Wind And Waves

“ The byway passes through the heart of five million acres of both the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. Traveling the length of the byway will take you through high mountain passes and historical towns, and by waterfalls and acres of wildflowers.”

I was super excited all week getting ready for this three day exploration and my excitement lasted me the entire trip.   Every moment, I felt Soo appreciative to be on a new adventure on my own stopping grounds of Colorful Colorado!  My motorcycle isn’t as safe and ready as it probably should be……….BUT sometimes you just have to cast the bowlines and go.  I have met a lot of sailors who have “swallowed the hook”…..meaning they aren’t going anywhere, even though their boats are fit and ready (as much as you can ever be ready for a big trip).

My philosophy = use your windows of opportunity when they come, its alarming how quickly they evaporate.

Leaving Denver opening out into South Park. Yippee!

First Stop: Lunch!  I met my mom for Buffalo dogs, shakes and a good visit, at the famous Coney Island in Bailey Colorado.  She wished me love and luck and then, I was officially on my way!  Yes!Yes!yes!  Have I mention how much I love being on a trip!!! 🙂   I was thrilled to be zooming towards the freshness and freedom of  mountains, and away from cars, traffic, concrete and cubicle world (where things are………..not natural, to say the least!)

I took a small detour to Salida and loved it there so much, I decided to set up my tent and stay the night!  I got as close to the raging Arkansas as I could (I love the sound of running water when I’m sleeping) BUT it was so loud, I actually found it hard to sleep!

On my walk into town from my campsite I found JO.  Looks as though……he had a little too much to drink last night!

Salida is a neat place.  Beautiful mountains towering over it, raging river running through the middle of it, lush valley, artsy, creative, sporty……My kind of place.  That thought was cinched, when I came upon this house :-).