My first motorcycle ride in CO!

Tonite just might be my first night staying in my new apartment! Yippee! I knew sooner or later I'd get my butt in gear and finish. This past weekend I had planned on heading up to Red Rock Lakes NWR in Montana to visit my old coworkers, and hitting up Buffalo, WY to see Gregg... But it looks like I'll be doing that next weekend instead. Tim had sent me a text this morning saying they were on their way back, but a little bit later he sends me another one saying they were being sent to Idaho for the Potato Fire. I was kindof bummed to hear that, since now he might not be back until the 8th. He had invited me to his friend's wedding in Oregon, but since he's going to miss that he now wants to go on a vacation. His suggestion: Alaska. ;)  But we'd need longer than a 3 day weekend for that adventure, so we'll see where we decide to go. I haven't really gone out of the area much this summer, so I'm definitely overdue for a trip!

In the meantime, I've beening hanging out with his housemate Dave a lot, and since I refuse to buy groceries until I am moved in to Lyons, I've had to eat dinner there probably 5 out of 7 times this past week. Last night we watched the bluegrass band Wildwood Holler!, and they were really good! I had gone down to Lyons and rode my motorcycle back up to Estes for the evening - which was a great ride up - and rode it to the Rock Inn. When I went to leave, the darned thing wouldn't start for some strange reason. I have a slight idea what it could have been, but I hoped that it would start up in the morning when it was warmer. Fortunately, she did start and I rode her back down to Lyons. I knew I should have gotten it service before I rode it! ;)  But boy did I look cool with my leathers on... and a motorcycle I couldn't start. Yesterday was definitely one of those days, all around!

Work has been fun and busy with all those trees to take down in Grand Lake. Over two days, Cisco and I felled 30 trees, bucked them up, and started hauling slash on Thursday. Still lots more to go and I was pretty tired and sore, but felling trees around houses, cars, other trees, etc is fun! In other related news, there is a 4-yr term position for a Maintance job in Grand Lake that I was encouraged to apply for... I haven't decided yet what I am going to do, because I really enjoy tree work and using my degree, but the pay would be good and I'd have benefits and everything. The only other catch is that I'd be cut off from Estes from October through May every year, unless I wanted to drive 3-4 hours!! I love the west side folks, but obviously I've got some close friends on this side of the Divide... Got a lot to think about with that one.

Since I've been such a slacker, I had to give up the chance to play at some billionaire's ranch with Markus (a west side Roads guy) and his buddy. I don't really know how or why, but I guess they get to Ranch-sit and this guy has tons of insane toys - huge entertainment system, some giant "hampster-ball" things - just like the ones you stick your hammies in, except they are human sized - and a trampoline on the water and something about a "blob" - yeah I have no idea but it sounds like fun!! If I can get everything done maybe I'll be able to join them but in the meantime I am on a mission to move the last few boxes of clothing and food!!

Anyway that's all for now. Supposed to hike the Continental Divide tomorrow - Bear Lake to Grand Lake, about 18 miles. It's a group of like 20 people and I don't have anybody's phone numbers, so we'll see if I can get ahold of them! ;)