The final adventure of our 2022 Southwest Expedition brought us to a treasure of a national park, and one that is hardly known. Have you ever heard of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison? Until my dear cousin, Nan, told us we just had to visit this park, we’d never heard the name. Nan was right! It was a delightful discovery, located just east of Montrose, in western Colorado. Having seen miles and miles of red and brown canyons in Utah, the striking black canyons were captivating. The canyon walls were nearly vertical.
The Gunnison river carves its way along the floor of the canyon. In fact, we drove down a 5 mile road with 18% grade hills with extreme switchbacks dropping us 2,000 feet to the river. We were glad we’d left the trailer behind as we wouldn’t have been able to experience this descent otherwise. It was a scary but spectacular drive!
After stopping along the scenic drive to capture photos from the overlooks, we enjoyed a splendid hike at the highest point of the park, taking in the view of the West Elk mountains to the north and the San Juans to the south. What a fabulous day!
We’ve now arrived at our final destination… Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs where our SOWER work begins after Memorial Day. The property is amazing with lots of hiking trails to explore, beautiful grounds, and friendly staff. The highlight of the property is an extraordinary, majestic castle that was built in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. We’ve been cautioned that bears, mountain lions, and big horn sheep are in the area and will come through the property and even our RV park. Rattlesnakes too. We’ll be careful.
There are seven SOWER couples here to enjoy. I’ve been assigned to the gardening team, and Skip will be engaged in all kinds of maintenance and property improvement projects. Should be a great three weeks.
What a blessing it has been to see so much beauty as we’ve traveled the southwest, hiking through national monuments and parks. We’ve loved sharing our journey and adventures with you all and we trust you’ve enjoyed the journey with us!
Note: We’ll be pausing our blog for a time and we’ll let you know if and when we resume.
Thank you for taking us along!
Beautiful thoughts!
Beautiful photographs!
Con
Thanks, Con!
Have a wonderful time! We know you will. I remember when you got assigned to Glen Eyrie – seems so incredibly long ago.
Thank you for your blog. Have a blessed time there and we look forward to receiving the blog again!
Thanks for your kind and encouraging comments on the blog, Eloise!
What beauty to behold. It is so good to hear from you again. I loved the photos and my prayers go with you each day now as I add you too my prayer list for the time on this journey! Blessings and best wishes, Gary
So glad you’ve enjoyed the blog, Gary. My best to you and Julie!
Thank you for sharing and bringing us along on your trip!
Thanks, Susan. I’m so delighted you’ve followed along with our journey and adventures!
Can’t believe you guys have only one more day on your wonderful journey! Welcome home tomorrow and thanks for the ride. Can’t wait for your next one!!
Great stuff – glad you’re having a fun time and good luck with the work ahead
Wow. What an amazing place to work you have found. Chris and I are so glad you enjoyed exploring the Black Canyon at the Gunnison. Hope you have some nice weather for gardening. Our gardening has been in almost 100 degrees for the last days in mid June which is much warmer than usual this early in summer.
It has been an exciting adventure seeing these wonderful places through your lens and sharing the joys.
Safe trip back home.
Sala
You have taken such beautiful pictures! I had never heard of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Park–it isn’t in my national park book so I assume it doesn’t have that designation.
Anne – We love the Black Canyon. We have spent many wonderful summers in Crested Butte and visiting this deep canyon is always a treat. So wonderful to hear you are doing so well and enjoying your travels and time of service. Enjoy your time back in MN!
Thanks, Aly! Thanks for posting. Skip and I will be traveling for the first six months of 2023 through Texas for three months, then back to Colorado, all on SOWER projects. More blogs/pictures will be posted then!
I hope you and your family are well.