GRAND MESA

TUESDAY, 31st MAY. 

It wasn't on the agenda, but we decided to follow our Montrose hostess Patty's suggestion to visit the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction.  We  went the long way round through the forest, thinking it would probably be far more interesting than driving along the main road and as we climbed  up and up the mountain, were surprised to see a frozen lake, partially thawed and with several fishermen trying their luck  along the shore.  A little further along we came to the Grand Mesa Visitor Centre, parked and got talking to a couple from Missouri, then  to a helpful guide who gave us information about the winter activities such as skiing, cross country skiing, skating etc. and directed us to a picnic table where we ate our lunch.  So there we were, sitting in the sunshine surrounded by thick snow in places, with a stunning view and entertainment from four different varieties of birds flitting about in the pine trees nearby.  Awesome!  There were many, many more frozen lakes on the mesa which is reputedly the largest, flattest mesa in the country and still so much snow.

                                                                          

 

                                                                              

COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT

On reaching the 'interstate ', we were reacquainted with the Colorado River as we headed towards Grand Junction and beyond to the Colorado National Monument, eighteen thousand acres of red rock formations, deep gorges and high plateaus.  It was late afternoon when we arrived at C.N.M., we stopped at a few of the viewpoints, admired and took photos of the rocks and canyons but found that we were both having difficulty with the altitude so called it a day and checked into the nearby motel for the night.

WEDNESDAY, 1st JUNE.

Much refreshed after a good night's sleep, hot showers and a complimentary breakfast, we decided to stay in Grand Junction for another night and revisit the C.N.M. today...but first we went to the Museum of the West and spent some time there looking at the impressive array of historic memorabilia, then took a little walk along Main Street with its shops and cafes, and after stopping at a cafe along the road for a bite to eat, entered the park once more to view the places we'd missed yesterday.  It was well worth the return visit.
Today was enjoyable and easy, with our leisurely visits followed by a chat to neighbours Ian and Jim, who'd ridden their motorbikes from Iowa, a visit to a local brewery bar and a light evening meal to finish