Sunday, June 23, 2013 – Day 10 – Over 3,200 miles behind me

Hello from the great Southwest Desert, where the skies are incredibly blue, there is rarely rain and it is HOT.  Four hours in the saddle today in temps that ranged from the low 80’s to the low 90’s, with a blaring sun.  My planned stop in Santa Fe for two days (which I’ve extended to 3) is perfect timing … it gives me some down time to relax and do some sight seeing.  I checked into the hotel at 1:30 and I’m just chilling now.  Later this evening when it cools, I’m going to see Santa Fe at night and try some of their famous Mexican food. (or maybe no, because one Mexican dinner equals about 300 of my Weight Watchers Points).  By the way, even tough I’m on vacation, I’ve managed to lose a couple of pounds.

Before I get started on the day, I want to say hi to my special grandkids.  Hi Lily!  Hi Mason!  Hi Emma!  Hi Logan!  Grandpa misses all of you guys and when I get back, everyone is going to get a great big bear hug! XOXOXOXO

I pulled out of Durango this morning headed for Santa Fe.  It was warm when I left and the further I got, the hotter it got.  The trip was uneventful and certainly not as exciting as the past few days.  Don’t misunderstand me … the scenery was beautiful in a stark, desolate sort of way, with the landscape covered with mesas, buttes, arroyos, small canyons, scrub brush and dry desert earth.  The colors were striking also, with reds, burnt oranges, tans and other earth tones assaulting the eyes.  I actually love the desert because it’s a place where you can get “lost” and be totally alone with your thoughts.  The total lack of sound once you get away from the beaten path is stunning.  I’d say I could hear myself think, but we all know how silly that idea is …

Anyway, you could take a million pictures of this place and they would all kind of look the same, so here’s just one:

One comment here.  If you ever get to this area, don’t miss the ride down Colorado Route 550 from Montrose, CO, through Ouray and Durango then down into Santa Fe.  What a great ride.  Also, DON’T follow the signs that tell you to take Route 50 … wrong way entirely!

One last piece of good news.  The Colorado State Police have decided not to press charges in the untimely demise of the rodent I ran over two days ago.  They determined he had been drinking prior to stumbling out in front of me.  How terribly sad …  Hey, animals have rights too!

As I mentioned, into Santa Fe tonight, then sightseeing in the city and surrounding area tomorrow and then up to Taos on Tuesday.  Until the next update, thanks for following me!