We were so lucky to end up in places like Zions and Moab, Utah. At this point, we were just planning the trip on a daily basis so we were delighted in what we found. The drive from Moab to Boulder is another surprise. We took the scenic route that followed the Colorado River and it was like being in the Grand Canyon. As we were winding through the mountains it was so beautiful we just kept thinking it was fake. Apparently, these areas have been used for backdrops on movie sets and commercials so we'll keep our eyes peeled when we're back to watching tv.  It's another lucky day for us to have sunshine so we can admire the beauty of the West. 

We spent a couple nights in Boulder with 2 of my college friends. It's hard to believe Jan and Terry Murphy are empty-nesters already. I don't know where the time went! Other than drinking wine instead of really cheap beer, we picked up right where we left off. They threw a lovely dinner party and invited another college friend, Jan Ray and her family to join us. A home cooked meal, great friends and a blazing fire...it all made for a perfect evening. Lots of laughs, telling stories about our trip and reminiscing about college days. This was the latest I stayed up this entire trip but sometimes it's good to pretend you're young. Until the next morning when you suddenly feel your age again. 

We spent the next day on a cool hike in Chautauqua at the foothills of the Flatirons in Boulder. Chautauqua is actually an adult educational movement that started near Lisa's hometown in New York and there are several across the U.S.  The trails were surrounded by cottages earmarked as historical landmarks so it was a challenging but educational climb. We also made a spin through the UC-Boulder campus because Lisa's nephew will be playing football for the Buffs in the fall. I'm really glad my friends met each other and hopefully they can connect when Lisa goes out to see the football games. And hopefully I'll be invited to chaperone. 

Our trip ended at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa,  my alma mater. Lisa had never been to Iowa so I thought Cornell would be the perfect spot to make the state shine. She had also never been to Nebraska and as much as I didn't want to do it, there's only one way to get to Iowa from Colorado...and it ain't pretty. It's by far the worst drive of the trip. The state of Nebraska hasn't changed a bit since the first time I drove through it 28 years ago. It's still flat and smells like cow manure. We stayed in Lincoln hoping at least the University of Nebraska would offer a highlight. But, it didn't. And Lisa swears the pictures on their website are doctored. 

We tooled around Cornell's campus in the afternoon and I was really happy to show it off. I definitely have more of an appreciation for the historic buildings and tiny town than I did when I attended the school. We made a quick stop at the local tavern, hit the new wine bar and had a good, cheap Iowa dinner.  Some things will never change. 

44 nights,  45 days, 9141 miles and 2 oil changes later we made it back to Chicago. It's hard to believe it's over already. We were fortunate to spend quality time with family and friends and are so grateful for the warm hospitality extended to us on our journey. We met new people and saw things I don't think either of us ever imagined we'd see. It was a once in a lifetime experience; an excellent adventure. And we shared no less than one belly laugh a day. We were good friends when we left and I think we're better friends now. 

 

As we awoke in Iowa this morning, a snow storm hit and it was bitterly cold and windy. It was much like the January day we left Chicago. And when we turned on the tv this morning, the movie "Sideways" was on. Yes, the same movie that destroyed the reputation for Merlot. We've come full circle and I don't think I could have written a better ending.