Sunday, May 15, 2016

Going home from Utah, camping at the Colorado National Monument

Today was the last day of the gathering for work, a half day really as we were done by Noon.

A veritable hugfest ensued as expected as my co-workers said goodbye to each other.  Just before 12:30PM, I was geared up, and waving goodbye to several of my co-workers who were boarding the shuttle car to the Salt Lake City Airport.

I took Utah 189 down to Provo and from there caught US6 towards the town of Price, Utah.  The day had started with thunderstorms that woke me and I would "enjoy" rainy conditions which transitioned to downpour conditions as I neared Soldier Summit!  Still, the rain gear did its job and it never got below the low 50s in terms of temperature so it was all good.

Finally got rid of the rain somewhere near Price, Utah and there I picked up US 191 Southbound to the I-70 Superslab.  I would spend most of the afternoon on these slabs, the slowest vehicle on the road as I cruised at a comfortable 55mph.

I arrived at Fruita, CO around 5:45PM and entered that end of the Colorado National Monument.  I quickly found the campground within and found a spot for the night.  Once I had the tent set up, Scarlett and I motored out to see what we could see as sunset neared.

 The scenery within the campground area, not too shabby.

 Fruita Canyon Overlook

 Independence Monument


 The colors got really nice after the sun was below the mountains to the west
of the Independence Monument Overlook


As the light faded, I decided to shoot the rest of the Monument area tomorrow morning as I head towards Grand Junction, CO via the Monument's roads.

Long day, but a great ending don't you think?  A good night's sleep, perhaps catch the sunrise and then head on home tomorrow.

10 comments:

RichardM said...

"A good night's sleep, perhaps catch the sunrise"

Those two things can't occur together...

That's a beautiful area. Way back, I spent a lot of time in Price, UT. By a lot, maybe a several months in one spring/summer. There wasn't that much to do in town...

SonjaM said...

Nice catch of the rainbow and sun lighting up the canyon, Dom. A true Kodak moment.

redlegsrides said...

You are quite right RichardM, sitting here at 6am shooting a time-lapse video and not feeling very awake. Sunsetwx didnt forecast a nice sunrise and so far am thinking they will be correct.

redlegsrides said...

Thanks SonjaM, it did work out OK.

Canajun said...

Just beautiful country out there. What you get when you had no glacier covering during the last ice age.

Oz said...

I have not visited that part of Colorado, yet. But I sure want to now. Great photos makes we very interested in riding in the area.

Trobairitz said...

Nice capture of the rainbow in that one shot.

redlegsrides said...

David Blackburn, according to the placards at the overlooks, it's all about the erosion over the last few millenia. I thought the ice packs reached down here as well...I could be wrong.

Thomas Osburn, this part of Colorado is very scenic, well worth the time.

Thanks Trobairitz, just luck there.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful images! Really love the rainbow one...such gorgeous light. Looks like it was a fun trip!

redlegsrides said...

Thanks motoventures, it was good but short