The scenery continued to be the same sandstone steppe with sagebrush, chapparal, and pinyon trees. We could have been in Nevada except it was green and not brown. Skirted the southern edge of the Dinosaur National Monument - it hasn't quite made it to National Park status, but maybe one of these days. It's a huge area spanning Utah and Colorado. Kind of like Death Valley was a Monument until it made the big time and became a National Park site. Not sure exactly what triggers that event, but if it takes action by Congress, that may take a while - they haven't done anything in years (OK, enough politics).
Crossed and recrossed the Yampa River many times all the way to Steamboat Springs. We think the economy must really be improving because there have been signs of new construction (home and business) all along our trip. The tourist industry in Steamboat Springs certainly isn't suffering - more people enjoying the area and keeping the community thriving. The Yampa River flows right through town. Neat ski area in the winter and lots of rafting, hiking and camping in the summer. Judging from the signs we saw just along US 40, it would take several lifetimes just to explore all of the things to do and see in Colorado.
As we left Steamboat Springs and climbed up to Rabbit Ears Pass (about 9700'), there was construction all along the road, exacerbated by an accident near the top where a truck had gone over the edge. Guess the construction crews have to take advantage of the summer months as do the tourists. Crossed the Continental Divide at Rabbit Ear's Pass so I guess it's all downhill from here. Wrong! Had lunch in a park at Kremmling (7300') after which we passed signs saying we were in the headwaters of the Colorado. Not sure exactly what they meant by that, since the Colorado actually begins up north near Estes National Park. Here it was about the size of the Truckee and running full. Perhaps that bodes well for Lake Mead (when it finally gets there).
US 40 finally connected to I-70 and we joined several hundred of our closest friends on the highway for the drive into Denver. With our normal good planning, we arrived in Denver at the height of rush hour. Considerably different than the rest of the day's journey. Vi let me drive once we got to the Interstate and the traffic - how considerate of her.
Made our way around Denver and arrived at Paul and Sandy's right at Happy Hour - how convenient. We'll be here for a couple of days and play some golf and catch up. It's been since Thanksgiving that we were here last and, to say the least, the weather is much more pleasant - no snow or ice. Went out for drinks at a new place called Uncorked. It had a beautiful second floor patio overlooking the valley with a gorgeous sunset as a bonus. Actually, we were on our way to a brew pub, but Paul had heard about this place and it was just perfect - served both beer and wine.
Today we're all going to play golf at Saddle Rock. Will keep you posted on how we do (but only if we do well). More later.
watch out for #10
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