Fort Collins

Dec 14 (Mon) Saint Charles, IL to Fort Collins, CO

Initially, this trip was for Brittany's Graduation but, due to COVID, there was no graduation. We decided to still go and celebrate her finishing college!! With COVID limiting our activities, we planned on lots of relaxing, hiking and spending time with Brit.

We decided to drive instead of flying due to COVID. And, we are bringing Brit back with us to Saint Charles. It is 1000 miles and very boring scenery (IL->IA->NE->WY->CO). Nebraska is the most boring! Kathryn was especially not looking forward to a 14 hour drive but, we psyched ourselves up for it and drove.

Weather was clear and around 20. We left our house at 5:30am for the long sojourn in the Armada. We packed breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks so we could drive straight through. Trip was boring, long and uneventful. Made it in about 14 hours by early evening.

We just got settled and relaxed that evening as Brit was still pretty busy with final papers and tests due this week. I was bushed not having slept much the night before and getting up so early.

AirBnd 826 Blondel St #101

We booked a two bed, two bath AirBnd near old town. Turned out to be a pretty new condo development and we really liked the place. Here are a few pictures.

Dec 15 (Tue) Fort Collins, CO

Being lazy we watched a documentary called "Human Nature" on netflix. Fascinating documentary on DNA and our ability to splice and modify our genetic code. A good mix of science (CRISPR and CAS9 for gene editing) and the thorny ethical issues in using the technology.

Kathryn went grocery shopping to get supplies for the week including the things to make two of Brit's favorites (Rigatoni and Potato soup).

Poudre River Trail Hike

In the afternoon we took a walk. We found we were only a couple blocks from the Poudre River Trail, So, we hiked the trail in the cool winter afternoon. Nice!

Evening

In the evening, Brit came over with Josh for dinner. First time we met Josh after dating Brit for two years. Kathryn made Brit's favorite, Rigatoni and garlic bread. Yum. We played scrabble and enjoyed the visit.

Dec 16 (Wed) Fort Collins, CO

We started watching the Peacock series "Yellowstone" and binge watched a few episodes.

Dixon Reservoir Hike

In the afternoon we headed to Spring Canyon park for a hike. This is the park where me and Brit studied Calculus ("Calculus in the Park") a couple of years ago which for me is a very fond memory. For Brit, probably a nightmare memory! Adjacent to the park are hiking trails and we hiked up for a view of Dixon Reservoir. Weather was good for December and the colors in late afternoon were nice.

Evening

Brit came over again in the evening and we got BBQ from Moe's. Pretty good. We watched a Christmas movie.

Dec 17 (Thu) Fort Collins, CO

Brit was busy with final school work so, me and Kathryn did some major binge watching of Yellowstone. Unfortunately, I had tweaked my back on Wed (not even sure how) so, we decided to lay low for the day and not do a hike.

Brit came over in the afternoon to finish off her last school work -- ever -- to complete her studies at CSU. WOW! The last of the last was her final history quiz she finished late in the afternoon. High fives all around. CONGRATULATIONS BRITTANY!!!!!!!! A college graduate! No ceremony at CSU (pandemic..) and Brit passed on the 'walk around the Oval' prior so, that was it. A quite end to her college experience at CSU.

Evening

Kathryn made another of Brit's favorites, Potato soup. YUM! We gave Brit her graduation present tonight.

Dec 18 (Fri) Fort Collins, CO

Another nice December day in Fort Collins.

Another day of lazy binge watching of Yellowstone.

Horsetooth Hike - Ridge Line Trail

Later in the afternoon, we headed out for a hike. We went into Horsetooth and did a nice hike, the December late afternoon colors were really nice.

Evening

Brit came over and we just had Culvers for dinner and hung out.

Dec 19 (Sat) Fort Collins, CO

Another nice December day in Fort Collins.

Another day of lazy binge watching of Yellowstone.

Poudre River Hike

Later in the afternoon, we headed out for a hike. We went back to the Poudre River Trail and pretty much did the same hike we did earlier in the week.

Evening

Brit came over and we hung out. I forget what we had for dinner.

Dec 20 (Sun) Fort Collins, CO

Another nice December day in Fort Collins.

Another day of lazy binge watching of Yellowstone.

Horsetooth Hike - Blue Sky Trail

Later in the afternoon, we headed back to Horsetooth for a hike. A nice hike but, not as scenic as the Ridge Line trail. Still good.

Evening

Brit came over and we hung out. Uhm... had for Culvers for dinner again. Prepped for our long trip back to Saint Charles early tomorrow.

Dec 21 (Mon) Fort Collins, CO to Saint Charles, IL

Weather good for travel.

The LONG car ride home. We picked up Brit at 6:30 and off we went for our trip home. Nebraska is brutal! We drove straight through with only brief stops along the way. After 13 1/2 hours.

Brit and Cutter were very happy to re-unite after a whole year. HOME SWEET HOME.

Dec 30 (Wed) Saint Charles, IL to Fort Collins, CO

There and Back Again!

Due to COVID, I did not want Brit going back to Fort Collins via airports and airplanes.... no way!! So, I thought it best to drive her back.

Weather NOT good for travel... Unfortunately, finding two days for there and back travel with good weather was tight. Tuesday dumped snow and ice across the path, especially Iowa and Illinois. But, Wednesday and Thursday looked liked the best.

Me and Brit hit the road at 6.21am on Wed morning. Hwy 38 out to DeKalb was not great but, I was hoping hwy 88 would be clear. Bummer.. Hwy 88 was rough, the right lane was clear but the left lane (for passing trucks) was icy. So, passing was white knuckled. As we got into Iowa on Hwy 80 things improved until I stopped at a rest area. The rest area was not plowed and cars and trucks were parked all over the place. I parked, and got STUCK when trying to leave. Me and the guy behind me, with Brit driving, pushed out and got going. Then, a semi cut right in front of me and stopped in deep snow, I got STUCK again...just as I was almost back on the highway. The same guy and another trucker helped pushed us out again... not a good start to a 1000 mile trip.

Fortunately, the rest of the trip was on good roads and we made it!! I dropped Brittany off and stayed at the Super 8 again (stayed there during our Calculus edu a couple of years ago..I tend to go CHEAP when I travel alone). Halls smelled of weed and there was a major wasted dude who fell down in front of my car. Gross..

Dec 31 (Thu) Fort Collins, Co to Saint Charles, IL

Weather clear and roads good!!

Started out on the trip back a little later than i would have liked. Drove straight through with two gas stops. Made good time and was back home in just a short 13 hours! Home Sweet Home.