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| Day 1 - Santa Clara, CA Day 2 - Lee Vining, CA Day 3 - Baker, CA Day 4 - Las Vegas, NV Day 5 - Las Vegas, NV Day 6 - Grand Canyon, AZ Day 7 - Durango, CO Day 8 - Glenwood, CO Day 9 - Highlands, CO Day 10 - Highlands, CO Day 11 - Estes Park, CO Day 12 - Craig, CO Day 13 - Jackson, WY Day 14 - Cody, WY Day 15 - Mammoth, WY Day 16 - Choteau, MT Day 17 - Kelispell, MT Day 18 - Sandpoint, ID Day 19 - Omak, WA Day 20 - Anacortes, WA Day 21 - Anacortes, WA Day 22 - Poulsbo, WA Day 23 - Poulsbo, WA Day 24 - Poulsbo, WA Day 25 - Astoria, OR Day 26 - Lincoln City, OR Day 27 - Bandon, OR Day 28 - Eureka, CA Day 29 - Anchor Bay, CA Day 30 - Martinez, CA FINAL THOUGHTS |
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| Today should be a short ride. The MS Maps and Trips
software I bought for this trip said it would be 175.8 miles to Steve
and Peg’s house, our son and daughter-in-law. When we finally got
to their home in Highlands Ranch, the Goldwing read 176.7. Technology
is good. We left Glenwood Springs, CO at about 8:00 a.m. and jumped up on Hwy 70 East, almost immediately. Now I know there are probably prettier roadways in the U.S. that I have not yet had the pleasure of riding, but the 15-mile stretch of Hwy. 70 from Glenwood Springs to the Eagle County line have got to rank up there in the top five. Many freeways are often considered an eyesore on the surrounding landscape, but the engineers, who created Hwy 70, have built this freeway down in the bottom of a canyon, one level almost on top of the other and all of it follows a meandering river. The canyon walls are about 300 ft. high, covered with a heavy growth of green trees and plants. The walls of the canyon are painted that Colorado red rock color that this part of the Rockies are known for. If I wanted to build a highway anywhere else in the country, I would use pictures of this 15-mile stretch to prove that highways can indeed be beautiful. You are probably saying to yourself, “Isn’t Hwy 70 longer than 15 miles?” Indeed it is, and Hwy 70 is a great motorcycle ride for well over 125 miles further east. It will pass through at least two other narrow canyons plus several broader canyons. Hwy 70 takes you through the towns of Vail and Dillon, places of beauty in their own right. In addition, it climbs through mountain vistas with those sweeping, high-speed turns we all enjoy, until you reach the Eisenhower tunnel at over 11,000’. Hwy. 70 will not disappoint you for most of its length through the Rockies, but those 15 miles right out of Glenwood Springs have got to be the best 15 miles of freeway you will ever ride. It is the E ticket ride on this highway. Not only is this canyon special for motorcyclist, but a bicycle path also runs along side the freeway and next to the river. It’s a slow way to go but if you’re ever inclined to provide the power to two wheels yourself, I can’t imagine a better place to do so. When people talk about the beauty of Colorado, they are usually referring to western Colorado, and more specifically, the Rocky Mountains. I can understand this because the last two days have taken us past some of the best scenery that Colorado has to offer. It has been some of the best we’ve seen on this trip, and we’ve just come from the Grand Canyon. As spectacular as the southwest is, it is basically an open empty place, with great distances separating the major pieces of scenery. And it’s often hot. Colorado, on the other hand, is filled with God’s creations packed one on top of the other, surrounded by an average summer temperature of 82 degrees. The southwest lets you look ahead for miles to see what’s coming. The western Rockies change with each curve in the road. It is variety in spades. To add to the adventure of wondering what’s around the next corner, just riding around some of the slow, sweeping turns makes the trip more interesting and exciting. What’s not to like? After the Eisenhower tunnel we stopped for something to drink at the General Store in Silver Plume. I realize that I haven’t had a chance to take any pictures so I meet my travel obligations to myself and I bring out the camera (photos 1 & 2). I call Peg and, after talking for a short while, Linda and I decide to make a run for their house and then go out for lunch. An hour later, our Goldwing is sitting in their garage and we are enjoying time with our grandchild. Tomorrow is a rest day.
Since this is my website, I will include some photos of my granddaughter Jordan on tomorrows page, well actually, lots of photos of my granddaughter. If this is of no interest to you, feel free to move to day 10 and skip day 9. My feelings won’t be hurt. 07/08/02 addendum: I've changed my mind. My feeling WILL be hurt and skipping ahead is for wimps. Now follow me to day 9 and get ready to look at lots of pictures of this kid.
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