May 7 – Challenges with travels and 2 National Parks

The past couple of days have been interesting for sure. Yesterday was a day full of travel challenges. We left Durango and took what is called the Million Dollar Highway to Montrose, CO. This highway reaches an elevation of nearly 11,000 ft, has hairpin turns and drop offs and no guard rails. And we got to do it in the snow. At one point the temperature outside was 17 degrees and we were going 19 MPH. Plows had been out but it was still wet and snow covered at times which made you question how slippery it might be. Once we were out of the snow, it was beautiful.

Then we went to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP (still in Colorado). The wind was blowing so hard and it was brutally cold. Really couldn’t enjoy this park to it’s fullest and didn’t even go all the way through it because we were behind schedule and it was so cold.

So we headed to Moab, UT over a secondary road. Part way there, there was an accident which closed the road for 3 hours so had to turn around and take an “alternative route” over yet another mountain on a dirt road. So what was supposed to be an 8 hour day turned into an 11 hour one. I was sooooo ready to be out of that Jeep.

Today was the reward for all the trials of yesterday. We are in Moab and did Arches NP, which we have been to before. But today we did a 3.2 mile hike to Delicate Arch. It was challenging but so worth it in the end. I am so proud of Randy for hanging in there during the narrow part of the trail and making it to the end. (He struggles with heights). And, it was a gorgeous day. Love that there is still snow on the mountains (when we aren’t driving through it.). Mom always said when she traveled that she loved the snow capped mountains and now I know why.

Have been so blessed with seeing beautiful country and learning so much.

Leaving Moab tomorrow with no specific destination. Just heading toward Reno, NV as we are seeing my cousin there on Friday. No destination is the best kind of day. Thanks for your comments. We love them. And we are still looking for songs to add to our Road Trip playlist.