I woke up this morning feeling well rested and ready to go!! I packed up my Dragon Slayer and returned the key. The lady who works/lives at the campground came to clean my room. She doesn’t know me very well, you wouldn’t even know I was there!! She said to me to stop in Salinas for gas as that was the last stop for a long time. I thanked her for her advice and she said, “Us girls, we gotta stick together. Not that I would be brave enough to do what you are doing.” I use to feel that way also!! I was too afraid to live life. Now, I embrace each moment and squeeze all that I can from it!! I put my bling helmet on and she looked at me, “You look like a girl alright.” I laughed, waved and took off.
I learned a few things so far… pack lighter, pack things in the order that you will need them, pack a towel and feather sleeping bags will pack into smaller spaces!! I also need to allow myself more time in the morning!! It’s a lot of work packing the bike and I have to adjust things as I go because I’m still learning what works.
I stopped at the gas station to check my Dragon Slayer’s lights, tires and oil. Two couples approached me and asked if they had to wear a helmet in this state. I pulled out my HOG guide and told them no!! They got so excited. They told me they were riding from Nova Scotia to Arizona!! I wished them luck and one man told me to watch out for the large grasshoppers!! He turned to me and said, “Being the expert biker, what advice can you give us?” I looked at him and started to laugh, “This is my first trek!!” “Really?? Wow!!” The look of surprise on his face was priceless!! We shook hands and off we went!!
As I turned East on I70, I was filled with exciting terror!! That feeling you get when you are going to ride a scary roller coaster for the first time!! I can’t believe I’m doing this!!
At one point, I felt like no matter how far I went, Denver just kept getting farther away. I was tired and it was getting late again. I’m doing something wrong because I keep getting in too late. My head started to say things to me and my feelings were overwhelming. I started to cry and felt like, I just can’t do this. Just about that time, a little girl in a red truck turned and waved at me from the back window. I started to laugh and felt better. I then passed the Welcome to Colorado sign and I was reminded of taking Traci to college. I didn’t think that was possible either!! Well, if she could go to college, then I could do this trip!!
I looked towards the mountains to the west, the layers of red are beautiful!! Fingers of snow are barely at the top. Everything is so amazing!! I noticed the sky was turning darker and I pulled off the road to put on my rain suit!! As I got back on the road, the clouds opened up and drenched me!! I sure was glad I listened to my instincts!! I got to ride through two more rain pours!! I also got to see two beautiful, side by side, rainbows!! God saying, things are just fine, Girl!! I wonder if it is possible to see three rainbows at the same time??
When I finally arrived at Brian’s house, Traci’s boyfriend, I was grateful for the big hug he gave me. I walked into the house, tired and hungry and he had food already waiting for me!! Sweet boy!! I left some items at his house to lighten my load!! He will ship them back to me!!
I laid my head down that night, grateful for the comfortable bed to sleep in!!
Sweet dreams my Dragon Slayer!! I will visit you there!!
