Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...and Bikes too!

There is a certain solemnity to riding a train through the countryside. My car is only one quarter full, so it is easy to forget that other people are with me on this journey. As you know, I jumped on the opportunity to get off the bike again and ride the rails instead. What I did not mention is why. There are two reason for this. The first is simple; this became more than a bicycle trip a long time ago. Since I first rented the car in Kentucky I have been on a plane, a bus, and a car. In San Francisco, I will take a ferry across the bay so the only mode of transport left out would have been a train (And we couldn't have that). The second reason is what made this part of the journey essential. Due to track work between Denver and Salt Lake City, Amtrak has diverted service onto track owned by the Union-Pacific Railroad. That in itself is not cause for excitement, that is until I found out that some of this route is updaed track from the original Transcontinental Railroad. On this trip where I have envisioned myself in the shoes and saddles of the pioneers of old, how could I pass up the opportunity to once again travel their path. As for the journey itself, it was a rather uneventful twelve hour trip. However, if you have the time I would definately recommend taking a train journey at some point. Now I am in Salt Lake City and trying to plan my day, so I will fill you all in later. Until then....

I have a magic trick for you.....

I have learned how to be in four places at once. No joke, and I can repeat the trick any time I want....anytime I want to drive to the southwest corner of Colorado (SE UT, NE AZ, or NW NM). After Mom and I left the Four Corners Park, we drove to the Valley of the Gods, and it was well worth the 30 minute detour. The weather has carved sculptures so fine they make Rodin look like a hobo. While driving down the sixteen mile dirt road Mom and I took in some views that my words will do little justice to, so I think a few pictures are in order.










After leaving the park, we drove to Grand Junction, CO where upon pulling into the hotel we took a screw in the tire. After calling AAA and Dollar Rental Car (Who suck by the way, NEVER use them) we now have a flat tire in the trunk and a doughnut on the wheel. Tomorrow morning, on to Wal-mart to get the original tire patched and then on to Denver. Until then.....