17 October

Moab, Utah

Probably not well known outside this part of the USA, the small town of Moab was jumpin' as we cruised into town this afternoon. Seems there is some sort of bike riding event on. Most of the dozens of motels in town were full, so we've had to pay big time to spend the night here.

As boring as it may be to discuss the weather, one must comment on “Fall” in Utah and Colorado. The colours are just glorious. Even though the reds are mostly missing in this part of the country, the yellows are staggering, ranging from citrus to gold and a brilliant contrast to the evergreens. (See Facebook pics for further evidence of our love affair with the trees of “Fall”). While cool in the mornings, around 0 C, by mid-morning it's warm and, with the deep blue skies and clear air, the days are just fantastic. The good visibility is also important for the other big event this weekend - the opening of the hunting season for elk, deer and a staggering array of other critters.

Hunting seems to have almost the same status as the constitutional right to bear arms! The 'good ole boys' are free to take to the beautiful Utah and Colorado hills, armed to the teeth in pursuit of the elk and deer mentioned already as well as, moose, mountain sheep, bear, pigeon, grouse, partridge, prairie chickens, crane, rail teal, and crow. Yes, even the annoying crows have to take particular care as they peck at road kill. They could be next!

Things are not all the hunters' way though. They had better be well-heeled if they want to hunt big game like bear or elk. The permits for these cost more than $500. More rare game like mountain goats, moose and bighorn sheep will set the gun-happy back around $1800. Plains turkeys, on the other hand, are a bargain at $21 - a bargain but not much of a challenge.

We saw a few elk yesterday. They seemed blissfully unaware of the fate that was about to befall them! Or maybe they were just teasing the hunters by showing themselves before they hid away for “The Season”!

16 October

Durango, Colorado

John Steinbeck wrote an essay some time in the 1940's called “America and Americans”. One day we'll buy it and compare views. On the whole, Americans at home, particularly away from big cities, are just fantastic - friendly, welcoming and extremely polite. Today, this notion was seriously tested as we took the Durango to Silverton Railroad day trip.

Those who know us will be aware of our strong aversion to group tours, cruises and the like. Even a day trip like this, confined with 'others' and on a schedule out of our control was bound to be a bit of a test of our patience. AND it was.

The trip was fantastic with the Colorado mountain scenery that inspired John Denver, an historic old railway, a steam train and an old mining town. What more could we ask? Answer. A lot fewer loud Red Necks.

Why are the noisy people on any trip like this seated near us? For almost 7 hours we silently, with gritted teeth, put up with constant LOUD comment on everything from river water to President Obama. To be fair we suffered in the company of 30-40 other Americans who just grinned and bore it.

Long live independent travel!