A male Eastern collared lizard, we saw this beauty on a hike in the Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area.
After Moab we made the short drive to Grand Junction to spend more time with the twins and Mike. It was their last week in GJ before heading back to Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts for the summer. It’s always an absolute delight to spend time with them. It’s been fifteen years, almost to the date since we’ve visited Grand Junction. We hit all the famous trails; 18 Road, Kokopelli, and The Ribbon/Lunch Loops and got in two hikes.
We parked Opal at Mike and Kathy’s rental and slept in the house.
18 Road, if I’m not mistaken this is the Prime Cut climb.
Mike and Chris on 18 Road. The wind gusts were easily 40 mph. We experienced a lot of wind this trip.
Hot Tomato Cafe, it was a little bigger and has had a change of ownership since the last time we were here, but I thought the pizza was still outstanding.
Mike doing a little launch at Kokopelli.
The Colorado River, it still amazes me that sixty percent of San Diego’s drinking water comes from this river.
Doubling up! The same day we rode Kokopelli, we did a short hike in the Colorado National Monument to The Devil’s Kitchen.
Mike’s throne
I absolutely love this picture of Kathy, myself, Amelia, and Mike. Chris gets the credit.
The Ribbon is a shuttle ride. We left Mike’s car at the bottom and put five bikes in our truck and drove to the start. While driving up the road it comes in sight. The red circle is The Ribbon.
Fifteen years ago there was no sign.
The start of The Ribbon. As you descend, the view of Grand Junction and the Book Cliffs is spectacular.
Chris and Amelia playing on the rock. I’ve been thinking about this ride since we did it fifteen years ago. It did not disappoint.
A nice perspective shot of the enormity of the slab. Pictured are Chris, Kathy, and Mike.
Warning! This video contains profane language.
Pretty stoked to be here again.
Chris not hesitating on a technical section.
Crazy landscape
Mike and the twins.
Sego lily, I know I just recently put this flower in a post but here it is again since it’s so beautiful.
On Saturday, our last full day with them, Chris flew home to Connecticut in the morning. The four of us decided after all the riding we’ve done we would take a day off the bikes and go for a hike. A short drive took us to the Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area. Folks do this hike to see the wild horses that roam the area. It’s never a guarantee you’ll see them, but we lucked out and did!
Wild Horses
So cool
Wild Horse video
We are already looking forward to the next time we see Mike and Kathy.