We were up early this morning since we have a big day. We are going to Rocky Mountain National Park then on to Glenwood Springs where we will spend the night. It is sunny and clear but still quite cool. The snow cap on the mountains is sparkling. My master takes me on a different route for my walk, hoping I don't get as dirty. We load up the car and are off by 8am.
We plan to enter the park at the Grand Lake entrance on the west side of the park. We are going the long way because the Trail Ridge Road is closed. We head west on I70 then north on Colorado 9 then back east on US 40 and 34. The Eisenhower Tunnel is our highest elevation on Route 6 at 11,158 feet. It is a long but interesting drive. At the visitor center they tell us there is one road partially open on this side of the park. The road would go all the way to Estes Park but it is closed due to snow. We drove up to the road closure at the Colorado River Trailhead. You couldn't see the Colorado River from the parking area. There were hikers getting ready, I'll bet they go along the river. I'm sure it's pretty. Wish I could go but hiking is not in the picture for any of us, especially not hiking in snow.
On the return drive, we stop at a historic miner's cabin. My master got out to look. Bob and I stay in the car. We know we can see the pictures later. We exit the park and head back the way we came until we get to Silverthorne. We stop in Dillon so my masters can have lunch at the Lake Dillon Tavern and Pizza Company. They said it is definitely a tavern. They were the only people there at first. Bet I could have come in too. They were waited on by Ivan. He brought them chicken wings and a meatball sandwich. I wonder what all these things taste like. I only get the same kibble every day. A couple of quick pictures and we are back on the road again.
We are back making westward progress on Route 6. Route 6 parallels I70 and merges with I70 for much of this section. We decide to stay on I70 vs getting on and off repeatedly. Route 6 (I70) goes through Glenwood Canyon. The scenery is breathtaking. You travel up and down through the canyon with the Colorado River at the bottom sometimes so far down you can't see it, other times right beside you. The east bound lanes are at a lower level much of the way. Both directions of interstate are suspended and/or cantilevered over open space. What a feat of civil engineering. It is very dramatic but demanding driving. Too bad Bob can't enjoy the experience. The pictures and videos don't capture the rugged beauty. Speaking of pictures and videos, I took way too many but posted most of them on this page.
We arrive at the Hotel Denver about 4pm and get a great parking spot right across the street. It is a very cool historical hotel right in downtown Glenwood Springs. We get checked in. They even know my name. We go up to the room, very cool. My master Bob made an excellent choice. Way to go!
After a walk around the neighborhood, my masters leave me in the room for some peace and quiet while they go to the Glenwood Canyon Brewery for dinner. It is right in the hotel, how convenient. I find a great dog cave to hang out in. They must have had a good time based on all the laughing and talking about how good the chili and potato green chili soup were. We had a wonderful night and great sleep in a comfy bed. Good pick Bob!
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