A Recovery Day

Slept in a bit, getting a good night's sleep.  Was thinking of having a breakfast.  When to the hospitality room and had a donut and cup of coffee.  That seemed to satisfy my hunger.  Visited in the hospitality room for a while.

About noon, I headed to the room and car to exchange luggage.  Needed to get a bag of clean clothes. Also took a nice nap before thinking of a early dinner.

Checking out the offerings at the hotel(s) I settled on the Brew Brothers Microbrewery.  Had a 22oz glass of their "Redhead Amber Ale" and their BBQ Bacon Burger w/ fries.  The amber ale was a little hoppy for me, but tolerable. .The burger was great - just enough sweet BBQ sauce to flavor the sandwich, while not overbearing.

The best part of the meal was the price.  I happened in there during "happy hour".  My burger & fries was only $5 and the big beer was also $5.  The hotel gave us reunion attendees $10 per day chits for food and drinks. So, dinner cost me $2.50 with tax and tip!

Short visit a couple other vets in the hospitality room (3/7th guys).  Pill time and call it a day.

199th LIB Reunion

Short drive Monday from S. Lake Tahoe to Reno.  Checked into the hotel, thankfully may room was available even though it was wat before check-in time.  Went to the 199th hospitality room and picked up my registration packet.

This was the first problem I had with my registration.  My name was spelled correctly on the registration envelop,but both the last name a location was wrong.  Got that corrected.

Settling into my room.  I could not log onto the hotel wi-fi,  Kept giving me an error message.  Had problems understanding the IT person (eventually asked for a person without the heavy accent). As it turned out, someone had spelled my name wrong! Guess they do not check my ID and credit card at check-in.  On top it all, when I turn on my TV, they have my name wrong.  URGH,

Back to the hospitality room for the memorial and opening session...The session was supposed to last 45 minutes, but the Chaplain was too long-winded.  Besides, I did not understand what he we trying to preach about as it did not make sense for me.  Ended up with pizza party hosted by the reunion. 

50th High School Reunion

This was my reason for driving to Kenosha County, WI.  Normally, I would be attending my army unit reunion, but 50 year high school reunion took precedence.

The reunion was held in the pavilion at Jeddy's Bar in Brighton, WI.  Its is a nice facility for the size of our group.  I was one of the first classmates to arrive and a couple of the last to leave.  Was an good way to spend 5 hours on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Good food, unfortunately they did not have a craft beers on tap.

Had to take a couple "Tylenol" to calm the brain from the noise.  I was exhausted and my speech was gone by the time I got to my hotel room.  Crashed into be early.  Great day.  Great to see and visit with so many of my classmates.

Reunion Meet-Greet

Thursday afternoon, i got into Kenosha. WI area.  Settled into my hotel.  Met my mom and an aunt for breakfast Friday morning.  After breakfast, mom drove us over to Petrifying Springs County Park.

Much of the land of the park was originally owned my my ancestors.  A mural is being painted on the side of a barn in the park.  The mural includes my grandmother and her brother with scenes of the park.  For some 25 years, my grandmother worked summer in a concession stand in the park.

After a nap, it was time to change clothes for the meet and greet for my high school 50 reunion.  The function was held at the Brat Stop.  In the day, the Brat Stop was an 18yo beer bar and cheese/brat store.  Great time visiting with my old classmates.

Family Picnic

The Winfield Family picnic/reunion was held in Elkader, Iowa on July 4th.  I was on the road before sunrise for the 320 mile drive to the other corner of Iowa.

It was a pretty good attendance, considering the distances the family is not spread.  Photo here is the Winfield siblings and their spouses that were able to attend.  L to R -- Jack and Jean Heick,  Edna & Rich Winfield, Ruth Gillmore, Dorothy Winfield, and Margaret Risi.

Traveling With My Bicycles

Wrapping up the editing of my booklet "Traveling With My Bicycles".  It tells a short story of what drove me to riding bicycles.  Most of the booklet is filled with how to create your "mulit-activity" trip.

Plans are to make the booklet available as an e-book for Kindle.

Preface -

"So, what are you going to do to keep active?" was the question my cardiac rehab folks asked in my exit interview. After weeks walking on the treadmill, I knew this was not the solution. My mom walks with a group. But walking the mall did not appeal me, either. Hiking is great, but "hiking" amongst the corn fields of Iowa?

As a kid, I used to ride a bicycle. Maybe that would peak my interest. I set out to look at purchasing a bicycle. I started riding local trails. Soon, I was taking a bicycle with me on trips. These trips combined my exploring nature, love of photography, and riding my bicycle.

The trips I take are not for folks that want to lay on the beach and work on their tan. They are trips filled with activity yet leaving time to relax, recover and reflect.

This booklet is a compilation of what I have learned planning and implementing these trips. It is not a recipe for the perfect trip. It is meant to cause you to consider ways to blend activities you enjoy with things you are passionate about into your travels.

 

50 Year Reunion

It was 1964 when I took Cathy Sherman to the Central High School Junior Prom.  She was also at my birthday party/hayride - Thanks to photos I found.  Friends and I were identifying those in attendance.  Through facebook, I was re-connected to Cathy.  We had lost touch as we both went out ways to college and the work force.

I was able to meet Cathy outside of Albuquerque, NM.  I am on my normal Mid-Winter trip and she was making her normal run between Wisconsin and California in her 18-wheeler.  It also happened to be her birthday.  We celebrated her birthday reminiscing over breakfast. 

After saying our "good-bye's" I went into Albuquerque for some shopping.  Was thinking of taking a bike ride, but decided to rest from the 2 days driving.  Later in the day, I met my cousin that lived in
Albuquerque.  We tipped a couple pints of brew and had some food at out favorite place - Billy's Long Bar.  Ended up spending over 3 hours talking about out lives, family, and such.

Next Stop - Bar Harbor

Was up early to load the car and head towards Bar Harbor.  Had breakfast in the Clarion restaurant.  Gave my final "good-bye" to a couple folks.  Took me longer than planned to get out of Portland.  It was almost 9am before I got on the road.

Played tourist on the way to Bar Harbor.  Took coastal Hwy 1 to Ellsworth,  When I got to Bar Harbor, instead of looking for my hotel, I spent some time getting orientated with Mt Desert Island.  Drove up Cadillac Mountain.  Shot some photos.  Was a chilly, overcast afternoon. 

Stopped in at the gift shop at the "summit".  By this, it was time to find my room.  the Quality Inn in Bar Harbor is on Route 3 and you near the main retail area of the town.  Unfortuately, the assigned me a room way down the hotel (actually in one of the extra little building). The room is not convenient to the office or breakfast.  Worse, yet, it was a climb up from the parking lot up the drive and up several steps to get to my room. 

I complained that they should not put "Seniors" into such inconvenient rooms.  The only thing they said they could do might move me to a second floor room.  They gave me a song and dance about the reservation system does not give them sufficient information about me until day of arrival to plan.  No accommodation for a 67 year old, unless I had requested a handicap room in advance, it seams.  Well, I do not qualify for handicap sticker.  Leaving me a very bitter taste in my mouth about Quality Inn and Bar Harbor.

Lower photo is the view from the door on my room looking down to the parking area.

Drove down the the Main Street area.  Picked up a couple souvenirs.  Did not find a book about riding a bicycle on the carriage roads (and more importantly, a relatively flat road) to ride. On of the shopkeepers gave me a recommendation. Being after 5 on a Sunday evening, did not think the bicycle shop in town would not be open.

Across Main Street was the Bar Harbor Beerworks.  Looks like a good place to have a pint and a burger.  I asked for an amber or red ale.  The sever suggested Bar Harbor Brewing "Leafpeeper" Oktoberfest beer.  A nice way to end the day.  The burger was served with sea salt kettle chips (a lot of them).  I was able tp eat the burger, but too much food to finish the chips.

Stopped by at the office to get ice for my water.  Of course, its up stairs or at the far end of the building.  Ihe desk clerk said she would get some for my drink cup.  She came back with th 20ox cup only half-filled with ice.  Damn, they can't ever getting a cup of ice right!  Back to the room and struggled up to my room.  While tired, I could not sleep.  Processed photos drive to Bar Harbor.

Last Day of the Reunion

I have been getting aa little behind in my blogging the last couple days.  Saturday was the last full day of the Echo Company Reunion.

Normally, Saturday early morning those in the fishing tournament would head to boats (or in I case, the river).  In the Portland, Maine area, all of the fishing boats had moved south (where the fish had moved to).  So, organizers came up with an alternative.

Some of the ladies cut out construction paper "fish".  There was a "weight" of the fish is assigned to each of the fish.  The weight was not revealed until the fish was "caught".   There was one person behind a draped sheet where she would attached a fish.

The fisherman (fisherwoman) would sit in a chair sitting with the fishing rod.  "Cast" over the sheet and dangle the "hook".  Behind the sheet, a paper fish would be attached.

Lastly the fish would be reeled in and shown the re judge,  The weight was revealed.  Ended up being a popular indoor activity.  The upper photo shows a joke pulled on one of the wives,

Normally, on Saturday during fishing i would head out for a bicycle ride.  With the late fishing start and and my need to fishing packing, I opted to go to the room and work on packing my bags.  At 3pm were had the reunion business reunion.  this is where we talk about the next year's reunion.  Unfortunately, our 2015 reunion hosts could not make it,  We were advised that Echo Reunion will be in Highland, California during the week of October 12-18, 2015.

Time to dress for the banquet.  The banquet is a busy time for me.  As attendees arrive, and get thier refreshments, I take photos of the Echo Company member and then on of him and his wife/partner.  If there were additional families in attendance, another photo is taken of the family.

We were treated to a short concert by the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps.  The corps also posted the colors for the start of the banquet.  The lower photo is of the corps in the banquet.

After invocation and greetings, it was time to eat.  Good, simple menu of salad, green beans, mashed potatoes, steak tips, and haddock, hard roll, and butter.  Several of us went back for seconds!

At each of the reunions, we take time to remember those killed in action or missing.  We also remember those who have passed in the last year.  There were a few door prized.  Then it was time to award plaques and trophies for the tournaments.  Lastly, there were the raffle prizes.

The banquet concluded with thanks and a benediction.  Last,hugs as as the folks slowly left the room.  See you next year!

Shooting Tournament

I understand we got a good amount of rain Thursday night.  Skies were forecast to clear later in the morning.  For this reason, the shooting tournament was delayed until noon.

This made it a lost morning.  Had coffee and a muffin in the hospitality room.  Back up to the room for a little nap.  Then it was time to board the hotel van.

At the Scarborough Fish & Game Assoc. facility, we met Roy, who served as out range supervisor.  Shooters signed releases and Roy gave a range safety presentation.  The first rank of shooters took their position on the firing line.  Each shot 5 shells at each of 5 locations.

The second rank followed suit.  At the end "Dead-Eve" Don won the tournament with Merv coming in second.

Bach to the hotel where Eric had his presentation "Revisiting Viet Nan" ready.  I had seen the presentation, so I went to the room for a quick nap.  In no time, it was dinner time.  Everyone was on their on.  I did not want to go too far, so wend a couple block the road to Espo's for some Italian food.  Had spaghetti and sausage with a pint of Sam Adam's seasonal beer (guessing Octoberfest).  Good food and been, just too much food than I could eat.

Back at the hospitality room, I learned some of our group were leaving in the morning.  Got their "mug" shots taken.  Then I was ready for bed.

Golf and a Brewery

 The hospitality opened about 7:30am.  Weather was dreary - foggy, threatening rain, and windy.

Thursday was supposed to be the day for the golfing tournament.  Unfortunately, the weather was not conducive to being out on the links.  The "tournament" was moved inside  The golf pro at our host's club brought a portable "putting green".  It was not as photogenic than the normal outside tournament. 

The tournament consisted of putting 5 balls.  I stroke per ball.  Most balls in the hole won the contest.  The was a financial portion of the contest.  Playing cost $5.  Winner would win $25 of Maine lottery tickets.

Time took much less than playing 9 holes.  the "green fee" was less that playing the course.  More of the attendees played.

The upper photo is of one of the reunion attendees getting a lesson from the course golf pro.

I needed a rest, to went to the room.  Got "horizontal" for a little.  Change clothes from shorts to jeans for the afternoon.

We loaded into the hotel van and a couple of private vehicles for the drive to Shipyard Brewery.  Shipyard is the largest craft brewery in Maine.  The tour started with a video about the history of the brewery.  This year it is celebrating 20 years.

Next, we were lead into the brewery.  Bruce (our guide) described the brewing processes as we toured the brewery.  We were not able to see the brew-house where the actually brewing process happens - the are doing modification/repairs in that location.

In the lower photo here, Bruce is explaining the bottling room and equipment.

The brewery also makes root beer and some other fruit "beers". The tour ended with the tasting room.  Over 10 of their brews were on tap for us to sample and enjoy.  They also had a bunch of pizza for the group.  Don't know if they do the pizza for all over their tours.  I was able to each enough pizza that I did not need to go out for dinner tonight.

I liked the Costo Bat Octoberfest  beer.  One of our group bought a case of one of their beers and put them in the cooler for others to sample.  i picked ip a couple this in the gift shop - post cards, t-shirt, and cap.  The cap has a bottle opened mounted on the bill of the cap!

Thanks for the great tour, Bruce.  Congratulations for 20 years to the founders and employes of the brewery.

An Orientational Day in Portland

With a full meal last night, I did not need a breakfast.  Had coffee and muffin in the hospitality room.  It was a day on our own.  Some when to Freeport to shop at LL Bean.  Another couple went to Kennebuckport to see the Bush's home.  Sam (our reunion host) took me on a tour of Portland. 

I wanted to the the Portland Head lighthouse (reported to be the most photographed lighthouse in the country and perhaps the world).  At the same location are the ruins of Fort Williams.  The tour continued to a couple other lighthouse in South Portland.

Sam took me to the Maine Military Museum, a private en devour.  He was  interested in my feeling about suggesting the place to folks from the reunion.  It is an interesting museum - artifacts from Spanish & American War to Afghanistan.  All donated, nothing purchased.  The owner/curator could describe each piece, who gate it to him, and the history of the piece.

From the tour, I was able to identify a couple places I could ride.  Unfortunately, all of the trails are paved - I was told it is about 30 minute drive to get to some wide singletrack.

Stopped for some lunch (I sprung for lunch - least I could do for the private tour!)  Finished up with a tour around the Portland peninsula. By the time we returned, I was getting time for the group heading for dinner.  I did not need any more food, to wet up to the room and processed my photos for the tour.

It was also the day to get my blood draw.  Orders had been faxed from the doctor's office.  The hotel van took me to a local hospital for the draw.

When the groups (there were now 2 groups out for dinner) returned, chatting with the guys and gals.  Took some photos of the attendees, and called it a night. 

Upper photos is if the reunion banner.  Lower photo is ruins at Fort Willams

Arrived at the Reunion

With only about 50 miles to drive today, I soent some time touring the Portsmouth, NH area.  Drove coastal 1B.  Had driven that routh yesterday, but too much traffic.   Was great to not have someone right on my tail.

The upper photo here is of the Portsmouth VFW post.  I spent a lot of time at the post.  While living there, I climbed up to Sr. Vice Commander of the post. the same year. I was Seam Squirrel of the MOC Pup tent.  Traveled all around of the state of New Hampshire as State Public Relationship Officer.  Lots on memories.

Time to head North.  Stopped at the Maine Visitors Center.  Picked up a state map and some local information.  Wanted directions to Nubble Light - York ME.  Was able to find it.  Lots of folks at this location climbing the rocks and photograph the lighthouse.  Lower photo is of Nubble Light, York, ME

Arrived at the Portland hotel about 2pm.  Checked into the room.  My room is on the 4th floor, middle of the hall.  At least, had I been in the end of the hall, it could have shortened my walk to the car (elevators on both ends of the building).  As it is, have to trek through the lobby, up the elevator, and half way down the hall to my room.  At least the room is big enough that ! am not cramped with 2 bicycles in the room.

Sam, our host, was walking into the hotel.  Stopped to great him.  Another of our group and his wife were checking in at the hotel.  Met them and took my leave (I had one of my bikes with me to bring it up the elevator).  Finished moving into the room and checked in at the hospitality room and pick up my name badge. greeted Maggie and Joe (NY - don remember the name), The Longs were there.  Visited with Linda and Clark.

They and I were both looking for some food.  Menu at the hotel restaurant looks pretty good.  The hotel was offering a 15% discount at the restaurant.  It was a deal!  Went to pay my bill.  Linda told me it was their treat - for my birthday and thanks for what I do for the reunion.  I had no mentioned my birthday to the reunion host, but Facebook spilled the beans about my birthday this week.

Called it a early night.  Processed photos from the day and napped.  Had to go back down ot the car for my pill caddy.   Time to get some sleep.  Continental breakfast in the hospitality room starting 7:30.

Rainy Day Errands

Sure glad the roof repairs were completed Tuesday.  Yesterday was a wet, rainy day - most all of the day.  Good day to do errands in town.

Started with a hair cut (I was getting a bit shaggy).  Then stop by the paint store to tal about paint colors for house exterior.  The clerk there said they could match just about any color I wanted.

Next stop is the hospital.  Short visit with the Cardiac Rehab folks.  Wanted to show them the selected photos for the 2015 calendar.  Then it was to CVS photo department for passport photos.  My passport had expired last year.  Need it renewed or a new passport card if i want to drive through Canada during my trip to Portland, Maine.

While the photos were getting processed, stopped by the bike shop to visit.  Talked to Zach - asked him to proof my calendar - I had e-mails it to the shop account. Bacl the CVS to pick up my photos.

DAMN! Passport photos are a rip-off!  I could have taken them myself, but hearing all the hassles with size of the face in the photo, size of the photo, not to mention of printing and cutting to size, I decided to have CVS do them. 

Now, anywhere, you can get 4x6" prints for under 20 cents.  Passport photos are 2"x2".  But, they cost almost $12 each!  And we need to get 2 (government paperwork is confusing - some places in the web site I see 2 photos are needed, other places need 1).  Anyway, $24+ (including tax) is a bit high.

Starting on the Way Home

Sunday was the day to start towards home. Packed up the room and loaded the car (no small task). Took a break of loading the car for breakfast.

The hurricane on the East coast is causing problems for some of our group. Lost of airports on the East Coast are closed. Anyway, said my "Good-Bye"s and hit the road. First stop - Hoover Dam.

Had not been at Hoover Dam in over 15 years. New Visitor's Center, parking structure, and of course the new bridge. All kinds of security check-points. Did not want to go through the scanners with the camera, I just walked a part of the dam - enough for some photos.

Lake Meade is VERY low!. I had heard from someone in the reunion was that it was down 22", but it looks like 22 FEET low. Part of the drought in the country.

Was a little leery of driving over the new bridge - open heights and all. I was actually disappointed. The concrete guardrails were so high, you don't even know you are high in the air. Word is that you can wlk over onto the bridge, but what I saw, it means a BiG climb up steps to the observation area. My legs would never handle it.

Back on the road about 2/3 of the way from, the dam to Kingman, there was a sign for Visitor's Information. Not right on the highway, had to drive 4 miles into the town of Chloride. An old mining town, it is said to be the oldest continually functioning post office (and town) in Arizona.

Turned East on I-40. Was thinking of making Winslow, AZ. But i was just too tired. Lucky to make Flagstaff. Got a room and crashed. On to Albuquerque for a couple days.

Echo Company Banquet

The banquet was in the Bugsy Siegel Room (his old Penthouse Suite in the hotel). A large room, lots of space for us.

I set up at one end to take "mug shots". Had some problems with the old camera. Taking my photo another guy turned on the self-timer. Since i do not use the camera much, could not figure out how to turn it off. Even replacing the battery didn't do the trick. Started using the new camera.

The program was starting, so I had to abandon the mug shots. Figured out the problem and re-set the older camera during dinner.

I think I mentioned in another post, the banquet was costing $55 per person. The food sure was not worth it. My steak was very tough.

Made it through dinner and the program. I had asked the host a couple times for put a group photo on the program. He failed to do that. At the end of banquet I hollered asking everyone to stay put and line up for a group photo. It was talking to a wall. Did bet the "first timers" that were still in the hall to pose for a group photo.

I was livid. Gathered up my camera equipment and calendars (thanks to those that bought a calendar). Down to the room to calm down. Chatted a little over a beer in the hospitality room. Back to the room and crashed.

Photo above is if the banquet color guard from Nellis AFB.

Shooting Tournament

Slept in a bit since there was nothing I had to be up early for. Was able to get the golfing photos processed and posted on my web site. Had an early lunch in the Poolside Grill. Some of the more reasonable food in the hotel.

Friday was the annual shooting tournament. There were a dozen or so shooters and a few "observers". Out host was the Desert Hills Shooting Club. Their range is located in Boulder City. Not a trap/skeet shooter myself, but the shooters in the reunion gate the range high marks.

Once the shooters paid their fees, we all signed release forms and watched a safety video. I was there to take photos. We good group photos then Jim (one of the club members) drove me around the range so that I could get photos of every shooter.

More folks arriving during the evening. Lots of visiting and a few war storied. Ready for bed by 8pm. Did a little photo processing before going to sleep.

Golf Tournament

Busy day yesterday. Woke up early, so figured I'd get my blood draw. Found a near-by hospital. But, alas, they would not draw my blood - because I am out of state! Never head of that. Wait until after golf tournament and go to Quest Diagnostics. Was a Denny's across street from the hospital so had breakfast.

Off to the golf tournament. No, I was not golfing, just taking photos. There were 17 golfers for the reunion. Have been able to start publishing on the web site. Was a beautiful day out on the links of the Boulder Creek Golf Club.

After golf, stopped in Railroad Pass casino for lunch. Food here was a bit more reasonable compared to the Riviera where we are staying. Speaking about food prices -- When I got back they were collecting monies for the banquet. I almost choked when I got the price - $55! The most expensive banquet in the 8 years I have been attending the reunion.

Blood draw accomplished! Visited a bit in the hospitality room - more new folks arrived. Then had to take a nap. Got up enough to find out when the shooting tournament was scheduled. Then back to the room to sleep.

Reunion and a Bike Ride

Didn't do much in the morning. Breakfast buffet at the hotel with army buddies. Visited in the hospitality room. Today was the day the most folks are arriving.

HAD to get out for a bike ride. Headed to Boulder City to ride per bike shop suggested. Had some problems getting out of the Strip are - which streets go through, or goes under/over the strip and I-15. When I got to Boulder City had to stop at a gas station for direction to the bike trail parking.

Where I parked, I could ride down hill as far as I could see or up hill (where I could see for about 1/2 mile). Started down hill to see how steep the hill is. Steeper than it looks.

Decided to turn around and ride up. Did not want to ride up hill at the end of the ride to get back to the car. Topped the hill at about 1.5 miles from the car. Could have ridden on down the a casino - but did not want to climb back up. Photo above was taken while riding back downhill to the car. Interesting mile markers on the trail.

With a little research, I found out the trail I was on was the River Mountains Loop Trail. From the mile marker, I a thinking the mile 0 was at the Casino at Railroad Pass.

Guessing the hill was 4-7% grade. Most at or above the grade across the Bob Bridge (at max 4.9%). Legs were tired by the time i finished.

Back at the hospitality room for a whole. Looking for food. Buffet was $17 and more food than I wanted. Same with the pub in the hotel. Checked another restaurant on the strip - almost as much $$ than the buffet. Ended up at Denny's - chick-fried steak, fries, and salad. Just about that I needed.

More of the group arrived. Visited for a while. All were getting tired - early "get-up" to shoot the golf tournament.

Long Day on the Road.

Got a early start on my drive - about 1:30. Stopped at Wally-World for a couple things. Was getting close to breakfast time as I neared North Platte.

Since there was a Denny's at the Flying J, I pulled in there. Wanted to do some surfing in the tablet while waiting for my meal. Tried to log in, and was met with "Make an Account". Asked what I need to log in, I was told that they do not have Wi-Fi. There's Wi-Fi at Flying J, but there is a charge. I thought that all Denny's have free Wi-Fi. I registered my complaint. Since I had already ordered food, I was stuck. Had I known, I would have stopped at the Village Inn! Will be writing a letter to the manager to complain. With the problems at the Denny's in Ogalalla (beck in May) it looks like its time to stop eating at Denny's.

Needed to use the rest room as I crossed into Colorado. Checked on when the Information Booth would open - just 10 minutes. Walked back to the car (it was getting too cold and windy to sit outside). I saw some money on the pavement at my car door. Two 5's. Not, I did not have folded 5's in my pocket, i realized it was found money.

It was 43 when I headed out from home. As i climbed toward Denver, the temperature kept dropping. Finally, the sun came up and the temp started climbing. By the time I got to Denver, it was in the mid 60s.

Knew I would likely run into some rain. It started at the Eisenhower Tunnel. Drizzled off and on until I hot Vail Pass. There, I was hit with a deluge. The road was a river. At Eagle, it looked like it might clear off. As I drove down Glenwood Canyon, the clouds got darker.

Except for the rain, it was a beautiful drive down Glenwood Canyon. The Aspen were changing color. Besides I-70, the Colorado River, a railroad track, and bicycle path wind through the canyon. Almost made me want to find a place to park and explore on bicycle.

Got off the interstate and started looking for my hotel. After a couple wrong turns, I found the hotel. The hotel is along the Colorado River. One of Glenwood Springs bicycle trails runs between the river and the hotel (see photo).

Once I got settle in the room, it was time for some food. A friend on fine had suggested the Italian Underground. I did not see beer on their menu and i was in the mood for a local brew and a burger. The Chamber's tourist Trail & Street map (got it from the hotel desk clerk) had an ad for Double Dog Pub. Checked out their web site and opted to head that way.

Eric (a transplanted cyclist) suggested a local brew by Rifle Brewing Company - either an Amber or IPA. I selected the Amber (Anvil Point Amber). Great brew, burger, and kettle chips. BTW - Eric usually rides his nw CX bike to work at the pub.

Would have liked to go downtown to take some photos. But with the rain and being too tired, I just returned to my room. Speaking of the room, I used rewards points for the room (some about to expired this year). They gave me a suite - large room with king bed, fridge, microwave, eating table, desk, and lots of cupboards. View of the Colorado River, though had to settle for a second floor room.

Now that I have checked my mail, scanned fb, and wrote this blog posting - its bed time!