Don't blindly trust Google maps...
As expected, Colorado's on fire again this summer. There's a growing one just south of here in Ouray (Galt's Gultch). https://app.watchduty.org/i/105034 Mandatory evacuations, etc are going on.
Here's the alternate route from Ouray to Telluride from Google or Apple maps. Looks good, an hour or a little longer drive. Route 1 Jeep road over Imogene Pass, 13114' - difficulty 7. Route 2 Jeep road over Black Bear Pass, 12840' - difficulty mostly 6 but stair steps 8.5.
I lived in Ouray for 6 years, motorcycle over, piece of cake, been riding for 50+ yrs. In a 4 wheeler or Jeep, I'd never go near there. Don't get me wrong, those roads are some of most spectacular drives you'll ever experience. A 1 thousand feet above tree line is unbelievable, the terrain, the views. Take you breath away up there literally and figuratively.
Last photo is from 2001 in late July near top of Imogene, snow bank next to us was still 15' high.
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Tomorrow morning I go in to the spine clinic. I'm nervous about the possibility of what I'll learn. Pray for peace of mind.
I love living in a non-shithole country, where I can buy fireworks at Costco alongside my $5 rotisserie chicken. We'll still purchase some of the big stuff from one of the many local fireworks stands that have popped up the past week.
I enlisted the help of my children to line our driveway with 250 American flags. Still waiting on my patriotic t-shirts to all arrive. 🇺🇸
