Over the Mountains and Through the Plains

We left Canyonlands National Park as the sun was rising over the LaSal Mountains on Sunday morning.

As we connected Roger (our toad, not our friend) to The Wanderer the temperature was 40º with winds that felt like 80 mph (was probably more like 25 mph.) Anyway, it made leaving much more appealing. With a prediction of heavy snow in the Rockies, we decided to drive south about 50 miles, crossing only one mountain pass instead of the three on I-70. (Hearing parts of I-70 were closed on Sunday that was probably a good idea.)

Sunday’s drive was pretty much uneventful until we approached Monarch Pass on Hwy. 50. Slowly The Wanderer pulled Roger (our toad, not our friend) to the summit

and creeped down the other side.

We pulled into the Walmart parking lot in Salida saying “That was not as bad as we had envisioned and the worst is behind us.” But nooo......., said Mother Nature, it’s not over.”  The first 50 miles on Monday Captain drove 25-35 mph over the icy road through a canyon.

ABN said it was like driving through a Christmas card but all Captain saw

was the icy road (and a few deer.)

Here are the views that Captain missed.

By mid-day we hit dry roads and boring views.

Fortunately, Captain’s cousin, Joy and husband Shannon, live just a ways off I-70 in Lindsborg, KS (aka Little Sweeden USA,) so we got a bit of respite from the miles and miles of windmills and farmland. We parked The Wanderer in their drive while they took us on an art tour. Swedish artist, Birger Sandzèn,  immigrated to Lindsborg in 1894 and taught art at Bethany College. After he retired from the college in 1946, he continued to live there and create art until his death in 1954. We visited the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery and saw only a small portion of his amazing paintings.

Hour of Splendor
Bryce Canyon, Utah

Joy and Shannon introduced us to the works of local artist, Lester Raymer.  What an eclectic, talented man! The Red Barn Studio Museum houses his woodwork, toy-making, stitchery, ceramics, painting, and more. Recycled materials shows up in a lot of his art.

Noah's Ark
Ark and animals carved by Lester Raymer

We had such a fun time catching up, remembering days past, and discussing our travels over wine and dinner. (BTW, Tipsy Tuesday friends, you will most likely get a sample of our version of Joy’s yummy ham balls.)

We are now home and looking forward to catching up on our hometown happenings. But first we must give Roger (our toad, not our friend) and The Wanderer baths.

"Roger"

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