We
left Grand Junction for the pretty drive along I-70 to Denver, beginning with a great view of the Palisade area from the elevated road and all of the agriculture that covers it. From there we traveled through steep canyons carved by the Colorado River, over the 10,662’ Vail
Pass, and across the continental Divide at the 11,158’ Eisenhower Tunnel. The big diesel comfortably moved us up the
mountains in third gear at a respectable 40mph with no engine temperature
issues.
We
passed through a canyon just east of Grand Junction and the very pretty
Glenwood Canyon further east – unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy it as it was two-way
traffic with one side of the interstate closed. The road through the canyon is pretty much two bridges and the river looked to provide some great white water rafting thrills. There is also a bike path along the road - here are a couple of shots from the web.
We
also passed right beside three ski resorts that we spent many, many happy hours
at in our younger days. Bev and I
enjoyed reminiscing and relaying some of our adventures to Pat as we passed
them. While we only passed Beaver Creek,
Vail, and Copper Mtn, Breckenridge and Keystone were also in the area and may
have been our favorites. We were able to
pull off the road and get shot of Lake Dillon (water supply for Denver)
just before heading up to the Eisenhower Tunnel.
We
rolled into Dakota Ridge RV Resort mid-afternoon and got set up in the expected
cramped quarters.
Note the step up we must make due to the unlevel site.
The owners of the resort, who have at least two other parks, seem to be using this as a cash cow and putting little back into the park as evidenced by this common road condition.
We’d stayed here three years ago and knew we would be paying $60/ night for what should be a $30 park but we couldn’t get into one of the nice state parks in the area and there were no other acceptable options for us – capitalism at it’s best. I would only stay here again as a last resort, just like this time.
Photos
can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Have
a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
Larry
9/19/15
event date
Looks like a wonderful drive through the mountains and brining back memories too.
ReplyDeleteThe road through the canyon reminds me somewhat of the road through the Ocoee Gorge with the huge boulders in the water. Too bad about the parking situation. I think they had you on that one.
ReplyDeleteSam
That's too bad you couldn't get into Chatfield. Glenwood Canyon is spectacular and that's a shame about that traffic. It's beautiful scenery.
ReplyDeleteExcellent shot of Lake Dillon!!! Dakota Ridge RV Resort sounds like a terrible RV Park!
ReplyDeleteLarry, You are becoming the Master RV Park reviewer! I'll bet that Trip Advisor or a similar site would love to have your input... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDelete