Our journey from Colorado Springs to Central City started like any other travel day. We expected a smooth, scenic two-hour drive. However, life had other plans for us. Just an hour away from our destination, our truck decided to take a break— it would not drive. There we were, towing our 45-foot home, stranded in the middle of the highway, causing a five-mile traffic backup. The Kindness of Strangers
Enter our hero of the day: a good Samaritan named Mike Penman. Mike's arrival was nothing short of miraculous. With a quick assessment of our dire situation, he offered to pull us to the side of the highway, getting us out of the danger zone. Despite the hours spent waiting for tow trucks, only one finally showed up. Once again, Mike came to our rescue. Equipped with a truck and a 5th wheel hitch, he hooked up our rig and towed us the remaining hour to Central City.
But Mike’s kindness didn’t stop there. Understanding the urgency of our situation, he made a few calls, ensuring that our truck wouldn't sit at a dealership for weeks awaiting repairs. Thanks to his efforts, the truck was diagnosed and fixed the next day. A seal in the transfer case had failed—a factory defect. Mike Penman, you truly saved our day. If only there were more people like you in the world!
Settling Into Central City
Once we were finally settled, and our equipment was back up and running, we had a new challenge: adjusting to the 9,000-foot elevation. Breathing up here takes some getting used to! But the charm of Central City made it all worthwhile. This adorable, quaint town nestled deep in the mountains feels like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie. Known for its small casinos, Central City has a unique, other-worldly charm. Here is where Henry also perfected his at-home Pizza! JUST about as close to Connecticut pizza as we're going to get!
A Quick Escape to Ensenada & Catalina Island
During our stay, I decided to take a spur-of-the-moment cruise out of Los Angeles with my girlfriend, Amy. What a fantastic time! One highlight was the incredible tequila in Ensenada—so good that I’m already planning a return trip.
Memorable Moments Back in Central City
Back in Central City, we enjoyed a wonderful date night at a beautiful and delicious steakhouse. There’s nothing quite like a romantic evening to lift the spirits! Another highlight was reconnecting with a high school friend of Henry’s. They hadn’t seen each other in over 30 years, and it was amazing to catch up, share dinner, and reminisce about old times.
To express our gratitude, we invited Mike and his wife, Tracey, over for dinner. It was the least we could do for someone who dedicated more than half his day to help us when we broke down. Sharing a meal with them was a wonderful way to get to know the people who had shown us such incredible kindness and make life-long friends in Colorado.
Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park
No trip to this area would be complete without a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. The park’s beauty is absolutely breathtaking—words fail to capture its magnificence, and even the best photos don’t do it justice. It’s a place you simply have to experience for yourself.
Onward to Breckenridge
With Central City behind us, we’re now heading to Breckenridge. We've heard amazing things about this town and can’t wait to explore it. Up the mountain we go, ready for our next adventure!
Stay tuned for more tales from the road as we continue our journey through these beautiful landscapes. Adventure awaits!
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