Rocky Mountain High

 

We arrived into Denver last night (or was it early this morning?). Checked into the hotel, the Baymont, at 1am. Arriving at Denver International Airport brought back memories from my many trips to Denver while working at Kellogg's. Remembering when it first opened in 1995, replacing the old Stapleton Airport and the baggage claim disaster it turned out to be. Frequent travellers learned never to check a bag when traveling through the airport. 

The airport is the largest US airport by surface area, and it sits at an altitude of nearly 5,500 feet (1,676 meters) above sea level. It has six massive runways with the longest being 16,000 feet long and is one of the longest in the world. 

Regarding the tunnel baggage system: "In February 1995, DIA was opened 16 months later than originally anticipated with a delay cost of $500 million. A key schedule and cost problem—the integrated automated baggage handling system—was a unique feature of the airport. The baggage system was designed to distribute all baggage automatically between check-in and pick-up on arrival. The delivery mechanism consisted of 17 miles of track on which 4,000 individual, radio-controlled carts would circulate. The $238 million system consisted of over 100 computers networked together, 5,000 electric eyes, 400 radio receivers, and 56 bar-code scanners. The purpose of the system was to ensure the safe and timely arrival of every piece of baggage. Significant management, mechanical, and software problems plagued the automated baggage handling system. In August 2005, the automated system was abandoned and replaced with a manual one.

This morning we will pick up a rental car and head toward Colorado Springs. Other than that we have no plans for this day. Let the adventure begin. 

Following the Breadcrumbs Sept 6

For a day with no set plans, I would score the day a 10. No set plans, no absolute destination, no lodging arranged. 

We started our day with a short uber ride to Alamo car rental. Our driver was a die hard Broncos fan and a huge fan of Russ. His enthusiasm was almost convincing. He told us the Garden of the Gods was a must see, which confirmed some prelim thoughts we had. We thanked him and as he drove off our parting words were "Go Hawks". We loaded up shiny new Hyundi Santa Fe and set our first destination to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

The red rock formations that rise from the valley floor are amazing! The park is free and well maintained. The paths that weave through the park make exploring easy. I  can see why it is one if the top tourist destinations in Colorado. Lunch at the Trading Post after exploring  was perfect. The Fat Tire beer really hit spot and the home made fudge lived up to its billing.

We set out sights on Canon City as our evening resting spot. About an hour and a half from Colorado Spring and in the direction of Montrose, where the wedding will take place. We decided we would look for a hotel room once we arrived. 

Cañon City: The city population was 17,141.  Cañon City straddles the easterly flowing Arkansas River and is a popular tourist destination for sightseeing, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. The city is known for its many public parks, fossil discoveries, Skyline Drive, The Royal Gorge railroad, the Royal Gorge, and extensive natural hiking paths. In 1994, the United States Board on Geographic Names approved adding the tilde to the official name of Cañon City, a change from Canon City as the official name in its decisions of 1906 and 1975. It is one of the few U.S. cities to have the Spanish Ñ in its name. Cañon City was laid out on January 17, 1858, during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush.

As we drove into Canon City on highway 50, we saw a impressive old structure ahead. It was the Abbey of the Holy Cross built in 1924. But what really got our attention was a sign that read "Abbey Wine and tasting room"! So of course we had to follow the breadcrumbs. I mean we could find a hotel room later and it was 5 o'clock.  As luck would have it the tasting room was open until six. 

The wine hostess overheard us talking about lodging and recommended the Parkview Inn Motel. We made a quick call and got their last available room, a king bed with a nice view of the park ... And highway. The hotel is located in old town which made walking to dinner a breeze. Bare bones but clean. the warm evening allowed us to have a nice dinner at a sidewalk cafe in old town. 

Tomorrow we will look for more breadcrumbs. 

ALL ABOARD!! Sept 7

We boarded the Royal Gorge Railroad at 8:30 and departed the station at 9:00 for a two hour railroad ride through the magnificent Royal Gorge. In1905, Theodore Roosevelt described the ride as "a trip that bankrupts the English language" and "one of the best scenic wonders of America". 

We had a seat in a rail car built in 1950. We spent much of the ride in an outdoor car that allowed us excellent views of the Arkansas river and the towering  cliffs on either side. Besides the picturesque scenery, the engineering feat required to built this railway in 1879 is incredible. 

The highlight of the trip is the view of the Royal Gorge Bridge towering 1000 feet above the valley floor. The bridge was constructed in 1924 for no apparent reason, other than the desire to accomplish the unimaginable. The bridge is a foot bridge and popular tourist attraction - so we will make that our next stop. 

The suspension bridge was recognized as the highest suspension bridge in the world for over 60 years. We took a gondola to the other side, then walked back across the bridge. The heights were a little nerve rattling, as we walked across the 100 year old planks. The planks were far enough apart to see through. There was a little sway to the bridges that added to the thrill. 

We ate lunch at a fun place on the highway called White Water Cafe. White water rafting and fly fishing are popular on the Arkansas River. 

We headed west on highway 50. Through Salida and then over a mountain pass that topped out at 11,300 feet. We then dropped down through Gunnison, home of western Colorado university. 

We had received multiple warnings of road construction and road closure as we drove west on highway 50. So when I saw the orange detour 50 sign with an arrow directing us onto a side road it seemed logical to me. Over Maurina's and Google's initial protest I followed the detour onto highway 92. It turned out to be a two hour lesson on how I need to listen to her wisdom. "But it was a beautiful! drive" we kept saying to each other. And it was a beautiful drive - that went on and on. 

We arrived to Ouray around 8pm and spent the night at Hot Springs Inn. Ouray is a quant little town of less then a 1000 residents which is surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs. A popular tourist spot. We ended our evening at a Mexican restaurant with good food and great margaritas. A well earned treat after our long day on the road. 

About Ouray:, the “Outdoor Recreation Capitol of Colorado.” Ouray is a high alpine community sitting at 7,800 feet in elevation. Set in a geographic bowl formed by rugged and steep mountainsides that lead up to jagged 12,000 to 13,000-foot-high peaks with several creeks cascading down through valleys and canyons into the city. Visitors come from all over the world to experience Ouray in its entirety. Whether that be soaking in the Ouray Hot Springs, hiking our trails, learning about the history of the Ute Indians and a miner's life, shopping on our unique Main Street, or seeing our 3 W's: wildlife, wildflowers, and waterfalls.

Telluride Sept 8

This morning we drove the scenic highway from Ouray to Telluride. The crisp blue skies perfectly framed the jagged mountains on the one hour drive. For good reason, Telluride is a popular tourist destination- epic beauty surrounds this ski town and the shops are fun to poke around in.I would compare it to Park City or maybe Leavenworth.

We rode the gondola from Telluride to Telluride Village. The thirteen minute ride connects the two communities and is free. Maurina was not thrilled when it briefly stalled leaving us dangling high above the dry ski slopes. We ate pizza for lunch at Brown Dog pizza. The pizza was amazing!

From Telluride we drove to Montrose and checked into our hotel. The Days Inn had obviously seen "better days" and I am sure their website photos were taken long ago. However, the room was comfortable and Maurina Was abls to pay for it with points.

In the evening we crashed the wedding party rehearsal dinner (the Hein family had actually invited us, but it is more fun to think of us crashing the party).

Parting observation... Back home, in Western Washington, the Subaru Outback and Tesla's fill the roadways. Here in Colorado, Jeeps and Ford Broncos are king. These 4x4 beasts seem to fit the vive and are practical. I found this on the internet.

7 Reasons Why Renting a Jeep is the Best Way to Explore Colorado

Want to take in as much Colorado scenery as possible? Rent an off-road vehicle!

Reason 1: Colorado is massive! If you are visiting for a short time-period, renting a Jeep is the most efficient way to get around the Rockies! A standard rental car can only get you so far. If you truly want to make the most of your trip, you need a vehicle that can take you over the mountains!

If we ever decide to return to Colorado for a road trip, I want to rent a jeep. I also want to allow enough time to drive Last Dollar Road. A four-wheel drive road that connects Ridgeway to Telluride. Now - that would be a kick!

WEDDING DAY Sept 9

Today is Gavin Hein and Brookes wedding. The event that served as a catalyst to our Colorado adventure. 

We started the day with a drive back to Ouray. We ate breakfast at the Ouray Cafe - which turned out to be a trailer park. Afterwards we walked along Main Street and poked around the many souvenir stores. 

This photo was taken on a roof top bar. It allowed for great people and jeep watching on the street below. I enjoyed a well chilled

honey crisp cider. 

The outdoor wedding started at four. The mountains in the distance were outlined by the bright blue skies. The afternoon  temperature hovered around 90 degrees. All guest were asked to wear all black. Shirt, pants, and shoes - all black. It looked pretty cool for photos, but the hot sun caused the sweat to roll down my back. Maurina looked amazing in her black sleeveless dress.

The wedding was wonderful, with an appropriate amount of humor and quirkiness to make it their own. During the couples dance off, we had the second longest longevity of all the couples. i guess we are at that age now. We had been told there would be dancing, but these 25 year olds dance much differently then us 65+ year olds. The music had this driving beat and the dancing took on a tribal feel. Everyone jumping and shouting. They all knew the words and juked and jived in somewhat synchronized movements to the beat. It was pretty cool. I heard it referred to as jungle dancing. I took my old man shuffle to the corner, in part so I would not be trampled. 

After the sparkler tunnel exit, we headed back to the "Better Days Inn" for our !ast night in Colorado. 

Homeward Bound Sept 10

 After a ginormous breakfast at Starvin Marvins, we hit the road  for our 5 1/2  hour drive to the Denver airport. I70 is a beautiful drive. Unfortunately time did not allow.us to explore, next time. 

We did make time to  hit a  couple of wineries in "Colorado Wine Country". Located outside of Grand Junction, in Palisades, we were told there are now over 200 wineries. Not well known outside of the state, they seem to be growing in popularity. We tasted wine at Red Fox and Carboy. Carboy claimed to be the largest winery in Colorado. 

Our warm valleys and plateaus, watered by mountain runoff, are some of the best vineyards between the West Coast and the Mississippi River. Colorado boasts over 300 days of sunshine every year and refreshing mountain breezes to keep the nights cool and invigorating. Coupled with our persistently low humidity, nature brings beauty, taste and adventure together into the ideal conditions for growing world-class wine grapes that feature the complex character and chemistry required to craft award-winning wines. Colorado’s wines offer hints of the majestic mountains, bright sunshine, and brilliant blue sky that make Colorado such a beautiful state. IT’S TIME TO RAISE A WINE GLASS TO COLORADO.

Our adventure was too short. So much to explore, so much beauty to take in. 

Katherine Lee Bates wrote America the Beautiful in 1892. Inspired by the majesty of the Colorado mountains she penned the song which was originally titled Pikes Peak. The opening lyrics frame up our feelings while driving through this wonderful state. Lord willing, maybe we can return for a longer stay. 

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!

Parting Shot