Day 31: Saratoga to Walden (Wyoming to Colorado) 48.8 miles 3005 ft ascent

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Today we left our cozy accommodations at the Copperline Lodge.  Our host Dan created a very welcoming atmosphere and even played some music with Lesli, Pete, and Suzanne.  We had a scrumptious breakfast of breakfast pizza, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, and fruit before setting off on our journey.

We decided to sag 18 miles out of town in order to shorten the ride up a bit as it was going to be a near continuous climb.  A chilly morning coaxed all but Lisa to ride in the cab of the truck!  We are getting quite good at squeezing 7-8 adults (?) and two dogs into the cab.


Just a few who were visible within range of the camera.

The morning was beautiful.  The vistas wide and the clouds fluffy and low. The land and animals were owned by Big Creek Ranch as far as we could see.






The road was generally good, although we lost our shoulder when we entered Colorado 🙁.

Colorado is our 5th state border crossing.  Each one brings us closer to our end goal.

Pete, Lisa, Betsy and Lauran at the Colorado border.



Today we found Mark.  He was at the top of the hill when we crested and informed us that he was the welcoming committee.  He is traveling alone making his way towards Illinois.  We adopted him immediately and urged him to have dinner with us that evening.


Our lodging was at the historic Antlers Inn in downtown Walden.  The hotel has been beautifully refurbished and maintained.  Can't say the same for the rest of the town which apparently has seen better days.



Serious game of Nickles underway at the Antler's Inn








Another great day!  Another adventure.  Where will tomorrow bring us??

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