Day 9- Across the Great Divide

"Across The Great Divide, just grab your hat, and take that ride

Get yourself a bride, and bring your children down to the river side

I had a goal in my younger days, I nearly wrote my will

But I changed my mind for the better

I'm at the still, had my fill and I'm fit to kill

Across The Great Divide, just grab your hat, and take that ride

Get yourself a bride, and bring your children down to the river side

Harvest moon shinin' down from the sky, a weary sign for all

I'm gonna leave this one horse town, had to stall till the fall

Now I'm gonna crawl, across The Great Divide"

-The Band

Today was a magical drive!  I went from Crested Butte up through Redstone... then up to Aspen... through Independence Pass and on down to Leadville, CO.  When I struck out this morning, I made sure to ask the locals about scenic roads that wouldn't kill me.  I got lots of laughs... and the recommendation to go route 12 to Redstone.  Hey- when you are a girl from the farmlands of upstate NY, and have spent the last 4 years in the flatness of Mass, big mountains are intimidating!  

Kebler Pass on Rt. 12... Dirt road all the way!  Dad- you would be proud of my superior driving skills!

I think this is near McClure Pass on Rt. 12.  More white-knuckled dirt road drivin!

McClure Pass again.

Hays Creek Falls, outside of Aspen on the way to Independence Pass.  The water is so cold!

Hays Creek Falls

On my way to Independence Pass.  Snow on the mountains.  Snowy is at home here!

There were definitely parts of the road that were one lane... and no guardrails.  Coloradians (is that a word?) are some serious drivers.  Massholes would not survive out here!

Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam...

I want to build a little log cabin right down in that valley... probably not a good idea come winter.  Anyone want to start a ranch with me?  

I want to ski down that!

I made it!  One of the highest places in Colorado.  That equates to 2.29 miles in the sky!!!  I'm walking on clouds!  Note the snow/ice on the pond in the background.  It was chilly up there and the wind was whipping up a storm.  So glad my car made it all this way!

Tonight, I'm staying in Leadville, CO.  This town keeps it real.  It's an old mining town that boasts a visit by Doc Holliday way back when.  I think I'm at about 10,000+ feet in the air.  Definitely felt it a little when I was walking around earlier.  I've been careful not to drink too much coffee- I'm jittery enough as it is.

Also, I've been keeping a close eye on the High Peaks wildfire that is 20,000 acres and 0 % contained.   Apparently, it's one of the most intense fires in recent memory.  It's definitely all over the news here.  Don't worry, parental units- I will be far out of harms way!

I am thinking of all of you back home, as I walk among the clouds in the Rockies.  Part of me wants to stay out here forever and part of me can't wait to return to all of you who love me and support me.  I'm lucky to have such amazing friends and family!