This was one of the highlights of our cross-country trip. It was so incredible to witness such a dramatic result of the erosion process. Driving through the San Luis Valley, and then approaching the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with huge dunes appearing at the base was an incredible experience!
Before we left Cortez, Colorado my husband’s uncle told us about a spot we should visit. So when we arrived at the western edge of the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado, we stopped at the Peace of Art Cafe/Organic Peddler in Del Norte. We didn’t eat, but he bought a T-shirt!
I love this!
Our next stop: Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Don’t miss it!
Here are some images captured along our route through the San Juan Mountains, as we headed toward the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Pass in Southern Colorado.
This is Treasure Falls, on Falls Creek, several miles west of the pass.
As we descended from the pass, we approached the headwaters of the Rio Grande, which led us down to the San Luis Valley, our next stop.
Before we left Southwestern Colorado, which was hard for me to do, a few more of the many interesting sights caught my eye. This junco was hanging around in Dolores, making some noise.
Here is the Dolores River.
We took leave of Cortez, and headed into the Rockies.
One the road to Durango, and the Continental Divide!
After camping in Mesa Verde National Park, we stayed with family in Cortez and did a little wandering in Dolores.
Dolores, Colorado
Not my best photography, but I think it’s fairly legible! This is a great graphic of the cultural groups of “Ancient Ones” in the Four Corners area.
Escalante Ruins Historical Site
Our trip through Colorado began with camping in Mesa Verde National Park. It was our second trip to this amazing spot. I would come here every year if I could!
The Cliff Palace is one of my favorite sites.
Ok, a friend posted a comic on Facebook this am that had to do with this topic, and I couldn’t resist. I simply had to wax poetic. I am one of those grammar freaks who cringes when certain errors occur. So here’s my tribute to the English language’s unruly rules. I already posted it on Facebook earlier, but it seemed to need some illustration (these apostrophes are recycled from leftover printmaking materials):
Dedicated at my husband’s urging to Frank Zappa. Some of you may know why!
This elevation sign is near the south entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, along Highway 36 in northern California. It happens to be posted in my favorite part of the state! Northeastern California has such a variety of environments: forest, mountain, meadow, high desert, grassland, river, lake … the list goes on.
I am a sign reader. I am particularly fond of elevation signs. I always want to know how far above sea level I am. What difference does it make? Well, most of the time not much. Dramatic changes in elevation affect the weather, but minor fluctuations don’t make that much difference. Still, I enjoy a good elevation sign for what it is.
Historical markers are usually pretty interesting members of the sign family. How often have you whizzed by one when you could have stopped and learned something? Well, you are in for a treat today, because I have an elevation sign AND a historical marker. Ta da!
When I was little, we moved into a house with a collection of Arizona Highways magazines that was left behind by the previous owners. My siblings and I used to look through them on rainy days, and cut out pictures for school projects. I never saw myself living in this area. It looked so hot and dry. But I remember all the desert colors!
We left the Grand Canyon and the Kaibab pine forest behind as we continued on our cross-country journey. Driving north and east through Monument Valley toward Colorado, we were surrounded by more incredible rock formations and amazing colors. Next stop: Mesa Verde National Park!
When You're Bored 