Prelude to Alaska

The Rockies At Last

May 26, 2008
by floracycle

OK Kansas I get it.  Pastures, wheatfields, cows, small towns, feed lots, repeat.  Pastures, wheatfields, cows, small towns, feed lots repeat.  OK I get it I really do.  Droning along at 65 mph, the top end of comfortable cruising speed for a KLR it gets old after a day of it.  I am sure one could take some great photos in this state but for me they would be redundant besides I'm ready to trade this for some twisties. 

Somewhere on 160 I did find this interesting side note.  I'll call it a sign farm of sorts. Many of them had names like Laughing Wolf.  Others made politcal comments some of which were a little off color.

About 6pm I arrived in Manitou Springs, Colorado.  Apparently Hula Hoops are a big thing here.  Many vendors sell them and quite a few people using them.  I made about five passes through before selecting the Manitou Springs Inn, a Motel built in the 60's.  A pretty good deal for the location at $55. This is no Ritz Carlton but it is clean and somewhat charming.  I got the back room #109 which with the windows open you could hear the little creek running below.  Lukily there were no ongoing redneck beach parties.

I had dinner at the Stagecoach Inn.  The stuffed steak was good.  I would dine here again.

While walking off dinner around town I was attracted by the sound of music.  The music led me to the Mariner bar.  I went in and was pleased to see a very interesting group of people.  Dreadlocks are all the rage at the Mariner.  The band was Creating a Newsense.  I really enjoyed them and watching all the free spirits dancing to their licks.I left around 10:30 and snapped a couple of snapshots of the Mariner for this blog.  The first was with a flash.  It didn't turn out well but this will come into play later.  I proceeded back to my hotel and to call my wife and check in.  While talking to her I noticed a young man following me on the deserted streets of Manitou Springs.  He had nearly shoulder length, slightly unkept hair a sport coat, pants that were a bit short and converse tennis shoes.  While following me he carried a Hula Hoop which he didn't handle the classical way but rather like a mid-evil court jester handles a baton.  Quite noticeble indeed.  After crossing the street a number of times I put my wife on hold and asked,  "Sir do you need to talk to me?"  He replied, "Yes, we want to know why you are taking pictures of the club."  I told him about posting on this blog and he said cool and took off.  I'm sure the flash from across the street was unnerving but I meant now harm.

I made it to my room unscathed.  Tomorrow I'll head to Pike's Peak then to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.