Epic Fortnight: Day 3

Miles Traveled: 406

States Covered: Colorado (about half)

Trains Spotted: 0

Radio Stations Playing Christmas Music: 1

Routes: US 24, US 50

You know what?  I'm not an asshole.  People like good food, good coffee, good beer, and it's not a crime.  And you don't have to have grown up in/near a big city to know what's good.  Last night we stayed in a tiny, po-dunk little town in northwestern Kansas (St. Francis, if you want to look it up), where nothing was open for dinner because the entire town was at a high school football game, and this morning we found the most amazing coffee shop.  The beans were roasted right on sight, they had several varieties, and their pour-over was heaven sent.  I know I sound like a chock, but I was pleasantly surprised to find something this specific in this town.  And everyone was showing up to drink it.

Fresh Seven Coffee.

And it looked like this:

Look at that handsome devil.

I don't want to say it was hipster-y.  Even though that's the first thing you would think when you walked in, that wasn't the vibe.  I hate that, more often than not, the hipster label is carelessly slapped on anything that is interesting and of quality.  These people weren't hipsters.  They were a part of this community and passionate about what they were doing.  No irony.

Just to give some perspective, here is a visual representation of the rest of the town.  That's the room we stayed in.  No headboards, no art, and no handle on the faucet in the bathroom.

Also, the bulb burned out in that table lamp.

But there was still good coffee to be found.

We got a little later start this morning, but we gained an hour going into Colorado, so it was all good.

And man were we ready for Colorado.  No, really, we were ready.  Look at us.

Note all the plaid flannel and the craft beer trucker hat.

After two solid days of open plains, profound thought, avoiding country music, and obscene amounts of miles clocked in, this was an exciting day.  Firstly, upon entering Colorado (specifically Colorado Springs), I was greeted with my first all Christmas station (CHRISTMAS), a Doctor Who license plate cover, and, of course...

I may be a little bit of an asshole.

There was also a spectacular change in scenery, and climate, both of which made the day much more interesting.

Hey snow. 

We arrived in Gunnison, CO around 3:00pm, and we'll be here for the next two nights, which means we get to actually action/hang out for a time.  And Gunnison has not disappointed in the few short hours we've been here.

This is our motel:

More photos to follow.

Please PLEASE notice the man walking a llama down US 50.  In between the fake elk and the SUV.  This is why we road trip.

The weather continued to get grosser, but we decided to walk around the downtown for a little while, and maybe turn in early.  But then we found The High Alpine Brewing Company.  And of course we went in.  And of course it was an awesome little, brand new endeavor, with the owners working their butts off, with their little kids running around.  And of course one of the owners, Scott (hi, Scott!), knew all about the wonders of Michigan craft beer.  And of course Dad became besties with Scott and gave him his Founder's hat.  Because that's what a road trip is about.

And Christmas music.