I was surprised when I realized today is Thursday. I lose track sometimes. I thought we arrived in Grand Junction on Monday and today would be Wednesday. I lost a day somewhere. We actually arrived here on Tuesday.
The temperature reached the upper 60s yesterday with light wind. Very agreeable weather, perfect for Donna to take a bike ride. She followed the back roads and ventured into the foothills north of here. The roads are really quiet. Cars passed her occasionally, but she said they gave her plenty of room.
We’re on the western slope at an elevation of about 4,600 feet above sea level. The mighty Rockies rise east of us and the peaks are covered in snow. The local terrain is fairly flat with some rolling hills. It’s semi-rural. Most of the houses around us have horses, cattle, Llamas or other livestock on the property. Donna shot a few pictures while she was out on her bicycle.
Cattle along the roadside
BLM land to the north
Colorful landscape with snow-covered peaks in the background
Donna followed 21 Road north, away from the town of Fruita. The roads are laid out on a grid. The north/south roads are numbered. The east/west roads are given alphabetical designations. This makes it easy to find your way around.
Eventually she climbed to a trail head at the end of the road. From there, it’s BLM land. There was sign with a map describing the permitted use of the public land in the Special Recreation Management Area.
BLM sign
Two girls riding horses approached. Donna took their picture. Horses are very popular around here.
Out for a ride
While Donna was putting in 25 miles on her bicycle, I went out to explore on the scooter. I rode east into Grand Junction. I found a shopping mall. I crossed over the Colorado River and followed highway 340. It’s a scenic road with a high butte to the south and the river bottom on the north. The Colorado National Monument is on the butte. We’ll take the scooter and tour through the monument today or tomorrow. I put in about 30 miles, but I didn’t get the exercise that Donna got!
For dinner last night, Donna prepared sweet and spicy garlic chicken.This was a new recipe. It was spicy and tasty!
Sweet and spicy garlic chicken served with smashed Klondike rose potatoes
The news out of San Diego is frightening. We saw some coverage on the news last night and also have been following it on Facebook. There are a number of wildfires burning in San Diego County. My thoughts go out to those who’ve suffered losses or are threatened by the fires.