Springville, UT to Grand Junction, Colorado

Our stay at the Springville/Provo KOA came to an end, but I had to snap a couple of interesting photos before bidding the area a fond farewell. I loved their entrance sign, which consisted of five elk in various, natural positions as well as the beautiful mountainous backdrop.

All hooked up and ready to go.

 

We left on a beautiful day and the ride from Nevada into Colorado was an enjoyable one. The La Sal Mountains gave way to flat land before we began to see the Rocky Mountains in the far distances - bigger, more beautiful and majestic.

Orange and green plants, along with bare rock, make up the colors.

Fall colors.

Many interesting formations of the La Sal Mountain Range

 

The road cut through the rock.

The end of the La Sal Mountains led to flat open land with mountains in the distance.

A pit stop for lunch was enlightening. A huge tractor-trailer parked next to us and a young woman, probably no more than 28, tiny, with bright, pink hair hopped out of the cab and walked over to the rest area. It was just a sight you don't normally see, but it felt great to see a woman working in a field that is typically considered a "man's job." It proves that there are so many ways to make a living if you are brave enough and determined enough to think, try and do.

After she pulled out, another truck pulled into the same spot and I had to snap a photo of the truck (not the driver) due to the door having my name written on the side. When I was about 8, there was a  plumbing company's truck named after me and I remember feeling so special. So, it was fun to see a truck sporting my name once more, because the plumbing truck was sent to the scrap metal shop years ago.

Entering "Colorful Colorado"

Bland looking sights changed quickly as we approached the Colorado National Monument.

Retired, he has all the time in the world, just not enough quarters to sit for too long!

Our first day here, Sunday, found us walking the streets - of downtown Grand Junction. We meandered in and out of the few stores that were open after stopping for lunch at a really cool place where everything was freshly made from local produce, herbs were grown on site and baked goods produced on premises.

Lunch at La Sol Cafe on Main.

Joe M. Lacy, the City Manager from 1950-1967. The man responsible for the "vision."

Sea Horse

There are about 30 outdoor pieces of artwork that are located on corners, in small courtyard parks, in front of buildings and some that pop up unexpectedly as you walk down the street. Main Street reminded me of old time Peekskill, with all the original buildings that used to house the shoe, clothing, leather goods and mercantile stores. Thanks to the forethought of Joe Lacy, Grand Junction's City Manager from 1950-1967, the buildings of downtown have been saved, revitalized, restored and continue to be vibrant and useful. The area is full of art galleries, restaurants, up-scale clothiers and gift shops. It goes to show you that thinking ahead pays off.

King of the Frogs

Woman protected from the cold.

The Asian Girl

The Mercantile Building - now an upscale clothier.

Notice address - 523-1/2. There are a lot of 1/2 streets and addresses here.

Notice sign after sign outside each store. All occupied and thriving.

Eye-catching, but not sure of its depiction. Burmese or Indonesian, perhaps?

Playing with water - my favorite.

On Labor Day we took a ride to The Colorado National Monument, which is part of the National Park Service. Canyons have been cut into sandstone and granite leaving behind spectacular views that take your breath away. The Monument is part of the Colorado Plateau, which is desert land. There were Junipers, Pinion Pines, Yucca, Prickly Pear and Serviceberry in abundance. The Monument hosts wildlife such as red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, blue jays, bighorn sheep and coyotes that, sadly, we didn't get to see.

Partially man-made formations.

They claim to only have two and a half tunnels (?)

We were finally able to get someone to take our photo.

Lunch on the rocks.

Making George nervous as I posed on a rock outcropping.

Used that camera setting once more to get a close-up of a prickly pear.

Amazing canyon view.

"Cold Shivers Point."

"Falling Rocks"

Windy at times.

Independence Monument, the famous spot for climbers.

Enjoying the view.

Another tunnel

Amazing how after the initial blasting, it is totally hand chiseled and "picked" clean.

Balanced Rock. Defying gravity and logic.

Our last day here in Grand Junction was spent touring a few wineries. All of my "wine(o)-buddies" will be in for a treat when I get back to NY and FL.  

George so excited to go, he's ahead of me....a rarity. Love my "DD."

Graystone Winery's Tasting Room

Grand River Winery Tasting Room

Talon (my fav) and St. Kathrn's Wine Tasting Rooms

Well, I can declare that at least I had a fun day. George, my every-ready Designated Driver, was probably less than enthused or excited. I went into the day with a splurging budget and after the third winery, he suggested I buy a case. It turned out to be my favorite of them all, so I did....ugh...budget busted...wine tour complete. The verdict: George 1 - Vicki 12, plus 2......lol
 
Deep thought for the day:  A rock is a rock is a rock - not. A wine is a wine is a wine...definitely not.  


All my wine(o) friends - we have some serious tasting to do. ~ vc