Welcome to the Loneliest Highway in America!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
3-4-10
A chunk of granite on an original cart used to build the Mormon Temple in SLC--what impressive craftsmanship! We got an informative tour by Sister Mary--hope you don't mind, we gave her everybody's address--you can expect some visitors soon.3-5-10
March 5, 2010
We have a new found respect for mother nature, especially in the mountain passes. Yesterday we went to the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City—what an impressive show of workmanship. It was a beautiful day and the boys had a blast running around in the courtyard, we were even wearing shorts. Then off we went, headed toward Tahoe City CA. After looking at the weather forecast, we decided to take Hwy 50—“the loneliest highway in America”. In a short time it was no wonder how it earned the name—we saw 3 cars in 4 hours! Cruising right along and rocking out to some tunes we were feeling pretty good until we came into some weather. At first there was just a light dusting on the road, then suddenly the road was covered in icy snow—all at the same time we started going thru a mountain pass! It got intense pretty quick—no shoulder, cliffs on one side, the mountain on the other and probably the most scary factor was no cell service. We could only proceed up the mountain. We started slipping and could feel the car struggling. We were all saying our prayers just hoping to get through. Then we saw a sign that there would be 6.5 miles of hair pin turns. Chris did an amazing job driving and we made it to the top. Although Stephanie would have been content to stay there for the night, Chris said we had to go down. By the time we made it to the campground, our stomachs were in knots and we felt very much alive.
We have been enjoying reading Where the Red Fern Grows and just like God answers Billys prayers time and time again, we have been well aware of God's presence with us on our trip, especially through these snowy mountain passes.
Now we are back on the loneliest highway with 8 more mountain passes to go! Who knew that Nevada was nothing but mountains?!?! But, the roads are clear and with our purchase of new snow chains we have a bit more confidence. Secretly, I suspect Chris is looking forward to the opportunity to use them!
We have a new found respect for mother nature, especially in the mountain passes. Yesterday we went to the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City—what an impressive show of workmanship. It was a beautiful day and the boys had a blast running around in the courtyard, we were even wearing shorts. Then off we went, headed toward Tahoe City CA. After looking at the weather forecast, we decided to take Hwy 50—“the loneliest highway in America”. In a short time it was no wonder how it earned the name—we saw 3 cars in 4 hours! Cruising right along and rocking out to some tunes we were feeling pretty good until we came into some weather. At first there was just a light dusting on the road, then suddenly the road was covered in icy snow—all at the same time we started going thru a mountain pass! It got intense pretty quick—no shoulder, cliffs on one side, the mountain on the other and probably the most scary factor was no cell service. We could only proceed up the mountain. We started slipping and could feel the car struggling. We were all saying our prayers just hoping to get through. Then we saw a sign that there would be 6.5 miles of hair pin turns. Chris did an amazing job driving and we made it to the top. Although Stephanie would have been content to stay there for the night, Chris said we had to go down. By the time we made it to the campground, our stomachs were in knots and we felt very much alive.
We have been enjoying reading Where the Red Fern Grows and just like God answers Billys prayers time and time again, we have been well aware of God's presence with us on our trip, especially through these snowy mountain passes.
Now we are back on the loneliest highway with 8 more mountain passes to go! Who knew that Nevada was nothing but mountains?!?! But, the roads are clear and with our purchase of new snow chains we have a bit more confidence. Secretly, I suspect Chris is looking forward to the opportunity to use them!
3-2-10
Chris got to lay down som sick runs in Monarch Pass--note that is not the natural shape of his rump--he has a donut pillow for insurance.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 2, 2010---Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!
They did it! Chris and Eli braved the skycoaster!!!! What a rush--1300 feet straight down above the gorge! It is such a terrifying ride that they offer you a man diaper when you pay—no diapers were necessary here though—at least that's what Eli and Chris said.
From Canon City we are bound for the Colorodo Rockies—the part of the trip that Chris is the most concerned about the car and scamp making it through. B ut luckily it is a beautiful bright sunny day and tgemps around 45. We went through Monarch Pass, elevation 11,312, with a seasonal average of 350 inches of snow per year! It is also divided by the Continental Divide—so we figure everything from here is downhill. Chris couldn't resist climbing up the mountain, strapping on his snowboard and cutting through some of that beautiful powder—it was just like butter! It did get a little hairy driving through the Rockies in the dark but as long as we stay in low gear and don't get in a hurry we are fine (hopefully the people behind us aren't in a hury either).
It seems our most challenging time is when we don't know where exactly we will be spending the night and don't have a campsight in mind—sometimes this is just part of the journey. This has only happened a couple times so far but the first time was not successful. When it is dark, you have no idea where you are and kids are ready for bed the pressure is on. We did roll into Montrose around 8:00 and eventually found a spot to hook up for the night. It was a shot in the dark but we totally lucked out with awesome hot showers!
So far we have seen a fox, elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, prairie dogs, a golden eagle and a donkey named Willie.
From Canon City we are bound for the Colorodo Rockies—the part of the trip that Chris is the most concerned about the car and scamp making it through. B ut luckily it is a beautiful bright sunny day and tgemps around 45. We went through Monarch Pass, elevation 11,312, with a seasonal average of 350 inches of snow per year! It is also divided by the Continental Divide—so we figure everything from here is downhill. Chris couldn't resist climbing up the mountain, strapping on his snowboard and cutting through some of that beautiful powder—it was just like butter! It did get a little hairy driving through the Rockies in the dark but as long as we stay in low gear and don't get in a hurry we are fine (hopefully the people behind us aren't in a hury either).
It seems our most challenging time is when we don't know where exactly we will be spending the night and don't have a campsight in mind—sometimes this is just part of the journey. This has only happened a couple times so far but the first time was not successful. When it is dark, you have no idea where you are and kids are ready for bed the pressure is on. We did roll into Montrose around 8:00 and eventually found a spot to hook up for the night. It was a shot in the dark but we totally lucked out with awesome hot showers!
So far we have seen a fox, elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, prairie dogs, a golden eagle and a donkey named Willie.
March 1, 2010
We made it into Colorado and last night we stayed with Stephanie's friend, Elizabeth and her family. It was so nice for the boys to play with her girls and to just hang out and visit good friends. From there we went to play in the Garden of the Gods, which is a red rock area created more than 300 million years ago. The boys were in their glory, climbing every rock formation they could.
So far the car and scamp have held up well but we have only made it through the foothills of the Rockies. We have been staying in RV parks, which we would usually avoid but this time of year the campgrounds are closed and we are the only ones in the park. We did get quite stuck in the mud and it seemed we may have to stay long term because Stephanie and the boys weren't able to push it out, however the park owner was eager to help us out.
Since we got into our site a bit early so we went to check out Royal Gorge—the second highest suspension bridge in the world at 1,053 feet! It sounds high but to actually be on it gives “high” a whole new dimension. Yes, we had to make our contribution by spitting and peeing in the Arkansas river below. Today we are going back to Royal Gorge to take the aerial tram and incline railway. They also have the Royal Rush Skycoaster—the world's highest skycoaster—which is a freefall tower propellling you over the gorge 1300 feet high! Chris and Eli are thinking they are brave enough to do it! Finn would love to do it but since he isn't tall enough he is planning on just pulling the switch.
So far the car and scamp have held up well but we have only made it through the foothills of the Rockies. We have been staying in RV parks, which we would usually avoid but this time of year the campgrounds are closed and we are the only ones in the park. We did get quite stuck in the mud and it seemed we may have to stay long term because Stephanie and the boys weren't able to push it out, however the park owner was eager to help us out.
Since we got into our site a bit early so we went to check out Royal Gorge—the second highest suspension bridge in the world at 1,053 feet! It sounds high but to actually be on it gives “high” a whole new dimension. Yes, we had to make our contribution by spitting and peeing in the Arkansas river below. Today we are going back to Royal Gorge to take the aerial tram and incline railway. They also have the Royal Rush Skycoaster—the world's highest skycoaster—which is a freefall tower propellling you over the gorge 1300 feet high! Chris and Eli are thinking they are brave enough to do it! Finn would love to do it but since he isn't tall enough he is planning on just pulling the switch.
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