What a great start to this trip! First of all – Kudos to Southwest – they are a wonderful airline! From the moment I checked in curbside, to the 45 minute early arrival in Denver, it was the smoothest, most pleasurable flight I’ve had in quite some time. I paid the $20 round trip to get early boarding priority, and it was worth every penny!
Aly picked me up in Denver, and we went to pick up the rental car. My 2nd Kudos goes to Enterprise Rental, because not only did they upgrade me from my Intermediatereservation, but they gave me a Chrysler Sebring Convertible! (Brand new!!) What a way to travel 1000 miles!
Aly and I went to Cherry Creek for lunch, and then went back to her condo, to wait for Brooks to come home. We hung out and caught up on things, and went out for a beautiful dinner at Creek Canyon Grill. AMAZING dinner!
This morning – Aly and Brooks equipped me with tent, pad, sleeping bag, and headlamp, and off I went into Colorado Springs. I stopped first at Garden of the Gods (eh, nothing exciting here, for sure). Then, I continued west on Rt. 24, where I took Pikes Highway up to the top – 14,000 feet! It was a nerve wracking drive, but beautiful, with a little bit of snow left in patches at the peaks. Of course, I went in to the shop at the top, and bought some doughnuts (their specialty) and tried to take some photos. It wasn’t working well, because I was sooooo dizzy, and couldn’t breathe, so I knew I needed to reduce the altitude, and fast!
I felt much better at 11,000 feet, and continued down the mountain, and decided to head to Buena Vista, where my trip will leave tomorrow on the Arkansas River. Grabbed a quick dinner at Coyote Canyon Cafe, and tried to go take some sunset pics, but the rain and clouds are a little overbearing tonight. Decided to get a good night sleep so I have energy for the morning! I’m praying for sun, and every bit of heat I can get on this river trip!
So – off to sleep! Such a great first day, but tomorrow will really be super fun!
See ya!
Deb
