4/24/2024
We left our campsite early this morning. As we drove through the small town of Panguitch, I saw something that made me think I was either dreaming or time traveling. Both of these companies closed long ago but the signs and buildings were beautifully preserved. Someone in Panguitch has a great sense of humor, love of American commercial history or both. We appreciated it!
The drive from Bryce to our next campsite in Fruita, CO, was absolutely magnificent. It was as if we were still inside Bryce or Zion National Parks. I took these photos from inside our truck as Jamie drove east on Interstate 70. FYI, the speed limit in Utah is 80 but Jamie drives 65 when pulling Rhoda.
We crossed into Colorado, the magnificent scenery continued, unabated.
Our campground in Fruita was about 10 minutes from the Utah-Colorado border. For years we'd seen signs on the highway for the Colorado National Monument. We'd always assumed it was a statue or a plaque. At the campground we were told it was a place worth visiting. So after settling Rhoda and the dogs into our site, we set off to see it. The Colorado National Monument, which is like a small National Park, is nicknamed "the Heart of the World." It captured my heart. Inside its 32 square miles, there were canyons, rock formations, big horn sheep, pinyon and juniper forests.
The Rim Rock Drive goes to the visitor's center. It was steep, curvy and absolutely terrifying because I hate roads like that. For some reason the National Park Service does not use guardrails on its steepest roads that precariously cling to the face of the steepest mountains. Instead they seem to prefer short little curbs that would do nothing to keep someone from plunging off the sheer cliffs that border those roads. UGH. Other than that, the Colorado National Monument is a gem that should not be missed if you're on the Western Slope of Colorado.
When we got back to Rhoda, it turned out that our campsite was located just below the Colorado National Monument. I'm actually writing this blog, as I look up at it.
We'll get up early tomorrow and finish driving home.. There's half of a Thunderberry pie that we'll share with dear friends. Then we'll drive back to Utah to drop off Bruiser the rental truck and pick up our Sierra, who should be as good as new and ready for our next adventure...OnTheRhoda.
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