Day 26

Dove Creek to Priest Gulch

61 daily
1317 total

I say "so long" to the Super Nine and hello to the Wild Cafe next door. The cafe is owned and operated by Francine and Greg. We talk history and religion as I enjoy great coffee and an A+ breakfast burrito.

The road to Lewis leads to bean processing plants and pasture lands.

Details are sketchy before I start the climb to Lizard Head Pass. At the grocery store in Dolores I meet a carpenter-turned-photographer and his energy and optimism are contagious. I ask about the climb at the checkout counter, and one clerk has rock-solid information: 25 miles at railroad grade. I love it when folks have details no one can argue with!

The gentle climb is lined with aspens and follows the Dolores River

>I end the day at Priest Gulch RV park. Here's a look at Priest Creek just before it joins Dolores River.

I enjoy one of my most relaxed moments in this swing chair.

I stroll through the RV park and discover a painted-rock garden. Folks have been leaving their mark for years...

Day 25

Blanding to Dove Creek

48 daily
1256 total

I sleep in and take my time leaving Blanding. There's a big climb on the way to Monticello.

The landscape really changes out here. No more red cliffs as I near Colorado.

Down there is Monticello. Every blade of grass is in it's place around here. Almost reminds me of Main St. Disneyland.

Clouds roll in as I enter colorful Colorado. The highway rolls up and down all the way to Dove Creek.

>I get a couple rain drops as I cruise into Dove Creek. The town is mostly closed for Sunday but I find a place to grab a burger. They feature "The Belly Ache Burger". If you finish one they pin your photo on their wall of fame.