Getting across the Colorado state line took longer than expected due to the heavy traffic leaving Dallas and numerous stops for gas, food and supplies. My goal was to get to Springfield, Colorado before stopping for the night to sleep. That was a stretch, but I finally pulled into Springfield just after 1 AM.. My plan was to head west from Springfield toward Kim and continue on to Trinidad. This is a new route for me, so I didn't know where I'd be able to park for the nigh

After a long day of flying, driving, waiting, and buying, I finally have Ellie. She's a 2005, Rallye Red Honda Element that I purchased from John Steinhauser at Encore Motorcars in Sarasota, Florida. Paying the non-refundable deposit for a car I'd never seen then buying a one-way flight to Florida was certainly a leap of faith. But Ellie looked to be in great condition, with 92k miles and great service history. So with little more than a backpack on my shoulder, I boarded