We left Utah via the scenic way, en route to my emotional and genetic homeland: Colorado, land of high mountains, gorgeous wildflowers and really really delicious bagels. Driving along the winding Colorado River valley was lovely. The rainbow colors of the rock and flowers and fields as we drove through the Rockies and into the plains on the eastern edge remind me why the state is so aptly named.
We made it to Denver and went straight to good friends, Ann-Marie and Ash's house. Played with their baby and ate fabulous Indian food (although a 4 month visit from out-of-country parents-in-law might get a little old after a while, the authentic Indian food is worth it!).
Next day I dropped off Chris near Estes Park where there just happened to be a hummingbird conference going on. I went back to Denver, where I ate my fill of "Moe's everything bagels with sundried tomato cream cheese." MMmmmmm.
In Denver, saw family friends and explored the bustling metropolis that Boulder will soon be. A very relaxed atmosphere, outdoor-oriented, artsy small college city that is getting a bit too big for its britches.
A few days later I headed to Estes to collect Chris and continue our Eastern drive. After a bit of a delay, I finally found Chris hustling down the highway about 8 miles from our pre-determined meeting place. Out for a jog? Got carried away chasing a bird?
Day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park proved that you really need more than 4 hours in that park to get farther away from the road and into the higher part of the park. Saw a badger! But no bugeling elk.
On our way east/north out of the park, we found a local meadery. CO has quite a number of these. Tasted and bought some mead made from local honey.
Then to The Farm in North Eastern CO. Where dad grew up. We stuck Chris on a horse to have a quick giggle. Spent time with family I hadn't seen in a long time. It was nice. Next day happened to be the Marks Family Reunion. The huge pot-luck had all the classic mid-western highlights that you've come to love and hate: macaroni salad, fried chicken, marshmallow-topped brownies, and hamburger helper goo. My grandfather was one of 10 farming kids, so this was a reunion of all those related families (200 people?). Chris and I snuck out as quietly as possible when the host said, "OK, let's all introduce ourselves one at a time." (he meant EVERYone).
North through Nebraska (with a short stop at Cabella's hunting/fishing extravaganza!) to the Black hills in South Dakota. We began to notice the large number of bikers, then realized it was the week of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Cool! I felt a little silly in a Subaru.
Camped at and visited Wind Cave national Park. I hadn't heard of this park, and was surprised to learn that it was the 6th in the nation (after King's Cyn and Sequoia, around 1900). Huge extensive cave system (100s of miles of connected caverns), with interesting calcite formations. Lots of buffalo in the park too. Ate a buffalo bratworst. Chris had a buff burger.
On the way out of the Black Hills, we drove quickly through Badlands National Park (quickly because it was WAY too hot to leave the A/C for more than a few minutes, and compared to Canyonlands, this just wasn't as spectacular as I'd expected. yes, spoiled.)
The long boring stretch of I90 in South Dakota was broken up by a stop at Wall Drug and counting the inconprehensible number of bugs squashed onto the front of the car. This was the buggiest stretch of the country for sure.
Next: Chicago to CT
