DAY 36
Royal Gorge, CO to Alma, CO
As I crested the top of Currant Creek Pass my jaw dropped open. Sitting at 9,404 feet above sea level, it is the first of three high passes we traverse in Colorado. I don't know what I expected to see, but the view I was granted was truly awe inspiring. White capped peaks as far as the eye could see. I guess if I had really thought about it that's what I would have expected. But my focus had been on the 3,000+ feet of elevation we had slowly been climbing since this morning. The ascent seemed never ending. Not overly steep, just relentless. 31 grueling miles of steady incline. Every minute of it completely worth it for this view.
Royal Gorge, CO to Alma, CO
As I crested the top of Currant Creek Pass my jaw dropped open. Sitting at 9,404 feet above sea level, it is the first of three high passes we traverse in Colorado. I don't know what I expected to see, but the view I was granted was truly awe inspiring. White capped peaks as far as the eye could see. I guess if I had really thought about it that's what I would have expected. But my focus had been on the 3,000+ feet of elevation we had slowly been climbing since this morning. The ascent seemed never ending. Not overly steep, just relentless. 31 grueling miles of steady incline. Every minute of it completely worth it for this view.
 |  |
The days climb was briefly put on hold for a slight downhill into Hartsel where we gorge ourselves on a well deserved burger and fries. The water they serve tastes like sulphur. We surely know we are back in the Rocky Mountains. Refueled and rested, let the climbing resume. Only 12 miles remain to Fairplay which sits another 1,000 feet above, at nearly 10,000 feet. The miles and elevation have begun to wear on us, but the scenery continues to inspire. It's days like this that our camera gets a bigger workout than our legs. Taking a bad photo seems utterly impossible.
 Break time! |  Bison and llamas |
Pike National Forest
Reaching Fairplay, that itch to go further beckons us. The free camping 5 1/2 miles ahead in Alma also has it's own financial allure. Tired but determined, we push on another 500 feet, placing us at a staggering 10,600 feet for the evening. We're in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 14,000 foot peaks encircle us. If there is a heaven, this is what it looks like.
Heading into Fairplay
 Alma, Colorado 10,578 |  It was a long day of climbing... |
Hoosier Pass and Hoosier Daddy Liquors :)
Stats:
Miles: 71.48
Average speed: 9.4 mph
Odometer: 2455 miles
Miles: 71.48
Average speed: 9.4 mph
Odometer: 2455 miles
RSS Feed