Run the Passes
One of the most challenging aspects of Friday’s run was getting to Silverton. Three work zones were encountered including a 30 minute stop between Coal Bank and Molas. Luckily the crews won’t be working on July 4th.
Five rigs, including a Hummer H2, left the Whistle Stop about 10am. No moose were spotted in the Middleton area. That’s the first time this summer none were spotted.
It’s worth noting that signs have been installed throughout the Alpine Loop Area clearly marking the trails.
After turning on county road 9 to the Picayune Gulch, the trail is steep and narrow with a couple blind turns. We stayed on CR 9 at the junction of CR 99. CR 99 is a optional way to the same place, but on a pre run earlier this week, we discovered a snow drift making the road impassable. CR 9 tops out at 12,700 feet, with great views. We encountered a couple SXS that had no intention of slowing down nor yielding to up hill traffic. This is mentioned only because all other meetings with oncoming traffic was courteous, professional with groups partnering to make a smooth transition.
We continued down into Placer Gulch noting splendid wildflowers. We did not stop at the famed Sound Democrat Mill, and proceeded to our lunch spot at Animas Forks. I hadn’t noticed the two picnic tables before, they looked new.
The ascent up Engineer Pass began after lunch. We anticipated heavy traffic and the group was prepared to be patient. What a surprise when we only passed a couple vehicles. Odom Point was vacant upon our arrival, leading to a great group photo.
So on to Engineer Pass. We all talked to a young woman riding her bike. She started in Lake City, went up Cinnamon and was on her way back to Lake City. That’s a long day in a Jeep, let alone on a bike!
At Engineer Pass, Paul, Hummer driver, was presented a duck. I like to acknowledge non Jeep drivers that hang out with us.
The descent was a bit more interesting! We immediately met a group of very inexperienced drivers in SXS when we were leaving the Engineer Pass summit. They had trouble backing up to pull over for us. They only had to go about 20 feet, our maneuver would have been several hundred feet.
The most interesting encounter was a large van with New York license plates coming up from Animas Forks. Not lifted, no four wheel drive, street tires. During my conversation with the driver he indicated he had no idea where he was going but was really enjoying the scenery. I strongly encouraged him to turn around as soon as he found room or we would be reading about him in the paper! I hope he heeded the advice.
Nothing of note for the remainder of the run, just an annoying bumpy road! We got back to the Whistle Stop a little later than planned, but a great day with a great group!
