Pack up camp day. Not too sad about leaving our campground as it had gotten very busy in preparation for another big jeep weekend. Late in the evening and first thing in the morning bikes and ATVs were streaming past, and people were doubled up in campsites. We were surprised no one was there to nab our site as we were packing up to go.
Last breakfast at the Peace Tree and we hit the road to Colorado. In order to continue the scenic route we had to backtrack along the way we came in, until we came to a gravel road up a Canyon that was a shortcut to 141, the scenic route of the day. Although initially uncomfortably slippery riding on the gravel, we were really glad we took this shortcut, as the views were great. It wound along a fast flowing river, as well as an ancient ‘flume’ sticking out high up on the canyon wall. We came to a plaque where we learned it was historical remains of the gold mining days, where they managed to divert 1000’s of gallons of water for their sluicing process in the late 1800’s. Quite a feat of engineering.
Our 330kms track from the hot dry desert of Utah back into the Mountains of Colorado
The 141 was a nice road up a wide red rock canyon, with occasional views of another rapidly moving river. Passed lots of Harleys. When it ended we headed east along a highway towards our next National Park. We drove through Delta, a run-down town where food options didn’t look promising, and stopped in Montrose for a very late lunch(5pm). We were fairly tired by this point, and the sky looked rather threatening, so Tanguy thought buggar it, and got us a cheap hotel room in town for the night. Although we were suppose to relax now, we ended up doing some hand washing, got the computer out to load photos etc we kept busy until pretty late! Nice big king bed with real pillows and a hot shower was a treat after the dessert sands.
–Zoe
Hi!
Time to move on huh ?
Haha !!You found a super nice shortcut !! You followed the Y11 route all along the Dolores river ? Long Park Road ? 🙂
I checked that riding north or south around Dominguez and Uncompahgre N.P was the same length of route but you chose the north side… why ?
It’s always nice to follow you on the map !
xx La Mama
Ha, you’re back after a few days of “no mail”!
Even remote places get washed over by hikers and bikers at some time it seems.
A hotel with bed and shower can indeed make a change (reminds me of trips with Playtime).
All the best, over to the next post.
Baci da papa