Eads, CO to Ordway, CO
Rude horn honks: 1
Friendly horn taps: 1
Miles: 64
Total so far: 2,587
Let me tell you about the killdeer. A killdeer is a striking bird that captures the eye – for a very good reason. Adult killdeer have a brown back and wings, a white belly, and a white breast with two black bands. The rump is tawny orange. The face and cap are brown with a white forehead.
We were introduced to a killdeer one day at the Emanuel Lutheran Church we stayed at upon our reaching Kansas. The bird nested next to the gravel driveway and laid three or four grey and white speckled eggs that closely matched the color of the gravel. When a person approached, the killdeer would get up and fly just a few feet, making a bit of a racket. If you continued to follow the killdeer, it would make noise, flop about, fly a little, and eventually land and fall over on it’s side with one wing up as though it was in mortal agony. All this is a dance to keep the attention of a potential predator and keep the predator occupied and away from the nest of eggs. The killdeer perform the same antics when their young are hatched, but not yet old enough to flee into the air.
Don’t we wish we could protect our young as effectively? What would I give to have the opportunity to perform a distraction or interrupt the danger my daughter faced? Given the chance, I would have unflinchingly offered my own life. Any parent would. If only we could.
I admire the courage of this bird. I am in awe of it’s loyalty, and I am startled at the effectiveness of the kildeer’s dance. With all our sophistication, we lack those simple tools.
Maybe we are not that clever after all.
As I ride today, I can not pine for the could have, should have, would have…
I am in that new, unwanted reality; it is not my choosing, but I am moving forward.
Sighting our first antelope on the prairie
These abandoned tracks run the length of Kiowa County. They once held communities together that no longer exist.
Sugar City, Colorado
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Tomorrow’s ride is dedicated to D’Ann (DeDe) Marie Garcia
D'Ann Garcia
D’Ann was killed by a drunk driver going the wrong way on I-25 near Pueblo, Colorado on August 31, 1993. DeDe was 22 years old, in her last year of college. She is deeply missed by her family and friends.
In Memory of Warmer Summers 
Ride strong knowing you ride along wrapped with too many hearts raw with grief caused by those who chose to drink and drive.
you know that it go to show that even the birds love there young WHY CAN,T ALL OF US POPPLE LOVE ONE ANOTHER.all the fighting betwen us and the diying for NO GOOD RESON .we have got to stop all that. if we all looked up at the birds and just a little farther up in the sky and say thank you lord for what we have and for his love.you all keep up the good work may god have his hand on you, be safe. steve h.
Finally a gun. Looks like a Remington 870 magnum, bird gun. Kicks like a mule.
Got one. Bought at Wal-mart.
Good job getting to Colorado. Got some good towns comin’. Durango, Ureau,
Silverton. Million dollar mile highway.
Eat more salads and God Bless.
Thanks for your support to MADD and riding in Memory of Carlie and others who have died or were injured as a result of this senseless act. My son Johnathon Ferguson was taken by a drunk driver on October 2, 2005 in Temecula, CA. I know your pain and my prayers are with you!! Ride Safe!!!