Thur, Jun 2, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011 at 02:03AM Thursday, June 02, 2011
I guess it is possible to get tired of wonderful weather and beautiful scenery. It is important, however, that we test out this theory to be sure. So far it is not happening. – Donna Downey
Yes, it was another day of gorgeous weather with cool temperatures and low humidity. Watching the weather forecast for home just makes me cringe with foreboding of what it will be like to return. My mother tells me that I should not worry about the weather because if we don’t return shortly, she is going to kill both of us.
We had the continental breakfast in the motel and a nice visit with a group of motorcyclists from Texas. It was nice to have a conversation with folks who speak our language. I don’t just mean English either, I mean Southern.
We had plotted out a loop for the day and the plan was to return again to Gunnison for the night. Just outside Ridgeway we took a portion of the Last Dollar Ranch road again and then took the Sawpit road that would take us off the mountain. It was dramatic to say the least and we understood why it is closed from January – May. Let me just say that if you have even a slight fear of heights (or a fear of falling off of a mountain) you should not take this road. In the early morning light, however, the views from the Last Dollar Ranch road and the Sawpit road are unbelievable.
When we reached the paved road (just south of Telluride) we headed for one of our destinations for today the Gateway Canyon Resort. With a lot of stops along the way we figured we would get there about lunch time. We made several stops for more coffee and for puppy breaks before reaching the drive that would take us thru Dolores Canyon. This drive is another spectacular drive that takes you on a route along the San Miguel River and then the Dolores River thru a canyon that grows into a spectacle that begins to closely resemble driving thru the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Take a look at my photos and you’ll see what I mean.
We met a cattle drive while in the canyon and that was interesting as we wove our way thru a long line of cows, sometimes on both sides of the Jeep. Paris and Dodger did not know what to think as they are both pretty good herding dogs and yet we were allowing these cows to go against the grain so to speak.
Once out of the cows we stopped at one of our favorite overlooks to admire once again the “Hanging Flume”. This engineering marvel was built in 1888-1891 to supply water to the Montrose Placer Mining Company. It consisted of a thirteen mile canal and flume to deliver water. The last five miles of the flume clung to the wall of the canyon. It carried 23,640,000 gallons of water in a twenty-four hour period! Its construction dazzled mining pros but unfortunately after only three years the mining company folded and the flume was abandoned. Even after more than 120 years remnants of the flume are visible high along the canyon wall. It is considered one of the top 100 significant historic structures in the world.
Ok, enough of the history lesson. We continued our drive thru the canyon and soon spotted a truck with a flashing light on top pull onto the side of the road. Just as we approached we met an ambulance which stopped there as well. This area is very remote with only the fast flowing Dolores river so we knew it could not be good news. The truck that had pulled over had a kayak in the back so we assumed someone maybe broke a leg floating the river. Although we did not see anyone on the river all morning as it was running extremely fast , muddy and close to flood stage. We were just about 7 miles from the Gateway Resort at that point.
The Gateway Resort was built by the owner of the Discovery Channel and is an Oasis in the high desert. There are no services probably for at least sixty miles in either direction and only one paved road leading in from the south and one that goes north to Grand Junction. It is a beautiful place with southwest style architecture and a perfect place to stop. We had probably the best quesadilla we have ever had as we set out on the large porch enjoying a perfect breeze.
A lot of motorcyclists stop here and we enjoyed a nice visit with one from Canada. As we sat there we saw a Sheriff’s SUV whiz by, a second Sheriff’s SUV a few minutes later, some type of Rescue vehicle pulling a large raft with a motor about 10 minutes later, and then another ambulance from Grand Junction followed shortly by more rescue vehicles. The resort was buzzing but no one knew what had happened. We all agreed though, it would be difficult to survive a tumble into the cold muddy river and also difficult to find someone. Hopefully we will hear it was indeed a rescue mission and not a recovery.
Knowing we would not be allowed to help we continued on our loop but still had this mystery on our minds afraid that nothing good was going to come from these difficult conditions on the river. We had planned to take the Kebler Pass dirt road but when we arrived at the turn off the road was still closed due to late heavy snows. We were disappointed because it is such a neat drive and the shortest way back to Gunnison but quickly came up with an alternate route along the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. This is another drive that we have taken a couple of times but it has been many years and it was much more spectacular than either one of us remembered as it winds along the higher elevations of the northern side of the canyon.
We are back at Gunnison now in our same room from Tuesday night so we feel right at home. Charles has the maps out and is plotting our loop for tomorrow.
We are well tonight and hope that y’all are too.
Peace, Hope & Love,
Donna, Charles, Paris & Dodger
Reader Comments (1)
A little excitement always makes a wonderful trip even better....don't you think???? Donna, your journal has been so good. I really feel like I am there with you. It's been fun checking in with you each day. I'm not sure who enjoys it most...me or Charlie...Take care and we will see you soon...
Love, Sharon