Day 3 - The final drive day for a bit

 We started the day in Lincoln Nebraska under a cloudy sky.. 

We got hit with a little rain, but nothing big and made for a beautiful display across the plains. 

 

Many of our travelers were again amazed at how vast the country is and how far you are able to see when not surrounded by trees.  

The children were also surprised by other things along the way, a gas station names Sinclair that has a dinosaur as a mascot. It was Cowboy who pointed out that it is the dinos that give us the fossil fuels, so then it made a bit of since. 

 

Equally crazy was the idea that you could get hard booze at the gas station.  Nothing like a full tank of gas and a handle of Jack. 

We saw storm chasers...

And a dino with a sadle

The favorite stop of the day by far was one that Jen and Sal had stopped at 6 years ago on the way to CT.  It was just as glorious as today as it was then.... Fort Cody. 

"Buffalo Bill" Cody was born on 2/26/46 in Iowa.  He was a Pony Express Rider, a Union Army Scout, he organized a Wild West Show in Platte, NE, where the Trading Post is located.  He died on 

1/4/1912  and is buried on the top of "Lookout Mtn" near Denver, CO.

Inside there is a myriad of wonders... 

Including this 2 headed calf,

 There is a room that has miniature scenes from the old west.  

Here is a pic of Sal and Wild Bill Cody. 

Outside there were opportunities for group photos.

Next stop Colorado: 

The mountain watching began in earnest now, Mal and Aidan needed to get a good view. 

And finally, to the West, the Denver Skyline came into view with the mountains as the back drop.

  

Michael and Ginny watching out the window for wildlife and other fun things. 

We pulled into Aurora/Centennial CO around 3:30 and dropped off belongings at each of the locations that we were staying, you know we like to spread the Buller fun and love, then it was on to the first party of the stay: Schleich's

On the East the Denver Airport, with it's amazing architectural "mountain" skyline of it's own.  

With the bus secure in the driveway, the festivities began.  

The kids played games and hung out in the back yard and got a visitor from the local wildlife.   

Allison, Jen and Sal were back together live and in person, reminiscing about shenanigans from the past.

And naturally we got a picture of Jer, Scott, and me! I'll have to find a before and after of this one. 

And now it's off to prepare for Day 4