Thursday, April 23, 2015

Strange trip to Colorado part 3 - Driving through the Rockies

Leaving Haviland Lake behind, we started driving North towards Rocky Mountains National Park, via mountain highways carved in rock. We were up for a treat, and knew nothing about it.



We are in the heart of the mountains.




Town of Silverton down in the valley


We actually took the wrong turn and ended up in the town. The vehicle below is some mix between tank and BMP



View from the gas station


Old coаl mine


"Copper" mountain


The highway carved out in the rock



Snow machine. In Мay. They highway is seasonal, and actually was opened not that long time ago.


Active coal mine along the road



The train loaded with coal



Driving further among aspens fresh with the emerald green...


... until exiting to the lower elevation...


... right before joining Interstate 70 at Glenwood Springs


Tunnels, tunnels, tunnels...



The highway follows the bed of Colorado river, and parallel runs the rail road. Amtrak ...


... and kayakers...


... and sailing boat loaded on the truck


View passing by the window


Turning North from the I-70, to green land.


The pine trees are dead from mountain pine beetle: the natural cycle of beetle infestations, that kills off the older trees, giving the space for younger ones. According to the information posted in one of the parks, the current outbreak seems to be larger than previous due to warmer winters.


Driving North, towards Rocky Mountains National Park


TO BE CONTINUED

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