“The East Portal Road is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The road is paved and two-way, but windy and steep. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on the East Portal Road. In a few places, the road is a 16% grade; vehicles should be in low gear on the road to avoid burning out the brakes. The road is closed in winter, typically from November to April. Allow 1-2 hours for a leisurely tour.”
~From the National Park Service

Welcome to the second half of our day at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Please see my previous video if you would like to see the incredible overlooks along the South Rim, it is beautiful!

In this little movie, we take the steep, and in places very narrow, winding road to the bottom of East Portal Road in order to get a glimpse of the Gunnison River and its surrounding scenery. It is truly amazing as I always seem to say, in person. In fact, this was one of those places where when I got to the bottom, I found myself to be a little weepy. Unprovoked tears are the best kind to have when you are blessed with the privilege of seeing such landscapes for the first time.

I highly recommend taking this drive, and seeing what there is to see at the bottom, although the drive itself is purely for the joy of doing it, and reveals some pretty darn good scenery. I very much enjoyed this entire park, from beginning to end, and seeing and capturing on camera the silver back bear absolutely put an exclamation point on my day! Please note there is camping within the park, but it is dry camping only.

So much of what we saw on this trip was a first time for me, and once you are introduced to such an experience, you kinda want more of it. That my friends, can be very addictive. To be surprised, moved, and motivated by such things, apart from and above and beyond any kind of material possessions, is the kind of souvenir you store in your heart, not on a shelf. Or a closet, or wherever you like to put all your stuff. Stuff sucks. Well, most of it. I mean, I like “things” that are useful and beneficial, or provide some sort of comfort or perhaps a little beauty, like art or flowers. I love flowers. Anyway… still recovering here from my fall so don’t mind my (mild-non narcotic, thank you) pain-medication induced musings.😁

I hope you liked this two part movie, on the next one we’re heading to Glenwood Springs. Well, Silt, actually, but the KOA there seems to want to consider themselves part of Glenwood Springs, even though they are 20 minutes away. This was our least favorite of all the campgrounds we stayed at, and was very utilitarian. The campground itself is ok, nice and clean, don’t get me wrong. But a view of the gas station, the train and the freeway were off putting and can you say, major grasshopper infestation? But, this location did provide for an incredible day trip and one very unforgettable and fantastic meal. And amazing martinis… But for now, enjoy the movie, and I’ll catch ya next time!♥️

свернуть