July 11, 2014

Well we got into Glenwood Springs last night as planned – around 6pm. We checked into our campsite and set up. It was a really nice spot with a view of the mountain across the Colorado River. There were showers and bathrooms down the trail, 2 outlets at our site so we could charge some appliances (that has been a problem for us on this trip), and even wifi down by the office.

Our campsite with a view

We decided to eat some dinner first and found a nice Italian place on Glenwood’s main avenue. Our food was delicious. I can’t remember the name or I would give them a plug! After we finished eating we went to the hot springs! The Glenwood Hot Springs have been around since 1888 when the pool and resort first opened to guests. There are two pools – one is cooler (90-93 degrees) and a hotter one (102-104 degrees). We changed and were able to use the springs for about an hour before a huge thunderstorm with lightning rolled into town. We waited awhile to see if it would dissipate but it only got stronger and closer so we ended up leaving. We were both pretty disappointed because the pool was open another hour and we wanted to relax. As we left it started pouring down rain – luckily the rain cover was on our tent this time! We went back to our campsite and waited for the rain to die down – and it didn’t. So we eventually ran to our tent and spent the night blowing around in the rain. We managed to stay pretty dry and I actually slept quite well. This morning we left Glenwood Springs and went to Aspen for breakfast. Wow. Aspen is a very tidy town. All of the homes have landscaped lawns and patios, the downtown district has recycling bins, and beautiful hanging baskets of overflowing flowers. Zach chose a café for breakfast – Peach’s Corner Café. It was cute. We had a nice breakfast there and then walked around the town a little bit.

Walking around Aspen

Peach’s

The real winner though was driving out of town on Hwy. 82 into White River National Forest. It was sublime. The aspen trees glittered as we drove along and down below I could see a roaring river. I wouldn’t mind staying in Aspen just to take advantage of the natural beauty around it.

We drove up to Independence Pass crossing the Continental Divide (for the millionth time on this trip). As we got out to walk to the scenic overlook it was sprinkling – no big deal. But when we reached the overlook it started to pour – and hail! So we high-tailed it back to the car and sat watching for a while. It kept hailing so we ended up heading back down the mountain which was slightly terrifying.

Scenic overlook of Independence Pass

Hail!

Driving down a steep grade in the rain and hail

Our drive this afternoon has been really beautiful. We’ve driven through several national forests and took a little pit spot at Twin Lakes, a cute little town, where I bought some ribbon fries (or Texas Taters to us). But we still have a ways to go before we get to Santa Fe for the final night of our trip.

Stopping for ribbon fries! (Texas taters)

halfway gone already!

Twin Lakes Visitor Center

Still more driving to do