Day 15 Recap - A trek through the mountains!

I’ve been pretty good about updating today’s adventures from the road so I’m not going to repeat a lot of that here. I will say that connectivity is spotty through Utah and Colorado, but when it’s on it’s solid. This morning’s adventure was Arches National Park and this afternoon we did Vail, Colorado. There’s a marked difference as you travel between these locations — the mountains get bigger as you move East even as the red fades into dense, green pine forests. Both are beautiful, but I think I love the chiseled fanciful shapes in Utah more than the majesty of the Rockies.

We followed State Highway 128 out of Arches towards I-70. I picked the route because we’ve made a policy of not doubling back on this trip, so I didn’t notice at first how scenic it was. Scenic has become a dirty word for Pattie because it means winding, twisty, up and down, oh my god I can’t pass type of travel. This road ran parallel to the Colorado River for forty miles until we rejoined I-70 to the North. I would highly recommend it, Pattie wouldn’t if she has to drive. We both agreed it was lovely.

A word about Utah state highways — the highway placards are designed with a beehive because Utah is the Beehive State. I didn’t see a bee the entire time I was in Utah, but I did enjoy seeing beehives everywhere. Also, Utah state police were out in force as were Colorado highway patrols as we cross state lines and braked down the mountain highways. That’s dirty pool, I say.

Still, over 5,000 miles traveled and no tickets. *fingers crossed*

We were also fortunate in friends, because Bridget hooked us up with her parents in Denver. Not only did they provide us with a place to stay for the evening, they also fed us lovely pizza from Bonnie Brae Pizza (Happy Birthday, Dan!) and over-supplied us with Diet Coke and other for-the-road goodies. Score! B, your parents are AWESOME.

Tomorrow, we head towards flatland. Hello, Kansas! If you have recommendations along I-70 East, please let us know!