Day 55 : August 20 COLORADO
On the 20th the 3 9g’s which had been taking part in the activities at Loveland departed for the crossing of the Rockies.
At this point in time we would like to acknowledge and thank those at the Oregan Trails Conference who took the time to give considered advice and information on the best route for the tractors to take across the Rockies. The chosen route was 14/40 that being the Cameron Pass. Be assured you were right, we crossed without any issues and enjoyed some of the most magnificent scenery.
During the first part of the day we travelled almost parallel to the Poudre River watching many folk fishing and enjoying the surrounds. At the highest peak during the day we were at 10276ft above sea level. The roads were very well maintained and offered pull overs allowing for passing so regularly that there was never a problem with us being a little slower than normal road users.
During the day we enjoyed breaks at the towns of Hebron and Waldon – the latter allowing for a little shopping time and a special purchase by Anne. We made other stops along the way to enjoy some very special waterways and sights – this country continues to offer spectacular scenery each day.
Our final decent of the day was a 7mile, 7% grade down the western side of the Rockies in to the ski resort of Steamboat Springs on the Yampa River. What a truly wonderful sight that was and we have all agreed that it would be great to be able to come back and see it in the snow season.
As it was Dick’s 70th Birthday we planned to help him celebrate so decided what better place to do that than Steamboat Springs. We took a stroll in the main area of the town and stopped at the Steamboat Yacht Club situated on the banks of the Yampa River to toast Dick’s special day. Having been asked our reason for being in the town and explaining our ‘trek’ across the USA we were invited to park our tractors and trailers on the lawn adjoining the Yacht Club. Once parked we all cleaned up and returned inside the Club for a beautiful dinner together. We thank the owners and staff for their contribution to a very special night.
The two RVs did not leave Loveland with the tractors as Allan was recuperating from a virus infection and had medical advice to rest. Also Ron’s RV was in need of some mechanical maintenance which needed to be carried out before heading over the Rockies.
Ron and Kerry headed into Denver for repairs while Allan and Carolyn remained at Loveland.
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| Ready to leave Loveland. |
Debbie with some of the crew at Loveland RV Park |
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| Debbie from Loveland RV Park enjoys a ride |
Dick's Birthday Celebration |
Day 56 : August 21 COLORADO TO UTAH
At 7am we departed Steamboat Springs to continue our journey west towards Salt Lake City. Most of the day we have enjoyed rolling prairie lands with a wonderful backdrop of ever intriguing mountains. We have passed through coal mining areas, sage bush covered fields and various crops – even a little bit more corn. An observation by the group was the amount of equipment related to the production and recovery of oil and gas in the area. Today was also a day for seeing wildlife. Prior to crossing the border of Colorado and Utah we visited an information centre at Dinosaur. Here we enjoyed a film on the finding of Dinosaur fossils in the area which we all found very interesting. Each day we seem to learn something new in this great land.
Once we crossed the border we drove on to the City of Vernal which was a site to behold - baskets of carise & white petunias on both sides of the street (some 2 miles or so long) as well as adorning many, many buildings along the way. This theme continued through the following town of Roosevelt. Whilst we have seen similar baskets at many points during our travels we have never seen anything quite like this.
It was decided that we would continue on to Myton where we planned to spend the night at an RV park but before we reached the park we were approached by a local couple – Kelly and BJ Braithwaite – they very kindly offered us accommodation on their property. We acknowledge your generous hospitality Kelly & BJ.
We have 150miles to do to take us in to Salt Lake City where we anticipate arriving around mid afternoon tomorrow.
Allan was feeling well enough to travel again, so joined up with Ron in Denver and the two RVs headed into the Rocky Mountains. A chance meeting with a couple of local lads, Andrew and Scott, led to a suggestion to stay at the forest camp at Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. No sooner had camp been set up and a fire underway than the lads arrived in their all-terrain vehicle and took the Ron and Allan for spins which they thoroughly enjoyed. This was a wonderful place for a true getaway camp.
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| The magnificient Rocky Mountains |
High mountain lake |
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| New friends Andrew and Scott at Buffalo Peaks Wilderness |
Allan goes for a spin with Scott |
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| Bush camping at Buffalo Peaks Wilderness |
Two RV's at fantastic forest camp |
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