High Up, Colorado. Here's a simple chart on what I have replaced the most so far on this journey either through losing, damage, or just needing an upgrade. .

5/9/13
SoilTrek.com

Empire, CO. [Elevation 8615 ft, population 355] After taking a day off yesterday to hike Mt. Douglas with my host Matthew (which I will post about soon) I will be doing a 30-miler today from Empire to Keystone.

I've noticed the lack of oxygen and dryness of the air while crossing the Rockies, however I am doing okay dealing with it while enjoying the scenic view.


5/9/13
SoilTrek.com

Denver, Colorado. Thanks to the wonderful Peggy and her daughter Jill I was able to meet and talk with the mayor if Denver, Mr. Michael B. Hancock.

He definitely was a great, down to Earth, and positive person to converse with. I was also amazed by how large his office was. Before departing he gave me his mobile number and told me to keep in touch.

After leaving the mayor's office, I also met with Mr. Wellington E. Webb, Denver's first black mayor.


5/2/13
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Denver, Colorado. Today I will depart from the city of Denver (Civic Park) and head towards The Rocky Mountains. I have never experienced this mountain range and I am extremely excited about the challenges that lay ahead over the next 320 miles before I hit the border of Utah.

This task should take about 12 days, I have reached out to Couchsurfers to possibly host me, however I'm ready to camp out every day if I have to and check into a hotel occasionally.

The challenge I'm most concerned about is not the cold, distance, or the wildlife, but the elevation and possibly getting elevation sickness.

Today is my last night in Denver and so I'm currently doing some last minute preparations before my big day tomorrow. Can't wait!!!

Day after Cinco de Mayo 2013
SoilTrek.com

4/28/13
SoilTrek.com

Fort Morgan, Colorado. I would like to give thanks to the following great I've met in recent days...

Big thanks to The Kotschwars in Big Springs (who I will post about soon), John in Crook (who I will post about soon), Rob in North Platte (who I will post about soon), Ike near Iliff, the guys that gave me the Coca-Cola on the highway, Bill in Hillrose, the nice woman that bought me dinner in Hillrose, Sterling Library staff (couldn't find the picture we had taken), Sterling Walgreens staff, and the Sterling Wells Fargo staff.

Laurie, Amanda, & Cassie of Walgreens in North Platte were a huge boost for me. They were totally excited about what I was pursuing, it felt great just being around them. They were very accommodating and I loved it!

Paul of Penny's Diner in North Platte, Nebraska was a great person to meet. He journeyed on a similar walk after the military. Paul gave me an beautiful tour of Sutherland's northern landscape and gave me some great survival advice. Paul thanks pal it was a pleasure, still love the Mountain Dew car interior!

Mychelle, Paul's co-worker, was mentioned as the best waitress ever on Foursquare website. And you know what? She is in fact honestly one of the best waitress I ever had.

Penny's Diner
473 Halligan Drive
North Platte, NE 69101
(308) 535-9900

Sterling, Colorado. After camping out at the local park and performing a few errands around town I decided to eat lunch at Subway. I know, I know, Subway again. Well this time I stepped in to Subway and there was a swarm of teenage girls everywhere. I automatically thought I would have to sit outside to eat because there was no place to sit or even lean against for that matter.

While waiting to place my order a few of the girls approached me in awe and asked me several great questions about my excursion. I discovered these ladies played soccer for the Scotts Bluff Bearcats in Nebraska. Soccer is one if the coolest sports in my opinion and its always great to see young females involved sports.

After placing my order the cashier informed me that one of the team members had already paid for my meal. What? How awesome was that? My meal was covered before I even placed it! Thanks to the lovely Celeste for buying me lunch, I truly appreciated it!

We took the above picture before the team departed. I believe I'm in the photo, somewhere in a sea of Bearcats.

Thanks again to Celeste, shout out to Rikke and the whole Scotts Bluff Bearcat soccer team!


4/27/13
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Julesburg, Colorado. Finally crossed the state border into Colorful Colorado! The plan is to be in Denver on May 1st, no days off, and so far so good!

Thank you to Susan in Julesburg, the woman that offered the water in addition advice about rattle snakes, and also to the trucker the gave me the energy drinks!


4/24/13
SoilTrek.com