Road Trip - June & July 2021 - Part One
It will come to no surprise that I am on another road trip adventure. While I was planning my trip several friends inquired if I would be posting on my blog. My typical answer was something like-if there is something of interest I will post. Well my very first day proved to be very interesting!
My route for the first few days included state highways, small towns and an abundance of natural scenery. Buckle up!
As I headed Northeast out of Arizona I passed through our beautiful SW landscape. Gorgeous scenes create an almost sensory overload of red rocks and blue, cloudless skies. I have posted many photos of my state so I have decided to start this post with travel through Colorado.
Let's start with Mancos, CO. Authors frequently mention starting a story with something that grabs the attention of readers. Well, Mancos grabbed my attention in so many ways and I hope it will also entice you.
As I have done so many times on so many road trips I took the roads less traveled and stopped in Mancos. After hours of driving an espresso sign definitely caught my attention. As I pulled in alongside the coffee shop I noticed a dirt path with a sign for Fenceline Cider. The path began with a footbridge over the Mancos River. Did I mention the Mancos Public Library was also down this path? A beautiful day, a coffee shop, library and cider taproom, well all this made me consider moving to this Colorado town. First I will share some photos of the footbridge and library. I am saving the best for last!
A display of local authors!
Checkout a bike lock-genius!
Seed "library" - a gardener's dream!
The dirt path I mentioned had that intriguing sign pointing the way to a cider tasting room. Before I ventured down the path I walked a few feet on Grand Avenue and discovered a mural depicting a historic printing process.
As I walked in front of this building I found a store front and through the windows I could see huge printing machines. I was fortunate to walk in and meet Wyatt who is very passionate about the history of printing.
The Mancos Common Press not only had working printing equipment but also artwork produced during a local artist in residence program.
I missed the
Mancos Burro Fest by one week. The two photos above show the printing process of this year's artwork.
When I asked Wyatt (pictured above) if he recommended the cider tasting room he insured me I would enjoy the stop. He proudly added that he and his father created the mural for the business. Well, what more did I need to hear? Off I went to that dirt path I spotted!
Here is where the magical part of my day started. I peered through the glass door into the cider processing room. I even took a photo through the window - pictured above. My parents and my paternal grandfather made homemade hard cider. The basement of my childhood home had a cider room filled with wooden barrels of cider aging to perfection. Learning how Fenceline Cider might be similar to my family's cider making tradition fascinated me.
Moments after I took the photo through the window, I was asked if I would like a tour of the plant. Absolutely! My private tour was conducted by two of the owners. This lovely couple welcomed me like an old friend and treated me to a glass of cider (Thunderbolt) and a few souvenirs. My most treasured souvenir of this day will be my memories of chatting and making friends in Mancos, Colorado. And all because I took roads less traveled and walked down a dirt path!
My tour guides!
This scene reminded me of my childhood-Fenceline uses these bourbon barrels to age some of their ciders.
All their labels are created by local artists and birds are featured.
Enjoying conversation, cider, and new friendships next to the Mancos River!
A vending machine offering local art for purchase. Mancos may be a small town but it has a wealth of creative ideas that promote all artistic expression. I met two of what must be many creative minded residents who are advocates for their town.
My Mancos visit gave me a lot to ponder as I made my way east through Colorado. It was a very special day. Some of the scenery I enjoyed as I ventured east is posted below.
Sometimes opportunity presents itself right there on the side of a state highway. I think I was still in Colorado-yes I am sure it was Colorado somewhere west of La Junta! I initially drove past Kaleb and his roadside business but quickly made a u-turn because I had to learn more.
Kalab and his Rollin' Bones Antler Broker Business
A roadside chat and I learned that Kaleb had been on the road since February (this was mid June) and was an antler buyer. An antler hunter was speaking with him when I arrived. An antler hunter! The antlers are "shed" by the animal (mostly elk) or they are removed from animals who are part of a "hunting ranch". Kaleb assured me that removing antlers does not harm the animal. A bull on a hunting ranch that has huge antlers (like those in front of the trailer) may injury himself or members of the herd. I may not agree with a hunting ranch concept but I am open to learning from these experts. Kaleb also told me that antler hunting has a season-much like a hunting season. If antler hunters go out too early they could stress the animals and push them away from the environment they need for food and water. I knew we had elk in Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon but Kaleb told me there are elk as far south as Cottonwood. I wish I would have had homemade cookies for Kaleb. He was missing home (Albuquerque) and was happy he was on his way back. I need to remember to pack homemade treats next time!
We discussed our travels and areas of Colorado we had both visited. One of Kaleb's comments really struck me. He told me the people we meet in these rural areas are "good people". Guess what, Kaleb you are one of those "good people", too!
The last several days of my road trip took me across Colorado, Kansas, a bit of Missouri and Iowa. Below are some photos I would like to share. A little research will provide a lot more information. Here are some starting points;
Ralph absolutely loves his community and his volunteer position. What a treasure to have him greet everyone at the Colby, Kansas Visitor's Center!
Book Bike at local market. One side offered books for checkout the other side offered free books!
Tomorrow I will be in Minneapolis then on to Wisconsin. This evening I am enjoying a charming Airbnb in Urbandale, Iowa. The backyard has access to a walking path along a creek.
I am sharing the path! I will post again if anything interesting happens as I continue my journey! 😉
One of the joys of travel is visiting new towns and meeting new people.
~Genghis Khan
