With a late start yesterday I had 3 1/2 hours of daylight so as the sun set I kipped down for the evening. I spent 20 minutes nursing a few wee tentative embers into a warm campfire.
“Smashin’ “…..or so I thought!!
A further 20 mins later I could here some voices and looked up to find 6 flashlights bobbing their was towards me.
“Evenin’, come away in”, I said as friendly as I could.
“Do you have any weapons on you sir?”, was the reply as 3 firemen and 3 policemen appeared from behind their luminous glow!
I said I had a knife and a can of bear mace and pointed to where they were.
Ill say now, all were extremely nice and just following procedures. I was asked to turn round and ‘spread them’ so one officer could pat me down while the other searched my belongings. A quiick look at my passport seemed to satisfy their curiosity while everyone asked questions about my reasons for being in America. Their reasons for being there were simple, it wasn’t a place fires were allowed but I hadn’t seen any signs which stated this. I had made sure it was set on gravel and a safe distance away from any grass and was following guidelines to the letter…I just didn’t realise they weren’t allowed.
As they extinguished the fire we all chatted and they were good folks. Hands were shaken and no harm was done but as I did last night, I’d like to apologize again lads.. ill be sure to check next time!! Thanks for being so understanding.
One of the fire guys even said his parents live just off route 36 in Kansas and if I pass may help out a wee bit. It’d b more than welcome if possible, thank you! 
After a cold night I set off early this morning but Google maps once again came up trumps…after 6 miles I’m faced with a field where a road should continue. My bikes not meant for off road so I pushed it for 3 miles through muddy tracks. The weight on it doesn’t help!! I still carry a back pack with 40 lbs in it so I’m still a bit top heavy but safe enough. The great thing about my trek was meeting this wee guy…is he a gopher? Took a video of him warning me off but I can’t seem to post them at mo so the pics will have to do sorry!! I left peanuts and carried on.
Its a clear day so going to make most of it….speak soon
yup defo. a gopher. Four species of pocket gophers are found in Colorado. Looks like a Northern pocket gopher cos he has a white chin and belly….don’t you just love the internet!!!!.
Stay safe and puncture free.
Luv ya. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As always good luck. Happy Vetrans Day today 11-11-11.
Be safe,
Ei.
Be careful with the GPS! They do not have all the info. Keep up the good work Don!