RUN FOR THE WALL Jean and Larry: May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023 - Day 4 to Ontario

Today was a beautiful sunny day BUT, it was 32 degrees when we got up. We did wait until 8:00 for it to warm up. It was 40 degrees when we left. Just had to layer. We were talking to Jenny and Ken Ward (friends from the Run) who were also on their way to Ontario. They mentioned that part of the route we were going to take tomorrow was probably going to have snow, so we changed our plans for today. All good since we always have to be flexible.

We head to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Still snow up on the mountains. Looks like sand traps on a golf course.

Blue sky and blue lake.

We stopped to check out the dam. And this is used as a power plant.

The dam

From there we want to go to the north rim of Black Canyon National Park. We take CO-92.

Great roads!

Lots of switchbacks. We actually go on all the roads in the pictures.

Way better than the Tail of the Dragon.

There are all these white trees. I believe they are White Birch. They are almost in bloom.

Remember yesterday we saw the sheep and they scattered. Well today we had mule deer. But these guys ran both directions. Two even crossed the road.

I hope you can see this. I love when that water is really calm, and you see the reflection.

Still heading up the mountain to the get to the north entrance.

I get on Ron's bike for a bit. This is Larry behind us.

Check out this fencing. It is all made from tree branches. Not cut lumber.

Bad news. To go into the north rim, the last 5 miles are all gravel roads. REALLY? Not going to happened on motorcycles. So, we had back down the mountain. We go to almost 9000 feet.

Time for lunch. Regroup. Can we get to Black Canyon? YES. From the south side.

The day turn very cloudy, and temps were dropping.

From Tomichi Point.

From Pulpit Rock Overlook.

Can you find Ron in this pic?

I will help you.

From Devils Outlook. (I know they are starting to look alike. Hahahaha)

We all got a little weak in the knees looking over this railing. Long way down.

From Painted Wall.

Check out the depth here.

Here is a visual with the Empire State Building.

I forgot to mention Ron's little buddy: Jerry. He rides everywhere with him.

We met this lady at the canyon, and she too has a buddy. She is on her way back to Florida after driving all the way to Alaska, by herself!!!

Just when you think the day is over, guess again. We now need to get to Durango to miss the snowstorm. Here we go again. We will ride Route US-550, aka Million Dollar Highway.

It is called this because it is said to cost a million dollars a mile to build. I believe it!!!

We start Ouray and end in Durango.

This is the city of Ouray from part way up the first hill.

Few waterfalls.

Lots more switchbacks.

And lots of snow.

This is the city of Silverton. It is about 1/2 thru. Population 650.

Only one place was the snow on the road. Looks like it had just fallen there. Animals, snow.... you always have to be on your toes and ready for anything.