Vacation...

On May 9, 2012, I loaded up the Smart car for my first long journey (920 miles) in the micro car.  I headed to Golden, Colorado where my son was graduating from the Colorado School of Mines.  Graduations are an interesting time as relatives all get together and desire time with the graduate, but the graduate also cherishes the chance to reflect alone.  I was prepared to be as accommodating as possible to his wants and desires.  After all, it was about him, not me or others in his life.

This would be the first time I have left the office for more than 5 consecutive days of vacation in over 10 years.  During that time, vacation was usually used to work tennis events.  Since I left all sports officiating at the end of 2011 (after almost 20 years I have seen all I wanted to see in that hobby) I was at first depressed then lost with extra time on my hands.  Looking back, I think I was in need of a vacation and this was the best reason of any to take a longer vacation, for personal reasons.  I planned to spend 11 days in Colorado; some alone while my son-spent time with his mom but most with him.

The drive was not unpleasant as I was unsure of the small car comfort potential.  In fact, I was surprised how the little Smart Car was a comfortable ride!  I was a little disappointed about only getting 38 MPG on the highway, but there was a slight head wind and I was driving 75 MPH.  Once I get over 60 MPH, the gas mileage drops from the usual 42-43 MPG.  I made the trip in just 13 hours and 30 minutes and spend the night at my son’s place before heading to the hotel on Thursday.  I stayed at the local hotel for 3 days as that allowed his mother to stay with him.  He has a nice place, but not one to hold more than one visitor.

On Friday morning at 9:00 AM was the graduation ceremony.  It was cold but there was no rain as forecasted.  Instead, we were blessed with an occasional snowflake.  Throughout the ceremony my son sent a text messages exclaiming, “I’m bored”.  With about 600 graduates, it was long but then, he earned that boredom!  Took a few pictures and then off on our own ways.  A little more than an hour after Graduation the rain started falling.  We were lucky!

Proud Parents

The "M" for Colorado School of Mines

While Jordan spent time with his mother Saturday, I traveled to Boulder for a day trip.  I always liked Boulder.  Could have moved there a few years ago but did turn down a nice offer for it was the best decision at the time.  Often wonder about decisions like that?

While in Colorado, I ventured on an excursion or two every day.  My GPS watch logged just under 15 miles hiking and 7,000 feet of climbing and 28 miles on bike with just under 5,000 feet of climb.  Some of the highlights of the trip was hiking to the Royal Arch in Chautatauqua Park just outside Boulder.  About 1,500 feet of climb over 3 miles.  At the top, there was the arch (Picture below).

I also bike up Lookout Mountain. This was 57 minutes for 5.1 miles and 2,000 feet of climb.  I posted a youtube video of the ride (driven in my car and them sped up by 800%).   It was a killer, but glad I accomplished the thigh burning uphill ride.  .  I tried on Wednesday the 16^th and only made it 4.2 miles.  So on Thursday I was determined and completed the attempt.  VICTORY WAS SWEET!  I also visit many sites and cities and took many pictures. 

Also while we were in Boulder, we test rode the Optibike, the ultimate electric bike!  We could go from 0-20 in 5 seconds and fly over speed bumps at 20 MPH and did not even know we hit one.  What a  great urban bike!  Although, at 60 pounds I would hate to run out of juice and have to pedal home.  Unlike my Bionx, it can not charge while riding.

The trip home was an event.  My son came back to Minnesota with me and with a full Smart Car and a 30 MPH side wind, we had an adventure.  We were not the only vehicle struggling in the wind!  It was way too much to handle at times, but we made it.  My forearms were cramping! We also were lucky to top 38 MPG…

What was unique is when I was in the Denver area, I was getting closer to 50 MPG on a regular basis but one I left that area, it was back to the usually 40-43 MPG?  Made no sense…

Anyway, the trip was so very nice and I was able to get some very high heart rate hikes and bike rides in while visiting.  Been a while since I was able to get the heart rate up as my last dose of Levaquin and Prednisone was only a few months ago and after regular doses of the medicine for two years.  I really think I have rid myself of the issues and can start working out regular again.  Hope so, even though my son made fun of me panting like a dog in heat, I sure slept wall and felt good.

Thanks for reading.

Carry on!