Day 4 – Farmington
NM to Glenwood Springs CO, 356 miles
It is not
far out of Farmington before I’m into the foothills of the Rockies. As subtle
as the high desert was, the Rockies are bold.
Smoke from a forest fire cast a blue haze on the views for about 30
miles but that was all I encountered.
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| Chimney Rock is Smokin' - Haze from Forest Fire |
I.
Most of the
driving was smooth roads, sweeping curves and beautiful vistas. The mountains were always in the background,
sometimes dry broken rock, sometimes snow capped monoliths.
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| And I thought I had a great view from my dooryard... |
I crossed
2 passes. At the top of Wolf Creek Pass (elevation 10868 ft) a group was having
a very spirited snow ball fight and letting off some steam after being cooped
up in vehicles.
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| Twin Lakes - on the way up to Independence Pass |
Independence Pass is the second highest paved pass in Colorado at 12095 feet. The views on the way up are calendar quality; the road is challenging with 10 mph switchbacks and narrow sections where only one vehicle will fit. The bike never complained but I can really tell it is heavily loaded and took extra care. No spirited curve carving this time. It was 65F at the top of the pass and 95F in Aspen. BTW – I experienced the rudest drivers on this trip so far on the highway out of Aspen.
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| Alpine Meadow - pics don't do it justice |
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| From the top - above the tree line |
It was good to meet Dave G. and Ginny at the hotel in Glenwood Springs and sample the local fare for dinner (yummo!).
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