KRATZMC

17 June 2008 Tuesday

US 109, Colorado on my way to La Hunta

Well today was a short run from Springfield Co to Pueblo, 172 miles. The temp was 64 degrees with rain looming when I left, so I had to put on my Aerostich again. I stopped to get some fuel in La Junta Co, which was a great ego boost. I was the best looking guy in town. And I thought Kansas had some ugly folks. I thought of a new bumper sticker “If you wanna feel good about yourself, go to La Hunta, Colorado”.

On my drive north on US-109, I kept seeing signs stating “My Ranch is Not for Sale to the Army”. I am not sure what that is about, other than the Army is looking to expand their maneuver training range in that area. I don’t know if they are strong arming the ranchers or not. I questioned an ugly guy in La Junta but of course he had no idea. Why is it when ever you ask a local for directions or advice, you always get the town idiot? If you get curious, the website for more info is located on the bottom of the sign.

NOT FOR SALE sign about every 10 miles on US-109

I got to Pueblo at about 1030 hrs where it’s 85 degrees and is the opposite of La Junta. There are some pretty folks here. I stopped at the Starbucks off of I-25 to locate a hotel as the Best Western was booked and so are many of the other hotels. I got a suite at the La Quinta for $139 a night, one of the last two rooms left. Note to self, when stopping in Pueblo, make advanced reservations. Problem is I can’t check in until 3 pm. What a rip off, you pay for a day and only can have the room from 21 hrs.

I was able to call Walgreens to get a prescription refilled. I have love dealing with them as I travel a lot and there is usually a Walgreens in every city, so it makes getting a refill in the middle of your travels fairly easy. Oops! Paul showed up, be back later.

Fast Forward. It was great seeing Paul and his Daughter Serena. Paul is in Pueblo for a family wedding and he looks really excited about it….. Anyway, I threw my stuff in the trunk of his rental car and we went from the Starbucks to the Air Museum. The Museum is located about 5 miles east of Pueblo on US 50. It is a great museum and had some of the best collections of Military aviation per sq ft than any I have seen so far. To keep from making this Post a mile long, I created a page just for the Museum, so if you want a short virtual trip click here: PUEBLO AIR MUSEUM

We preceded the Museum with lunch at the Airport Cafe. One of Zeke’s travel tips: When traveling, try dining at a general aviation airport Restaurant for lunch. There are unique things to see. Don’t eat at chain restaurants while on the road, otherwise just stay at home. You will find some hidden food treasures at a small airport Cafe and there is always an old timer willing to tell you an interesting story. Two others I can recommend are the Silver Wings Cafe in Gilroy, Ca and the Hanger Cafe in Yerrington, Nv has a great Chicken Salad and the best Cole Slaw I’ve ever had (honey is the secret ingredient).

Paul Dejoy and his daughter Serena

We got there after the lunch rush. The daily special was a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich.

Signs will guide you to the Museum from US-50

After a pleasant visit at the Museum, Paul dropped me off at the La Quinta and I checked in while he took Serena horseback riding. He picked me back up at 1800 hrs and we went to DJ’s Steakhouse, which looked like and old time local favorite and it was excellent with unique foods. I got primed with a couple of Bloody Mary’s which were nothing special but since I wasn’t driving, so I didn’t care much.

We started off with Rocky Mtn Oysters, which were the best I’ve ever had. Cut into strips and fried in seasoned batter, Paul and I wolfed down them testicular treats. Serena ordered the Elk Steak which was cut into filets, wrapped in bacon and grilled. I sampled the Elk Steak which was no different in taste in texture than a Filet Mignon but with less fat. Paul ordered the T-bone Steak which he said was delicious and I had the Prime Rib served with Au Jus heated on a special tray with oil lamp. Their homemade bread with whipped butter and seasoned butter was excellent. I also had the Clam chowder which had whole Clams and not the usual fragments given by most eateries. Desert was a combination Cheese Cake Creme Brulee, to die for.

After dinner, Paul gave me a driving tour of his old home town, pointing out the houses he grew up in. We then went to the Community Center and visited the Congressional Medal of Honor (CMH) Memorial. Pueblo had 4 locals receive the CMH, which is the most recipients per Capita of any US city. I explained to Serena the significance of the Medal and the Honors bestowed upon its recipients. She actually seemed interested which was confirmed by “Cool!”. Of course, I left my camera at the Hotel but borrowed Pauls. Hopefully he remembers to email them to me.

CMH Memorial Pueblo Co

After the memorial, we all began to yawn so we called it a night. I said “Good bye” to Paul and Serena and plotted my route to SLC. I decided to make it into two short legs of under 350 miles per day. This way I will be fresher for my 5 day ride with my California friends, before the Utah 1088 rally.

Here is my map of todays short ride.

Route Day #3

Well stay tuned and the Airport Museum page is under construction so the link is not active now so as usual, keep checking in.

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