We were able to stay off the Interstate for most of way between
Parachute and Glenwood Springs. While the smaller highways weave in
and out and up and down a lot more, we did not have to dodge the
usual debris that litters the interstate shoulders. Our friend, Mr.
Headwind was with us most of the way, but in tour terms it was a
short day, only forty-five miles.

Gail, Ken and I decided to pedal a few miles before eating
breakfast, so we stopped at Rifle and found a great breakfast
café. Bonnie, Susie and Martin had breakfast in Parachute. Rifle,
as well as New Castle, another little town we passed through, is a
quaint frontier town. Because they are still on the Colorado
Plateau, and not in the Rockies, they will probably stay that way
for years to come.

You can actually see the line where the Colorado Plateau and the
Rockies meet. At one point, the colour of the earth changes, the
lines of strata take on different angles, and you enter a canyon
surrounded by towering mountains. I particularly remember it,
because I was staring at the first mountain so much, I failed to
notice the "No Outlet" sign on the road I was continuing on,
which eventually dead ended over mile later right up against the
side of the first mountain.

We all checked into the Hot Springs Lodge in the early afternoon,
and availed ourselves to the medicinal properties of the hot
springs. Walter even bought a new swim suit for the occasion.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, is another lay over day. We will need to do some
serious soaking, because the next three days will most likely be the
toughest of the trip. It is at times like these that I begin to
think how lonely Walter must be in the van, and maybe I should be
less selfish and ride with him a day or two. On the next three days
we pass places like Eagle, Vail Pass and Loveland Pass.

But to date, we have pedaled 1,071 miles and climbed 58,644 feet.