I decided to ride Hwy 50 west to 149 and then go south through Lake City and Southfork. When I stopped for gas, some folks told me to be sure to stop for a drink of water just after Monarch Pass. They told me I would see the blue barrel. ?????????
This is just after Monarch and no blue barrel. This is prettier than any blue barrel and I wasn't thirsty anyway.
A short distance further, I came upon the barrel and the water was indeed tasty.
If you happen to see this blue barrel and happen to be thirsty, stop.
I was riding west on Highway 50 when I saw a sign that said Hwy 114 with an arrow pointing left, followed by 17 miles. It was a dirt road, and my feeble mind read Highway 149 instead of 114. I didn't realize my mistake until I reached pavement.
There were a lot of these little piles of dirt visible in this picture. I saw an estimated 75 total piles.
I stopped and walked out to one. It is obviously man made, but for what reason. When I got back to the bike, the only car I saw while on that road stopped to see if I needed help. I asked about the piles of dirt and a woman in the passenger seat said they had just been discussing the mounds and had come to the conclusion that they were abandoned mines. I don't think that is correct, but I have no better explanation. Anyone? What one looks like up close.
Open range.
When I got to pavement, it was obvious to me that I had made a mistake. I've been on 149 many times and this was not 149. It was a very pleasant mistake.
114 followed along Cochetopa Creek for about 25 miles.
Beavers seemed to like it too.
When I got back to Highway 50 and headed west, I nearly immediately changed my mind. It had been a few years since I had been to Crested Butte and when I saw the sign, my blinker automatically signaled for a right turn, but first, a light lunch in the city park in Gunnison. Noodle soup, a slice of cheese and a fresh picked peach.
Scenery was good.
Crested Butte has an eccentric artist. He makes sculptures out of old car parts, mainly chrome bumpers.
Others have joined in the fun. I didn't read what this dragon fly or damsel fly, I don't remember how to tell the difference, was made from.
Someone is even doing cast bronze.
This one has been there for quite a few years.
About 25 to 30 years ago, my wife was saved from the dragon by this brave knight in shining armor. My wife makes fun of me because I hardly ever throw away a T-shirt. She still wears that blouse.
One would think that a walk in the woods would be some alone time. The eyes are watching.
The oldest church in Colorado. This is not the original building. This building wasn't completed until 1863.
I'm not sure if it is still being used as a church. The plaque says, "Property of the state of Colorado." I would have liked to go inside, but he door to Our Lady of Guadalupe was locked.
A stolen view of the interior.
The street leading to the church is a memorial to fallen soldiers.
Each of these trees represent a soldier from this county.
I stopped beside the road and found this gate. I'm guessing that it hasn't been used in a loooong time.
Any cow that leaned against it could free the entire herd.
I headed to my brother's house in Taos, NM. Since I had visited my mother, I felt it was time to visit pop. On the way, I stopped at the rest area next to the Rio Grande Gorge, a feature caused by the surface of the earth being pulled apart rather than erosion that created the Grand Canyon.
My brother was in the Taos search and rescue for years. He detested every square inch of this bridge.
They installed these call boxes after he retired. He now likes this portion of the bridge.
Home to Texas. No pics.