No snow overnight—the weather was actually quite pleasant. Sometimes it’s a bit nippy in the car when I wake up, but this morning I felt fully refreshed and energized. I took off to cross the Rockies for what may be the last time. About an hour after I left, the snow finally showed up. It came in lightly but dramatically, and the world around me slowly turned grayscale as white and shadow took over.
Traffic slowed to half speed on US-160, and the eighteen-wheelers stopped on the side of the road to put chains on their tires. The winding mountain route brought me over ten thousand feet up, into the worst of the storm, but I never felt unsafe or out of control. It helped that Coloradans are quite good at driving. After summiting, the snow predictably fell off as I drove into the rain shadow and the valley below.
I spent some time in the neighboring cities of Monte Vista and Alamosa, then planned to finish my descent into warmer weather. Alas! The highway had closed for fear of more inclement weather. Since the temperature is forecasted to fall to 17 degrees tonight, I booked a motel. It’s perfect for me—clean, friendly, and affordable. I spent tonight listening to the Bruins shellack the Red Wings and eating broccoli. Picture that for a minute. What a strange life I am living.
“You’ve heard about the Jolly Green Giant —
He’s so big and mean.
He stands in his valley,
with his hands on his hips,
And then he hits you with a can of beans!” — The Kingsmen
Happy broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach to you too, Jake!
I think it’s about time you found yourself a good Chinese restaurant.
I hope US-160 opened up today and you were able to get to Denver today and on time. It’s time to leave the Rockies and head south! And just stay out of higher and colder elevations. Glad you made it safely to a motel and enjoyed some broccoli and some tv. I wish you a happy and safe and warm weekend. We had a frost last night. The other thing we have is a porcupine! He appeared a few days ago in our back yard, which is covered with acorns. We see him out there in the afternoon, munching on the acorns. We were wondering where he sleeps. Found out this morning when we noticed him up in the oak tree next to where the acorns are, sound asleep on one of the lower branches. I was out all day and saw him late in the afternoon in the back yard again munching on the acorns. Our new pet. Looking forward to your next posting. Love, Grandma