Saturday, July 12
We didn’t sleep very well last night, just because we were “outside” the RV Park in our minds. About 11:30pm, there was some yelling outside that woke me up. I woke up Tony and told him about the voices outside. We looked and saw a Limo unloading, and folks got into another vehicle and drove into the RV Park. Then, the Limo left. The RV Park has a gate that you must have a special key card to get in, so that’s probably why they had their vehicle outside the gate. No one bothered us, but it surprised us to hear all the ruckus. I think it put us both on edge for the rest of the evening, and we tossed and turned more.
At sunrise, we were both awake, so we got started prepping to leave about 6, and were pulling out about 7:10. We did not want to be a “problem” for anyone who discovered us that morning and didn’t know we had permission to be there.
We also did not have breakfast, since we normally microwave or cook something. With no power, we skipped our usual breakfast and decided to stop at the grocery store on the way into Breckenridge to get some more water and donuts to eat, instead. We pulled out on Hwy 9 out of Breckenridge, about 7:45, headed to Fairplay. This road goes up over Hoosier Pass, elevation 11,542 feet. The pass is located on the Continental Divide at the northern end of the Mosquito Range, in a gap between Mount Lincoln (west) and Hoosier Ridge (east). It sits on the boundary between Park (south) and Summit(north) counties. The road over the pass has a smooth approach on the south side but has several switchbacks on the north side with a grade of 8%.
Heading up, we encountered the switchbacks, but they were not too bad. We stopped at the top of the pass and took some pictures and let the truck rest a bit and check the wheel lugs for proper torque, before we headed down. Just as we arrived, a tall, slender man with a disheveled appearance and long beard arrived on foot, using a walking stick and carrying a backpack and bedroll. He said hello, and asked Tony how far it was to Breckenridge. Tony told him it was about 12 miles, but it was all downhill from here. The man said, “Good, I like it that way…” and kept walking. We were amused and intrigued by the whole encounter. I’m sure God’s hand was involved in it, but I bet will make more sense “down the road.”
Stopped for a breather at the top of Hoosier Pass
We continued down the pass to the town of Alma, and then Fairplay. We then turned on Hwy 24, to head to Colorado Springs, to join up with I-25 to head south. We saw lots of unique and beautiful scenery, crossing another pass, Wilkerson Pass at 9,504 ft, within the Pike National Forest.
We made our way through Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs, passing right by where we had stayed just a few weeks ago. We joined up with I-25, feeling we had made good time with this route. It was only 10:30am.
We continued on, and stopped for lunch about 11:30 at a rest stop. Tony made sandwiches and soon we were again on our way. We had to cross Raton Pass, from Colorado into New Mexico, to get to our final destination. We were now well-versed in mountain driving, so we didn’t have any issues with it this time – even though the temperatures were in the 90s for the area.
Once through the pass, we had just another 35 miles to get to Capulin. We pulled in about 2:15pm. While we were getting instructions from the owner, we learned he had family in Terrell long ago. He was very nice and friendly, and we had a nice chat. He led us to a nice shady spot, next to a Heartland Bighorn! We got unhooked and set up, and were pleasantly surprised that the temperature wasn’t too bad. There were some rain clouds nearby, which may have been helping the temps some with a cool breeze.
Capulin Volcano, off in the distance, as we drove down Hwy 84.
Our site. Trees helped keep it cool, and there was a Bighorn next door!
We decided to go ahead and go out to Capulin Volcano National Monument, before they closed the gate at 5:00. We drove 3 miles to the main visitor center, where we paid our entry fee and bought a souvenir, watched a short video, and received a map and some guidance from the park ranger.
Entrance to Capulin Volcano National Monument
We then got back in the truck and headed up the volcano road, 2 miles to the volcano visitor center. The views are amazing as you literally circle up the side of the “mountain.” We reached the volcano visitor center, and looked at our map. We decided to tackle the trail down into the volcanic cone. It was winding and steep going down, but well worth it. The view looking up to the rim was amazing, as was the volcanic terrain and scenery surrounding us. We then headed up, much more difficult, since we were at approximately 8000 ft!
Once we got back to the visitor area, we decided to attempt the rim hike. We didn’t get too far before we were out of breath, nearly out of water, and out of time. It was getting close to closing time. So, we headed back down. After a sleepless night, a long drive with 3 mountain passes, and a hike down to the bottom of the cone and back, we decided the rim will wait for another trip, when we have more time and energy.
The path down inside the cone of the Volcano. See Tony on the path?
Us at the bottom, the rim edge at the top of the pic.
Informational kiosk, showing how the volcano formed.
Lava rocks, and looking toward the rim.
Starting up the rim road, taking pictures
Us on the rim hike after about 15 minutes -- stopped at a bench to rest. Look at that view!
Look at that rim edge behind Tony!
Headed back down the rim hike trail.
Driving down the Park road that circles the Volcano. Look at the layers of activity!
Looking out there, we can BARELY SEE the RV Park down below.
We drove back to the park, but stopped across the street at the convenience store/gift shop. We saw lots of neat things, and picked up a shot glass for our collection. We headed back to the trailer for some leftovers for dinner. Tony waked around the park a little, and took Eileen’s picture. I took a shower before going to bed, and we hit the hay early. I think Tony was snoring before 9pm!
Tomorrow, we head towards Amarillo, and beyond. Not sure how far we’ll get.
