Wherever the Road Leads. Wherever the Wind Blows.
Almost two weeks since my arrival at LAX, and I still have no definite plan - not even a rough plan - where the trip may take me.
Amtrak took me to Denver, where the van was waiting. Always a great trip. Pity the in-betweens had to be such a nightmare. However, this was mostly forgotten by the time I arrived in Denver. Trains are such a wonderful way to meet other travellers.
After a night at a great hostel, I took a bus to Longmont, and a taxi out to where my Ford was parked. (Imagine my surprise when it was the same taxi driver who picked me up after I parked it there, last September. Though I did not recognise him, he remembered me.)
It was good to see it again, despite the fact that there was not even a click when I turned the key. Expected!
During my preparation for this trip I had renewed my AAA membership, knowing I would need it on my arrival. I had also, with a little help from my friend, managed to get a sim card and phone number to use upon arrival. These things make life so much easier... so much easier to solve initial issues.
That first day I could not have coped without my phone and AAA. While waiting for the man to come and start my engine, Eric came by and offered a jump start. But alas, without success. AAA was more successful. Once it was running I followed the AAA car to the Autozone, where a new battery was on the menu.
I had asked the AAA man about my tyres, and he suggested I go see the people at Tyres Plus. They checked the pressure for me, which was all I asked for, but then pointed out to me the cracks in the side walls of my rear tyres. These were on the vehicle when I bought it, and without a date on the tyres, no one knew how old they were. For safety's sake, two new tyres were on the menu.
Unplanned extra expense.
It was by now evening rush hour and I had left my luggage at the hostel when I left at 8am. It had not been my plan to drive from downtown Denver along I-70 to Flying J in Aurora at rush hour. (In reality, my road part of the trip had started a couple of days earlier when the train did not run from Emeryville to Reno, and we went by bus. A very pleasant and scenic trip. Much enjoyed.)
The first destination was to be Joplin MO, where the van had already been booked in for a check-up. A two day drive. I-70 and I-135 to Wichita and 400 straight across the rest of KS, into Joplin. It is a good drive, other than the (what seemed to be gale force) wind along I-70. I thought I would be blown off the road. [That evening I met a couple in Grandma Max's restaurant at Pilot in Salinas, who had come from Vail on a motor bike. He too was saying how sore he was from keeping the thing upright and on the road.]
The Ford mechanic gave my Ford a clean bill of health. I was also keen to see how Joplin was coming on with the reconstruction. Another tour or two showed the schools are now well on the way, as is the hospital, and new houses are sprouting up all over the place. The path of the tornado is still quite evident, mostly by the lack of mature trees. The area looks so open and bare, compared with the rest of the town. There are still some places vacant, and the remnants of where once a building stood, still waiting for attention.
With the van now running well, and my scenic tour of the latest happenings in Joplin behind us, we set out to do something about my terrible driver's seat. I just could no longer drive with that seat. Suggestions came from all sides.... Ford, the auto upholsterer, and the many wrecker's places we visited. The news was not good. Scarce as hen's teeth! One place even told us that his computer program showed that there were not any available within heaven knows, how many miles.
Till finally we arrived at one yard where the gentleman was more knowledgable, and not tied to a computer program. He knew of, and had seen those vans at a salvage yard (way out of town), where they were waiting to be crushed. Made a phone call on our behalf, and sent us on our way. The van initially referred to was not suitable, but way back in the yard, by the crusher, there were some more and we were free to go and check them. (The long walk nearly knocked me out.)
There, right by the crusher, were four vans... one the same model and year as mine. It had both original front seats in 'reasonable' condition. Certainly nothing an auto upholsterer can't fix. The driver's seat was next to perfect. The passenger seat in a more sorry state. And we got both for peanuts - comparitavely speaking.
The passenger seat is now at the upholsterers. The driver's seat in the van. It will be upholstered on my next pass through. We were assured that it can be done in a day.
What a difference a good seat makes!
Lifey
Basic Economics makes buses more likley these days
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DonnaR57
What happened, that Amtrak had to send you somewhere by bus? Did your luggage go along for the ride?
Donna, a goodly portion of Amtrak's routes are now done by bus. The old train track routes are too expensive to "waste" on passenger routes. (Cargo makes more money per mile than passenger lines could ever hope to achieve).
Mark
It's a quick detour along a popular route.
Lifey.
The Seligman section is most referred to as it is an easy detour for the highly popular journey between LV and GC with little demand on time. However the section through Oatman has been on my 'to do' list for a while now and am looking forward to it even more thanks to your report.
Dave.
London Bridge as a tourist attraction
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lifemagician
As I headed northeast out of So California, taking 177 and 62 from I-10 to the AZ border, I figured I should check out London Bridge as well. This ended up being the biggest disappointment so far - glad I did not go out of my way for it. There simply was nowhere you could drive to where it was visible. Or if there is, I could not find it. Guess I had expected it to be a tourist attraction, and not an everyday part of the town's infrastructure.
It's actually a very cool tourist attraction, with lots of shops and a very cool museum with a bunch of historic photos. Here's a field report we published a few years ago, but we've been back a few times.... And here's a photo we captured in 2011 with more information.
So... next time, you'll know where to go!
Mark
If you like this road....
Brings back good memories.
Thanks for the update Lifey, driving Utah 12 and visiting Bryce, Capital Reef etc brings back good memories. We really enjoyed our walk in Red Rock canyon, we had it to ourselves that day ! Hopefully I will get to drive this route again one day soon !
Dave.
Here's to the road ahead.
Sorry to hear that your trip got somewhat 'bumpy' along the way, but pleased to hear that it appears to be getting back on track.
Looking forward to when you have time and inspiration to share more from your travels.
Take care.
Dave.
Colorado, off the beaten track.
It was a very hot day, in the middle of July when I entered Colorado, on my way back east. When I got to Grand Junction I stopped at the Welcome Centre to pick up a State map (if available). As it was, it was the only thing which was available... from a stand outside the building. There were workmen everywhere. Appears the aircon was not working, so the centre was closed. (How did we ever survive before aircon?)
It did not take much more than a cursory glance to pick up a scenic highway on the new map. This was not indicated as such on the AAA map, nor in the Rand McNally. It would possibly make an interesting detour.
I called in at the visitor centre in Parachute. This centre, run by volunteers, was staffed by Bill. Bill had just celebrated his 90th birthday. He was a fascinating character, and we spent much time talking, reminiscing about days gone by, and for my part, learning about the history of the place. Of course I spent much too long here.
Bill assured me that the Flat Top Scenic Byway was a spectacular route, and one I certainly should not miss. He warned me about construction on the road from Rifle to Meeker. At the construction site was another surprise. Here was one of the workers, orange vest and all, washing the large orange striped barrels used as safety markers. He said, with the construction they tend to get all covered in mud. That bit of road was muddy and slippery, but at less than 5mph, we coped.
The ladies in the Meeker Chamber of Commerce assured me that the Flat Top Trail is indeed an excellent road, and I should not hesitate to drive it. Loaded with a hand full of brochures about the trail, I set out looking for the library.... which of course was not where Mr Garmin said it should be. It had moved some two years earlier. (So much for updating the GPS.)
The large building where I looked for the library, was open, but appeared deserted. After some time looking around a gentleman came out of a door. He was about to go somewhere, and asked if I needed help. Turns out he was the coroner for the little town of Meeker. The only person who is proud to stand up at town meetings to say that his area is quiet, not much doing. Turns out he had worked all over the world, including Australia and had now come back to Meeker to be the Coroner there.
He directed me to the new library.
That evening I spent in the town park. I had been told at the Chamber of Commerce that for $15.00 one could park / camp overnight, complete with nearby facilities and electric hookups. Water also was readily available.
In this remote and tiny town of Meeker, is also the only place where I have seen a full size transfer station accessible to the public. There was a place to deposit newspaper; glossy paper; boxes, such as cereal boxes; large cardboard boxes; milk bottles; water bottles; juice bottles; aluminium cans; etc. There was a place for everything. I had a large quantity of recyclable waste in my van. I made good use of the facility.
Lifey
Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway.
"The historic Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway spans a remote 82 miles and connects the towns of Meeker & Yampa Colorado."
That next morning I set out early to drive to.... wherever I would end up. The only plan that morning was to drive the Flat Top, and make my way to Trappers Lake.
The western 30 or so miles of this remote high altitude road are paved. A well maintained gravel road continues on to Yampa. Not far from Meeker, and just after the turn off onto the Trail is an internpretive turnout. This tells of how the land had been inhabited by the Ute Indians and how it was taken by the Pioneers. The story is told from both viewpoints. I have to admit that I felt more than a little disturbed by the arrogance of the Europeans of that era. (It is akin to what happened at Botany Bay.)
It was a beautiful spot. Besides reading the history one can sit and take in the beauty and serenity of the high altitude valley. So close to town, yet so remote. It was time for a cup of tea.
Some miles further on, in the White River NF, the road runs right by the river. It is a popular fishing spot, and this early in the morning there was a gentleman fishing right in the river. There were a couple of campgrounds in this area, but it appeared they were all closed.
At the end of the pavement the road was still in an excellent condition. About half way along is the turn off to Trappers Lake. That too looked like a good road, though there was a little washboarding here and there, and some sandy spots. It is narrow, winds through a beautiful valley along the North Fork of the White River and demands to be driven slowly. The only sign of civilization is the Rio Blanco Ranch, right by Rainbow Lake, one of the largest lakes on the way to Trapper Lake.
Trappers Lake was not able to be seen from the parking area, but a very short walk brought me to a picnic table whence there was a magnificent view of the lake and surroundings. The effects of the Big Fish Fire in 2002 were all too visible. All of the forest at the far (eastern) end of the lake, was dead.
On the other hand, the distance between the picnic area and the lake was a carpet of wildflowers. As was the walk from the car and the surroundings in which I found myself.
It was time for lunch.
The rest of the Trail to Yampa takes the traveller over two mountain passes - Dunckley Pass at just under 10000' and Ripple Creek Pass at 10343' - both affording wonderful vistas. For getting off the beaten track, this is a wonderful summer detour through remote Colorado.
Even though this scenic byway runs through open range country, I was fortunate not to meet any cattle on or near the road. There is an old cattle yard and truck ramp, which is apparently still used by local ranchers.
It was well into the afternoon when I reached Yampa, where I made the decision to make my way to Laramie, my stop for the night.
Lifey
Elk Country Scenic Byway, PA.
There is one more scenic drive which stands out in my memory and my notes. It is a drive of which I do not have any photos. Still memorable!
When I finally got hold of a State map of PA - they seem to have always run out when I get there - it jumped out at me, just as it did on the CO map. The gent at the Welcome Centre gave me some brochures and told me about it. It would not be a massive detour, as the byway lies just north of I-80 (between exits 111 and 147), and is completely paved. The 36 miles along the freeway would probably have taken me less than 45 minutes. The scenic detour took several hours. But what a detour.
Just off exit 111 there is a State Park, where I decided to stop, not only to carefully study the map, but have lunch in serene surroundings. Highway 153, 255 and 555 lead to scenic byway 120. But this being Pennsylvania, there is little driving which could not be regarded as scenic.
Halfway to Driftwood is the Elk Country Visitor Centre in Benezette. On the edge of the Elk SF, they have tours and elk viewing daily. One really needs to be there early or late in the day. Being there on a fairly hot day, I was told that the elk probably won't be out till close to dusk. The visitor centre was quite comprehensive, and of course, very commercial. Still there were interesting videos of the elk in the area, as well as educational displays to do with elk and elk habitat. A worthwhile place to visit when in the area.
All along scenic byway 120 there are boutique eating places and accommodation. None of the large chains, mostly small hotels and B & Bs. A very pretty area which appeared to have many facilities for the visitors, hiking, biking, fishing, etc. Most of the way to Renovo the road had followed various branches of the Sinnernahoning Creek. There appeared to be many activities in and along the water. One was tempted to stop, and camp for the night.
It was a slow and interesting drive, and I was glad I had not chosen to go back to I-80 from the Elk Visitor Centre..... even though I was by now (as usual) running late.
At Renovo I could have continued on scenic byway 120 to Williamsport, but considering the time I chose to head back to I-80. In retrospect, a BIG mistake. The drive along 144 was very slow, narrow and twisting, and takes one through the Sproul SF, which also beckoned me to come and stay a while. On reflection, I could have, but at the time, chose not to. Maybe next time. It definitely is a place where I could spend much more time. So close to the interstate, yet so few people taking advantage of its amenities.
When I finally hit the road again on I-80 it was well after 4pm.
Lifey
Hostel names and addresses
When I googled "AAE Denver Hostel", I got some hits for AAE 11th Ave Hostel and Ember Hostel. The first was listed as "within walking distance of the State Capitol", 1112 Broadway Ave. Ember Hostel came up with the address as 857 Grant. A third came up, AAE Denver Ramada, 1150 E Colfax, but it offers private rooms etc.
Interesting!
Donna
