First day and last day of trip, find us driving through the state of Texas which is lacking greatly in the scenic department. Sorry to say, but other than the blue bonnets in the spring, this place is ugly. I haven't been to the Big Bend area of Texas, and due to my thrill of rattlesnakes probably won't ever go there.
Second day found us driving through Kansas, which isn't anymore scenic than Texas. Got excited when we saw the Rocky Mountains in Denver and started our drive on 70 through the beautiful Mountains. I was disappointed of the lack of fall colors, warmer than normal fall for Colorado. Vail was our stop for the night. We got settled into our room. There were a few patches of gold in the tops of the mountains, and the cool night air was great. We took advantage of the gondola that went up to the top of the mountains with spectacular views. There was even a couple who had just got married up on the peak. they were kind to let me take there picture.
We got a good start in the morning to head to Vernal, Utah where we are both from. The ride was pretty and went from beautiful mountains to the rocky desert of Northern Utah. Rick is always glad to see what he called his "castle" growing up,. "Split Mountain is a gorgeous rock formation in the mountain side, the Green River flows at it's base.
We went to visit Rick's family the rest of the day. We didn't tell his Mom we were coming, she was so cute when she opened the door and saw us standing there. "Surprise!" The next day we headed to Dinosaur National Monument, It is about a 15 minute drive from Vernal. They discovered a big deposit of 145 million year old dinosaur bones, 500 different species. They built a building over the deposit and you can actually go in and watch them as they carefully excavate the bones out of the mountain side.
We them took a quick drive over to the Split Mountain Gorge, and then...
met some of Rick's family for lunch.
(totally random out of place picture) We also enjoyed a yummy Cafe Rio lunch when we arrive the day before. This is one of the many pictures we teased our kids in Texas with. They love Cafe Rio as much as we do.
That afternoon we met up with my sister in law Louise, and her daughter Rachelle, and her 5 children. 3 of them, cute little triplets! We met at Remember the Maine park. Can you understand why I miss this place. We didn't make it up to the Ashley National Forest a 20 minute drive north of Vernal, we heard the mountains were covered in golden spender. We had fun visiting, and enjoyed a great dinner at the 7-11 that night. The have the best bread dough scones ever!
The next morning, after more goodbyes we were off to Park City, Utah and Salt Lake City... We got checked in, had dinner and went to bed. We got up the next morning and went in to Salt Lake, with an early lunch at Crown Burger. Wish there was one in Texas! Nobody makes a better burger.We ran a few more errands... Church bookstore, Quilted Bear were traditional stops.
Then it was off to visit with Mom, and take her to dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant in Salt Lake. Lafrontera, home of the very best smothered burrito we have ever tasted. Mom enjoyed huge soft taco and guacamole.
We drove back up to Park City and slept, then up early to head back down to the valley to pick up Mom to drive the beautiful Alpine Loop. We had to make a couple of stops though. We drove through the old hometown of West Jordan. We stopped for breakfast at Dunford's, the best donuts ever made, And a drive through the old neighborhood. Our Church meeting house, Rick's favorite close to home, golf course, and the old homestead. I wish they would take down the wreath, and siding... boo. It was up for sale.
Then over to pick up Mom and a drive up the alpine loop. It didn't disappoint!
That night we had dinner with some of my brothers and Mom. She loves to eat at Olive Garden. So mad I didn't get pictures. Went back up to Park City and prepared for the 1800 mile trip home.Then it was time to come home NOOOOOO! The only thing we did that made the drive home worth it was... the long drive over the Rocky Mountains. It did not disappoint. Around every bend in the road were spectacular vistas, look what people miss flying over its majesty.
Then it was through to Durango, Colorado, where we stayed the night, Next day, home. First time in a long time that I wasn't happy to be home. It was weird. Thus the emotions...
So grateful to get away, breathe fresh mountain air, and a change of scenery. Very beautiful scenery!
