I have been on the road for 5 days and Abby and I are adjusting to a relaxed flexible schedule. The drive across the plains was painless and a rather enjoyable way to begin the clearing of the head. Abby does not put her head down while traveling so long milage days take their toll on her, but she was a trooper. First stop in Monument, CO, allowed me to visit a great friend whom I have strong mountain man ties from an earlier life in NW Colorado.

View from 14,110 ft.

I wanted to drive to the top of Pikes Peak but snow has not allowed that yet. So I did the tourist Cog Railway ride to the top. It was a beautiful day, 27 degrees at the top and extremely thin air for Missouri lungs. But that rush of cold air was exactly what my body needed to initiate the rebuild process.

Palmer Lake Reservoir

So the next day I was off for a hike with Abby to test my legs and lungs as well as evaluate Abby’s 12+ year body. I was very pleased with my progress but Abby is not destined for anymore serious hiking. Abby doesn’t realize that her weak hips don’t work the way they used to.

Leaving Colorado Springs

The drive over to Vail by way of highway 24 out of Colorado Springs was majestic. The view of Pikes Peak, the many fourteeners around Buena Vista highlighted by the Collegiate Peaks and then enjoying a beer at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville made for a great trip over to Vail. Sorry for the rushed post but I’ve promised many that I would share. Right now I’m recovering from a night in Vail and preparing for a round of golf at the Vail course.

Collegiate Peaks