Vermejo’s Colorado Exploration: September 09

[Vermejo]

Down Pearl & Up Independence

The views descending Pearl Pass were breathtaking- what we considered the best of the trip. The weather seemed to be clearing nicely until we hit the pavement into Aspen. I knew Aspen was close as a Lamborghini blew by like we were standing still. I'm sure they had a good laugh at my NM plates in such weather. We balked at the gas prices once in Aspen and instead decided to use the cover of the pumps to air up. It was a full-on snow storm heading up Independence Pass.

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Amazing pictures!:wings:




Great eye!

 

[Haggis]

I know it's been said already but, those are some sweet photos! Thanks for sharing!

 

[KSJeep]

Great Report!!!

 

[SOAZ]

Awesome photos buddy! :sombrero:

 

[Vermejo]

Leadville

Leadville was a good rest from the previous days’ travels. It was also a chance to meet up with our friend Steve who had guided us through Chinaman Gulch in his FJ-62 the previous year. Our sacred watering hole in Leadville is The Grill Bar & Mexican Food. This trip we managed to keep the tequila shots to a minimum. The storm brewing on Massive and Elbert provided a fine backdrop for sitting on the cantina’s back patio. We would have had great difficulty had we attempted Pearl Pass any later.

 

[jeepmedic46]

Awesome pics and great write up. Keep them coming.:ylsmoke:

 

[Woodsman]

dude those are truely epic pictures...
I really wish I could take pics like you guys do, very very impressive.

I'm with Lance on this one. Great pictures. The color quality is awesome. :Wow1:

 

[SirCampalot]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Funrover]

Good thing you did Pearel when you did, and yeah Aspen can be... ummmm.... I'll just say Pricey!

 

[SFROMAN]

awsome pics.

I recently moved from Cruces to the east coast. I lived on the foothills of the Organs and did alot of hiking up there.

Again great pics

DEL

 

[Jacket]

I can only reiterate what others have already said - excellent pictures that create a stunning visual essay. Sorry I missed you while you were here.

 

[bigreen505]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing!

 

[Vermejo]

Leadville to Denver

We made an early morning departure from Leadville under what seemed to be clearing skies. We had originally planned to run Mosquito Pass in route to Denver, but were forced to make a more realistic route given the snow. After fueling the truck and filling up on coffee we made our way to Climax. We were quickly greeted by snowflakes and ice.

Beau Jo’s of Idaho Springs - Our reward for making it out of the mountains without incident. The nachos were a bit overdone, but they still tasted good.

 

[Vermejo]

The Beaten Path- Denver

We love these parts of the journey as much the backcountry.

Denver Highlights - Meghan's fix at the Th‘Ink Tank, Flagship REI, Chocolate Stout at Vine Street Pub, Wahoo’s Tacos (good, fresh & cheap), Slee Off-Road, Stonehenge Stout at Bull & Bush and a Mediterranean joint near DU.

Th’Ink Tank