The Road Trip Day 12: The Magnitude of Time
I was kinda bummed to wave goodbye to the Lazy Lizard Hostel. I had a sense that other guests before me felt the same way…
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
May 18, 2015
I was kinda bummed to wave goodbye to the Lazy Lizard Hostel. I had a sense that other guests before me felt the same way. With the last remaining arm-load of gear, we turned in the keys to the front desk and piled in the car.
Carter's friend highly recommended a brunch stop at the Wake and Bake Cafe. I had huevos rancheros in a buckwheat crepe. Pretty decent, could have used more salsa.
Today's drive was long, we covered at least 300 miles. We planned for a long stop at Mesa Verde National Park which was on the way.
The park entrance was quite mysterious.
Slowly, we gained in altitude. At some points the road hugged an escarpment; where were we going? We saw the visitors center and things began to make sense. With requisite stickers purchased we headed down a short trail to see the Spruce Tree House.
Spruce Tree House looks like one hell of a place to throw a party.
For nearly two weeks we had been getting accustomed to stunning landscapes and gorgeous vistas throughout America's southwest. It was odd, to say the least, to find myself viewing a small collection of ruins. Dare I say I was bored?
The best part was seeing how those people set up their establishment. It looked quite secluded and safe; if I stumbled on that 1,000 years ago, I would have set up shop.
We still had a lot of ground to cover.
Mountains and clouds somewhere in Durango, Colorado.
After an unmemorable stop at Subway, we arrived at a Super 8 motel in Alamosa; a far departure from last night's homey accommodations. It had a roof and Carter's dad covered our stay, though. I have to remember to write him a thank-you card.
Finishing the whiskey was a bittersweet moment. However, pegging for a win is an unfair highlight of my entire trip.
One more day left.
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The Road Trip Day 13: Surge Flow
Like most hotels, I had a rough night getting used to the cantankerous air conditioning unit switching on and off. Our neighbors had a housewarming party…
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
May 19, 2015
Like most hotels, I had a rough night getting used to the cantankerous air conditioning unit switching on and off. Our neighbors had a housewarming party, it seemed.
The three of us, rubbing sleep from our eyes, went to the lobby for 'continental breakfast' which had a predictably limited selection. I cobbled together a peanut butter and butter toast-sandwich with a few cups of Styrofoam coffee. Under the television blaring a morning FOX program, we quietly finalized our plans.
We arrived at the Great Sand Dunes parking lot at 8:30 a.m.; everything was freshly wet from a night of rain.
Wet sand dunes are a different experience altogether.
Just beyond the parking lot in front of the dunes, a wide, pulsating river obstructed a clear path. Nearly a football field of ankle-deep water lay between us and the dunes; a surge flow. There didn't look to be any way around but through. We took of our shoes and socks and stashed them at the bank.
The water was beyond cold. Polar plunges, dares from high school friends, the Atlantic, every cold water event I had previously paled in comparison until today. The cold water lost its novelty immediately. Only shin-deep a few steps in and I found it difficult to breathe. I can't imagine falling through an iced-over lake.
We started to walk around and the sky kept getting darker. After another 10 minutes we bailed for the car, and a moment after crossing the frigid river once more, it began to pour. I had to towel off before getting into the car.
After nearly two weeks of being on the road, we made it safely to Eagle Nest. Tom aggressively shook my hand, like always; Vicky hugged me deeply, like always; Will did both, like always. The McKinney's cabin is beyond special, it feels so good to be back here once more—I am so lucky.
Everyone took a shady seat under one of the huge Ponderosas in the front yard. We shared stories from our journey and pet the many lounging dogs.
The Road Trip may have come to an end, but the start of summer is upon us.
Tomorrow. It begins.
You can't scratch Moonlight, really. He's got so much fur, your fingers get lost or caught.
Hey, want a ride?
Turn it around:
About the Blog
Justin Kernes is a photographer and writer who thrives in the great outdoors.
From 2010-2017, he worked in the backcountry at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
In 2018 “Tiny Slice” successfully thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.
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