Road Trip, Day 25

Tuesday, February 1

Decided to revisit the Colorado National Monument this morning since the visitor center was closed the last time we were there.  The road is as interesting as ever--think hairpin turns and no guardrails--with snow and ice added in to the mix.  All the trails and the walkouts to views were full of snow and I didn't feel like dragging out my boots.  Did get the down jacket on, though, it was dang cold up there and the wind was fierce.  Turns out this is the 100th anniversary of the monument, so got a commerative pin.  I was the first person of the morning heading from the Fruita side to the Grand Junction side, no tire tracks in the snow on my side of the road.  Guess I blazed the trail today.

I continue to be greatful to FDR and the CCC--they actually built that rim drive.  They did a lot of wonderful things in the national parks which are still being used and enjoyed today.  They were able to take their children to those parks later and tell them they helped build that.  It put people to work during the great depression and gave them meaningful work on something that would be useful for future generations.  Still think someone should have introduced them to the guardrail concept.

I then hit I-70 to Denver (with the assistance of Mr. Garmin).  The Grand Junction folks seem to want to keep the existence of the monument a closely held secret.  The Fruita folks, on the other hand, have signs pointing the way and they actually had brochures at my hotel.

I-70 to Denver is spectacular.  There was some snow around 10,000 feet, but the road was clear and no ice, although they kept warning of ice and flashing signs urged people to slow down.  I'm glad I took the risk--Denver just didn't seem to be getting hit that much by the storm.

I skirted Denver and headed for Nebraska on I-76.  No more scenery.  Back in the flatlands.  Now, here's a mystery.  If Denver is the mile high city, shouldn't the road have been descending out of Denver???  It seemed to be going uphill again.  Nobody else but me was foolish enough to head for Nebraska except for the long distance truckers.  Oh, and a Suburban pulling a boat.  Yes, a boat.  It's January and 6 degrees below 0.  What are they going to do with that boat?

I-76 was laid out by an engineer who subscribed to the ruler theory of roadbuilding, unlike I-70 which twists and turns through the mountains.  Tough to stay awake in the dark, but I made it to Ogallah, Nebraska.  Cold and snowing here.

The Nebraska sign is interesting--no welcome.  It would have been nice to be welcomed to Nebraska since I seemed to be the only person going there in the dark and cold.  It says:  Nebraska.  The good life.  Home of Arbor Day.  Hmm.  How could Arbor Day live anywhere?  And what's so good about no scenery and 6 below 0 and snow flurries???

Have to get some sleep to prepare for more flatland driving tomorrow and the next day.