Weekend visits

The past few weekends I’ve had the chance to visit with friends and family which has been great. It started with the surprise visit of my parents in the Denver area – which turned out to be a longer stay for my mom – and then I briefly visited with Adam and Megan in Denver, and then with Amanda as well Adrian’s dad near Omaha.

I had hoped to visit with Adam and Megan on Saturday, but our epic climb brought us into town late that day, not to mention Adam was rather sick at the time. But we finally got together Sunday evening for a short night-cap at his lovely abode just north of Denver University. Megan is studying in the law program at DU and through her resourcefulness, landed her and Adam the chance to live in the Phipps mansion free of charge in exchange for some weekly duties organizing events etc. I didn’t take many pictures, but I couldn’t stop from habitually picking my jaw up from the floor – this place was immaculate! Just to name some of the details: there were original manuscripts in the library from Edgar Allen Poe, Mark Twain and others; there was an ornate Steinway in the living area next to the covered tennis courts; murals and much fine wood carving in well decorated rooms.

We enjoyed a few brews in the soda fountain room which was signed by many of the Phipps guests – Marilyn Monroe among many others. It was great to catch up if even for a short while.


This past weekend in Fremont (near Omaha)…

My friend Amanda came to visit from Iowa City and she picked me and my mom up in Fremont after my long sweep day, and brought us to Adrian’s (my roommate in Portland) parents place - they live in Elkhorn, just outside of Omaha. It was too bad that Adrian wasn’t there - he just flew home a few days earlier. This is now the second time that I have visited his parents without him actually being at home!
It was great to spend a night away from the busy-ness of the tour, as well as enjoy great company, the comfort of air conditioning, and the blessing of being able to sleep in a real bed! We also got to enjoy some great German products that they brought back from their recent travels.

Mark, Adrian’s dad, is the pastor at Bethany Lutheran in Elkhorn, Nebraska and we had the opportunity to attend one of the services Sunday morning. Mark kindly pointed us out as his guests and had us stand during the service – he told the congregation about the tour, and had me show everyone my stellar farmer’s tan. That afternoon we shared a great Sunday dinner together – thanks for grilling Mark! This was such a refreshing and restful weekend, and I’m now ready for another long week in the saddle.

Here's a pic of Amanda and I next to the gear truck at camp:


And here's evidence that my mom is indeed earning her keep on the tour!