September 5. 2009 by Merilee.

September 5, 2009

Imogene Pass

The jeep took us to the second highest drivable pass in Colorado today.  What an amazing ride!  It is technically rated as moderate but…….the steep rocky shelf roads, the tunnel, the snow, rain and the altitude of 13,114 feet.  Flickr will have some new posts of pics from this ride.  We began the off-road in Telluride and ended on the other side of the mountain range in Ouray.  The road passed the Tomboy Mine, Torpedo Eclipse Mine and the Camp Bird Mine.  There is a lot of history of the mining industry to be seen on this trail.  Yes, Brad did have that grin on his face the entire ride….

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September 4. 2009 by Merilee.

Ouray, Colorado

Sept. 4, 2009

On a lovely early fall day, we took the jeep up to the famous Yankee Boy Basin.  The jeep road leaves from Ouray and follows a canyon wall  for about 8 miles.  The trail boasts a very dramatic rock hangover.  I had to wonder if the jeep would fit under it!  The trail was originally used in the 1890’s by miners traveling to the famous Camp Bird Mine.  In its heyday, this mine provided advanced creature comforts including hot and cold running water, electric lights and steam heat.  Tom Walsh founded this mine in 1986 and he felt that the 400 miners who worked there should be treated to a decent lifestyle.  He required only 8 hours of work per day rather than the standard 12 hours.  His humanitarian approach brought big rewards as he made over 4 million dollars by 1900.

I will be posting other pics from the ride on Flickr.  Hope you enjoy.

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August 25. 2009 by Merilee.

Buena Vista, Colorado

August 25,2009

Our route today from Estes Park to Buena Vista took us over three scenic byways: the peak to peak, top of the rockies and the collegiate peak scenic byways.  It was a challenging mountain drive in the RV but Brad seemed to have a smile on his face the entire way.  The scenery was truly amazing in all directions.   The sky also delivered a dose of rain, hail and SNOW.

This is the view from our campsite in Buena Vista.  It is the highest of the Collegiate Peaks, Mt Princeton.  It is 14,000+ in elevation.  Our campsite is at 8,053 feet!  We plan to do some jeeping up to Tin Cup an old ghost town that used to be a mining meca.

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August 22. 2009 by Merilee.

Rocky Mountain National Park

8/21/09

To view magnificent wildlife in the natural environment is always a thrill.  We watched two bucks grazing in the alpine tundra grasses on a beautiful sunny day.  Later we spotted a whole herd of elk grazing on the steep mountain side.  It just does not get any better than this.  The park always has new experiences to offer.  We hiked around Bear Lake and enjoyed the high mountain scenery.  The mountain air is thin but rejuvenating.

Our travel plans include two more weeks of Colorado mountains in Buena Vista and Ouray.  That means jeep adventures.  I’ll keep you posted.

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July 24. 2008 by Merilee.

Buena Vista, Colorado

This is our last stop in Colorado before we head east.  On a cloudy, rainy day we took a drive up to Independence Pass.  The elevation is 12,095 feet.  I could certainly tell the air was thin.  The road continues on to Aspen but we turned around as the lightening and thunder were in the distance.  Beautiful ride, excellent alpine wildflowers and endless mountain views.  Yes, Brad was smiling all the way…..

As always, click on the pic to see it large.

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July 20. 2008 by Merilee.

Gunnison, Colorado

We drove up Taylor Canyon along the Taylor River.  The river is still high from snow melt.  Yes, you can still see snow on the peaks of the Collegiate Mountains.  Lovely day with deep blue skies and warm temps.  This river is famous with fly fisherman and they were out enjoying this Sunday.  Gotta love Colorado.

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