Across Colorado, into Nebraska

Leaving Colorado Springs this morning, we opted to avoid the interstate (and Denver) for as long as possible, and took the "blue highways" through the Colorado plains. We stopped for lunch in the little town of Limon and had a fine meal at Ruby's Cafe. The next town was called Last Chance, although we could not sort out what it was the last chance for, given that there was no gas station, no rest room and no place to eat. This is the part of Colorado where zoning ordinances require homeowners to purchase a rusted-out car with missing windows to put in the back yard, a financial burden for young folks buying their first home.

North Platte is - let us be honest - a truly depressing city. The downtown died years ago (although we found our way to the one decent restaurant remaining),

even though they are trying to put a happy face on it with banners and such. We asked our waitress to give us a more positive spin on the city, but the effort just got her depressed. Union Pacific owns the town, which is dominated by a railroad yard that makes Cheyenne's look like a Lionel layout under the Christmas tree. Very hot - mid-nineties - but beautiful skies.

We scrubbed off a lot of elevation today, not noticing until we arrived at our motel that we had consumed only half as much water as we had become accustomed to drinking daily. This is our sixth hotel/motel, and they

have been an interesting assortment, ranging from relatively high-end (for us) places to a restored historic downtown hotel to a mom and pop place with pine paneling. This one is in mom and pop territory, but it's all good.

The Golf Diesel has been a delight throughout - comfortable, plenty of space for our gypsy gear, and returning amazing mileage despite the challenges of headwinds, mountains, etc. John's goal is to keep the total trip mpg average above 40, which right now looks like a done deal.

Tomorrow, we are on to Des Moines to visit friends Michael and Catherine, our third opportunity to be house guests. Likely no post until Monday night.