It is 643am and I have just returned from a short walk, the sun already starting to burn on a day that the forecast promised thunder and lightning, but time enough for that. The main body of our group arrived last night, dutifully collected by Doc & Barb. A few minutes later drinks in the bar, then a late dinner - orders placed after 10pm, the kitchen staff (of one) was thrown into chaos with 16 dinners to whip up. Those of us who where here yesterday were preordained after Barb's previous exploratory visit, to spend time at a massive outlet mall 30 minutes from our hotel. Brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Columbia, GAP, Levis, Nike, Ralph Lauren(over 100 name brands) - quite amazing, with discounts of 40-50% typically shown off retail. Even the most reluctant shoppers amongst us (and that would include me, one who never willing shops other than online), had spoils in flash branded bags as reward for time spent. Quite amazing and obviously extremely popular, we arrived just before 10am opening and the huge multiple carparks were empty, but 2.5 hours later, chocka. Later in the day we took a tiki tour into Denver Downtown, and along touristy 16th St. The temperature was mid 30's and any time in the sun was hard going. We took temporary refuge in the shade at an Irish bar, pub lunch and cooling amber before tackling the heat. The homeless and itinerent are ever present, some panhandling with their plea in a few scrawled words on a tatty piece of cardboard, overs having foregone all hope, sleeping, backs to the world. One wonders how they cope with the flip side of the temperature coin when winter comes, when below zero is a reality for many months, and metre dumps of overnight snow are a regular occurance. The US really is a country of contrasts. Back to my walk - we are out by the Airport in a a new development in Aurora City - an area so new that the footpaths have yet to dull from the bright white contrete only has for a short time, the grass is manicured and watered or it would not last until lunch time. Denver is "the mile high city", a bit of altitude, aforementioned extremes in weather, and certainly not conducive to any apparent agrigulture. Two wee bunnies enjoying this lush grass for breakfast were a pleasant momentary distraction, seemingly unfazed by this lumbering walker heading back to the airconditioned splender of the Cambria Suites. Our shuttle to Mile High Harley is booked for 10am, but alas, not to collect bikes for that is not until tomorrow. Todays visit is to Harley guys what the outlet store is to women - retail therapy. There are jackets, boots, helmets and gloves to buy - and of course the ever important Harley bells need to protect us whilst we'reon the road. More on the protective power of a Harley bell later (and whilst not an overly superstitious person,I would be reluctant to entrust fate alone without a bell). Nearly time for breakfast -although my pillion is still asleep, reluctant to arise just yet. Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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