Day One: The Bituminous Trail

 We are traveling nearly 2000 miles on what I will call 'The BT' (Bituminous Trail). This is our trip blog.  

Todays Start: Evergreen, Colorado                      Today's Miles:  567   

Lauren and Juliette picked Steve and me up at Denver International airport about 11am. We are traveling to Paramus, New Jersey for Lauren's hubby, Justin's, grandpa's funeral. (Grandpa's the one who spontaneously jumped up at J&L's wedding reception to lead the Rutgers football  fight song🕺🏻)

We did a potty stop in Eastern Colorado and walked at least a MILE to the "Luxury Restroom Trailer". I didn't know those words could be used in the same sentence. And, everyone's idea of 'luxury' is relative. Like, if you were crazy enough to hike the 2000 mile Appalachian Trail (AT), this restroom trailer might be a highlight of your day. (And if it's constantly raining, you might even think 'cabin!')

Actually, Lauren' father-in-law is nearing the end of his Appalachian Trail hike, so I will be making some comparisons. His AT trail nickname is, well, I'll keep that confidential in case he's wanted for squatting or something. I'll just make up a random name and will call him 'Bilbo.'

Now, WE all need trail names, right? Juliette will hence forth be Jewels. Steve, hmmm, The Thinker?

Lauren will be MOMosa and me, I'll think about it. 

Ok, I'll be 'Nanny Goat.'  (A hated nickname my Dad gave me as a kid. He thought all my friends (and boyfriends!) would like to hear him call me that when they stopped over. Therapy has made a dent.)  So, while 'Bilbo' recently scrambled up boulder-strewn mountains in pouring rain and slippery mud on the Appalachian  Trail, on the BT, I easily and spritely spring into the driver's seat of the Toyota 4Runner. 

Now, back to why would anyone WALK 2000 miles when you can drive?  This question reminds me of a discussion with our son, Ryan's, best friend Kurt when they were 16 with shiny new drivers licenses. "Hey Kurt, do you think you will still ride bikes to each others houses once in awhile?" His reply, "...uhhhh....why?"

If you were hiking the AT, like Bilbo, you would likely have deep, meaningful conversations with fellow hikers. On OUR Bituminous Trail, we listen to murder podcasts. As Jewels is only 2 months old we are not yet forced to listen to mind- numbing stories of Clifford the big red dog. 

Just like Bilbo who sees moose, grouse, and other furry and feathery friends, we see wildlife too.

Me: Hey! Look at those COWS!

The Thinker: Those are steers.

Me:  What....ever!

The Thinker: THEY care!!

We've now trekked into Kansas. Billions of 2000 pound Buffalo used to roam this Godforsaken part of the country. It keeps me on my toes while driving. They could literally show up again at any time.  

Jewels has slept for the last 8 hours. Can we say midnight Party!!