A week of solid prep & excitement to be East Coast-bound, proved good mojo for my Sunday marathon in Newport RI.

Landed just after midnight Friday in Hartford CT & spent half the next day visiting family – starting with breakfast at the Cosmic Omelet. Living 2 time zones away, always good to see family.

Hit the highway at 1pm, driving thru rain but not dampening my spirit.  Caught the tail end of fall foliage on the Mass Pike – BEAUTIFUL.  LOVE our Colorado Aspens but nothing like autumn in New England – blazing reds, orange & yellows.

Had scheduled a sailing trip as my pre-marathon Rhode Island activity but unfortunately was cancelled due to stormy seas.  Picked up my [marathon] race packet in Middletown RI – and the rain clouds parted.  Sweet!

What to do?  Briefly walked along Second Beach (expecting more tomorrow on my marathon run), then a 10 minute drive to Newport.  Big sailing ships & Newport’s infamous Cliff Walk.  Have-to, highly recommended; Check, done 🙂

Snapped a few pics in the harbor.  SPECTACULAR sunset — light peeped thru the dissipating storm clouds.  Today’s WOW shot.

Capped off the evening with a clam roll at Flo’s Clam Shack – carbo loading New England style 🙂

When making the decision to reboot my life 5 years ago, I was torn between Boulder & Narragansett RI – mountains vs. ocean.  Both locales still tug hard at my soul.  No regrets – I love my Colorado life – but Rhode Island will always hold a special place in my heart. Expect I’ll always come back.

Thanks Stephen for playing chauffeur – most awesome day!