Leafer madness

Hello Everyone, A random selection of thoughts and observations. 

---------- I heard what I'm pretty sure were wolves howling last night. Sounded a bit different than coyotes, which I've heard before. Either way, it was pretty cool, and is one of those special moments on a trip like this that I did not think about beforehand, but will think about for a long time after. The leaves are turning already which makes it feel like fall. There are a lot of people coming up the mountain road where I'm camped, most of them carrying expensive cameras to capture the moment. Imagine your backyard being so beautiful that people come from all around to take pictures of it. That's kinda how I feel about it. The Colorado Trail is a 600+ mile trail that traverses the state. You can connect to various sections and just ride those, which I've done several times so far. But I've come across people who are clearly bike camping, where you bike from one campsite to the next while carrying all your gear with you in saddle bags and backpacks. I think they were trying to do the whole thing. If so, good on them, though I really prefer my approach that combines unencumbered riding with the full amenities of an RV. I can go, and do, into bike shops all the time and ogle the beautiful new bikes and associated gear, without too much danger to my wallet. But I went into REI, the American MEC, and had to leave before too long. They have some gorgeous gear, and I was starting to rationalize a lot of purchases. Side note - I had to get a membership to buy the couple of things I actually needed, and in the process had to spell Ottawa for the cashier. He was a nice guy and all, but pretty sure I can spell Washington. Meeting other campers, particularly experienced ones, will quickly desolve into an endless back and forth about places you have to go and see. I'm getting pretty good at it, been stocking up my ammo for conversations like these. Wes

Photos 

All three are from a recent ride.