Magellan 2013: Wakeeney, KS

Today was awesome.  I left Mesa Verde at 7am and started out towards 70.  I took a road that I thought would be a shortcut...but ended up being incredibly slow because of the mountains.  I didn't care in the slightest though, because the drive was absolutely gorgeous.  I finally understand why everyone wants to move to Colorado as soon as they visit.  I didn't want to leave.  I've already planned fall break to go fishing with Yoder.  I wish I had more time here.

I drove north and stopped by Black Canyon of the Gunnison at the south rim.  It was amazing, and I tried to drive down into the canyon, but the steep grade caused my car to overheat about a mile in.  Luckily, I had water reserved for overheating problems, and fixed it quick with the help of some friendly mechanic who was driving down to fish for the day. He stopped and explained to me how antifreeze works and how the tank overheats in a specific way to save the engine, etc. I didn't have the heart to tell him I already knew.  He was obviously being the big hero, so I let him have it. 

I ended up driving for roughly 16 hours today, with that one break in Gunnison.  I'm currently in Kansas, like half an hour from Hays.  Also, tonight was the first time I've actually been worried for my safety.  I stopped at this motel, and my room was at the opposite side, facing an unlit parking lot.  To get to that side, I had to walk through a dark alley with a chain link fence to the side, a fence that was holding back a barking dog. When I was walking, a door burst open and a guy with a cigarette and his pants undone and hanging open just watched me walk by.  I kept walking, quicker, and I saw a kitten on the sidewalk repeatedly running head first into the wall.  Altogether, I'm creeped out, tired, the door is bolted, and I'll be clearing out of here early tomorrow morning. 

I took this lake picture with my iPhone while driving, so I'm quite proud of how it turned out. 

Magellan 2013: Mesa Verde (August 13th)

Alright, in posting with my phone in my tent, so this should be short.  Last night I stayed in Zion National Park.  I really want to see Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands, but that will have to be next time.  

These were three pictures I had on my iPhone. First is Mesa Verde site.  Second is Zion site, and third is somewhere in Zion.

Tonight I'm staying at Mesa Verde, and it is probably the best place I've been to in this entire trip.  My tent is in the trees, so I feel super cozy and shaded.  Also, I made a friend.  He works at the Mesa Verde store.  He gave me the senior discount and made me pinky promise not to tell.  So naturally, it's going on the blog.  I'm meeting up with him tomorrow sometime to hang out.  There's a bear somewhere in the vicinity of the campsite, so I have my camera ready just in case.  A few people saw it already.

I'm staying here again tomorrow night  instead if a motel in Durango like I was planning to because its just so awesome.

Goodnight!   

Magellan 2013: Mesa Verde

Currently Listening To: Nature.  For once.  Birds and stuff.  And those little crickety things that just go at it all night.  
Miles Traveled: Whatever I was at yesterday... 

Obligatory selfie at the park.

During the day

I feel like this trail is something out of a movie

I got all artistic and stuff.

Just waiting for the sun to set.

I love this combination of colors

The rocks are higher than the moon

Rainbow sky

I wish I could stay at Mesa Verde another day.  It's beautiful.  This is by far my favorite place I've been to on the trip.  I got in around noon, and then spent the rest of the day setting up the tent, cooking, exploring, and just hanging out.  This morning, I was surprised that I slept in an hour late and then I realized yesterday I had hopped back a time zone without realizing it.  Anyway, I got up, worked on some stuff, met an Australian biker gang, and then hiked for a few hours.  Halfway through the hike, my camera battery died, so after getting that charged, I hiked back in the evening to watch the sun set by the mesa.  Three other guys had the same idea, so we all shared a few rocks and took pictures.  It was pretty amazing.

After talking with them for a little, they hiked back, and I sat on the edge and just watched.  It was pretty peaceful, which is something that I am unused to.  It was a weird feeling.  I didn't feel like I had to be anywhere or do anything.  I don't think I liked it.  Regardless, that feeling was ruined by the realization that it was pitch black, I was sitting on a cliff, and a bear lives nearby.  I think I ran most of the way back.

Tomorrow I'm driving as far into Kansas as I can and then stopping to sleep.  I feel like Kansas won't be terribly interesting, but I'll give it a shot.