It is time to saddle up and leave!

This is a statue of General William Jackson Palmer, founder of Colorado Springs. I'm turning the city back over to him and heading out.

The first leg is a trip to Minneapolis for 2 ½ days and then I fly back here to pick up my car and wend my way back to San Diego, route yet to be determined.

My nearly two-month stay here was full of time with family, visits to old haunts from my childhood days. It was great being here, and of course the big Padder tour of the best parts of Colorado was the absolute highlight. Seeing my sister and her family was also quite special.

So I leave with fond memories, new friends, and strengthened family ties.

When I was a teenager certain rowdy elements would adorn his horse's genitals with bright orange paint; or so I heard ;-). Since this edifice is right in front of my old High School, I'd guess it was trouble makers from there!

I debated whether to use the image above or the one with the "rear" view for today. Do you have a preference?

If you are curious, Palmer is one of the more interesting figures who helped to open the American West. He was quite an accomplished man. Here is more information on **General Palmer.**