Crossing the Rockie Mountians has been quite the adventure.
It all started as we crossed the border into Dinosaur, CO. I was flagged down by a wonderful couple and found out that the husband, Dave, was also touring on his bike. We chatted a bit about the trip and route, but they were heading onto Maybel in the car together because the trip from Dino to Maybel isn't particularly fun. The girls and I consulted and we decided that having another chat with such an experienced touring cyclist was advantageous to our Rockie mission. So, we hitched a ride and met up with the Robinsons again.
It turns out that Dave was planning a different passage across the mountains and his route traveled on the hightest national highway in America, 12,183ft. This sounded like fun so we began planning together how many days and so forth. Then a miracle took place. Beth offered to take our gear. The next day to Steaboat Springs, 70 something miles, everyone was riding naked bikes with nothing on them. It was dreamy. From Steamboat, it was decided that we girls could rearrange our gear so that we only needed the stuff for the next three days, and Beth would carry the rest over the Rockies to our next destination.
The Rockie Mountians themselves are so incredibly beautiful. It was a considerable climb to the Continental Divide at 10,759ft. with swichbacks and cars zooming perilously close, but all three of us girls did it without a problem. The weather was warm in the sun and cool in the shade. We started our morning in parkas and were dressed down to tee shirts at the Divide. The Visitor's Center was only a two mile climb after the Divide, so after the regroup I ventured on. At this point once you crested the next pass you were able to see the ominous storm clouds. The temperature also began dropping rapidly, but it was all so beautiful and the elevation rise forced you to go slow, due to your oxygen intake so it was just steady and amazing. You get to one point were you see a switchback that must be a mile long that led to the Visiotr's Center. It was really neat. You could look down a ravine and see the elk mingling around and see all the peaks of the moutains. I figured the girls wouldn't be too far behind, which was good because the weather was deteriorating. After an hour of waiting and chatting with everyone in the Center I began to worry. I began asking everyone if they had seen the girls on their way up. No luck. At this point, there is an actual blizzard coming down on top of the mountains. I ask in despiration the last car as I am heading out to find the girls and reach the summit, another mile and half, and they had seen them on the other side. The snow is falling like a blanket all over me. It was torture. The road was so narrow, and cars were freaked out by the storm, that it made it difficult to stay in the shoulder. I couldn't even see ten feet in front of me. I just kept going. The climb kept going. On and on and on. I was drenched on the outside and sweating on the inside. The snow was caking on my jaket hood arms and legs and piling up. Then the snow turned to ice and sleet. It blew so hard that I thought it would cut my face. My lips were numb. Here's the kicker, there is no sign to signify the summit. And the terrain goes up and down, so you aren't really sure if the ascent will ever end. I was halfway down the mountain when some wonderful people insited that I got a ride with them. (Even a tour bus offered me a ride.) I couldn't accept unless I had reached the top. I had looked hard into the storm to see the summit sign, and only after looking at the map did I realize there was no sign and that I was halfway down the mountain. It was only another mile or so before the storm disappeared. It was blocked out by another ridge. It literally disappeared. Blue sky, fluffy clouds, no death sleet, etc.
So, I fully enjoyed the rest of the way down in the comfort of the sedan. I ate cookies and crackers until my speech returned. My cognition took a little more chocolate, but I soon returned to my pre storm human self. Once they dropped me at the bottom, it was only 30 or so miles to our next destination. All of us girls didn't wind up meeting up until the very end of the day. But we all crossed safely and live to tell the tale.
Sarah, Rocky, and Julia
Wow! I loved your story about crossing the Continental Divide and getting someone to carry all of your gear. You three girls are truly blessed.
John & I getting ready to pack up and head out to California for the long winter. I am volunteering at the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival and it is truly amazing. My mind is filled with deep thoughts of spirituality and compassion and I send my blessings to you girls.
Love,
Andrea and John
Heck! How close are you going to get to Albuquerque? -- Phil
Great Herra! It seems like you girls are having a great time! I hope you know I miss you very much but respect and admire the trip that you're on! What stories to last a lifetime! Keep on biking my dear, I'll see you in the future!
Sarah - We met you at Rabbit Ears Pass/Cont'l Divide. As my mom & I continued our drive we skirted the storm that hit you. Those clouds looked pretty bad and we were hoping you all were OK. Glad you're continuing on the trip, hope you enjoyed the VP debate. I extended my stay in Co. so I'm back in Ga now. If you need any help in Tn, Ga, NC, or SC - give me a call. It was a pleasure for me and my mom to meet you -we wish you and your friends the best! Take care, Joan
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