Day 43 & 44 In Florence, CO

Zac spent Day 43 in Pueblo getting the necessary bike repairs, resting, taking care of some business and refueling-himself. He spent another night in a motel and enjoyed the luxuries of a soft bed, shower and TV for the evening.
Day 44, Zac began the climb in elevation. He has been biking in semi-arid county in western Kansas but finds the dryness of the Colorado foothills along with the increasing elevation very difficult. He has been drinking so much more water and had to stop at a horse ranch for additional water. A wonderful kind rancher, Ted Kelly and his family asked Zac to have an afternoon meal with them. Ted raises appaloosa horses and has trained race horses. Zac shared our Aiken history with them. Zac camped in the city park in Florence, CO.
Florence, my namesake, with a populaton of 3,500, is the home of the Supermax Prison, the only one in the USA. It is known as the "Alcatraz of the Rockies" and houses about 430 of the most dangerous prisoners we have. Ted Kaczynski and Terry Nichols make their registry as well as the most notorious of drug dealers, terrorists, organized crime,etc. The prison was built in 1994 and employs about 1000 people.
Florence is at an elevation of 5,000 ft. and Zac is ccntinuing on to Hartsell, Co, elevation 9,000. He anticipates that he may only cover about 30 miles today because of the elvation and difficulty.
Today is Zac's grandfather's 94th birthday. He was diagnosed with lymphoma 4 years ago. The Doctors at the Cross Cancer Clinic began treatment on him because they thought he was only 80 years old and was so active and independent. After the third round of his limited chemotherapy, they realized that he was actually 90. Granddad has enjoyed 4 years of good health. He passed his medical exam and his actual driving test so the Alberta government gave his drivers license for TWO more years. He limits it to around the block to the drugstore and post office and church.. There is fortunately no traffic around town. We consider each day with him a blessing.
Zac is doing this ride in his honor as well as his aunt, Jan.
We wish that Granddad could be at the Pacific and see Zac dip his wheels but this would be too difficult a trip for him.
Thank you for all your concern and good wishes for Zac. It amazes us how involved everyone has been in Zac's ride and are asked about him everywhere we go.. Thank you for everyone's support.

*posted by Zac's mom who was born VERY late in her father's life????*