My friend in Wisconsin (who has seen their mountain driveway) warned me of just such a possibility. I scoffed.

Mea Culpa

Despite the warning of my friend, I attempted to climb the driveway. All of the good fortune that I used when I had my blowout in Dalhart Texas, was apparently reversed, as I ended up sliding off the driveway and getting high-centered on a log that was placed there to keep idiots such as myself from sliding Into the woods. It became immediately apparent that we were not going to get my one ton van back on the road without professional help.

Aftermath

AAA said they'd be up after dark. I told them that I was going to be in one place for several days, so they should wait until daylight and send an experienced crew. The next day, a single dude who looked like he was about 14 showed up. He said " no big deal - I've been pulling cars out of these ditches since I was 13." "So about a year," I thought. But, true to his word, he hooked up his winch and had me back on the driveway in no time flat, leaving my friend with a wicked mess on  the side of his driveway. Sorry buddy.

Out of the Mountains

After a few uneventful days visiting with my mountain friends, it was down to Denver for a 70 degree day and a round of golf with still more friends at Red Hawk Ridge.
11/12/23

Another Home Invasion

I've parked Gravytrain at another friend's place and rented a car to drive around town while I'm here. Augie has met her match in this house however, as a black cat named Inky rules this roost. Augie steers clear. I'm in the Denver area through Thanksgiving, so if you read this and want to get together, just send me a message from the home page.
11/13/23

Honey, I'm Home

One night, my Godson told me that he was harvesting honey from his hives. I didn't even know he had hives, and have never seen honey production, so I joined him, his father, and brother-in-law in a honey spinning jamboree.
11/15/23

Ol' Stomping Grounds

Augie and I relived her youth by taking advantage of another warm, sunny, day to do our regular hike at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
11/16/23

Parallel Parking Gravytrain

I won't say I got in on the first try, but it was a masterful job if I do say so myself... and I do. Parked at another friend's place. This one is in downtown - thus the parallel parking.
11/24/23

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner was great, even if the Lions lost. This group has celebrated most TGs for the past three decades. I was happy to return to keep the tradition alive.
11/25/23

Serious Side Eye

Augie doesn't like the "no dogs on the furniture" rules...

Serious Side Eye

...so she mostly ignores them...

Serious Side Eye

...including the strategy of putting items on the furniture that is supposed to discourage dogs.

California Here I Come

Taking off for the coast and warmer weather. Augie and I stopped by Bear Creek Lake Park for a ball session before headed off for our first HH stop in Palasades.
11/27/23