The Adventure Begins!

Jellystone Park of the Black Canyon
Montrose, CO
July 23, 2014

Arkansas River Valley along Hwy 50

 Yesterday morning, we were up early, finished packing and ready to hit the road at 8:30. A quick stop to diesel up and we were on our way. Our planned route took us on Hwy 115 south and Hwy 50 west.


We weren't the only early risers on an adventure this sunny, wonderful Wednesday morning. The Arkansas River was a bustle of activity. There are lots of public use lands along the river to pull over. We picked one for a stretch stop. Dover was one happy pup. I never let her off leash so she practically pulled me into this very cold, fast moving water...we both had wet toes!

Its a very scenic ride and traffic was not bad at all. We moseyed thru Salida, then huffed and puffed our way up Monarch Mountain.

Rocky Mountain Fir

Monarch Mountain is a ski area with abundant natural snow...350 plus inches.

 
Joe says its the hardest climb to date for Belle. He turned on the heater to its highest setting to help "bleed-off" some of the engine's extra heat.

Going down the mountain is always a lot more exciting...

We drove thru Gunnison and the valley...

 

And then along the Blue Mesa Reservoir.

  Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water entirely in Colorado. It is created by Blue Mesa Dam. It is also the largest lake trout and Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States.

 

It was a great travel day!

 

We are all settled in at the Jellystone Park of the Black Canyon just outside of Montrose on Hwy 550...and about 20 miles north of Ouray.

We were so excited this morning we were up at the crack of dawn...nothing like a hot cup of coffee and watching the sun come up.

 

 The Tan Clan is happy...they have a nice grassy fenced in place to play just outside our front door!

Cooper came over for a romp in the grass with Dover!



A good flossing after breakfast!

Let the fun begin...look out San Juan Mountains. Here we come!

Until next time...

happy trails!

 

Up next, Ophir Pass...so stay tuned!

Columbine Trail, Helen Hunt Falls and Heading West!

Garden of the Gods RV Resort/Outdoor Destinations
Colorado Springs, CO
July 20, 2014

Did you see it...it caught my eye...

I hope someone is missing a glove and not a hand!

North Cheyenne Creek

Imagine my excitement to hear running water as we headed toward the Lower Columbine Trail. Actually the Columbine Trail is three trails in one...Lower, Middle and Upper. We chose only to do Lower and Middle...a four mile trek to Helen Hunt Falls.
The trail traces the cut of North Cheyenne Creek as it climbs up the canon wall. We much preferred the Lower Trail as we were close to the creek...it was cool, shady, and green.

There were picnic tables all along the trail.

Eventually the trail comes back to North Cheyenne Road. There is a bridge over the creek and a marked road crossing for pedestrians.  

Lower joins middle just around the corner after the road crossing. 





From here, the trail begins its ascent on a narrow shelf... about 1,050 ft. total ascent from the Lower Columbine Trailhead to Helen Hunt Falls.

Helen Hunt Falls is a waterfall located on Cheyenne Creek. The falls are named in honor of Helen Maria Hunt Jackson, a poet and writer. Sometime after the death of her first husband, she visited Colorado Springs (1873-75) seeking rest at the Seven Falls Resort in hopes of a cure for tuberculosis. It was there she met and married William Jackson, a wealthy banker and railroad executive. During her several years in Co Springs, she spent Sundays at the site of the falls and was buried there when she died.

  We chose a take a different route back to town...we drove back to Helen Hunt Falls. Just past there, North Cheyenne Road ends at a parking lot for anyone who wants to hike or bike the Upper Columbine Trail (I read it is only a mile, but very steep.). An alternative dirt road, Gold Camp Road, picks up here.

Gold Camp Road

Gold Camp Road was originally a railroad. There are dozens of "cuts" thru the rock just wide enough for a train...or one car...and this is a 2-way traffic road with brave folks on bicycles going in both directions as well. Yikes!

Add in a couple of tunnels...









and some grand views for a fun 6.7 miles.

 Today is packing up day. Tomorrow we head west...about 240 miles to Montrose, CO. I can hardly wait!  I already know the 9 days we have planned there will not be enough! Between our friends Sue and Paul who are there and Mark who posts the most gorgeous pictures from Lovely Ouray on www.boxcanyonblog.blogspot.com , I know I will be in heaven or at least able to touch the clouds!

 

So until next time...

Gold Camp Road traveling top to bottom.

happy trails!