Day 135!

...my 'oh so' focused canine companion on lastnight's 'playground' (Jones family home) w/13 outdoor cats, 10 chickens, 2 geese, and 3 dogs - he was in heaven.

...this was our view for today's walk - and about .5 miles from where we saw the family of antelopes!

...such a great property - I hope to have something similar someday in life! - Thank you again Jones family in Las Animas, CO!

13 miles today – 1652 miles total!
(outside of) Las Animas, CO – La Junta, CO

We had such a good night’s rest and are SO thankful to the Jones family for taking care of us on such short notice – incredible dinner and conversation as well! – quality.

I tossed on my pack at 7:30am this morning on lonely hwy 50 in the heart of Colorado’s SE prairie towards La Junta. Today’s journey was full of open fields covered in sage w/the lucky sight of antelope and their babies – SUCH a peaceful experience… to stop – watch – & sit by the side of the road …peering into the blinding yellows & browns to see their white tails bounce – Kanoa became increasingly alert when they would turn to question our presence in their ‘somewhat’ private world.

…we continued beating the pavement slowly approaching the plateau overlooking La Junta, CO. There are many gifts in seeing the world this way (on-foot) – one of them being a presence and/or energy that comes over you when walking into populated areas (large & small). It is as if you can hear the heartbeat of those who inhabit the area …some are holding on – some are in transition – some are stressed – some are dying – and some are alive & well…La Junta was amongst the ‘alive & well’, it was so refreshing. Mid-way through our walk today my dear friend Teri Finan helped us make a wonderful connection w/the Travel Inn of La Junta. Soon after, we connected with the local Chamber of Commerce and were greeted by Office Manager: Beth Klob – who is simply fantastic. She set us up with the local paper, local radio, and helped us get into the Rotary Club meeting for lunch. This community is special – I am SO glad I have the day off tomorrow to soak it in! Ironically, I have made plans to visit the nation’s largest “Kiva” located on the Otero Junior College campus…

Comanche National Grassland & Bent’s Old Fort are also in the area; however, I am unsure of our ability to get out there – if not – it will be a FOR sure reason to come back and visit this special community!

Cheers for now from La Junta!

Jonathon & Kanoa

THANK YOU Teri Finan & Travel Inn of La Junta for taking care of us!