The 5,400 mile Quest For Fall Color

September 16th  was my departure date.  Hoping to  find Fall Color in Colorado.  Trouble with fall colors anywhere is you never know when the peak is.  Peak presents no problem in a relative local area.  This journey was 2,000 miles one way.  Better get it right.   I was blessed to find it perfect! 

​The second morning brought rain. Rain for hours.  Sometimes heavy, cold and drenching rain. And when in the San Juan Mountains  - freezing rain and snow.  And that folks is why I bought the "Runner" so as to be able to transit the Nation in comfort - I hate to ride a motorcycle in rain, snow or heat!

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First stop was to be in Denver, Colorado at GOBI RACKS to have their Stealth rack and ladder installed, along with the 40 inch Rigid LED light bar.

The route from Denver was as follows:  Victor, Colorado then on to Ouray/Silverton, Colorado.  From here down to Mesa Verde and Moab.  Returning towards home a stop in Monument Valley.

I scheduled my departure so as to be in Columbus, Ohio around dinner time.  Every time I transit through on Highway 70, it is great to stop at SCHMIDTS SAUSAGE HAUS.  

Located just a few minutes off the highway in the area of "Old GermanTown, Schmidt's serves lunch and dinner and be sure to take home some "wurst"!

This evening I had Sauerbraten and a fine German beer.  Followed with homemade Apple
Strudel.  It doesn't get better; well unless you may want to try the Sausage Buffett.  

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Schmidt's was established in1886.  And is still a
family owned establishment.

When near to Columbus, Ohio be sure to give
Schmidt's Sausage Haus a try!

Sunrise and the trail heads West.  While the highways will get you across country they sure can be boring.   Mile after mile...more miles and then more again.  Well, OK then, now time for lunch!  And I know the place. Just west and south of Saint Louis, MO on Highway 70 is the town of Herman.  Here is
another of my favorite stops.  I'd say watering hole; but to be accurate it is a very fine winery with a superb  restaurant - STONE HILL WINERY and the Vintage 1847 Restaurant.

Lunch today was one of the Haus Spezialitat - 
the German Duo:  lightly hand breaded pork schnitzel andHermann-Made Munich style Bratwurst served with house-made red cabbage and potato pancake.

Dessert.  Well what can I say? Just look at the
photo!  Um um, yummy German Chocolate Pie,
Rich chocolate pie with coconut and pecans.

​Ready to go back now for seconds!

Stone Hill Winery is a wonderful place to take a break from the monotonous drive on Highway 70.  
Stop, relax.  Have lunch or your own picnic and enjoy!  Be sure to take some wine home too!

Next time we will be off on the real reason, other then the GOBI rack,  I'll take you to Victor, Colorado
and Cripple Creek.  Spend a couple of nights in the old Western hotel - Victor Hotel and see if we encounter any ghosts. Yes, truly, guests have taken pictures of some rather odd encounters!  We will
drive Phantom Canyon.  Go for a train ride.  Then there is Ouray and Silverton for the Fall Colors!
While there was treated to a bit of snow.  Be sure to bookmark and return, 
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A Preview of Coming Blog Posts:

See You Down The Road