Tripping Through Life

On the day we were leaving CO Springs, they had the first day of the 2009 Colorado Balloon Classic, with (reportedly) 100 hot air balloons to be set up and launched.  We went over to the park at sunrise, and only one balloon was inflated at that time, which made for some really nice photos.  We had had a week of clear skies while we were in the Springs, but this day was cloudy, and perhaps a bit windy, as the balloons didn’t launch (at least not while we were there).  We left a bit after 8 a.m., with many balloons inflated on the ground at that time.

While leaving Denver two days later, we drove south through CO Springs and saw that the balloons had launched that day.  We could see them towards the south end of the city.  We were looking towards the sun so we could not see them clearly, but it was exciting nonetheless.  Sure wish we could have seen them launch the day we were there!

While driving across western Texas on I-10, we saw a curtain of rain up ahead.  You could tell that it was moving south and that we would be driving through it very soon.  I was expecting some moderate to heavy rain for a short period, but nothing too severe.  As we got into it, the wind starting blowing very hard and had many gusts that were very strong.  We had RainX on the windows so I didn’t think we’d need the wipers, but as the rain got heavier we turned them on.  The wind was so strong that it was picking the wiper arms up away from the windshield.  The wiper blades were still on the window, though (sticking to the RainX??).  It was pretty freaky, and I was sure that the wiper arms would be torn off completely, so we turned the wipers off and just went with the RainX. With the high wind, it kept the windshield very clear.  Thank goodness that it didn’t last very long.  I was happy to be out of it, but of course, my hubby thought that it was great fun to go through!

While traveling, we were told of a stretch of I-10 in western Texas where the speed limit is 80.  That happened to be the way we were going, so yesterday we spent most of the day on I-10 in Texas, driving 80 mph.  At that speed, you don’t even feel the need to break the law and go even faster!  The miles melted away pretty quickly, and made a long trip a bit shorter.  We have heard about places where the speed limit is 80, but until yesterday, we had not been on one.  Of course, since you are traveling through country with almost nothing around, it makes things a bit safer.  The road was well-made and in great condition, so that made it even better.  Go Texas!  :o)

We went to check out the town of Vail today while we give our legs a rest before another hike tomorrow.  I was surprised by Vail, first because of how small the “town center” is, and second because of how beautiful it is.  It looks like an alpine village.  I loved looking at all the buildings, and all the flowers were overflowing their pots and baskets and were so colorful–and they had flowers everywhere.  We walked west to the LionsHead area where the Eagle Bahn Gondola is.   We may go up in that later in the week and hike down the mountain–maybe!  LionsHead is also very European looking and I walked around gazing at all the buildings–beautiful!  I’m not sure what the vacationers here do to keep busy in the summer, though, if they aren’t a hiker.  But it is beautiful…

We had to change our plans due to car worries, and drove straight from Missouri through Kansas to Avon, CO, and so not having a few days to work our way to the higher elevations and let our bodies adapt to it gradually.  I could really feel the effects of the altitude change while driving over the Continental Divide on I-70.  I guess the effects are enhanced because you are traveling so fast on the freeway.  Our poor 9-year-old car did very well going up the mountains!  When we arrived at the condo in Avon, we could still feel the effects of the high altitude:  dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle aches, joint pain, and tiredness; although all of these were only slightly felt. We were worried about being able to go hiking very soon, but the next day we felt quite a bit better, and took a walk around Avon and down along the Eagle River. After 2 nights of good sleep, we decided we could tackle some hiking and headed out to the Upper Piney Lake Trail, north of Vail, CO.

We ate the other day at Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ near the intersection I-35 and Loop 1604. When you pull in at first all you notice are the gas pumps in the front. Then you get out of your car and smell the wood smoke from the cooker–that always smells good. They have a small store inside with drinks and ice cream, and lots of tables for the hungry people who frequent this “restaurant” probably very frequently.
We got their baby back ribs, which had a dry rub on them and it was pretty spicy. I’d have to say (in my opinion) that these ribs weren’t nearly as good as Corky’s in Gatlinburg. However, they had great creamed corn (yum!) and potato salad and they gave us a sample of their sausage, which was very good also. I may have to try the brisket next time . . . They love the military there and came around to thank everyone in our group for their service to our country. And, they offer a nice military discount. A definite thumbs-up to Rudy’s!

I forgot to mention the great baby back ribs we had while eating at Corky’s in Gatlinburg. They were really friendly there, and I guess they are known for their ribs. They were yummy, and that’s saying something as I am pretty picky about ribs. I definitely recommend them. The pork sandwich on the other hand, was only so-so. Go with the ribs!

We are having a nice time in Texas. Everyone we have come in contact with has been so nice. I’m starting to like it here! Well, I should amend that to say that we have been in the San Antonio area this whole time. We’ll check out the big city of Arlington/Dallas next week and see how they measure up!

We went to the Alamo yesterday. We haven’t been there in, I don’t know, maybe 23 years or more. I remember it being a very small place and thinking, “is this all there is?” But they have a gift shop with some displays, a museum built into one wall, and a very nice garden area behind the church, the only building left of the original mission and fort. It was a very nice visit (and very cool inside the building!).

We are back in San Antonio. It will soon be our home away from home! We had a bit of rain while driving in from Texarkana, but it was really nice here in S.A. yesterday. I am afraid it will be hot and humid the rest of the stay. But that would be the “normal” San Antonio for me, not that we have spent that much time here . . . :o)