September 29. 2009 by Merilee.

Moab, Utah

September 29,2009

The winds kicked up today and blew in some photogenic clouds for our second visit to Arches National Park.  The park is just pure magic with it’s imagination staggering rock formations, thousands of arches and desert-scape.  Have posted some new pics on Flickr.

This rock formation is called the Tower of Babel and it is majestic and so impressive.  Taken early in the morning with high winds blowing as Brad held onto the jeep.  Always love a challenge.

Posted in Utah | Print | No Comments »

September 17. 2009 by Merilee.

Durango, Colorado

September 17, 2009

Sunshine Mountain was shining in the morning sun as we drove thru the Sunshine Mountain Wilderness.  This is an amazing area filled with 14,000 foot peaks.   Gorgeous mountains and tons of forest service jeep road prevail in this area.

We are camped in Durango for a week or two.  This area has a draw for us and much more to explore.

Posted in Colorado | Print | No Comments »

September 5. 2009 by Merilee.

September 5, 2009

Imogene Pass

The jeep took us to the second highest drivable pass in Colorado today.  What an amazing ride!  It is technically rated as moderate but…….the steep rocky shelf roads, the tunnel, the snow, rain and the altitude of 13,114 feet.  Flickr will have some new posts of pics from this ride.  We began the off-road in Telluride and ended on the other side of the mountain range in Ouray.  The road passed the Tomboy Mine, Torpedo Eclipse Mine and the Camp Bird Mine.  There is a lot of history of the mining industry to be seen on this trail.  Yes, Brad did have that grin on his face the entire ride….

Posted in Colorado | Print | No Comments »

September 4. 2009 by Merilee.

Ouray, Colorado

Sept. 4, 2009

On a lovely early fall day, we took the jeep up to the famous Yankee Boy Basin.  The jeep road leaves from Ouray and follows a canyon wall  for about 8 miles.  The trail boasts a very dramatic rock hangover.  I had to wonder if the jeep would fit under it!  The trail was originally used in the 1890’s by miners traveling to the famous Camp Bird Mine.  In its heyday, this mine provided advanced creature comforts including hot and cold running water, electric lights and steam heat.  Tom Walsh founded this mine in 1986 and he felt that the 400 miners who worked there should be treated to a decent lifestyle.  He required only 8 hours of work per day rather than the standard 12 hours.  His humanitarian approach brought big rewards as he made over 4 million dollars by 1900.

I will be posting other pics from the ride on Flickr.  Hope you enjoy.

Posted in Colorado | Print | No Comments »