We had said we would come back to Colorado and here we are.
We did not expect to come back this early, but weather being what it is up north, we may as well enjoy the good weather down south. Yes, the weather has turned around in this area and we are now very warm. Temperature reached 94 degrees fahrenheit today (34 degrees celsius). We visited the Dinosaur National Monument Park and expected to see big bones and fossils. Dinosaur National Monument takes its name from a remarkable deposit of fossil bones. Fossilized bones of crocodiles, turles and 10 species of dinosaurs have been brought to view by excavating river sediment in the 150-million-year-old Morrison formation. A little bit disappointing but a good day nevertheless of walking, motorbiking and enjoying the scenery all around.
We spent the next 2 days in the Colorado National Monument and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks. They are both superbs but unfortunately, once we loaded the pictures on the computer we realized that the pictures don't reflect the reality. You cannot really see the depth of the canyons and the colours are not very good. Black Canyon is in particular magnificent with jaw dropping scenery. It is not very big, but should be absolutely seen if you come to this area of Colorado.
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the great landscapes of the American West. It was created in 1911 thanks to the effort of John Otto.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is so deep, so sheer, and so narrow that very little sunlight can penetrate it. It was proclaimed a national monument in 1933 and a national Park in 1999.
We have seen many canyons during our travels, and each of them is very unique. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is made of hard rock uplited then cut through by fast-moving water. Yosemite is made of hard, river-cut rock later gouged by glaciers. Grand Canyon is made of soft, river-carved rock sculpted by erosion. They all have one thing in common though. Whenever you travel through them, you can listen to the surrounding silence, which may sometimes only be disturbed by the sound of a fly around you or by the sound of an eagle soaring way above your head. Every time, you find yourself speaking in a lower voice than usual, as you become part of the scenery.
When you travel the way we do for a long time, you talk and meet very many people on the way. It is one of our pleasure along the road, to discuss with all of them and share our experiences. Three days ago, we had met with Dave, a motorbike traveller from Australia and two days ago, we met a charming couple from West Liberty, Ohio. They are now retired and spend most of their time travelling around the United States. Hello Diana and George ! we hope you will keep travelling for a long time !
Tomorrow, we are On the Road Again...
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