La Junta to Holly; Distance = 90 Miles; People Met = 40
We packed for the 90 miles from La Junta to Holly while Ky went back East for a family reunion. Each day was a delight in its own way. As a whole there was constant reaffirmation for us to “Believe in Humanity.” We said our final goodbyes to Henry and Pat Cowell of La Junta, who we had been in contact with since they came to my talk in Olney Springs.
Pat Cowell at home
Henry Cowell at work
The first day was our toughest in terms of hiking. The 23 miles total of paved road took a toll on our legs. We meant to go about 22 miles, but the last mile had no convenient camping space and we continued on to Bents Fort Inn. That is where I gave a talk to the Las Animas Lions Club two days previously, which gave me hope that we could set up our tent in the back somewhere.
Not only were we granted that permission, the proprietor Hye treated us to both supper and breakfast the next morning. She was also very concerned about us being cold at night but we told her we would be just fine.
Blurry picture of Cindy and Hye
The next day was more on gravel road, much kinder to our legs and feet. We stayed at John Martin State Park. The park had all the amenities we would want, restrooms, water and picnic table, yet did not cost us anything because of being late in the season. We got there in plenty of time to set up camp, relax and watch the sunset.
We were not sure what to expect coming into Lamar. Pastor Rick Calhoun from the First United Methodist Church in Pueblo provided a reference for us to his former Methodist church in Lamar. We arranged to meet Pastor Ramon at the Colorado Welcome Center, along with church members Jean and Judy. While there we chatted for awhile with Nick and Carey, who were on their way back from an RV rally in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Carey and Nick
Pastor Ramon put us up in the Passport Inn at his own expense. We then joined folks at the church for a spaghetti supper prepared by the husband and wife team of Judy and Dean. Nita brought her guitar to the supper so I could play a song along with talk about our journey a bit. One thing that stuck out in my mind was taking a picture of everyone at the end. They were all constantly laughing instead of posing, which made for a good picture.
Nita, Gail, Judy, Mary Ann, Jean, Pastor Ramon and Dean
The next morning we attended church service for the second week in a row. Pastor Ramon gave a nice sermon about the greatest commandment and loving God with all your heart. After the service I gave a talk to two combined Sunday School classes for adults. They received the talk enthusiastically, the second faith-based group to do so, and took up a collection for our continued journey. So we went from hoping to throw up a tent somewhere to being give the royal treatment in Lamar. Once again we leave a community finding it hard to say goodbye.
While we were at the community center Judy placed a call to Pat Palmer in hopes he would provide us a place to stay in between Lamar and Holly. When we arrived at his place he had company: Pat’s “social director” Shirley, good friends Norm and Kay and their grandson Ethan. Pat, Norm and Shirley all went to wheelwright school together. Pat’s interest in this was twofold. He comes from Pennsylvania Dutch country and is a Santa Fe Trail buff.
Pat Palmer and Cindy
Norm and Shirley
Pat is a legend in the area, mainly for his good works. I had the opportunity to talk with him about that.
Another of Pat’s many interests are chuck wagons and dutch cookers. He called up a friend that shared these interests with him in Holly. That led to our next stay with Kent and Elaine Anderson in Holly. More on that later, except to say that once again the red carpet was rolled out for us.
Elaine and Kent Andersen
Throughout this stretch we were overwhelmed by the kindness extended to us. I suspect that you might be impressed by this stretch of trail angels as well and this becomes as important to convey to “Believe in Humanity” as the good things we find communities doing.
Other Photos
Tractor mailbox
Truck driver Rob Jones offered us a ride
We declined a "Hasty Swim" near the campground where we stayed
Jimmy Loper was up from Arkansas just to repair windows
Jean, Joy, Bonnie and Verna of the Welcome Center in Lamar
Our first Kansans, Lindsey and Ellen Cooper, offer help while still in Colorado
Lee Martines, a Navajo, identified with folks going on long walks
Tic, Tac, Toe
