As much as we like Aspen Glade, we must move on. Both of us, and including Moe, are not looking forward to another long day in the car. Since we got to this campground, we have had zero cell service, so we cannot load Maps for directions. So, it’s back to what we did before all this technology took over. We opened an Atlas and plotted a route the old, tried-and-true way.
The route to Eleven Mile State Park is on the other side of the Rockies from my TransAmerica route that I biked in 2022. We are on Route 24, and for a brief section of miles, we join Route 9, the TransAm route.
We drive into the town of Hartsel, CO, and stop for supplies and lunch. I know this town; I have been here. Lunch is at Zuccaro’s Kitchen, a great pizza restaurant. They have a small fenced-in grassy area for outside seating, so Moe is able to sit with us. We get to meet other people and sit with them as we enjoy a delicious meal.
As we are about to leave, the waitress comes over to let us know a touring cyclist just came in. I go over to visit. Klaus is from Denmark, and he is going to stay here for the night. There is camping for cyclists behind the building. I have fond memories, that I shared with the staff, of being here in 2022. Those memories are now linked to 2026. The visit with Klaus sharing stories of places we have both stayed along the TransAm is a deep connection. I wish Klaus safe traveling. I walk with Nancy and Moe back to the camper. A part of me stayed with Klaus to ride the TransAm one more time.
We are about an hour from our next campground. We want to be done with the drive and be set up relaxing.
Here, we are settled in. There are no trees to hammock, so I set up the tent. The sunset is perfect tonight. I will sleep well.
