Crossing the Continental Divide

Wake to frost on the tent. The Sky is clear and the wind has yet to pick up. We have 10 miles to climb to Monarch Pass at 11,300 feet. Wind picks up as we head up but it is generally behind us. Have an easy mile or so and then the climbing starts. Grade isn’t too bad but the altitude is tough. The road hugs the side of the mountain as we slowly ascend. Lots of breaks helps to keep us breathing. Make it to the windy top. Bundle up and relax a bit before plunging 4000 feet to Salida. Terrain gets noticeably drier as we go. Stop for ice cream and then pull into our campsite. Good but challenging day!Read more