The following day
(10-27) was only a little less long and ugly. It was still about 75 miles and 6 hours
riding time. Most of it was uphill, but only so slightly that it was hardly noticeable.
The good news is that I found a nice campground in Montrose that was still open. I will
stay two nights and visit the new National Park tomorrow without having to lug around all
of my stuff.
I got to the Chamber of
Commerce in Montrose just minutes before closing, and was able to get some good
information about lodging in some of the small towns south and west of Montrose. Based on
that, I think I’ll head south from Montrose, then west, southwest and finally
southeast to get to Mesa Verde NP, in lieu of backtracking to Moab. This route will save
me a couple of days and help me get back on schedule after this "Clinton"
diversion. The only potential hang-up is that I’ll have to go through one 9000’
pass, and the forecast for Friday (the day I’ll have to do that) is possible rain and
snow in the mountains. The most direct route from Black Canyon to Mesa Verde, which I will
not take, goes through some of the most rugged (and scenic) mountain territory in
Colorado – eleven 14,000+ foot mountains in the immediate area and two passes of
about 11,000 feet. I could get up there and get "snowed in" until June.
This high mesa area of
Colorado – Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose seems to be a good area in which to
live. It’s close to the mountains, yet has more of a desert climate with little snow.
Those who live here seem to like it a lot, and the area should become even more prosperous
with a National Park in the backyard.
(Great
Adventures to Scenic Places)
