Day one was the 950 mile drive to Dalhart TX. Day two is the 400 mile drive to Crested Butte. I love the stretch between Clayton NM and Raton. It starts with the grassy plains then gives way to the volcanoes. Sierra Grande serves a silent welcome to the Rockies.
There's some wildlife to be seen along the route.
And pronghorn. I think this one is a shooter, but I am not sure.
Laurie thought this pic was comical
This is the biggest herd I have ever seen.
The view from the condo where I sit typing.
After I got settled in, Laurie and I took a bike ride down the mountain into town for dinner. She got to ride the new electric assist bike I bought her for our anniversary for the first time. She loves it. She kicked my butt riding back up the mountain.
That's my route every year headed to NM for elk and antelope! We usually spend the night in Dalhart before finishing the trip the next morning to Eagle Nest, Raton or Angel Fire. Tons of antelope on that route.
Required visit: Capulin Volcano....need to do that at least once.
Fun Fact: Pronghorns are over-evolved in terms of speed and distance keeping from predators. Their speed and tendency to maintain distance evolved when North America had cheetahs who could catch them (long extinct here). Pronghorns have likely lost a little of their speed and distance keeping traits over the last 10,000 years, but still retain far more of those characteristics than made necessary by any predator in North America still extant.
That's my route every year headed to NM for elk and antelope! We usually spend the night in Dalhart before finishing the trip the next morning to Eagle Nest, Raton or Angel Fire. Tons of antelope on that route.
Required visit: Capulin Volcano....need to do that at least once.
I have never visited. I drive right past it every summer. I think that area where the plains give way to the Rockies is spectacularly beautiful. Especially when it's green.
Made that trip many times. Ever give any thought to why anyone would chose to live in Dalhart or better yet Texline. FWIW prices for hotels and fuel are much better by way of Dumas.
Hot air balloons in that locale could be interesting. It can be pretty rough terrain once you're off the road a ways. I can think of lots of places I would not want to land one of those!
I'm pondering driving up to NY State next month to deliver puppies and visit kinfolk, the last time I drove that far in a vehicle was seven years back, and that was 36 hours with two drivers, I have no real idea how long that 1,800 miles would take me by myself.
I did a 23 mile mountain bike ride this afternoon. It had a pretty substantial climb. I have only been at altitude for a day and a half. On the steepest part of the climb I got light headed. I rode up into some snow remaining at about 10,500 feet. The downhill makes it all worthwhile. Nearly 43 MPH on a dirt road is a hoot.
It's a shame that Raton is kinda run down. Geographically it's in a great place.
That place has been absolutely dying since about 2003 when the coal mine (which was the town’s main employer) closed down. A third of the population left. And many businesses closed due to lack of customers.
Made that trip many times. Ever give any thought to why anyone would chose to live in Dalhart or better yet Texline. FWIW prices for hotels and fuel are much better by way of Dumas.
There's a pet friendly Econo lodge that I can back the truck right up to my door and unload the bikes. Laurie is always out there before me, so it's just Shadow and I. We don't need anything fancy..
I'm pondering driving up to NY State next month to deliver puppies and visit kinfolk, the last time I drove that far in a vehicle was seven years back, and that was 36 hours with two drivers, I have no real idea how long that 1,800 miles would take me by myself.
I'd probably make it a 3 day drive if I did it. Back to back 900 mile days would be brutal.
It's a shame that Raton is kinda run down. Geographically it's in a great place.
That place has been absolutely dying since about 2003 when the coal mine (which was the town’s main employer) closed down.
I think with a little vision, Raton could rebrand itself as a retirement town.
Raton has inexpensive real estate, plenty of water, high speed Internet, a major interstate, a regional hospital, a railroad, an airport, and lots of outdoor recreational opportunities.
I'd love to be in the cool mountains for a few weeks about now!
Have fun, and stay safe!
Sixty degrees here... My son and DIL are roasting in Boerne.
It is 115*f here today and I am investigating spending most of August in Bonner's Ferry.
Great pics Paul, that was a pretty good acclimation ride.
mike r
I didn't completely lose my breath, but I got so light headed I had to stop. I started seeing spots there for a minute. I ain't a spring chicken anymore.
It's a shame that Raton is kinda run down. Geographically it's in a great place.
That place has been absolutely dying since about 2003 when the coal mine (which was the town’s main employer) closed down.
I think with a little vision, Raton could rebrand itself as a retirement town.
Raton has inexpensive real estate, plenty of water, high speed Internet, a major interstate, a regional hospital, a railroad, an airport, and lots of outdoor recreational opportunities.
I set out this morning on the touring bike. The ride was going to be about half road and half dirt. Setting out was the first bad choice. Taking the touring bike was the second. Lightning really crackles loudly in the mountains.
I'm pondering driving up to NY State next month to deliver puppies and visit kinfolk, the last time I drove that far in a vehicle was seven years back, and that was 36 hours with two drivers, I have no real idea how long that 1,800 miles would take me by myself.
I'd probably make it a 3 day drive if I did it. Back to back 900 mile days would be brutal.
I was thinking the same thing.
+/- 900 miles from here to my hunting spots in AZ. Day and a half driving, well, usually a night and half a day with a 4-5 hr roadside nap in the truck.
I set out this morning on the touring bike. The ride was going to be about half road and half dirt. Setting out was the first bad choice. Taking the touring bike was the second. Lightning really crackles loudly in the mountains.
Was that thunder? Or just your [bleep] slamming shut?
I had a nice 22 mile ride this morning. The town of Crested Butte was covered in a blanket of fog when I descended. I came across a small herd of elk in the Slate River bottom. This time of year they are normally up much higher. Lots of deer today. The really stand out against the lush green backdrop.
You know goin’ over Schofield Pass from Crested Butte will take you to Marble. From there, you can hike 5 miles (along a narrow and rocky shelf road) to the Crystal Mill. The Crystal Mill is a cool place to go to.
You know goin’ over Schofield Pass from Crested Butte will take you to Marble. From there, you can hike 5 miles (along a narrow and rocky shelf road) to the Crystal Mill. The Crystal Mill is a cool place to go to.
I don't have the legs or lungs to make it to Marble on the bike. It's too rough for my 2WD truck. I have talked to people who have driven through "Devil's Punchbowl" to Marble. They say it's pretty nerve racking.
You know goin’ over Schofield Pass from Crested Butte will take you to Marble. From there, you can hike 5 miles (along a narrow and rocky shelf road) to the Crystal Mill. The Crystal Mill is a cool place to go to.
I don't have the legs or lungs to make it to Marble on the bike. It's too rough for my 2WD truck. I have talked to people who have driven through "Devil's Punchbowl" to Marble. They say it's pretty nerve racking.
You can also get to it by going south out of Glenwood Springs through Carbondale to Marble. Just something to maybe keep in mind on a return trip. The Crystal Mill is a cool place to go to.
You know goin’ over Schofield Pass from Crested Butte will take you to Marble. From there, you can hike 5 miles (along a narrow and rocky shelf road) to the Crystal Mill. The Crystal Mill is a cool place to go to.
I don't have the legs or lungs to make it to Marble on the bike. It's too rough for my 2WD truck. I have talked to people who have driven through "Devil's Punchbowl" to Marble. They say it's pretty nerve racking.
You can also get to it by going south out of Glenwood Springs through Carbondale to Marble. Just something to maybe keep in mind on a return trip. The Crystal Mill is a cool place to go to.
It's worth the hour. I agree with you. Its obvious. It just doesn't agree with the atheist belief system (religion). Here's a perspective on dragons that we did not get in school. Why? Because they want children to believe that dinosaurs lived long before man. They want to make sure that they will not believe in God. Question: How did people from all over the world leave art images of detailed dinosaurs?
It's worth the hour. I agree with you. Its obvious. It just doesn't agree with the atheist belief system (religion). Here's a perspective on dragons that we did not get in school. Why? Because they want children to believe that dinosaurs lived long before man. They want to make sure that they will not believe in God. Question: How did people from all over the world leave art images of detailed dinosaurs?
Don't know much about Mule Deer. Is this a shooter?
He would be for me if I had a mule deer tag. Arrow or bullet. But when I do have a MD tag...........I see elk, or whitetail, or turkeys. or javelina. Not mule deer bucks.
Judging by those friends have killed, and I've eaten of, he'd likely taste the same as one with bigger or smaller antlers.
Still in velvet, so he'll grow a bit more.
you experts out there, what do you figure? 26" inside spread? Not much in the way of eye guards, the kicker on the back add some points maybe?
I got a good workout today. 60 miles with about 3500 feet of climbing. There was a brutal 4 mile stretch where I gained about 1000 feet in elevation on a rough and rocky stretch of road. I am plum tuckered out and about to inhale some pork tacos. Not many critters on the ride today. The Ohio Creek Valley is spectacularly beautiful cattle country.
Dude, I was maybe 30 miles ENE of ya’ today. I was climbin’ and hikin’ up in the Sawatch. Went up to 13,000 feet. I just breathe it in and let it marinate in my lungs. Great day, fantastic weather. Glad you’re soakin’ it up.
ya all taking Hwy 95 south of Moab over to Hanksville then 24 to Torrey ?
Scenic.......but slow.......
You'll go right past Obummer's Bear's Ears
Up to 70 then 24 to Torrey, then 12 to Bryce.
that is a beautiful drive. I would cheeseburger up at Rays Tavern in Green River, gas up at Hollow Mountain Sinclair in Hanksville, and try and get an early dinner at Hells Backbone Grill in boulder before rolling into Bryce.
Dude, I was maybe 30 miles ENE of ya’ today. I was climbin’ and hikin’ up in the Sawatch. Went up to 13,000 feet. I just breathe it in and let it marinate in my lungs. Great day, fantastic weather. Glad you’re soakin’ it up.
I rode Independence Pass on my bike one year. My lungs forced me to take it really easy. I saw some elk in the distance over on Elbert. As much as I'd like to go elk hunting one day, there's no way I'd try a DIY hunt. It'd be hell to kill one in the places I have seen them. Love this place!
ya all taking Hwy 95 south of Moab over to Hanksville then 24 to Torrey ?
Scenic.......but slow.......
You'll go right past Obummer's Bear's Ears
Up to 70 then 24 to Torrey, then 12 to Bryce.
that is a beautiful drive. I would cheeseburger up at Rays Tavern in Green River, gas up at Hollow Mountain Sinclair in Hanksville, and try and get an early dinner at Hells Backbone Grill in boulder before rolling into Bryce.
Y'all have tossed some good ideas my way. I have a hunch I am going to budget more time in UT next year.
ya all taking Hwy 95 south of Moab over to Hanksville then 24 to Torrey ?
Scenic.......but slow.......
You'll go right past Obummer's Bear's Ears
Up to 70 then 24 to Torrey, then 12 to Bryce.
that is a beautiful drive. I would cheeseburger up at Rays Tavern in Green River, gas up at Hollow Mountain Sinclair in Hanksville, and try and get an early dinner at Hells Backbone Grill in boulder before rolling into Bryce.
better burgers at tikkanut's place........cleaner too..........
Dude, I was maybe 30 miles ENE of ya’ today. I was climbin’ and hikin’ up in the Sawatch. Went up to 13,000 feet. I just breathe it in and let it marinate in my lungs. Great day, fantastic weather. Glad you’re soakin’ it up.
I rode Independence Pass on my bike one year. My lungs forced me to take it really easy. I saw some elk in the distance over on Elbert. As much as I'd like to go elk hunting one day, there's no way I'd try a DIY hunt. It'd be hell to kill one in the places I have seen them. Love this place!
My hunting partner and I DIY elk hunted outside Leadville for 20+ years. We were very successful. Our last trip was in 2015. Beautiful place. Tough hunting.
I got a good workout today. 60 miles with about 3500 feet of climbing. There was a brutal 4 mile stretch where I gained about 1000 feet in elevation on a rough and rocky stretch of road. I am plum tuckered out and about to inhale some pork tacos. Not many critters on the ride today. The Ohio Creek Valley is spectacularly beautiful cattle country.
Dude, I was maybe 30 miles ENE of ya’ today. I was climbin’ and hikin’ up in the Sawatch. Went up to 13,000 feet. I just breathe it in and let it marinate in my lungs. Great day, fantastic weather. Glad you’re soakin’ it up.
I rode Independence Pass on my bike one year. My lungs forced me to take it really easy. I saw some elk in the distance over on Elbert. As much as I'd like to go elk hunting one day, there's no way I'd try a DIY hunt. It'd be hell to kill one in the places I have seen them. Love this place!
My hunting partner and I DIY elk hunted outside Leadville for 20+ years. We were very successful. Our last trip was in 2015. Beautiful place. Tough hunting.
The party is over when the elk goes down in most cases. It's all business at that point.
Today was a lazy day. I spent it recovering from yesterday's ride. I did take a mid-day hike. A nice natural wildflower bouquet and a bachelor group of bucks were the highlights.
I grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley and Independence pass was a rare but favorite ride. You definitely earn those switch backs to the top. Don't know if I'd do it now with the increase in traffic but back then it was a great way to spend a day.
I grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley and Independence pass was a rare but favorite ride. You definitely earn those switch backs to the top. Don't know if I'd do it now with the increase in traffic but back then it was a great way to spend a day.
When I did it, I did it early on a weekday morning. Traffic wasn't bad at all, and the motorists seemed accustomed to interacting with cyclists. I think it was 2012 when I did it.
Still vacationing. We are in Utah now. Arches at sunset was spectacular. Utah Scenic Highway 12 cemented itself as my favorite road in the USA. Bryce Canyon amazes at every glance. Shadow is having fun chasing lizards and chipmunks. Much respect for real cowboys and cowgirls.
We didn't have time for that. It sounds like it might give me a serious pucker factor. I don't know how close you are to the Dixie National Forest, but it looks like an awesome playground. Huge playground at that.
Who knew there were antelope at elevation near Bryce? I was completely surprised. About as surprised as they were at the red bicycle helmet bobbing around in the in the scrub.
We didn't have time for that. It sounds like it might give me a serious pucker factor. I don't know how close you are to the Dixie National Forest, but it looks like an awesome playground. Huge playground at that.
I'm 'bout 90 minutes north of Torrey.........as the Eagle flies......
I remember 10 yrs or so ago..early winter on Hwy 12
Sumbody made a snow penis along the highway......damm thing was 5' tall
Can't find the pic to save my azz........
Yea...lots of treehuggers around Boulder/Escalante....but its amazing country
The Burr Trail east of Boulder heads over to the Henry's.........
I spent some time in Crusty But in 1980 working with some locals, Todd, Gus and Cortsy in various home or masonary projects. I loved it up there. When driving around I saw many riders on their clunkers or pre mountain bikes. I helped Gus pack out an elk in the fall off the backside of the ski mountain.
We didn't have time for that. It sounds like it might give me a serious pucker factor. I don't know how close you are to the Dixie National Forest, but it looks like an awesome playground. Huge playground at that.
I'm 'bout 90 minutes north of Torrey.........as the Eagle flies......
I remember 10 yrs or so ago..early winter on Hwy 12
Sumbody made a snow penis along the highway......damm thing was 5' tall
Can't find the pic to save my azz........
Yea...lots of treehuggers around Boulder/Escalante....but its amazing country
The Burr Trail east of Boulder heads over to the Henry's.........
I really liked the Fish Lake National Forest along 72 when we drove through. It seemed totally uninhabited though. I commented to Laurie about how abruptly the land changes in Utah. One minute you'll be in lush green ponderosa forest and the next you'll be in the desert. Then sage and juniper hills, then in aspens. I loved what I saw. I could easily do a summer/fall retirement home in many areas I saw. Laurie needs to be closer to a decent population center though. Nothing huge, but say a town of 5000 or so. In surveying the map, it doesn't look like there's one between Moab and Richfield.
I spent some time in Crusty But in 1980 working with some locals, Todd, Gus and Cortsy in various home or masonary projects. I loved it up there. When driving around I saw many riders on their clunkers or pre mountain bikes. I helped Gus pack out an elk in the fall off the backside of the ski mountain.
Elk hunting in that area is not an easy undertaking.
Who knew there were antelope at elevation near Bryce? I was completely surprised. About as surprised as they were at the red bicycle helmet bobbing around in the in the scrub.
I've seen antelope above treeline in CO at near 12k feet rutting their tails off...