Black Canyon of the Gunnison Part 2 and Ouray - Sept 12 - 15

Catch up time again.

September 12th Dave got the truck its  60,000 mile service at the local Ford Dealer in Montrose, CO and I worked on planning more of our trip.  Planning the trip is not as easy as it sounds.  There are so many places to choose and even when you pick where you would like to go, doesn’t mean you will find somewhere to stay.  (I know, let me play that tiny violin for your travel woes — No sympathy expected - LOL).

September 13th we went back to Black Canyon of the Gunnison to do the drive/walk part of the park.  There were 10 stops along the drive to walk out to various vistas.  Today it was beautiful weather for this, as opposed to the thunderstorm when we started the other day.  

We learned the reason the sides of the canyon are sloped differently is because of how the sun drives the forces of erosion.  In the winter the canyon receives the majority of the precipitation in the form of snow.  Sun shines mostly on the north slope, evaporating moisture off the wall.  Snow on the south slope remains throughout the winter.  Melting and freezing breaks up the south slope’s rocks, creating soil and habitat for plants to take root.

One of the signs that we came across talked about the power of the river.  Filled with grit and gravel, the water of the river grates against the riverbed like a liquid buzz saw. Spring floods boost the rivers power.  Snowmelt swells the waters and the river roars with 2,750,000 horsepower. Compare that to a strong jetliner engine which is 110,000 horsepower.  Rock is no match for such relentless carving power. 

Enjoy the pics.

The lighter “lines” are called Pegmatite, which is an intrusive  rock.  These lines were once gooey and molten in the Earth’s crust.  Magma squeezed upwards into the cracks of the overlying rocks and hardened.  Like veins carrying blood in the body, the 3 dimensional instructions bring life and artistry to the canyon.

This rock is a close up of the Pegmatite

When you look at these juniper, you figure these blue things are berries.  We were corrected by a sign today stating that they were actually modified cones.  Birds depend on these cones for food.  Things are not always as they appear.

This is a Rocky Mountain Juniper.   Many of the juniper on the canyon are 600-800 years old.  Just amazing.

This was a view from one of the trails we went on.  I found it interesting that the majority of the white area was just so desolate and the one part in the bottom right of the white section is so green, yet appears to be the same makeup as the desolate area.  

This sign really gives you perspective on just how deep the canyon is.  

September 14th we went to Ouray, CO.  This town is called the Switzerland of America.  The town was surrounded on 3 sides by “mountains”.   It was first established in 1883.  As you strolled the street they had signs that showed you what it was like at different times in its history.  It always kinda cracks me up how many saloons and brothels existed at this time in history.  The scenery as you walked around town was ever present.  We enjoyed a coffee/tea in a local shop.  The shops in town had several that showed off local artists/crafters.  We then enjoyed the best pizza we have had in a long time.  

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September 15th was a rainy day, so we enjoyed watching football.  (Jessica, I saw that Travis Kelce’s girlfriend was at the game.  I think you know who she is😂)

Today we travel to Moab, Utah.

Til next time…