Fall, Colorado, 2013--Trip home and final thoughts

We headed home very early Monday morning.  It is a long day's drive.  We do like to get this behind us.  We usually grab a hot cup of coffee from a nearby McDonald's before heading on down the road.  Need something to keep us awake so early in the morning.  We usually stop for breakfast a couple of hours down the road.  We also need to get into Lawrence before 6 pm to pick up our dog from the "dog hotel."

One of the disadvantages of driving east is that the sun comes up over the horizon quickly.  We both thought we were going blind.  We stopped for breakfast shortly after the sun hit us in the face. By the time we had our fast food breakfast, the sun was high enough to not be a bother the rest of the trip.

We were cruising east on I-70 without a care in the world.  There was a car sitting in the median in the far distance.  Not another car to be seen.  James, as usual, is driving in the passing lane.  He does love that lane.  Lo and behold, car is a Colorado state trooper.  Oh no.  James is going 4 mph over the speed limit.  That's not enough to get a speeding ticket.  Well, he does stop us.  He informed my husband that in the state of Colorado one does not drive in the passing lane except to pass.  (I think we knew that.)  Thank goodness, only a warning.  Consequently, James did not drive in the passing lane except to pass the rest of the way to Lawrence.  I personally think the trooper was bored and just wanted to stop and chat for a bit.  Guess I shouldn't complain.  No ticket.  Just a waste of our time.

I am getting better with the navigation system.  Nissan needs to do something with their estimated drive time, though.  When we left Fort Collins, it said it would take us 11 hours and 18 minutes which would have us arrive at 6:12 pm.  We pulled into our house at 4:45 pm.  An hour and 27 minutes less than the estimate.  That is driving time.  Our 4:45 arrival time also included 2 stops to eat, 2 stops to purchase gasoline, and several stops to take advantage of roadside rest areas.  I am guessing another hour off of the original drive time.  That is basically ridiculous.  Our portable Garmin has a much closer estimate.  Nissan must think we are going to have a car problem every time we take to the road.

All in all it was a great trip.  I look forward to visiting my sister and her husband again in the next couple of years.  I certainly would like to see the inside of the Air Force Academy Chapel.  We have also talked about driving up to Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Thank goodness we didn't head that way this trip.

Fall, Colorado, 2013--Shopping in Fort Collins

We had a delightful day in Fort Collins.  Started off with a delicious breakfast prepared by my sister. We then slowly got ready to go to the Old Town Square in downtown Fort Collins. Stopped on the way at Jax. This is a sporting goods store similar to Dick's, Cabela's, and Bass Pro.  Then again, totally different. Jax is a Fort Collins store but you cannot believe the size of this place. There is even more than one building.

From there we traveled downtown.  In ways, downtown Fort Collins reminds me of downtown Lawrence, Kansas.  Many different boutique stores.  Also, a wide selection of restaurants representing many types of foods. We chose to eat at Cooper Smith's Pub & Brewing.

After lunch, we wandered around Old Town Square.  The advantage of this over Lawrence is that there are no cars in this area.  The photo below is in Old Town Square.

When finished here, we wandered through downtown on the walk back to our vehicle.  

This is my last post from Colorado.  I will make one more post with final thoughts in a few days.

Fall, Colorado, 2013--Manitou Springs

We stayed at a most delightful bed and breakfast in Manitou Springs.  I would definitely recommend the Blue Skies Inn to anyone that wants a wonderful experience.  The owner Sally is most friendly as well as helpful with anything you want to know.  She has basically built the inn herself with a bit of help.  Very artistic, down to the tiles that she has handpainted.  They bring your breakfast to your room in a lovely basket.  You have the choice of either 8:30 or 9. The breakfast is very filling and would also satisfy any vegetarians who stay here.  I am going to post a few of the photos I took as well as a link to the rooms that are available to the guests.

Blue Skies Inn Suite Index

We checked out about 10 and headed to downtown Manitou Springs.  Had a great time visiting many of the shops and boutiques.  I even made a few purchases which is so very unusual.  When finished shopping here, we climbed into Don's pickup and headed over to Old Colorado City.  I didn't even know this existed until we were visiting with Penny and Don.  This is also a very unique place to shop.  We started with lunch, though, at La Baguette French Bakery-Cafe.  Lunch was delicious.  I had a ham and swiss baguette while James had a most delicious-looking cheese and fruit platter served with a French bun.  

La Baguette French Bakery-Cafe

When lunch was done, we headed to a few of the very unique shops located in Old Colorado City. We were then off to the Garden of the Gods.

One can see photos of the Garden of the Gods but when you are there in person it is a spectacular sight.  We first went to the Visitor Center where we watched a 14 minute film on the creation of these rocks.  Very helpful.  We then loaded into the pickup to drive thru the Garden before heading back to Fort Collins.

Garden of the Gods

We had thought the drive down to the Colorado Springs area wasn't very pleasant due to the rain/snow mixture that was falling until we went over Monument Hill.  Well, it was worse coming home due to the high volume of traffic.  I know that Don had to be glad when we turned off I-25 to head west into Fort Collins.  I was.

Fall, Colorado, 2013--Colorado Springs

We left Fort Collins in a drizzly, very light snow mix about 11 am.  Traveled south thru Denver on our way to Colorado Springs.  Snow got heavier until we drove over Monument Hill where the snow stopped and the sun came out.  I know we are in Colorado but it is a bit early for snow.

Although it was cold and windy, the rest of the day was great.  The first place we visited was the Air Force Academy.  As we entered the gate, the guard told us that we were welcome to come in, walk around, and take as many photos as we wanted.  Unfortunately, the visitor center and the chapel were closed due to the government shutdown.  Major let down.  We then saw other tourists entering the visitor center.  It was open.  Yay!  The theatre which showed a film about the academy was closed but the rest of the center was open.  Very interesting.  We then took a short trail to see the chapel.  The chapel was closed.  I am sorry we didn't see the interior as I have heard many things about it.  But it is an awesome architectural building and I am so glad we were able to view it in person.  We then drove over to the Falcon Club for lunch and by the stadium before heading to the U.S. Olympic Center.

My favorite spot of the day was the Olympic Center.  It is a very nice facility for our athletes. There are quite a few sports that train here including men's gymnastics, wrestling, shooting, and weight lifting.  They do not train the women gymnasts because many are under 16 years of age. One must be 16 to train at the center.  There are many other sports in which they are privately trained.  In fact, I was surprised at how many.  We saw several athletes busy training.  

We then checked into our bed and breakfast.  Headed to supper at Crystal Park Cantina.  Mexican food and very good.  The place was packed.  That always says something about a restaurant.

Fall, Colorado, 2013--On the road to Fort Collins

Thursday morning we left Goodland and headed to Fort Collins.  I must admit that the road across eastern Colorado is not better than western Kansas.  Long and straight.  That is until you begin to see those beautiful rocky mountains.  Yesterday it was extremely clear and we were able to see Pikes Peak long before we normally do.  As we traveled north from Limon towards Denver we could see the mountains the bulk of the trip.

We had decided in advance to stop in Loveland at their outlet mall.  Well, that was a mistake. The outlet mall is basically empty.  It does have a Skechers store.  Lots of choices but not what we were looking for.  We also ran into the Nike store.  We purchased absolutely nothing.  We ate our lunch at a nearby Cracker and Barrel.  These are always good.

We headed on to Fort Collins.  We stayed off the interstate.  It took us only 30 minutes but it was through rural areas.  Fields of corn waiting to be harvested.  Arrived at my sisters shortly after two.

Today, Friday, we are heading to Manitou Springs.  Don't know if many of you have been following the weather but we picked the very worst weekend to come to Colorado.  A big winter storm is passing through.  Most of this is to the north in Wyoming and Nebraska but it is going to be very cold.  The high today is supposed to be 45 with north winds as strong as 22 mph.  Bit cool.  I have a feeling we don't have enough warm wraps.

Let you know how the day went in the morning.

Fall, Colorado, 2013--Traveling through Kansas

To my surprise, our first day on the road was very interesting.  We left home around 11 am.  Wanted to be in Salina shortly after 1 to eat lunch.  We lived close to Salina for 33 years but never had one of the very famous Cozy Burgers from Cozy Inn in downtown Salina.  This is a very small restaurant that has been in operation for 22 years.  They only serve very small burgers, smothered in onions, chips, and a soda.  We each had 3 burgers plus a soda.  Remember, though, they make 16 burgers from one pound of hamburger.  Click below to read about the Cozy history.

Cozy Inn history

We used the outdoor window to order our lunch.

After our delicious burgers, we headed to the town of Lucas and their famous Garden of Eden.  This was built by S.P. Dinamore.  He created the cabin home as well as the Garden of Eden from 1907 to 1928.  To my surprise, it was very, very interesting.  Plus, I think I would have enjoyed knowing this man.  I would certainly recommend taking the guided tour.

History of the Garden of Eden

Naturally, we needed to use the facilities while we were in Lucas.  These people are very creative. They have built the following in their downtown area.  This is also another reason to stop by Lucas on your way through western Kansas.

I must also mention Kansas highway 232 which runs from I70 at the Wilson, Ks, exit to Lucas.  A very scenic route in Kansas.  Lots of limestone hills, limestone fence posts, and many views of Lake Wilson.  Would certainly certainly suggest you take your time driving through these hills.

Then we were off to Goodland, Kansas, and the Comfort Inn for the night.

Fall, Colorado, 2013

We decided it was time to hit the road again.  We are heading west to Colorado to visit my sister and her husband.  They live in Fort Collins, Colorado.  We have not been to see them since the fall of 2009.  They have been here several times since then.  Even though we have not been to their home, they have joined us in Frisco a couple of times.  It will be good to visit to their home again.

We are stopping in Goodland, Kansas, overnight on the way out.  Plan to do a little Kansas sightseeing on our way.  People say there's not much to see in Kansas.  Will let you know if our couple of stops were worthwhile.  Unfortunately, we usually get in the car and drive straight thru to our destination in Colorado.  The road is flat, long, and straight until we get through Denver.  It is easy to miss interesting sites along the way.

I actually have a couple of great references for sightseeing in Kansas.  One is The Kansas Guidebook by Marci Penner.  I received this as a retirement gift and we have used it several times.  Actually, it was great source for places in and around Lawrence.  My copy is 2005 so am sure some of the things listed are no longer there.

Another source for this trip was a Journeys magazine which is an AAA publication.  I used the July/August 2013 issue.  It covered roadside wonders along I-70.  We will be getting off of the interstate a couple of times tomorrow.

Enjoy our trip!

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Final Thoughts

I made some notes on the trip home.  I am basically posting these for myself but thought I would share.  Things I want to remember if I ever return to Door County.

To our surprise, Illinois and Wisconsin 4-lane roads including interstates had speed limits of only 65 mph.  The 2-lane roads could be anywhere from 40 to 55 mph.

In Wisconsin, there are many county roads which are lettered, i.e. CR Q.  These are paved and a nice way to travel the backroads.

We discovered you cannot drive the shorelines of the lakes.  Houses are next to the lakes.  Not thinking, we thought it would be similar to driving highway 1 in California where we actually followed the shoreline.  That has been many, many years ago so maybe that has changed as well.

In Iowa the 4-lanes are 65 mph but their interstates are 70 mph.

Our car is new and I have been learning how to use the navigation system.  We have had some issues but basically human error.  I am hoping that eventually I will remember to double check all the route options before starting to our destination.

The navigation system has some limits.  There are many times we enter unknown territory. Strange as our portable Garmin knows probably 90 percent of the roads we travel on to include county roads.  Also the 370Z navigation system only knows the speed limits on some major US highways.  The Garmin even knows that for many streets inside of Lawrence.  I certainly think that is something that Nissan needs to improve on.  That being side, the 370Z navigation system has many features that are better.  Just wish I could pick and choose the ones I want.

We started to see quilt blocks on barns.  I loved them.  I had read that people were putting these on their barns in some parts of the country.  They are fun to watch for and really liven up the scenery.  I have included a snapshot.  Tiny but took as we were driving down the road.

Oh, yes.  We have AT&T cell phones.  The service in Wisconsin was absolutely miserable. Door County was maybe the worst area.  Occasionally, a text message would come through the data service but I would bet that 80 percent of the time we would not have been able to make or receive a phone call.  Thank goodness the hotel we stayed in had a reliable wifi network.   

James was surprised at the very large number of classic, antique, and muscle cars we saw while in Door County.  There was going to be a car show in Egg Harbor but not until the weekend after we left.  We have no clue why all those beautiful cars were in the area.  

We discovered at our first stop on the way to Antioch that James left his keys in the house.  The 370Z has a keyless ignition and my key was in the car when he started it.  That made for an interesting trip as I was in charge of our only key.  Made me a bit nervous.

While traveling on I-80 on the trip home, we watched a plane spraying pesticide or fertilizer on the field right next to the highway.  Both of us thought it was very interesting.  That is until about a half mile down the road we discovered the car had been covered with the spray.  Fortunately, it washed right off.

Neither of us had a chigger or mosquito bite while we were gone.   I had read that the winters were told cold for chiggers but was quite surprised about the mosquitoes.  I think maybe we were just lucky with those.

Can't end without one last comment on the luggage.  We were surprised at how well they packed in the hatch area.  They were very spacious and allowed us to pack a few souvenirs on the way home.  Because of the awkward opening of the trapezoid pieces, they were difficult to pack.  I don't believe we would ever take these on a plane with us but sure were perfect in the hatch of the 370Z.

Our next trip will be in October.  Hope to see you then.

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Travel Day to House on the Rock

We are off to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to see The House on the Rock.  About a 4 hour drive.  Of course, it takes us 4 hours and 45 minutes to include a quick lunch at a Subway.

Walked downtown to The Bistro at Liberty Hall for breakfast.  I had checked out the menu in advance and thought I would try the scones which had a good review in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  I had an English toffee scone with yogurt and fruit on the side.  James chose the All-you-can eat breakfast which he couldn't eat all of it.  Funny, huh?

I have had trouble getting a good photo of my hubby.  This is at The Bistro.

We arrived at The House on the Rock about 3.  There are 3 different sections and we were told that each section takes about an hour.  Because The House closes at 6 we really felt like we would be rushing if we did all 3.  Chose to do sections 2 and 3 which did not include the house.  Actually, it was overwhelming there was so much to see.  It was hard to just take it all in and I don't think I could pick a favorite.  They did have many types of player instruments, i.e. player pianos although there were whole player orchestras.  I do not know how to explain it.  Just an unbelievable place to see.

The next two photos are on the drive into The House on the Rock.

This one is actually in the women's restroom.

I found this on the web.  Many photos from The House on the Rock.

http://www.pbase.com/ysic/the_house_on_the_rock

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, WIsconsin--Sightseeing day including lighthouses

Monday was a very interesting but frustrating day.  Door County just does not have things well marked and it was hard for us to find the locations that we had decided to visit.  That being said, it was a good day and we are both exhausted.

We started our day at the Village Cafe which is a couple of buildings away from our hotel.  We are on vacation so started with a mimosa.  James had oatmeal and I had a quiche.  Both came with fruit and a muffin.  Very tasty.  

We then headed to Ephraim to see our first lighthouse, Eagle Bluff.  This lighthouse was established in 1868 before there was water or electricity.  There is still no electricity.  Water was carried up steps on the 33 foot cliff before a well was dug.  The house is now maintained by the Door County Maritime Association and the light by the US Coast Guard.  The solar powered light sits approximately 76 feet above Geen Bay and can be seen for 16 miles.

Off to Ephraim and to the famous Wilson Family in Ephraim.  Everything I read said we needed to stop in for at least some ice cream.  We were glad to do that.  We both just had a single scoop.  I couldn't even eat all of mine.  What a waste on my part.

We then crossed the peninsula to the Lake Michigan side and the Cana Island Lighthouse.  This is near Bailey's Harbor.  The tower is 89 foot tall and can be seen for 18 miles.  Once again the house is maintained by the Door County Maritime Association and the light by the US Coast Guard.  This light is now powered by electricity.  We are able to climb the 89 step spiral staircase to the light and then out on the balcony.  It was raining and allowed one to understand how the ship captains may feel.

More sightseeing and souvenir purchases before heading to a Door County Fish Boil at the Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim.  This located about 20 minutes from our hotel.  James is not fond of fish but did like this Lake Michigan white fish.  The boil master told us it was a vegetarian fish as it eats no meat products but items such as seaweed. This diet makes it mild.  There is a huge pot over a wood fire.  First the potatoes, then the onions, followed by the fish.  The boil master throws some kerosene on during the last few minutes.  I would certainly recommend that one experience this tradition of Door County.

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Headed north to Egg Harbor

Sunday we traveled from Antioch to Door County.  It was a slow drive as we tried to follow the shore of Lake Michigan.  We had beautiful weather.  Very scenic along the shore and thru the towns.

You can see downtown Milwaukee in the distance.

Out the window from our table at Stone Harbor Pub and Restaurant in Sturgeon Bay

One of the highlights of the day was to see two drawbridges being raised over an inlet on Sturgeon Bay. Historic Michigan Street Bridge which we walked over.

Took this as we were walking over.

Newer bridge.  These two bridges are just a couple of streets apart.

Two photos below are at the Egg Harbor marina.  While on the pier of the marina, a woman caught some kind of small invasive fish (don't remember what it was called).  She threw it to a mink that was living in the rocks.  Mink loved it.  Saw it for just an instance, as it quickly returned to a cubby hole in the rocks.

Supper at the Shipwrecked Brew Pub.  Had some tasty seafood chowder and fried cheese curds.  The fried curds are a big thing in Door County.  Maybe all of Wisconsin.  Will probably find out.  They were very good.  Served with a garlic ketchup for dipping.

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Curnes/Smith Family Reunion

We had a couple of hours before we needed to arrive at the Curnes/Smith family picnic.  Antioch is 30 minutes east of Lake Michigan so drove over.  Other than the traffic construction that slowed us down and couldn't figure out how to get to the beach, it was a lovely couple of hours. One cannot drive up to the beach.  We parked then walked approximately 75 yards up a bluff before you could see the lake.  It was an awesome sight when we finally arrived.

After walking a bit, we decided to head to the lake house.  Not wanting to go back on the same route, we wandered north to Wisconsin then asked the GPS for the shortest route to the picnic. This kept us off of the 4-lane roads and on county roads of both states.  It was a beautiful drive. This time of year here is gorgeous.  Not sure I would want to be here in the winter but love now.

We arrived at the Curnes/Smith family picnic where they were once again honoring Rick Carey.  I was wanting to be here as we did not attend Rick's funeral in February.  I also wanted to see this important part of my daughter-in-law's life.  I am so glad that we came.  As one walks in from the street which is the back side of the house, they hand you an ear of roasted corn.  They dip this into melted butter that is sitting on the grill. Quite the custom in this area and very good.

Enjoy the snapshots from the picnic.  The house is located on the shore of Lake Marie.  we enjoyed meeting all the relatives and the delicious food that was provided.

Casey, James, Seth, and Louise on the lake side of the house.

Boat dock on Lake Marie side of house.

Zeke with a cross bow and arrow.

Mary Jane with her Uncle Rich

Mary Jane playing in pool with cousins.