The Missing Piece

  One of the few flowers at Colorado National Monument that I caught the name of.

 But wait there's more Colorado!  Leaving Penrose we took US 50 on a lovely mountain drive. There was a lot of construction that gave us periodic opportunities to soak in the views. Eventually a detour took us through the townless mountains and to interstate 70 past the civilization of No Name, Silt, Rifle and Parachute. Last night's #HarvestHost was at Gubbii winery in Pallasades, Colorado. After a drive through the mountains this was another verdant area this time with grapes and peaches - acres and acres of peaches. Pallasades, population 4,700, appears to be booming with peach harvest from June through September, Wine bars, fe

Dick is missing his two favorite poodles. He carries dog biscuits with him to make new friends.  We are keeping a dog life list along the way.  Chocolate Lab Poodle  Schnauzer  Long and short haired dachshund  Common local mix that looks like a Bernese crossed with a border collie Melber. KY Grand Junction, Colorado  Oh yes and a Colorado yard sale

Penrose Colorado - population 3,500 Driving from Kansas to Colorado was beautiful but  had lots more in store for us. Our goal for the day was another #HarvestHost - Apple Valley Cider Company in Penrose Colorado. south of Colorado Springs As at many Harvest Hosts it took us off the beaten path and provided a personal view of small town life. Kevin, our host does non usually take visitors on weekdays but he was bottling and we were persuasive.  We watched him bottle as we tasted a variety of ciders - apple, apple/current, apple/cherry, apple/peach, apple-pineapple and brandy. We asked about Penrose and how it became an apple producing area. It seems that in the time of the Goldrush an enterprising fellow decided that it would be more lucrative to supply the miners than to look for gold himself. He planted and orchard and other fruits and vegetable and was able to ship them via the new railroad to the miners who were delighted to get fresh produce and happy to pay top dollar....

You can see forever.  Spent the night in Park,  Kansas, population 117. First impression was barren but once I focused on the sky I changed my mind. Wind and rain and beautiful clouds. 

Ever since I heard Annette Lamb in 2009 at the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference present online from her rv I wanted to do that too. A lot has changed since 2009 in technology and for me. Last night I got my chance. I taught NHTI BTC Google Level 1 Bootcamp from Wages Brewery  in West Plains, Missouri. After class I had a Good Morning Stout and Gyro Pizza. Another wonderful #HarvestHost stay.

Random signs and towns in Missouri.  Towns near the cowboy. Humanville  Pleasanton  Peculiar 

Sautéed veggies with strawberries and wine for dessert. Loved the fresh produce and the friendly folks at HayCo Farm. Another great #HarvestHost location. 

  Buffalo Trace Distillery  Lovely day at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.  Huge facility worth the visit. The longest continually producing distillery in the country