Nomad Life - Day 365

It's the weekend!  This morning, I woke up at 0645 and spent some time reading, working on puzzles and completing Duolingo exercises.  At 0745, I went to breakfast in the lobby of the Best Western Motor Manor (Monte Vista). The day was sunny and cool (39 F) and there was water everywhere - it must have rained overnight.  I was pleasantly surprised by the very good spread at the breakfast and I got my fill.  At the time, however, I didn't realize there was a fitness center in that building - I would have loved to have gotten a workout...  After getting back to my room, I did some blog catch-up and then packed up my car.  At 1015, I departed Monte Vista (7643 feet), using US-160 to pass through the town into the rural part of San Luis Valley.  Shortly after that (1030), I entered Alamosa County and passed through the town of Alamosa.  Almost everywhere, I saw electronic signs that warned about heavy rain and snow coming to the on Sunday - after what I'd heard the previous day, the poor folks living in this area definitely can't afford any more precipitation in the near future.  At 1055, I stopped at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and soon found some hiking trails.  The weather was great (sunny and 50s) and I was pleased to see that I had easy access to the Rio Grande River.  The trail surface was muddy (it was amazing to see my boots getting so caked) in places but I was able to get a full mile away from my car before I decided I needed to stop slogging.  By then, I'd found an amazing amount of birds, including what I can only assume were nesting sandhill cranes (cooing in the tall grasses).  It was quiet and the breeze wasn't too bad and I was glad to get this exercise before continuing my drive.  In the distance, I could see the Great Sand Dunes (see AUG 2011) and several snow capped mountains.  After crossing a canal (on a rickety bridge), I walked back on the gravel "car tour" road and arrived at my car by 1200.  It took a while to clean off my boots...  After I was back in my car, I got back on US-160 and drove east across the wide open prairie.  By 1220, I'd reached Costilla County and thought the drive would be more "business as usual".  However, I was shocked to see speed cameras in the little towns of Blanca and Fort Garland (SMH).  Once I was past those hamlets, I found myself in the middle of nowhere, with the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Range visible to the north.  Along the highway, I saw tall wildlife fences.  Next, I climbed over an unnamed pass and, shortly after that, La Veta Pass (9413 feet) - these were the last high passes I had to cross in Colorado.  It's been an interesting transit over the Rockies this week!  At 1255, I passed through Huerfano County and started a long descent.  Along the way, I listened to College Football games (including ND versus Navy).  To the south, I could clearly see the Spanish Peaks.  The descent continued all the way until I entered the town of Walsenburg (1320).  Beyond I-25, I followed CO-10 towards the northeast.  For context, I should add that the temperatures had climbed to 68 F.  The drive from this point was filled with long, flat views with every little in the way of landmarks or terrain features from which to determine my location.  One exception was Lake Maria (six miles east of town), which was full of American White Pelicans when I passed (1330).  When I reached the border of Las Animas County (1345), I started to see lots of huge windmills.  Meanwhile, the road continued descending...  I passed into Pueblo County (1355) and started seeing a series of large ranches along the long, straight road (there were, however, some pointless ups and downs).  The best part of this drive, though, was that there was very little traffic. I was still trying to conserve fuel (and was doing a good job) as I made my way east across the seemingly endless prairie.  At 1405, I entered Otero County and could have reached my destination, La Junta, without further deviation.  Hoping to do some more birding, though, I turned north onto CO-167.  This decision gave me a clear view to the west and I could see the tops of the Rocky Mountains.  At about this time, Erin called and we talked while I continued north into the town of Fowler (4341 feet) at 1430.  Using US-50 and then rejoining CO-167, which I used to drive north across the Arkansas River.  This bridge gave me access to Crowley County (1435) and I was able to find a few bird species before turning south again after 10 minutes.  Back in Otero County, I followed CO-167 to the intersection with US-50 - from there, I headed east on a two lane that later became a four lane.  Along the way, I noticed several gas stations with prices under $4 - yay!  I reached La Junta (just above 4K feet in elevation) at 1515 and soon located the Mid-Town Motel five minutes later.  It was easy to check in and I was soon settled in my room.  However, I had an interest in attending Mass at the local Catholic Church so changed clothing and left the hotel at 1535.  While I was making my way west to Our Lady of Guadalupe (AKA St. Patrick's) Parish.  Along the way, I found myself walking on the Santa Fe Trail.  When I arrived at the church (1555), I took my seat just before the service began.  There were some interesting differences from what I've been seeing as I travel: they started with lots of prayers (Eucharistic Adoration) and did a LOT of singing.  The key point, though, was that the Priest gave a VERY long Homily (about how "we are all Holy").  As I've noted many times before, it has been a privilege to see the variety of the Order of the Mass used at each church I visit.  When the service was over (1700), I walked north towards US-50 and found a restaurant called The Asian Cafe.  They had a sign about their “Famous Chicken Teriyaki" and I decided to try that entree for my dinner.  Along with this delicious (and healthy!) food, I had a bowl of fried rice and a Hong Kong Steamed Bun (with pork inside; the real name was, apparently Char Siu Bau).  When I was finished eating (1740), I had a funny exchange with the server who told me I could grab a handful of fortune cookies (they kept a giant bucket near the entrance).  One of my fortunes said that I'd have a wonderful October - perhaps that was more of a "fulfilled fortune"...  Next, I continued exploring La Junta on foot.  First, I wandered through Auggie's Grocery, which I later learned had replaced a chair grocery store.  The prices seemed good and I liked the local flavor of the establishment.  I was tempted to buy a can of beer in the store but, instead, started looking for a pub/bar.  With this idea in mind, I stopped into BJs Sports Bar - sadly, I was NOT impressed with the selection of beers on tap.  Later, I passed by a place, Wild Roots Kava Company, that had lots of people wearing Halloween costumes.  Intrigued, I went inside and ended up in an interesting conversation with the patrons and staff about the benefits of Kava and Kratom.  I'll admit I was intrigued but didn't take the plunge...  However, with help from mellow customers, I learned there was another bar on the far eastern end of town: The Red Dog Saloon.  With the goal of getting the rest of my daily step goal (and finding a cold brew), I walked all the way there.  Just before I was about to go inside, however, I noticed another place, Boss Hogg's Saloon & Restaurant.  The sign on the building, as well as the "Dukes of Hazzard" reference, convinced me to cross the road.  Inside, I found the exact vibe (and craft beers) that I wanted.  Even better, I met some ranchers and retired railroad workers.  The bartender, Adrienne, was very nice and the beer prices were very reasonable.  Noting that there were some really great food options, I decided that I'd like to return the following nigh.  At 1930, however, it was time for the immediate night to end - I walked back to the motel.  Along the way, I could hear the loud sounds of lots of cows on the prairie.  In my room by 1945, I updated eBird with the extensive sightings I'd had today.  Beyond that, I watched movies until I was ready for bed (2330).  Sad to leave the Rockies behind but it's great to be in a brand new part of Colorado!