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.

Epic Fortnight: Day 1

Miles Traveled: 593

States Covered: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois

Trains Spotted: 1

Christmas Songs Listened To: 0.5

Route: US 24

Okay, Sports Fans, it's finally happened.  The epic road trip we've all been waiting for has finally commenced.  And by "we", I mean "me".  There was limited amount of time for prep, but Dad and I managed to make it out of the house this morning by 7:30, we collected our free breakfast sandwiches, and were on our way!

... Until Dad decided he really did want his leather jacket, so we went back to the parents' place to pick it up.  So we'll say our honest departure time was more like 8:00.

Priorities.

 Now, as you may have noticed in the description of the blog, we like to road trip old school style.  And since today was mostly just a LOT of driving (all Dad, he's a beast), I figured I could shine some light on how these particular Fritsches like to take on the road.  There wasn't too much people watching (a.k.a. people judging) or grand adventuring today, so don't worry, I'm not sacrificing other content by giving some exposition.

We're cooler than you.

Number one rule: NO GPS.  That's right.  Whoever isn't driving has to have the giant atlas on her lap and pay attention to roadsigns.  It's like a game!  Maps are fun!  Plus, no major freeways, so you do have to pay attention, because you never know when your tiny little two-lane highway is going to veer off to the left with limited signage, and you almost end up continuing straight because both of you are distracted by a house fire.

Other rules include: No chain hotels (the place we're staying tonight is called "The Althoff Motel), no fast food joints, lots of coffee, NO COUNTRY MUSIC, and everything is secretly a competition.  Trying to spot out of state license plates is a constant activity.

I'm pretty wiped out, AND IT FEELS LIKE MIDNIGHT BECAUSE OF THE TIME CHANGE/GOING OVER STATE LINES/IMPENETRABLE DARKNESS, so I think I'll just leave you with a few highlights...

Dad (at the beginning of the trip): There are two things I don't want to do on this trip.  I don't want to be a complete cheapskate when it comes to things like tipping.  I want my default to be "generous".  Also, I don't want to make everyone bend to my will.  I don't want to go across the country expecting things to be just the way I'm used to or want them to be.  I want America to leave it's imprint on me.

Me: So... you're saying you don't want to be an old white man?

This road sign in Indiana:

Grab your passport.

Seeing a woman smoking at a gas station.

Knowing we won't have to go back through Ohio for another two weeks.

And whatever THIS is:

You don't get that on the super freeways.

P.S. Do you know where US 24 originates?  How about where it ends?