2021 San Mateo, California to Evanston, Illinois
Day 6
We rose early. Okay, earlier than intended. Did email unsubscribing becauseI am sick of 185 pieces of junk each am. I zipped down and back to Durango Coffee House for lattes for our am caffeine buzzes. We dressed for white water rafting and headed to the car. Ten minutes down the road, we checked in, life jackets on, and loaded the bus. Elle was in the front of the raft with George, a rising HS sophomore well over 6 ft and growing. While the size of a grown man, still a HS freshmen emotionally. He was on the trip with his aunt, who never told him what they were doing. This motorcycle momma was all about getting the very unsure kid out of his comfort zone. Boy, oh boy, did he stretch himself. Elle engaged him in banter and he opened up quite a bit. I gave him lots of kudos for each and every new thing he tried today.
We really enjoyed the rafting. At one point we could intentionally fall out of raft and Elle and I did. George eventually jumped in too. It took all of our efforts to get everyone back in the raft- Dunk ‘n Giggle Method applied, which meant get dunked under and life vest shoots you up and everyone grabs on to pull you into the raft. Since we all look ridiculous, everyone giggle at how awkward we ALL look.
Had a lunch stop at a river side restaurant that had unsweetened iced tea. Yes, I drank more than my fair share- “unlimited beverages” and I took advantage of that.
After lunch it was back on the Animas River for another 20 minutes to the unloading point. Ended too soon for me. Elle needed it to end for her knees to thighs received a bit too many sunshine kisses. I was sitting behind George, so my legs were mostly in shade.
We came back to hotel to clean up, for we smelled like trout, the most common fish in the river, according to the fly fishermen we passed. We headed back to the coffee house for a second iced latte of the day, read/Sudoku, and a game of Rummy. A little shopping along the way - Items purchased clearly shout how I am feeling - empowered.
Back at the room, we looked at our rafting photos (set them to load before we left … oh the time it takes), figured out dinner, and planned out and made reservations for tomorrow.
Elle really wanted to do Mesa Verde and I wanted more water. I am Poseidon’s child, in that water heals my body and soul. I need it keep me upright. We spent time trying to figure out how to do both. As it turned out, we will do Mesa Verde guided tour in morning and have a kayaking guide in the afternoon. Both are happy. Let’s see how happy Elle’s thighs will be tomorrow, the rushing blood was felt with each step as she walked to the shower to de-trout herself.
We headed out for the evening meal and stopped at Albertsons to get tomorrow’s lunch fix’ns and some Aloe Vera for a certain young lady. Okay, I put some on my face as Elle laughed, hysterically, ”You could be in Veggie Tales, Woman!”
I said, “ Eh, it’s a little red.”
Dinner was “DELICIOUS!” at Jack’s Ranch and Grill. Literally field to table. Not kidding. This was by far the absolutely best meal we have had the entire trip. The kind of place you put on the PRO side of Do I Move to Durango list.
Right now Elle is cooling down those thighs with aloe, the only hand towels we have, and ice cubes. Requesting Advil.
