Beautiful Karamursel
Beautiful Karamursel
Southwest USA 2022 - Part 4
Southwest USA 2022 - Part 4
View from our motel before leaving Poncha Springs, Colorado.
TENTH DAY – Monday, May 23, 2022
This day was to be a busy one. We planed to continue driving through the mountains and then out of the mountains onto the flat plains of Colorado by the end of the day. We continued on Highway 50 to Salida where we got gas and then headed to Cañon City.
View from our motel before leaving Poncha Springs, Colorado.
TENTH DAY – Monday, May 23, 2022
This day was to be a busy one. We planed to continue driving through the mountains and then out of the mountains onto the flat plains of Colorado by the end of the day. We continued on Highway 50 to Salida where we got gas and then headed to Cañon City.
We thought these Sinclair stations were so cool since there aren’t many where we live in Texas. This one is in Salida, CO.
Gas prices were about the same everywhere.
Gas prices were about the same everywhere.
We enjoyed stopping here.
We enjoyed stopping here.
Leaving Salida, driving east towards Cañon City, CO.
The Arkansas River is on left.
The Arkansas River is on left.
On the other side of the river runs a train track. I don’t think it’s used anymore because the ballast looked to be in poor shape.
In 2013, a fire destroyed the structures on both sides of the gorge, including the Incline Railway going to the bottom. Amazingly, the bridge sustained minimal damage. Now they have new facilities on both sides of the bridge with new rides—gondolas, zip lines, and the Skycoaster. (It was fun to hear the people on the latter two rides scream with joy—and probably a little bit of fear too!) There’s even an area for rock climbers.
One attraction we especially enjoyed on this trip was a 30-minute video showing a history of the park. If you visit Royal Gorge Bridge, be sure to look for the theater, and take some time to peruse the collection of historical artifacts and exhibits they have laid out around the seating area.
One attraction we especially enjoyed on this trip was a 30-minute video showing a history of the park. If you visit Royal Gorge Bridge, be sure to look for the theater, and take some time to peruse the collection of historical artifacts and exhibits they have laid out around the seating area.
The Royal Gorge Bridge in 1992
Just about five miles west of Cañon City is the Royal Gorge Bridge. This is not a national park but a privately owned one, but it is up there with the best of them. The Rio Grande Railroad runs through this canyon. The Rio Grande and Santa Fe Railroads fought a gun battle over this canyon in the 1800s and Rio Grande won.
This place has always been special to me as it was the first deep canyon I saw as a 12-year-old, and it’s one of my best memories. When our girls were little we drove across the bridge and then came out of the park on another road, but that is no longer allowed.
The Royal Gorge Bridge in 1992
Just about five miles west of Cañon City is the Royal Gorge Bridge. This is not a national park but a privately owned one, but it is up there with the best of them. The Rio Grande Railroad runs through this canyon. The Rio Grande and Santa Fe Railroads fought a gun battle over this canyon in the 1800s and Rio Grande won.
This place has always been special to me as it was the first deep canyon I saw as a 12-year-old, and it’s one of my best memories. When our girls were little we drove across the bridge and then came out of the park on another road, but that is no longer allowed.
The Visitors Center before the fire in 1992. At the top everything burned in 2013 on both sides of the canyon. Even the metal was melted and twisted out of shape.
The Visitors Center before the fire in 1992. At the top everything burned in 2013 on both sides of the canyon. Even the metal was melted and twisted out of shape.
Entrance to bridge in 1992. Notice the cars driving across which are not allowed today. Michelle is on the left, my wife Beth and daughter Karen are on the right.
Entrance to bridge in 1992. Notice the cars driving across which are not allowed today. Michelle is on the left, my wife Beth and daughter Karen are on the right.
This was the cable car used in 1992. The new gondola cars take its place today.
This was the cable car used in 1992. The new gondola cars take its place today.
The famous incline railway at the park in 1992. I considered this the best ride in the park. This made the trip from the Visitor Center at the top, down to the river at the bottom in about 5 minutes. During the fire, the rails melted and twisted. They are having difficulty agreeing with OSHA concerning how to rebuild it. They need our prayers. This was a great ride down the small slot canyon at the side of the Visitors Center.
The famous incline railway at the park in 1992. I considered this the best ride in the park. This made the trip from the Visitor Center at the top, down to the river at the bottom in about 5 minutes. During the fire, the rails melted and twisted. They are having difficulty agreeing with OSHA concerning how to rebuild it. They need our prayers. This was a great ride down the small slot canyon at the side of the Visitors Center.
The bridge is 1500 feet above the river.
The bridge is 1500 feet above the river.
At the bottom of the Incline Railway. This was great fun especially when a Rio Grande train sped by.
At the bottom of the Incline Railway. This was great fun especially when a Rio Grande train sped by.
Waiting for the train.
Waiting for the train.
The loading area at the bottom of the canyon to return to the top.
The Royal Gorge Park today in 2022.
The loading area at the bottom of the canyon to return to the top.
The Royal Gorge Park today in 2022.
The new Visitor Center in 2022
The new Visitor Center in 2022
Near the parking lot is an old Rio Grande Steam Engine.
Near the parking lot is an old Rio Grande Steam Engine.
I remember the thrill and awe of being near the edge of this canyon when I was 12 years old.
I remember the thrill and awe of being near the edge of this canyon when I was 12 years old.
This bridge is awesome!
This bridge is awesome!
In the center of the picture at the white structure is the remains of the Incline Railway. The slot canyon containing it runs to the right up to the Visitors Center.
In the center of the picture at the white structure is the remains of the Incline Railway. The slot canyon containing it runs to the right up to the Visitors Center.
Michelle
Michelle
This a beautiful place
This a beautiful place
The lookout building with the best view of the canyon and bridge.
The lookout building with the best view of the canyon and bridge.
The lookout building from a distance.
The lookout building from a distance.
This is a big wide canyon.
This is a big wide canyon.
Michelle crossing bridge.
Michelle crossing bridge.
The new gondola cars crossing the canyon on a cable.
The new gondola cars crossing the canyon on a cable.
Michelle at the Visitor Center near where the upper loading area for the Incline Railway was located.
Michelle at the Visitor Center near where the upper loading area for the Incline Railway was located.
This is all that remains of the upper loading area of the Incline Railway at the top of the slot canyon.
The track ran straight down to the bottom to the Rio Grande Railroad.
After leaving the park we again headed east. By the time we reached Pueblo, we were out of the mountains and in the flat part of Colorado. What a contrast in just one day of driving, from near the top of snow covered Monarch Pass, to the flat lands of Colorado. Then on to Rocky Ford and Holly, CO, where we spent night ten at Miles Court, which was one of the nicest motels we’d ever seen. We were so happy to have stumbled upon it!
ELEVENTH DAY – Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Up until this time we had perfect weather everywhere. However, things changed on this day. My wife and daughter were talking on the phone about a large storm that covered the whole of the plains area. We had intended to spend one more day sightseeing in Dodge City, KS, visiting the Old West replica town and Boot Hill. But after discussing the situation, we decided to skip Dodge City and drive on home. It ended up raining almost all day—and at times so hard we could barely see the road.
We drove Highway 50 to Garden City, KS, where we turned south on Highway 83 to Liberal, KS. We bought gas at Sublette. I remember the station attendant saying, “Around here, either it’s raining, the wind is blowing, or it’s cold.” We agreed. We continued on Highway 83 through Oklahoma to Perryton, TX, and then to Shamrock. Shamrock is on Interstate 40, the old Route 66. From Oklahoma through the Texas Panhandle it was clear and dry. We enjoyed getting out of the car in Shamrock and visiting the museum in a restored art deco Conoco gas station. Ramone’s House of Body Art in the movie “Cars” is based on it.
This is all that remains of the upper loading area of the Incline Railway at the top of the slot canyon.
The track ran straight down to the bottom to the Rio Grande Railroad.
After leaving the park we again headed east. By the time we reached Pueblo, we were out of the mountains and in the flat part of Colorado. What a contrast in just one day of driving, from near the top of snow covered Monarch Pass, to the flat lands of Colorado. Then on to Rocky Ford and Holly, CO, where we spent night ten at Miles Court, which was one of the nicest motels we’d ever seen. We were so happy to have stumbled upon it!
ELEVENTH DAY – Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Up until this time we had perfect weather everywhere. However, things changed on this day. My wife and daughter were talking on the phone about a large storm that covered the whole of the plains area. We had intended to spend one more day sightseeing in Dodge City, KS, visiting the Old West replica town and Boot Hill. But after discussing the situation, we decided to skip Dodge City and drive on home. It ended up raining almost all day—and at times so hard we could barely see the road.
We drove Highway 50 to Garden City, KS, where we turned south on Highway 83 to Liberal, KS. We bought gas at Sublette. I remember the station attendant saying, “Around here, either it’s raining, the wind is blowing, or it’s cold.” We agreed. We continued on Highway 83 through Oklahoma to Perryton, TX, and then to Shamrock. Shamrock is on Interstate 40, the old Route 66. From Oklahoma through the Texas Panhandle it was clear and dry. We enjoyed getting out of the car in Shamrock and visiting the museum in a restored art deco Conoco gas station. Ramone’s House of Body Art in the movie “Cars” is based on it.
"The stars at night are big and bright - deep in the heart of Texas!" It is wonderful to travel, but there is nothing like home!
"The stars at night are big and bright - deep in the heart of Texas!" It is wonderful to travel, but there is nothing like home!
The vintage Conoco filling station and restaurant in Shamrock on old Route 66.
The vintage Conoco filling station and restaurant in Shamrock on old Route 66.
Michelle back in Texas.
Michelle back in Texas.
The crown of the building.
The crown of the building.
The Museum, Gift Shop, and Restaurant.
The Museum, Gift Shop, and Restaurant.
Inside the Conoco station is a museum and gift shop.
A vintage clock and radio.
Inside is a restaurant where you can still enjoy a meal.
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We enjoyed our stop here with no rain. We could relax and refresh.
Then we took Highway 83 to Childress and then Highway 287 to Vernon. By the time we turned off Highway 287 it was raining hard again. Water and puddles were deep everywhere along the road. Then we drove south on Highway 183 to Seymour and then 114 to Jacksboro. Then south on 281 to Stephenville to Hico and then Highway 6 to Waco. We arrived in Waco after dark and it was raining with the landmarks difficult to recognize.
That last day was full of rain, but we made it okay. Sometimes the rain would let up, then stop, and then come again heavy with winds that almost had it blowing horizontally. There was one place around Stephenville where the GPS told us to turn, but we could not even see where to make the turn. The truck in front had the same problem and pulled over to wait it out. We decided to just drive into town through the business district but came across puddles that must have been six to 12 inches deep. Cars would drive by next to us and cover us with spray. We were glad to get back on the highway again. That is just part of traveling.
We had a great time, saw marvelous sights, and talked with interesting people. It was a wonderful trip! Road trips make wonderful memories that last a lifetime.
We enjoyed our stop here with no rain. We could relax and refresh.
Then we took Highway 83 to Childress and then Highway 287 to Vernon. By the time we turned off Highway 287 it was raining hard again. Water and puddles were deep everywhere along the road. Then we drove south on Highway 183 to Seymour and then 114 to Jacksboro. Then south on 281 to Stephenville to Hico and then Highway 6 to Waco. We arrived in Waco after dark and it was raining with the landmarks difficult to recognize.
That last day was full of rain, but we made it okay. Sometimes the rain would let up, then stop, and then come again heavy with winds that almost had it blowing horizontally. There was one place around Stephenville where the GPS told us to turn, but we could not even see where to make the turn. The truck in front had the same problem and pulled over to wait it out. We decided to just drive into town through the business district but came across puddles that must have been six to 12 inches deep. Cars would drive by next to us and cover us with spray. We were glad to get back on the highway again. That is just part of traveling.
We had a great time, saw marvelous sights, and talked with interesting people. It was a wonderful trip! Road trips make wonderful memories that last a lifetime.