Over the Monarch Pass to Gunnison...finally

Leaving Buena Vista. After a few days longer then expected, we headed out to Gunnison. Sky's this blue are reserved for the month of September and boy were we treated with a lovely one. The drive over Monarch Pass was so beautiful. Pictures cannot do it justice.

What this picture does not show is the mountains spreading in both directions almost as far as the eye can see.

It took a little over an hour and a half to get to Gunnison. We set up as quickly as we could because we had a big day in front of us to explore. I made us a lunch and we were off. First stop, the Cottonwood Pass from this side of the mountain range. Oh my goodness, we could not believe what we were seeing. Again, pictures just do not do it justice.

This lake feeds the dam which flows down stream to the people below. It refreshes the mountain streams and the souls of many travelers.

The mountain stream that flowed down the mountain was absolutely picture perfect. I only with you could smell the pine and hear the water flowing. Since today is Saturday there were many fly fishers alone the way all dressed in their waders and in their glory. Catching a fish was a bonus!

Near the top of Cottonwood Pass we stopped to eat our lunch. Then we took a short walk up a narrow path to the top. We could see 365 degrees around

Evan enjoying the view and perhaps not really tasting what he was eating. He has never been to good at doing two things at once very well. The view took over and the sandwich was just filling.

Standing where the Pacific flows one way and the Atlantic the other. The Continental Divide. 12,126 ft. above sea level. Here you feel as if your on top of the world.

Now, on our way back down to a town called Crested Butte. Known as Colorado's last great ski town and celebrated wildflower capital of Colorado. Evan and I walked through the town. It was trendy beyond trendy. We had an early dinner outside at a fire roasted pizza place. Evan had of course PIZZA and I had a Cowboy Burger and boy was it good. On top of the burger was caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, cheese, tomato, lettuce and pickles. I asked the the cold slaw be held on the side. It was kinda like reading a good book, you are sorry when it over. It was that tasty.

Bikes were literally everywhere

The beer was cold and delicious. and a great way to end a beautiful day all around.

However, when we came back to the camper it had fallen off its chocks and the whole camper was leaning. The front stabilizer was bent. It looked like someone backed into it. What we found out was that Evan did not chock the one wheel that was on top of the trailer leveler. Lesson learned. As a dear friend told us once, "Lessons cost money". In this instance it just cost Evan a good bit of time fixing it. I'm so thankful I have a husband who can fix things. It's 8 pm mountain and it feels like midnight. 

Good night all.