While the US and Canada are the
main Topics, we have made extended visits to the Bahamas Out Islands, Country of Panama, Mazatlan, Mexico during retirement. Images, video clips and comments provide reviews prior to travel.
Memorial dedicated to the only meeting point for four states. Surrounding booths are staffed by tribes displaying and selling native handicrafts of all four States. The drive thru New Mexico to reach the Four Corners memorial passes by many scenes used in the making of western movies, including Shiprock Pinnacle. In a non-populated area so give yourself time to reach a final destination prior to nightfall.
The Story behind the picture All four corners were represented by native tribes who sold goods celebrating their historical past.
John`s Comments
Found it quite interesting to view each quadrant specifically and note the different rock formations of each state. There is a noticable
difference that he had encountered during this mid west trip that spanned all four states. Colorado had the Rocky Mountains, Utah the
Sandstone formations where water had eroded and created wondrous formations, Arizona where erosion had created mountain Pinnacles
and the Grand Canyon and finally New Mexico with great sand dunes and butte formations.
John`s Recollections
Being able to straddle the four corners and view the surrounding sites is quite a feat. What did impress me the most though, was how in
each of the four corners the various Indian tribes had set up their different products for sale. The surrounding area provides many of the
background pictures used in movie scenes of the wild west frontier.
An interesting drive from the Utah border to the Royal Gorge bridge. Passes over & around many of the peaks, past man-made lakes and many deep valleys along the way. Two lane road helps to minimize speed and increase the number of stops along the way for picture taking. The Rockies, no matter which direction you are travelling always commands your attention.
Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Interstates for most are prime driving routes, but getting off those easier routes, does at times provide more scenic views. Here was a drive that provided that.
Superb grounds in a park close to the cog railway that climbs Pike`s Peak. Many interesting rock formations made one reflect as to our relationships with others. Visit was rather short ( 2 hours ) yet I found it a very relaxing stop, especially after just completing the trip to Pike`s Peak. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Balancing is not one of my strong traits, but this one is impressive.
One of the highest bridges in North America has been developed into a major tourist attraction. Incline railway line to the bottom of the gorge allows one to view from below, see the river with it`s many rafters, and stand beside the train as it passes by. Many activities to participate in. This location as a natural attraction was one of few places where private admission rates were required. Should mention that we did purchase the yearly pass for entrance to National Parks. Well worth it for our 5 week trip. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Bridge across the gorge was constructed years prior and is now used only for visitors and maintenance vehicles.
Take the cog railway to reach pikes peak. Fantastic views as you travel up the rail lines, without having to worry about the drive. On a clear day one is able to see for miles upon miles, on one side is the Rocky mountains and on the other is the plains beyond Colorado City. Time spent there ( 2 hours ) passed quickly but it did allow you to see everything. Pikes Peak like the Grand Canyon made you realize the beauty that nature can provide us. Video clips provide a great recap. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture This ride down from Pike's Peak using the cog railway is a major highlight. The departure as one leaves the top will remain in your memory forever.
Rim Rock drive allows one to drive along the rim ( 23 miles ) for an up close view of the sandstone walls and valleys. The drive follows the winding escarpment and at most times is within 100 feet of the valley floors below. There are numerous locations to stop, and view the rock formations that have been so aptly named. Many of the structures stand lonely by themselves creating a very picturesque effect. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Many of the scenes shown here have made movie scenes so spectacular. The rock formations have an audience appeal.
Snow time in the Rockies changes the face of the landscape drastically. The crisp freshness of the snow and the air is refreshing for all. Most of these pictures are from an early trip from Durango to Denver. Snow in early April actually had the roads blocked by avalanches later that same day, but created a very fresh and white topping for our drive. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Ski resort on the way from New Mexico to Denver
The drive from Rocky Mountain National Park to Interstate 70 goes mainly thru many of the valleys between the mountain ranges. Very scenic and certainly stops along the way to view and take pictures of the mountain scenery. What started out as just a shortcut, gave us some excellent scenery and a chance to view one of our famous white water rafting / kayaking locations at Gore Canyon. Click Picture for Video Clip The Story behind the picture The Colorado River gains strength at this point and creates waters that are famous for white water River rafting.
The drive thru this park must be taken if the opportunity arises, although there are warnings for those that may experience loss of breath due to the extreme heights associated with crossing the peaks. Many stops along the drive will allow for terrific views and picture taking. Crossing some of the Rockies from Estes Park takes several hours, especially when stopping to take pictures and breath that fresh air. Truly an exhilarating trip with that opportunity to go above the treelines. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture The increase in height on this drive up a portion of the Rocky Mountain range is quite noticeable so pay attention to well being. Several of our mini walks, at many of the rest stops along the way, had noticeable breath constraints due to the restrained concentration of air quality. Taking it at a slower rate made it much easier, however that was required. Views were fabulous with distances that seemed so much greater. Do take time out, get out of the vehicle and breathe a very different air, quite clear from contamination, yet more difficult to obtain.
