Week 824 - Roads Worth Traveling - 05-29-2022

Roads Worth Traveling

This week we traveled from Fort Collins, Colorado to Coalville, Utah. We always like new roads and this week was no exception.

Google maps would have us head to Wyoming and take US 80 all the way. Not going to happen for us.

We have some concern over the cold, possibly snowy weather that came our way. We stayed two extra days in Colorado to let things warm up. Then we headed out on Hwy 14 to the West. It did not disappoint. The first 63 miles parallels the Cache la Poudre River.

Unending beauty greets you all along the way.

The rafters enjoyed the float enhanced from the two-day rain/snow that proceeding our drive.

Lots of snow covered the hills, but the roads were clear and dry.

We stopped in Walden to plan our unknown stay for the night. Donnalee found this wide spot in front of the North Park Inn & Suites. Totally "suite" was Alisa, the office manager. She called her boss and they granted us a dry camping stay for a very low fee. We were delighted as the 100 mile trip took many, many slow-cruising hours. The temps were low, but our heaters kept us comfy.

Wow! The next morning we woke up to a snow-covered morning. Pete had to climb on top of the MotherShip and clear the snow off the slide toppers. We learned that trying to bring the slides in without clearing could do great damage.

The next day our destination was Steamboat Springs. It was only 66 miles, but we had to cross Rabbit Ears Pass. Hwy 40 crosses the Continental Divide at 9,426 feet. There is an 8 mile drive at the peak and then Hwy 40 descends 7 steep miles into the Yampa Valley.

It would appear to be a difficult drive, but no, you just use low gears. No brake problems for the MotherShip or for Donnalee's 31 foot Class C BabyShip.

You pass the exit of Routt National Forest on the way down.

We stayed just west of town at Eagle Soaring RV Park. It is surrounded by beautiful grass and mountains. Nearby Strawberry Hot Springs is a large, unique and very hot, hot springs. Note that you need reservations for the hot springs, no drop ins since Covid days.

The westward drive on Hwy 40 offers a variety of terrain.

Vernal, Utah: We did not find an RV park we wanted to use. So we surveyed the town for city parks. This one, Ashley Community Park was perfect. A free overnight stay, grass for Mandy; and from our RVs we could watch the local little leaguers play games.

Our next stop was just 63 miles away. A lovely lakeside stay at Starvation State Park near Duchesne, Utah.

All full hookup back-in sites have paved pads and covered tables.

And a great sunset!

Again Google Maps would have you take Hwy 40 to Coalville, Utah. But, not for us. We chose unknown Hwy 35 and what a beauty it was. Beautiful farms and ranches and a flaming whatever!

The terrain changed every few minutes.

It had everything from streams, rock, snow, farmland and forests.

Our stay for 6 days is in Coalville, Utah. We are parked along the Weber River. Our site was great and was the last 45 foot site available (yes, uncommonly we reserved it weeks ago). All sites are pull-thrus and all within a 100 foot walk to the river.

We will stay here while Donnalee flies home to Green Valley for a doctor's appointment. Mid-week next, we will head into Wyoming on the way to Montana.

With love, Pete, Ellen and Mandy

Photos from 05-29-2022