We left Rifle, CO and headed by I-70 towards  beautiful scenic byways: routes 141and 145 to Cortez, Co.

Tomorrow we will check out the ancinet ruins of Mesa Verde, and the towns of Durango, Silverton and Ouray. We also plan to make to to four corners- so we can stand on Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona all at one!

Today's trip took us from Laramie, Wyoming to Rifle, Colorado. We were on several very scenic roads, and others that were pretty monotonous! But, overall a good day. Excellent picture opportunities- see below.

Check out this car- is there such a thing as a traveling hoarder! Every inch inside was filled with stuff. There was barely room for the driver!

 These photos were taken as we traveled past the Snowy Top Mountain Range in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The tops are solid rock with active glaciers.

Perfection!

Our journey took us from Ogallala, Nebraska to Laramie, Wyoming. Along the way we saw Chimney Rock, Scott's Bluff and Fort Laramie. Beautiful country with lots of interesting rock and sand formations. We had beautiful weather in the 60's to 70's, a couple of light showers- such a welcome relief from the heat!

Below are sights and formations along the  Mormon and Oregon trail.

 Replica of a sod dwelling that early settlers would have lived in.

Below are views of Chimney Rock

 Scott's Bluff below

Below is Fort Laramie, Wyoming

 Ruins of the fort built in the late 1800's

We finally saw a buffalo- but it was in a pen- so sad.

It has been a couple of days since I've blogged. We are now in Ogallala, Nebraska. We left Chicago on Thursday and travelled just a few hours to John and Carmen's home in St, Joseph, Illinois. W experienced crazy temreratures- 104 at one point! I have no photos because my camera wasn't working so well. Their children, Jake and Caleb kept us entertained- great kids!

Then on Friday we headed for Des Moines, Iowa to visit my nephew George. It was another scorcher on the road- well over 100. I am getting very creative in finding ways to cool down. The best is soaking my clothes in the sink at rest stops- it kept me cool for an hour at least!

 Baby George

 Drake

Jaxson

Sadly, I didn't get a picture of everyone- we left before anyone else was up so no opportunity to get everyone together.

 These are scenes of a street in Ogallala, Nebraska. Of course we had too have a beer in the saloon! 

Our hotel in Ogallala.

Tomorrow we head for Laramie, Wyoming.

Cleve and I checked out the gym that Peggy uses- Corepower Yoga. We took a spin class and then a yoga class. Great classes- the bikes move from side to side! All classes are held in heated rooms- 90 degrees or so. Hot!!!!!!!!
Then off to the beach at Lake Michigan. It was perfect beach weather.

 View of the city highrises.

 Ella digging in the sand.

 Cleveland working on his tan.

 Ella!

Ella burying daddy's feet.

We arrived in Chicago on Friday, June 29- driving into the huge storm front that started the chain of storms tht hit Virginia.  We were lucky enough to sit it out under and overpass with of view of the city skyline. We couldn't even complain about the rain because it kept things so much cooler than the day before.

Since arriving we have been going to the park, eating out, walking, eating again...etc. Food and drink in Chicago is amazing!

Today we took in a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field- they won against the Houston Astros 3-0.

Waiting out the huge storm front rolling over the city.

John, Cleveland and

Ella enjoying yummy frozen yogurt- like Sweet Frogs! We have been here three times already.

Ella at the playground with a friend from her daycare center.

Ella (and John) at her gymnastics class.

Water park fun at one of Chicago's city parks.

Ella and I are playing at the park. The bucket drops were the best!

This was our pre-game snack! OMG good!!

Again, another storm as the game was about to begin- game delayed by 45 minutes.

Here they are uncovering the field, getting it ready for the game.

I love the old stadium feel- scoreboard still done by hand!

Go Cubs!!

Peggy, Ella and John on the  walk back home.