Buena Vista, Colorado

Just passed over Wilkerson Pass

Lunch spot

Colorado has some unique ways of pronouncing its cities, counties, even mountain peaks. Buena Vista sure causes lots of debate.  Locals call it Bew-na Vista, Beau-knee or just BV.

Buena Vista was settled in 1864 along side of the beautiful and wild, Arkansas River at an elevation of 7,965 feet.

Quincy's Steakhouse

Their full menu

We arrived in town early and were able to meet up with Carol, a San Diego square dancing friend who happened to be in Buena Vista visiting her daughter.

Dave and I recently joined FMCA 4 Wheelers.   We figured we already had two things in common with them.  We all have motorhomes and Jeeps.  This was our first Rally.  We really enjoyed ourselves and met lots of nice people.

Entertainment 

Day 1 of Jeeping

Headed up Taylor Pass

Elbert having shifting problems

Lunch spot

Taylor Reservoir 

Sandy, Rita, Me and Linda

Aspen Mountain

Ski lift

Day 2

Barbara, Ginny, Me and Ann
Hancock Pass
Elevation 12,140 feet

You have to really trust your instinct as to which way the road goes

Sherrod Loop

Loops on the rail line were important features because they made it possible to avoid reversing the locomotives up a series of switchbacks.

The town of Woodstock was founded in 1881 on one of the few flat spots between Alpine Station and Quartz. 

Williams Gulch Water Tank

Water tanks were an essential part of the railroad.  These filling stations were comparable to today's gas stations along the highway.  Typically, tanks were located every 15-30 miles along the line, but because of the steep grade and high elevation, here they were found every 2-5 miles.

Lunch spot

Crossing the snowbank 

Tin Cup Town Hall

Built 1903

Chicken dinner

Day 3

Red Cone Pass
Elevation 12,801 feet
Check out the mountain goats behind us

Still loosing their winter coats

Lunch spot

Airing up

Back in time for "Happy Hour"

Dinner at Quincy's again with fellow Jeepers Jim and Diane Long.  No relation.

Day 4 has no jeep runs.

Attending the winch class.  Seeing if we have been doing anything wrong.

Wow, this brings back memories.  Two years ago when we were here I wanted to get a picture of the cute swan boat.  Once here I mistakenly stepped inside the chain link fence to get a better picture without the fence.  The owner was out in a flash threatening to call the police on me for trespassing. 

Day 5

Mount Antero
Elevation 14,275 feet

Windy and cold on top of Mt Antero 

Lunch spot

Dinner at K's

This place is always busy

Last Day
Dave driving us up Chinaman Gulch Loop

Lunch spot

Cindy driving us down Chinaman Gulch Loop

Airing up