Day three – Grand Junction to Fort Collins

Today is an easy drive, I chose to come south and go through the I70 as I love the Rockies and at this time of year the Aspens are just starting to turn. It was a spectacular day, sunshine and cool, the light bounced off the rocks and trees and the colors were majestic. I stopped in Glenwood Springs again to try and find breakfast but the one place that was open had a 40 minute wait – where do all these people come from!! So i walked back to the car and noticed I was outside a rock shop – I wandered in and started chatting with the owner thinking there must have been a reason for me to have stopped there since it wasn’t for breakfast. She offered me a “Gratitude Rock” and was very happy when I knew what one was. Unfortunately it is dangerous to stop on the I70 and the traffic was heavy so I grabbed a couple of shots where I could and just marveled in the sights and the wonderful twists and turns. I love driving a real road. By the timeI got to Idaho Springs I had been in nose to tail traffic for more than 20 miles. I grabbed the chance to get off the highway and headed up to Central City. They have done such a wonderful job of retaining its character it feels like a real old west town. The bar was original and those are dollar bills in the ceiling. I started playing with the gratitude rock in my pocket and decided since I couldn’t find any food I would play my $20 on the slot machines. I won $400!!! – And I was very very grateful – I cashed out and hit the road again for Fort Collins and my very good friends who had dinner waiting for me – again so much to be grateful for. \