Craig, CO to Steamboat Springs, CO
My fans woke me up this morning. What can I say, I’m just popular like that. Just kidding. I was rudely awakened by the cold sporadic breeze of a rotating metal fan that really didn’t seem that cold when I was sweating in my sleeping bag last night. We had scrambled eggs in spinach, buttery Pillsbury biscuits, and bacon that left me swine-ing for more, thanks to the large pot pan we snagged at Wal-mart yesterday. Today was only 38 miles. I cannot believe I’m describing it as ONLY 38 miles. What have I become??? As the team sprayed on the last bit of sunscreen I circled them on my bike humming the Jaws theme, much to their distaste, and we were off! Listening to a combination of podcasts (-ologies with Alie Ward and Ted Radio Hour), aggressive EDM, and an audiobook (I’m listening to The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas), the ride was quite pleasant as we rode along the Yampa river.
Asia’s dried sunflower, plucked fresh from the side of a highway a couple days ago, contrasted against Anna’s arm.
Maceo, Asia, Cole, and Anna’s flag slowly work their way up hills.
We got to our awesome Warmshowers hosts, Jenny and Sean Carey, at around noon and were treated to the creamiest Cookies ‘n Cream ice cream (hands down the best flavor), smoked salmon, and said TATA to our hunger with some delicious frittatas. They have a flirty dog-cat named Angelo, a wise dog named Jasmine, and another dog named Wade, who somehow always looks incredibly guilty. After 6 luxurious showers thanks to some heckin’ great water pressure, we set out to explore the town. Steamboat Springs is a cute ski town that gets some touristy action in both winter and summer. Anna went to explore the art festival as Sean enjoyed some good slacklining, Travis, Maceo, Cole, and I ventured into a ski shop that gave us some chapstick! We love moisturized lips!
Cole, Asia, and Maceo switch out their biking sunglasses for something a little different.
Sean enjoys the cowboy hats at F.M Light and Sons Co.
We tried on some sunglasses and walked by a couple stores before we discovered the majestic Yampa river. The rapid currents attracts lots of river tubers, boogie boarders, and, of course, exhausted bikers.
Maceo enjoys the sun after a dip in the river.
We cooled off with some river rapid boogie-ing, enjoyed some 3 for $10 happy hour tacos (SO GOOD) and headed off to a lovely dinner of elk, beef, and veggie burgers with our hosts. After dinner, Maceo, Sean, and Travis went to enjoy the hot springs while Cole, Anna, and I enjoyed a relaxing evening in.
Trav-jin enjoying the shade as his children splash in the river.
Cole and I tried to catch the wicked sunset by scrambling up a grassy hill only to be surprise dinner feasts for evil mosquitoes. I’m super excited to see what tomorrow’s kids are going to be like and I’m looking forward to a day of learning and sharing!
Not pictured: villainous mosquitoes.
Asia
A picture for Mom and Dad:
Two pigs, one picture.