Cami, Chet, Kelsi and Kora made the trip to meet me in Colorado! This was the first time I had seen my family in persson since I left home on July 11 on the Amtrak.
From what I learned, Cami drove to Rochester Wednesday night to stay at Chet’s and be ready for travel on Thursday. When she got in bed she started to think about…and worry about…the altitude adjustment for Kora.
A quick search on the internet had conflicting advice but at least a couple said do not have a child under 2 sleep at elevations over 6,500ft. Others said 9,000ft. Some said it would not be a problem for a child older than 3 months (and Kora is almost 5) and most said to acclimate slowly.
Well, going from Minnesota to Silverthorne, CO at 9,000ft in one day and sleeping there seemed a bit risky. Kora and fam stayed with Cami’s cousin Joy outside Denver to acclimate overnight at about 5,000ft, but Cami (hesitantly and with significant anxiety and a plan to descend back to Denver if need be even in the middle of the night) continued the mountainous drive to Silverthorne. Yay!
It was already a special night since we were staying inside at a hostel - the Pad - then to have Cami there?!? Fabulous! She got to have dinner with me and the rest of my cyclist friends.
The next morning when I left again on my bike Cami drove back down the mountain to pick up Chet, Kelsi and Kora and begin another mountainous drive to Hartsel Ranch. At least everyone had been at elevation now for 24 hours without issue.
A litle rest stop to get Kora out of her car seat — and treats for the grownups — on the way to Hartsel.
Once checked in at the ranch, they rested and waited for me to arrive. Remember, I still had not seen Chet, Kelsi and Kora yet. It was around 2pm, Kora was napping, and Cami and Chet walked on the road toward town, thinking I would arrive soon. They didn’t want to get too far, so they turned around and when they looked out they saw me and a few other bikers coming down a hill they didn’t expect. Soon I was heartily greeted by Cami and Chet.
Before long Kora was awake and ready to greet grandpa, too!
While we all ate dinner together with the whole Adventure Cycling group a storm blew through, but typical of Colorado weather “if you don’t like the weather just wait a few minutes.” The rainbows were spectacular!
