What a lovely day! Clear skies and sunshine--no rain, no wind, no hail, no storm warnings. Traveling is much more enjoyable under such favorable conditions.
We were stunned that the tornado system which missed us Tuesday night in southeastern OK swept into the south causing massive death and destruction. Being under a tornado warning was frightening; I can't imagine how terrifying being in a tornado must be.
We finished crossing the Northern Plains, from northwestern Kansas through northeastern Colorado, by lunch-time. I-70 is a good road with light traffic and gentle grades, gaining almost 3500' in elevation in about 240 miles. We saw lots of farmland, pastureland; grain elevators, hundreds of them, dominated the landscape. We also spotted a several patches of snow, a large cluster of immense wind turbines and very few trees and none which had leafed out.
The highlight of today's trip was my first glimpse of the Rockies. The snow-covered peaks shimmered in the distance, seeming to float between the horizon and the sky. Magnificent!
(They look just like the picture on the Coors label--honest.)
Thank you, electrical elves, for fixing the tail-light problem and getting the radio to work. We were completely unaware of your clandestine visit but we certainly appreciate your kindness!
Did you siphon off some of our gas in return? Just asking....
We're spending the night at a nicely-appointed KOA in Strasburg, 25 miles east of Denver. AND located right beside the railroad tracks near a crossing (= extensive whistle-blowing).
April 28, 2011
Strasburg, CO
Rockies in background
(look closely at horizon)
