The Favored Colorado Trip

I recently visited Colorado during my Spring Break as a way to prepare with hopes to move out there this summer.  I connected with some World Race people I’ve never met, set a basic itinerary, and saved up tip money.  I may sound like “bragging”, but looking back this trip was pretty awesome!

Travel out there was smooth and easy, despite 2 high volume traffic areas.  I had a free place to stay in Manhattan, KS including free home-made breakfast in the morning. 

Sunday night: I was able to stay at a WR alumni’s apt, while also getting some home-made enchiladas.  I was able to stay and watch the HBO showing about Scientology with their family.   Awesome documentary I recommend all to check out if possible.

Monday: I had a great game of disc golf with some cool random UPS truck drivers. Then, I got in a wreck where my car got totaled…No Bueno!  After Quickly contacting insurance and more, I got a rental and headed to Littleton where another WR Alumni and family allowed me to stay with them.  There was awesome hospitality and yummy healthy food to be had all around.

Tuesday:  Went hiking with the goal to reach Crater Lakes west of Rollinsville, CO.  Unfortunately the snow kept us from knowing where the trail branched off to our goal, and we ended up hiking a bit more further than planned (I estimate about 7 miles round trip).  We still made it back safe and sound.  I got to connect with some sweet friends at an Old Chicago for a great time.

Wednesday: Had an interview for a PE job South of Denver, which went well.  Then headed to a restaurant called The Matador to have a meal with a great college friend who’s been living out in Denver for a few years.  That afternoon I headed up to stay with another WR alumni’s place in Ft. Collins.  They treated me for dinner out, and still amazing hospitality while simply enjoying great community and stories.

Thursday: Went to Greeley for a massive teacher job fair from early morning till mid afternoon.  Made several connections along with several introductory interviews.  I got back in time for a 1.5 hour free-guided tour of the New Belgium Brewery, which I didn’t even know if I was going to make on this trip.  We even got to go into the bottling plant to grab a brand new drink right off the line since there were only 5 of us!  Wonderful is the best description of my time there.  Later, I had got picked up and had dinner with G42 friends at some sweet local restaurants (Scrumpy’s and Restaurant 415).

Friday:  I went back to Greeley in the morning for some more appointed introductory interviews with a few school districts.  It’s usually difficult for any Health and PE major.  Everyone knows at teacher jobs fairs that they’re very tough to find and extremely competitive.  I packed up and headed to stay with another WR Alumni in Denver, but stopped outside of Johnstown to play another round of disc golf.  Had dinner and shared community with several awesome WR alumni at the Highland Bar and Tavern on 32nd Ave.  There were so many beer options.  It’s absolutely a craft beer lovers “heaven”.  

Saturday:  Woke up early enough to see and capture the Blood Moon that was out!  Hit the road and 1500 miles later got home safe and sound…yet without my beloved Saturn Vue.