After an hour or so we arrived in the town of Estes and checked in to the park. Our first stop was lunch, a planned picnic in Hidden Meadow picnic area. Rob researched spots in the park that would be both scenic, have picnic tables, and real bathrooms. It was a great location. We had sun to help warm the biting wind. We joked about the alpine chipmunks trying to steal our Combos.
After we packed up from lunch, we thought extra heated gear would make us all more comfortable. We soon learned that 2500 feet higher was actually warmer than the 9,000 elevation of our picnic spot. So we all roasted as we approached the peak. At this point, the smoky conditions were really apparent and obscured the long range views. Mike asked what was up with the big sticks. They are so one can see the road edge when covered with feet and feet of snow.
The views and experience of riding the highest continuous road in America was still pretty cool. Rob and I had to make the trek to the very top at Alpine Visitor Center.
When we did this same walk up four years ago the views were limited only by our sight. No matter, it is still awesome. Back on the bikes around 2:30 we made our way down the mountain and out of the park on to highway 40 towards Steamboat Springs. The conditions seemed to get more smoky but there was still plenty to see.
The ride from the park to Steamboat was about 90 minutes. Portions of Hwy 40 are made for motorcycle touring with wide sweeping curves. I was wishing I had the NT on my own for much of the ride today to experience it myself. We got to Steamboat around 5pm. The skies were full of ash.
We walked into town for dinner at an upscale brew pub. Today is Huibok's birthday - Happy Birthday! We celebrated with wine and carrot cake.
Tomorrow we venture to Utah.
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