Romance at the TOP

It was 43 years ago that we stood in this same spot, Loveland Pass, Colorado, as an anonymous tourist took our picture.  The only difference is that today we own a Honda CRV instead of a VW Bus, and Mona isn't carrying a bundle of joy we later named Jennifer.

 US route 6 over the pass was the only way west from Denver for decades. Then, in 1973 the westbound Eisenhower Tunnel was opened, and in 1979 the Eastbound section was dedicated. The drive through, instead of over, Loveland shaved about an hour from every vehicles trip.

Tankers and hazardous materials haulers still have to make the longer journey as they are not allowed in the tunnels.

But the journey is not only longer. In the winter months, about October 1 through April 1 up here, snow can blanket the road. Loveland is the highest of any pass in the world which is kept open all year, and the grades are so steep that it is hard for the CDOT to keep it completely cleared.  Then there are the avalanches.

Artillery is used around the world to set off avalanches on purpose before they come down on people.  But sometimes the snow comes too fast or a mountain drops unexpectedly. Then there is only one answer- wait till the plows dig out the pass.

 We had no snow on the road today.  In fact, the weather was a balmy 40 on the top. And the memories kept us a bit warmer as well.   "Aw, shucks folks.  get a room."

PS: Update on the work on FROG (used to be named QUO, but FROG fits since she and TOAD (yes, they are both girls) are traveling buddies now- note the kids book series called 'Frog and Toad".

-The basement doors are being repaired and the new cover for the front AC is on order.  The main entry door on the coach must be re-built and to do it the old one may have to be removed and sent to the factory to be copied exactly.  One challenge with buying an 8 year old RV. In any case, the Camping World Shop in Arvada Colorado, is working with us as best they can.
-We stop in to see FROG tomorrow on the way up to see our son Jim in Nederland.  We need to pick up some items and drop some off.  Then we head up to the Nederland Best Western for the weekend, and back into Denver (its only an hour ride) to pick up the coach on Monday to use until we learn the date of the next repair work.  One REAL benefit of our kind of retirement is that when the unexpected happens we can make fast changes in our almost non-existent plans.  besides, I can't think of too many places I rather deal with these home repairs than the mountains of Colorado near our son.  "OK, Mona.  Or a warm beach.
-We have reservations next week at BASECAMP Campground near Rollinsville, Co.  That's about 14 miles south of Nederland on the Peak to Peak Highway. It will be very good to get back into our own home!

-Ken