Jeff Chimes In

'Sup.  Jeff here.  My friends back east always ask, "why doesn't he write?"  Well, I'll tell you why.  I'm exhausted.  (Actually, those that know me realize that I have no friends so there's little need for me to write anything, but I'll play along for the sake of the blog).  The trip has been really great, and there's still quite a few days left, so my rankings may very well change by the time I get back to my favorite recliner on Waynewood Blvd. 

The highlights for me thus far have been....

10. Eisenhower Museum in Abilene, KS
9.  Zion National Park
8.  Navajo-guided Monument Valley Tour
7.  Tour of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
6.  Bull Riding Night in Cheyenne with Henry
5.  Cog Train ride to summit of Pike's Peak
4.  Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park
3.  Jet Boat Tour into Canyonlands National Park
2.  Hikes in Arches National Park - especially Sand Dunes Arch
1.  Ruth taking an afternoon nap on my shoulder in Kansas City
Low lights:
10.  Wounded A/C in RV
9.  Towing Jeep across passes in Rockies over 11,000 feet in elevation
8.  Ruth getting stitches at Bryce Canyon
7.  Gas prices
6.  Unable to pick up local channels on satellite on night of All-Star Game
5.  Not driving to Dead Horse at Canyonlands NP
4.  Driving I-25 from Albuquerque to Santa Fe - too hilly and drivers too aggressive
3.  Drive from Loveland, CO to Estes Park, CO - worth it though once we were there
2.  Too many showers/thunderstorms
1.  Tweaking my back while brushing my teeth....it cost me a week of exercise..... 

Best Eats:
1. Leon's Creamy Chicken Enchiladas in Grand Junction, CO.  Second best dish ever.  (Penne ala Lenzi at      Via Veneto in VA is the best ever.)
2.  Burnt Ends -  Jack Stack BBQ in KC
3.  Tuffy's Burgers in Cincinnati
4.  Pulled Pork at Ruby's in Manitou Springs, CO
5.  Frito Pie at Orlando's in Taos, NM
6.  Navajo Tacos at Four Corners, AZ or was it NM, UT or CO - not sure....it was at Four Corners
7.  Navajo Tacos at Indian Village Cheyenne, WY
8.  Sandwich at Shapiro's Deli in Indianapolis
9.  Fried bananas with caramel and ice cream at the Bent Fork in Denver, CO
10.  Chili Dog at Sonic in Colorado Springs, CO -  hard to believe it was at 'Sonic' but it was awesome.

If there is another night where I can't sleep, maybe I'll write something else a little more meaningful.

Jeff