People are beginning to come into town for the Sugar Pine Ranch Rally that officially begins on Labor Day Weekend. But, not everyone who comes to Mancos these days is on a motorcycle. The Mancos Valley Visitor Center is a place where people come for information and sometimes for stuff. I had a gentleman come in on Monday who was walking across America. He stopped in the VC looking to borrow a screwdriver for a few minutes. Yep, I had one. Another gentleman came in looking for a sewing kit, one of those travel kits. Nope, I did not have that but I sent him to Cox Conoco and to the P & D to look for it.
People who pass through the VC often have stories to tell and they love to share their adventures. The fella walking across America, his name is John, had a horrific tale to tell about his wife, son and daughter being killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. He set out on his walking journey more than three years ago to heal myself, he said. He started in Oakland, California and has visited 30 states maybe more, I lost count, he claimed. John stops in his travels to pick up odd jobs that help him meet his minimal expenses.
When asked what he had learned on his journey, he stated were better off than we realize in the U.S. No one is bombing us, were not starving and we can travel freely. He said his one wish is that people would stop complaining and being so negative. We have it real good in this country, he proclaimed. Sometimes travelers share good lessons with us.
September is around the corner and the Mancos Valley will be filled with motorcycles at the beginning of the month and hot air balloons at the end of the month. Be ready to have a great time in the Valley.