As I continue my counter-clockwise loop around southwestern part of the state, I get word that Debbie, along with friends Chuck and Carla, two Lazy Dazers I met last summer in the Pacific Northwest, are on their way down the same path in the opposite direction. I had originally planned to follow the Rio Grande through Creede and on up to Lake City, but I chickened out for two reasons. One, I couldn’t face the reports of 9.4% grade for 7.5 miles of two lane highway. My trusty “Mountain Directory” warns, “This is a very long descent for heavy vehicles and it will require brakes in good repair and adjustment and caution on the part of the driver. There are no runaway truck ramps.” (PUCKER!)
But worse, I couldn’t face the upcoming three day weekend with no internet anywhere in either town, except the library. So I would go around the long way, through Saguache (pronounced “Sa’watch.”) The bonus would be getting to meet up with Debbie, Chuck, and Carla.
When I arrive at the turn-off, Debbie is waiting for me. They have changed locations, as they found one of the most beautiful boondock locations I have ever seen. And we have it all to ourselves! There is only one catch, and it’s a big one. There is no signal. Nada on either Verizon or AT&T. So I plan to only spend one night.
But when I get there, the setting is just too perfect. It is worth the sacrifice for a couple of nights in this idyllic spot. Besides, I cheated. 😉 A hike up the Colorado Trail (which overlaps the Continental Divide Trail) to the LuJan Pass reveals a sweet spot of 4G AT&T, a channel open long enough to get word from home that all is well.
Chuck has hiked a good portion of the Appalachian Trail…more than my paltry few miles through Georgia and parts of North Carolina. We swap section-hiking stories, and he shares some backpacking recipes. I am particularly intrigued by his cocktail recipes using Tang and Koolaid. 😉
While hiking to the top of the pass, we see a 4WD road up the back side of the mountain and small flag stakes with markings similar to those where underground cable is buried. Could it be that a cell tower is not too far in the future? Will we come back next time and find a field full of fire rings?
Solitude comes at a price that is soothed by an interlude with good friends…
I’m trying to convince Jim to stop there just for a night if we ever leave Poncha Springs. It does look idyllic!
Glad you got to spend some more time with Chuck and Carla. Those Iowa folks sure are nice!
Yes, Elvis and Sophie would LOVE those pinnacles! 😉
Don’t stand too close to those beautiful Lazy Daze units! It can be infecting! Ours is just exactly like Chuck and Carla’s – same color; same floorplan! It’s a winner!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Judie, if there were no Sprinter chassis anymore, it would certainly be tempting! But I am intimidated to drive the wider body. Otherwise, the spacious interiors and quality craftsmanship might be enough to make me convert. 😉 I am always surprised when they let me join up in the wagon circle. haha!
Sometimes a little time away from the world is just the ticket:) Sure was a beautiful spot. Glad that you were able to hike enough to get signal to check home:)
Pam — Yes, I was like Pavlov’s Dog on that trail. “PING!” and I start to salivate. haha!!
Mmmm, looks calm, peaceful, and disconnected!
It was, Mindy, it was. Beautiful country up there, but no where near the adrenaline “main line” as Ouray!
What a great day. Glad you decided to stay longer
Thanks for the comment, Debbie. We might still be there with a signal!
That is most definitely a sweet Boondock site !!!
Yes, it was, Susan. I am always amazed at what beauty there is “off road!”
As always, beautiful photos. What a great place to rest and renew your soul – we live in an awesome country and have an awesome God.
Thanks for the nice comment, Sandy. “Awesome” indeed!
Such a gorgeous landscape to boondock in and bonus hiking the pinnacles.
Sweet! Great to see Debbie, Rupert and Elliott again, and meet Chuck and Carla. I don’t believe we met them at the last LD gathering in AZ…We are chillin’ in Seattle…connected and experiencing the quiet neighborhood where my sis & hubby live. Still thoroughly enjoying reading of your adventures, no matter how far behind I get.