Over the Pass

Today we left Leadville right after breakfast, heading west towards Montrose. We both were feeling fine after our altitude-induced light-headedness of the day before. It was a gorgeous drive through so much mountain scenery. The first part of the drive was through the valley of the Arkansas River, which has its headwaters just outside Leadville.

Arkansas River

Mountain along the way

At the top of Monarch Pass which marks the Continental Divide, we stopped and took a tram car ride to the top. It was very cold, windy, and slightly rainy, so the view wasn't the greatest. But it was wonderful to be able to see so much in all directions. The first photo below shows a trail on the right side; it leads to the main Continental Divide hiking trail. Notice there is still snow below where we were standing.

Another view from the top

There were only two towns along the way that amounted to much and we stopped at a park in Gunnison for our lunch. There were children playing on the playground equipment, including a climbing wall.

I managed to get this shot of the wonderful clouds as we were driving through more rolling countryside than high mountains.

We got to our hotel in Montrose in the early afternoon. We sorted our packing, did a load of laundry, and watched the 1956 movie of Around the World in 80 Days, to celebrate the finishing of the audio book. Both were very enjoyable. 

We had dinner at a mediocre Indian restaurant and then came back to our room to finish up our daily tasks. Tomorrow we are off to Black Canyon National Park and Ouray.