Post Road Trip

Well, the “Post road trip” entry is a little tardy however, the trip was an absolute success. Other than witnessing a car accident on the way back, the trip went about as smoothly as it possibly could.  We covered about 4,400 miles as planned and we did it in 4 days.  Not only do I have my “Stuff” here now, but Krista is still with me.

It began as planned in Annapolis, Maryland on a Thursday evening however, it was pouring rain and it was important to stay on target as we had a schedule.  At each state line, we were sure to “Check-In” on Facebook so friends could follow our progress.  If you have not had the pleasure of driving on Interstate 70 across our country, no need to worry, you are not missing a whole lot.  Driving through St Louis rather than around it, affords you the ability to stop at the Arch or the “Gateway to the West”, as it is known. Other than that, the Mid-West is not exactly packed full of attractions.  Krista and I can both tell you that our favorite road trip attraction being Dunkin’ Donuts, has no presence whatsoever west of St Louis.  We survived without it and arrived at the Kansas/Colorado State Line Friday afternoon.  I was hoping to have daylight while driving through the mountains but, we did catch the last little bit of the sunset while atop Loveland Pass (Log into facebook to view this photo of Krista @ 12,000 ft).

My next goal was to arrive at the Glenwood Springs Pool with a little time to enjoy the experience after our journey.  We made it by a little before 9pm on Friday and relaxed in the same pool that Doc Holiday and Al Capone to name a few, have also enjoyed.  To make the moment even more enjoyable, the crystal clear rocky mountain sky had just produced a full moon making it’s way over the mountain. Grand Junction was still about 80 miles away and it was there that Marriot had a Residence Inn with a king size bed awaiting our arrival.

Our agenda indicated Saturday morning as a staging time for the storage area in my Garage.  We went through everything and stacked it in the order which we wanted it arranged in the truck the next morning.  When finished, we set out again, this time on a journey that I have traveled many times.  A journey that certainly energizes my soul.  The natural beauty and landscape of the Colorado River Road (Rt. 128 in Utah) is simply amazing.  It winds along the Colorado River ending in Moab, Utah.  We went into Arches National Park and with our limited time, I chose the Delicate Arch Hike for us to enjoy.  Krista has seen many of my photo’s and wanted to experience it for herself.

After the hike, we spent a little time in Moab visiting a few friends and allowing Krista to see one of the towns which has been responsible for many wonderful memories from my past.  Next, we found a camping spot up near the entrance to Canyonlands.  She had never seen the stars from such a clear, dark sky.  The Milky Way’s presence was absolutely amazing.  Shooting stars filled the sky as only John Denver could describe.

We began our last hours in this amazing area watching the sunrise over the LaSalle Mountains.  The drive back to Colorado was a quick one and once there, where we began loading the truck.  After spending time with a friend, we were back on the road to begin the long drive home.  The way back of course, seemed longer and was mostly uneventful.  The car accident which I mentioned was in the early morning hours just outside of Kansas City.  I watched an oncoming car swerve and hit a concrete barrier.  There were no other cars around and I could only guess but, I believe that someone had fallen asleep.

We arrived safely back home at about 9 o’clock Monday Evening.  We were both extremely happy to have made the trip safely.  I was thankful to have seen a few of the areas which mean so much to me and to have had the chance to share them with Krista.  Next Summer, I plan to share Lake Powell with her.  I pointed it out as we flew over it last summer on our way back from Las Vegas.  The house in Grand Junction did actually sell, shortly after we returned.