Loop drive from Buena Vista over Monarch Pass and back to Buena Vista CO

Friday, June 29, 2018

First I need to say that we have been without Internet service since June 29th. In Buena Vista there was a wildfire between us and Denver and service was slow and spotty so I couldn't work in the blog. Now we are in Gunnison CO and there is neither cell nor Internet at the RV park we are at. So today is July 9 and I'm going to try to catch up on posting. Unfortunately that will mean several posts published today.

On June 29 we decided to take a loop drive from Buena Vista over Monarch Pass around to Saguache, Villa Grove and back to Buena Vista.

This is the sunset from the night before. 

We made it to Monarch Pass in short order.

They offered gondola rides to the top of the mountain. Since I was barely walking in my boot, we chose not to partake.

This is some of the ski runs they had on Monarch Mountain ski area as seen from the pass pullout.

 This is looking the opposite direction from the picture above. Beautiful views!!

As we continued on our loop we crossed the Continental Divide at North Cochetopa Pass. Above is the view looking eastward.

 At this pass we saw this sign talking about the wild cats in the area. It was interesting that they are reintroducing the lynx, snow cat, to this area.  According to another sign the population has been increasing better than expected.

This is the view looking westward from the Cochetopa Pass.

 WOW our 3rd pass of the day. Notice each one is slightly lower than the previous pass.  Below is heading downhill north on US 285 just past the sign above.

We decided to drive into the city of Salida, CO and check it out.

 The Arkansas River runs through town. They made a great play area as seen above and below. Below are some gates set up for kayak training.

 This restaurant on the river had a huge outdoor porch eating area.

 Main street in Salida CO.

 They even had a hill with a big S. which could be seen while driving along the river way.

This is the only mural I got a picture of in town.  However I did see several others.

On our way back to Buena Vista from Salida, we could see the Weston Pass wildfire that started the afternoon before.
Unfortunately as of 7-9 it is still burning. So sad!