Day 32 Sheridan Lake to Ordway, CO

Friday, June 17, 2011

Miles 90.63   Total 2,162.19   Daily Avg 67.57

Avg Speed 17.5   Max Speed 30.2  Alt Climbed 1391 ft

One last story before we depart Sheridan Lake. Yesterday afternoon the temperature was 102 degrees. Since we were staying in a church Roxy was not welcome inside so we took turns sitting under a pavilion which was surprisingly cool with the wind, dry air and shade. Flies were the problem, they were attacking Roxy, especially her ears, feet and nose. We decided to set up a tent in the shade and place Roxy inside with her bed and water bowl. Good idea, it kept the flies off her, until we looked out the church window and saw the tent blowing down the street with Roxy, bed and water bowl inside. As the wind blew the tent it tumbled over and over, Roxy was inside just walking along with the tumbling tent. We soon found a sheltered area where we staked the tent and Roxy had a great night sleeping on her own.

The cyclist were up and out early this morning trying to beat the afternoon heat. Joe left at 4:30 am, Jim left at 5:30 and Kelly and I departed at 6:30. Five miles out of Sheridan I experienced my first flat since Virginia. As expected it was just a thorn in the tire which was quickly repaired and we were on our way. We reached the first town, Alexander in ½ hour where we caught up with Jim who had stopped for breakfast.

During our stop the winds changed to produce a tail wind which made for a terrific day. The temperatures were cooler, the sky was clear blue with some small clouds, visibility 15 miles (according to the web) and there was open prairie on both sides with nothing in sight. With little effort we were cruising down Hwy 96 at 27 mph. We quickly covered our 90 miles for the day.

Joey met us in Ordway for lunch sporting his new genuine Colorado cowboy boots. They look authentic and he now fits in with the locals as he steps from his pickup truck with his dog. The “ Virginia Is For Lover's” sticker on the rear window blows the cowboy image.

Ordway, like many of the towns were are passing through are dusty little places which have seen their heyday. Our campground tonight is littered with abandoned trailers in disrepair. There may he two other people here. There is water but no bathroom or shower. We will use the bathroom at the convenient store adjacent to the campground. A shower who needs one. With the places we have camped our last showers were four days ago. Amazing we can still stand each other after riding long days in 90 degree heat. Hey, we all smell like Roxy so who can complain. Not as many strangers have approached us recently, they may have a reason.

Sunrise in Sheridan Lake, CO

Kelly and Jim the Scotsman

Barren Colorado

The only tree we saw all day

Roadside Building

Ordway, CO

Roadside Building

Ordway campsite I can not believe we spent the night

Colorado Pairie

The Boots, you must wear jeans no shorts!