Cheyenne, WY (USA)

This week, I was scheduled for a trip for recurrent simulator training - for the first time, it was in Denver!  I started early this morning and Nicky dropped me off at the DFW Airport at around 0645.  My American Airlines flight was scheduled for a 0900 departure and I made good time through TSA.  I got on the aircraft easily (it wasn't very crowded) and we took off on time. Sat next to a guy (GM truck builder from Fort Wayne, IN) who was on his way to the Black Hills and Yellowstone. Talked to him nearly all the way and told him a little about our family trip to South Dakota. He and his buddy were going all out - wilderness camping and fishing. Sounded fun... Arrived in Denver at around 1100L and made an attempt to check into my hotel early (that had always worked in St. Louis...).  After calling the Embassy Suites and learning I couldn't (dang), I waited for a LONG time to get a shuttle that would take me to pick up my rental car (Budget).  Even worse, the check-in took FOREVER!  During this time, I saw the first evidence (lots of teenage girls in softball uniforms everywhere) that something big was going on in town.  I guess there was some kind of tournament scheduled this week... After finally feeling ready to leave the airport (after noon), I called Joy to see if she was around (no luck). Weather was great so I decided to head north to Cheyenne - it might be my only chance this week... Took I-70 and I-76 to I-25. Had lunch (BK) near Johnstown and then continued into Wyoming. After spotting the State Capitol building, drove towards it until I was able to park near the historic train depot. Figured out I had just missed an Irish Music Festival (ended this morning!). Spoke with a lady at the visitor's center - she said the town was great and that most people still know each other. She told me about how her dad had interactions with Dick Cheney in the 1970s and 1980s. Seems like this capital isn't too big - all the politicians look and act like everyone else. Picked up a cowboy hat at the Boot Barn on Capitol Avenue and then drove around a little bit - I like the town (bet it is cold, though!). Joy called and said we should get together for dinner - sounded good. Took some back roads as I drove south again - off road at Terry Farm (buffalo ranch). Saw interesting rock formations and kids shooting off fireworks (Black Cat dealer nearby). Back on I-25 until CO-14 (sign for Colorado State University beckoned). Drove through Fort Collins and south on US-287. Towns of Loveland and Longmont were interesting - started to see some good mountain views. Took CO-119 to Boulder and explored the University of Colorado campus - great stone work on all buildings! Took US-36 back towards Denver and stopped in Westminster to eat with Joy, Kenny and Alex (1800L). It was a nice visit - lots of great food.  After saying goodbye to them, I drove the Embassy Suites (arrived at 2015L) via US-36, I-76 and I-70. After checking in and getting unpacked/organized, I went to bed at around 2200L.  What a day!