We have to be thankful for the modern innovation of the tire gauge light. Without it, Cristal and I might have started across Trail Ridge Road and ended up with a flat tire on the top of a mountain, far from help. As it was, the inconvenience of sitting and waiting an hour and a half while it was worked on and patched was minor, and gave us the added benefit of an early start since we had to be at the tire place at 8 am.
Trail Ridge winds its way through spectacular scenery with an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers to please the jaded traveler. The varied tones color the land like a giant quilt. The hairpin bends, the twists and turns of the road, incur a leisurely journey through this patch of the Rockies,
Trail Ridge Road
this area of outstanding natural beauty. A stop in the popular, well-preserved western town of Steamboat Springs was also a delight; less flashy and more down to earth than Jackson, it had a laid-back feel that had us wanting to return for a less rushed visit.
Elk on top of Trail Ridge Road
But it was the road after Steamboat to Rock Springs, WY, from where I write, that had us in awe. Here were the wide open spaces of the west, here was the prairie the pioneers crossed on the Overland Trail, Chimney Rock, endless ranchlands, miles of sagebrush: SPACE. At times, the road ran beside the railroad, those seemingly endless trains taunting us with the unspeakable possibility of getting caught at a crossing. But at other times, the road met, for a few miles, the cross-poles of the telephone lines, standing like crosses on the Via Dolorosa. But there was no grief here, no pain, no suffering, no sorrow for us. If you’re a believer, it was God’s Country.
Trail Ridge
Andrea Downing 
I’ve driven some of that area, and of course Trail Ridge and you are correct, it makes the heart sing. Doris
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I’m just closing down–and wondering if I’ll sleep I’m so happy after that drive! It certainly made a very long drive completely bearable.
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Glad you had a great day. We’ve been over Trail Ridge and traveled the road to Rock Springs. We do live in a beautiful world.
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Amen to that.
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Really nice post letting us know where you’ve bunked down for the night. Glad you made it to Rock Springs! By chance did you wave to my sister in Green River? 🙂 I agree with your “…wide open spaces of the west….” That’s what I love about this place, too!
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We haven’t been into Green River unfortunately, it’s slightly off our trail.
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I think there’s about a seven-mile separation? Course you can get to Jackson from there, too. Traveled that way last June. But then I’m only three hours away in case Salt Lake is on your itinerary? 🙂
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Sorry
Alice! I write now from Jackson. The popcorn will come in handy.
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Gosh, Andi. Wish I’d been with you. I hear inspiration in your writing voice.
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Just so happy to be in WY at last !
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Love Wyoming, Andi. Thanks for your touch on the trail. We had a wonderful time in Lubbock- believe it or not. Weather was very pleasant. Not the norm we are told. Karen and Trish hit it off. If the three of you get together in Cheyenne next year, my best defense might be the bar.
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Paul, we’d probably be IN the bar!
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Interesting opening thought to remind this reader of the need for vigilance and practicality in the midst of all that beauty. Your writing inspires me to plan a trip suitable for blogging.
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So glad to hear that. I’ll look forward to it. Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi?
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