April 19, Grand Junction, Colorado
For a day that started out kinda slow, we sure had a spectacular finish! We had a fairly normal morning, with a visit to the Green River Town Park and a good walk. Back at the rig, we went through normal getting-ready-to-go routine, finally hitting the road about eleven. Our transit time from Green River to Grand Junction wasn’t that long, and we pulled into our chosen RV Park about one in the afternoon. A little after two, we were ready for an excursion.

Geri and Don had chosen an afternoon trip to Colorado National Monument for our outing. They didn’t know much about the place, and I certainly knew even less. So, immersed in ignorance, we programmed Garmie to get us there and headed out. We headed up into the hills south of town, soon encountering a steep climb with lots of curves and switchbacks, with monumental dropoffs on one side or the other. Strangely, Geri didn’t get as nervous in the truck as she does in the coach when we’re in a precipitous area; guess the truck is more agile and controllable.

The views across the valley and to the mountains beyond were becoming magnificent, and we had to stop several times to do photos. You could see the Colorado River winding through the valley down below. As we got even higher, huge canyons were opening up on either side of us, with monoliths of rock sprouting up in the middle of them. We got to the Visitors’ Center, and Geri and Don went in to look at the displays and get their “Passport” stamped. We got back on the road, climbing higher and higher. I usually lay down and nap during rides like this, but I found myself standing up most of the time and looking out my windows at the scenery we were passing through. I was even looking out through the windshield, using the window between my doghouse area and the front cab. This was unlike anything I had ever seen in my extensive travels. Geri said it was like driving through the Grand Canyon. We stopped several times to take pictures, and I know Don will post a flock of them. I got out of the truck at one of the stops and went with Don down a hill to find a place to take a good photo. He went so far down the hill, and it was getting so steep, that I thought I’d better go back and find Geri, so that I could protect her from danger. Fortunately, she had decided to not go all the way down the hill, so I stayed with her to ensure that she didn’t change her mind. Don finally reappeared, huffing and puffing his way back to the truck, claiming to have some great shots. We wound on down the road, finally finding our way back to Grand Junction, all kind of breathless from the awesome sights we had encountered.

When we got back to the rig, Don started putting together his famous Meatball Soup, which we all love, and I got my regular dinner. They ate a little late, but the plates were well worth waiting for. Outstanding! I don’t know what we’re doing tomorrow, but I’m sure it won’t compare with the sights we saw today. See you tomorrow!