This morning, we left Silverthorne, CO to hit two more scenic drives. There are so many to choose from in the central and western (probably the eastern, too) parts of Colorado. Tim did quite a bit of research ahead of time, but we really are making decisions each evening about what to do the next day (or two). I know this would stress some people out, but it fits our style. :)
We started the morning at Dillon Coffee Lab and Espresso Bar in Dillon, CO, just minutes east of Silverthorne. (Tim's decided Dillon is his favorite small town so far. He likes the vibe.) The coffee and scones (cardamom pear) were delicious. Sorry, no photos.
 |
| Dillion, CO |
We headed south down CO Hwy 91 through Leadville then down CO Hwy 24 to CO Hwy 82 through Independence Pass (Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado was cloud covered).
 |
| Leadville Main Street--so many little towns have a cute little area, typically main street |
The skies were cloudy and we got a little drizzle all the way through Independence Pass. The aspens were in various stages of turning--green, dusty yellows, brilliant golds, fiery oranges. Some were speckled throughout the slopes while others might cover large swathes or entire hillsides.
 |
| Independence Pass |
Many of the taller peaks were under cloud cover.
 |
| Independence Pass |
If you look at the tops of these mountains, they got a dusting of snow, from what we gathered, just last night!
 |
| Independence Pass |
This is an example of the many stages of aspens scattered among the Ponderosa pines.
 |
| Independence Pass |
Gold in the clouds
 |
| Independence Pass |
I don't know what the temperature was, but it was chilly!
 |
| Independence Pass |
So interesting--the gray and red right next to each other!
 |
| Independence Pass |
We drove through Aspen mostly in the rain then continued on CO Hwy 82 to Glenwood Springs which connected us to I-70 west to Grand Junction. As we kept an eye on the weather, it made sense to slow down a little to let the rain and some of the clouds pass.
We ate in Grand Junction at Devil's Kitchen. It's been my favorite meal of the trip. We chose four small plates to share and ended with dessert. You know I'm going to give you the details!
 |
| Mocktails--Peach Rim Rambler--peach and ginger for me, Mesa Sunset--blood orange and something Tim can't remember for him. |
 |
| Deviled Kitchen Eggs--tepura egg white, herb yolk, candied bacon, watermelon radish |
 |
| Hatch Green Chili Dip--local chilis, cheese, toasted naan |
 |
| marinated shrimp ceviche--corn tortillas, smoked red hatch chili aioli, avocado, jicama, watermelon radish |
 |
| crab hushpuppies--jumbo lump crab, shredded potatoes, panko, spicy remoulade |
 |
| happy camper |
 |
| cocoa and pistachio creme brulee |
 |
| Rooftop at Devil's Kitchen--we ate up here! |
From Grand Junction, we doubled back a little on I-70 coming back to CO Hwy 65. We took the eastern leg of Grand Mesa Scenic Highway to CO Hwy 50 to Montrose, where we are spending a couple nights to get in a few more drives (and some hiking) in western Colorado.
 |
| Highway 65--Grand Mesa Scenic Byway |
We got some sun for a portion of the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. The colors are even more vibrant when the sun hits them. (These photos have not been saturated!) |
| Highway 65--Grand Mesa Scenic Byway |
 |
| Highway 65--Grand Mesa Scenic Byway |
By the time we got towards the end of the drive, the clouds came and went! |
| Highway 65--Grand Mesa Scenic Byway |
Just stunning. |
| Highway 65--Grand Mesa Scenic Byway |
Some of the trees have already begun to lose their leaves.
 |
Highway 65--Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
Sweeping views...
A little blaze of glory...
Signing off and see you tomorrow!
|
1 comment:
Looks amazing! The colors, the food, the cool weather!! Enjoy!!
Post a Comment