Over the mountains...

Our next stop is in Beuna Vista, CO - approximately 90 miles west of Colorado Springs. We must admit that we had a bit of anxiety and apprehension about mountain driving while towing. For the most part, our practice is to drag the 5th wheel somewhere in close proximity to the real mountains, park it and drive the rest of the way in day trips with just the truck. Our only exception to day has been on routes that are interstate highways; such as in Oregon, Washington and Montana.

This days drive began late due to drizzling ice in Cheyenne. By 11 am, the skies were beginning to clear and we set about digging the water hose, cable connection and electrical cord out of the snow amongst falling icicles. After gingerly picking our way out of the still ice-packed roads within the campground, we set out on clear roads toward Denver - dropping snow and ice from the RV and truck along the way. We saw quite a bit of fog until we passed Ft. Collins and made a quick stop at Johnson's Corner near Loveland. The cafe is excellent and specializes in homemade cinnamon rolls that are at least 1 1/2" tall and as round as a good sized salad plate. We passed and just had a great hearty egg breakfast.

Denver had lots of traffic, but it was not one of the peak hours so we passed through with little trouble. We turned southwest along US 285 and were treated to tons of beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery of streams, trees, boulders and mountains.

Here's the highest elevation Kenosha Pass at 10,001 ft:

On the other side was a breath taking view of high plains with alerts for deer, elk and big horn sheep. We saw none of the wildlife, but enjoyed the vast expanses.

A few more miles brought Red Hill pass at 9986 ft. We were getting more used to this now and were glad for the climbing lanes along the othewise 2 lane section of highway. Traffic was light and our slow climbing speed didn't cause anyone to carelessly pass in the no passing areas. We turned the flashers on when our speed dropped below the advisory speeds, having seen other RVs and trucks use that practice. Our only trouble was when passersby would drive erratically, trying to signal us with hand motions that our flashers were on.

One more high pass at Trout Creek, just after the highway merged with US 24 and we were on our way back down and into a beautiful valley. The Collegiate Peaks contain 11 Fourteeners (14,000-foot peaks) and we look forward to seeing their grandeur during our stay here.

We think we're looking at Mt. Princeton, elevation 14,197 directly out our bedroom window. What a beautiful way to start the day!