4th day - 362 miles

The day started with a huge detour and ended up with me getting caught by night fall in the middle of the mountains on a dirt road 40 miles to the closest town. After taking 35 miles of dirt road that that was supposed to take me over a mountain pass, I had to turn around because the forest service closed the road halfway without any notice. That's according to some locals. Added to the 70 miles I had to go around another 85 miles to get back to where I had to go. Arches N. P . will have to wait till next time. Canyonsland N. P. was absolutely amazing. Smooth and twisty roads through a labyrinth of crazy looking rock formations. Truly, this must have been Gods sandbox. Everything went and nothing had to make sense.

Leaving the Rocky's behind.

Ouch! All the way back again.

First Mexican Restaurant in the middle of nowhere.  Great Tortilla Soup!!

One of the few shady places to be found.

Even so I had to bypass Arches N.P. Here is a glimpse of what I missed.

Ahhh! The Wild Wide West.

Close to Monument Valley

Getting into Canyonsland N.P.

This does not look as weird as in reality.

The Mesa

Marble colored cliffs. More than 2000 feet tall.

Creek Crossing (3 feet deep). Maybe this should have been a warning on what's to come?

Believe me, this was the better part of the 75 mile road through the Beef Basin.

Sunset on the Mesa.

Birch grouping on top of the Mesa.

Even this Pine is dead - it had something to tell.

Maybe I should have paid more attention to planning this better?

3rd day - 356 miles

One day, two wheels, three high mountain passes and great weather to top - could it possibly get any better? Coming out of the Rockies the scenery became quickly drier. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison N. P. was truly awe inspiring. It's not as deep as it appears in the pictures to follow. It' much deeper!! Hard to imagine what the first humans that discovered it must have thought. With a late start and frequent stops to enjoy the awesome mountain views, I did not make my destination tonight. Best Western came to the rescue once again. Subway sandwich and 3 beers and I was out for the night.

Rocky Mountain High

Bill! I found Bongo Billy's hangout. Straight ahead just 3.5 miles on the left!

Aspen trees (sadly the photo does not do truth to the beautiful fresh juicy green of their leaves)

Last pass for the day! I guess I'm watering the Pacific from now on.

Gunnison River National Recreation Area with vulcanic cliffs.

Me and my newfound buddy.

This really is not as deep as it looks - IT'S MUCH DEEPER!!!

No matter how dry the climate - Nature always seems to find a way to add some color.

The Gunnison River at sunset

Leaving the High Mountains - Looking forward to the vast desserts.

2nd day - 425 miles

After almost 1000 miles finally of the Interstate. The scenery changed almost immediately changed once I passed the stockyards in Greeley. And yes, Keith you were right, the smell is unbelievable. Even wants to turn a meat lover like me into a vegetarian. Just 50 miles further I got into the Rocky Mountain National Park. The park officially opens the next day and only one campsite was open for use. The Trail Ridge Road, North Americas highest pass is also still closed. Detour! Hope I don't loose to much time tomorrow. Met a very nice fellow rider from Maine named John this evening at my campsite. Incredible scenery and good company - perfect!

First Breakfast - Why do they call this Continental. They should call it Economy Breakfast.

Typical Nebraska scenery. Sorry Nebraska!

That's a little better - 2nd breakfast!

200 miles more - please let's get off the Highway.

Kyle. He is moving from Wisconsin to Denver. Who needs U-Haul?!!

More of that wonderful Nebraska landscape.  This time with bugs.

Finally!!

Bad weather coming?

Fortunately not.

Elk sharing our campsite in the morning.

Rocky Mountains 5:30am. Wow!!!!

Cactus in the Rocky Mountains? It sure seems like it.

More Elk.

A breakfast guest.

My new friend John. Ride safe!

Berry says: "Do we really have to leave?". Yes! Sorry! Hurry up.

1st day - 612 miles

92 degrees and 40 mile winds all the way through Iowa and Nebraska. I can't wait to get of the Interstate. One more day until I get to Denver and then bye bye Highway. Camping was canceled tonight. The Best Western seemed to be a better choice judging the wall of black clouds coming from the west. Golf ball sized hail and thunderstorm warnings were announced on the weather channel in the hotel lobby when I checked in. Hope the weather mellows over night.

6am - Monday morning. Getting ready to leave.

First break by the Mississippi

I just found a secret passenger in my tank bag - Berry.  Elisabeth, would you know anything about that?

Nebraska's interesting landscape as seen from the highway.