We used our older (and not updated) GPS for directions. We didn't have an address - so we just found something in Telluride and hit GO! The GPS began directing us to Telluride. (Mistake #1)
We noticed that it was about 40 miles per the GPS...but would take about 1.5 hours. We thought the GPS was just wrong on the time. (Mistake #2)
We drove for about 20 miles and were instructed to make a left on Hermosa Park road. The road wasn't there - there was construction and so we passed by the road. The GPS "recalculated." We ended up turning into Purgatory Ski Resort about .1 miles away. (Mistake #3)
The GPS kept telling us to turn left within the ski resort. We didn't. We somehow ran into Hermosa Park road about 1 minute later. The GPS "recalculated" and told us to continue for 18 miles. (Mistake #4)
April checks her phone GPS - the directions are a little different...but, seem to take us the same way. (Mistake #5)
It was a gravel road up the mountain. We felt a little safe since another car was driving up right in front of us. (Mistake #6)
About 2 miles up the road - the other car pulls off to take pictures. We continue. (Mistake #7)
We wind round and round on the almost 1 lane road. About 3 miles in we pass a Trout Stream. We see people and cars. We feel safe. (Mistake #8)
A truck with a trailer drives at us the opposite direction. We feel safe. Others are driving on the road. (Mistake #9)
I hear a noise that sounds like I'm dragging something. I stop. I get out. I look. Yep. Dragging a stick. I remove the stick. I laugh at how dirty the van has become on the dirt road. April gets out and takes a picture. We continue. (Mistake #10)
We continue winding down the mountain. We see water running off the road on the left and I casually say, "Gosh I hope the water doesn't get any higher. What if it crossed over the road?" We laugh. (Mistake #11)
We say - No...there would be a road closed sign. (Mistake #12)
About .5 mile up....the road is covered in water. Oops. I guess we jinxed ourselves. We drive closer to see if we can turn around before the water. Nope. I almost have an anxiety attack. April stays calm. We laugh. We decide to reverse slowly. April remembers (thank goodness) a green grass area that should be big enough to turn around in. So...I SLOWLY back up. Very slowly. It's a little curvy and I don't want to get too close to the edge and the water. Of course there are some big rocks on the other side that I must avoid. I back up for about 100 yards. We find the grassy area. I'm afraid it may be too soft and I don't want to get stuck...so I get out to test it out. Thank goodness the grassy area is hard as a rock. We put a quick game plan on how to turn around...and I do it. No issues. Thank goodness! We have now turned around and begin our 15 mile trek back up and down the mountain, laughing the entire way. Mine was kind of a relieved laugh into a hysterical laugh. Whew. First stop...$5 car wash. No drying needed - we just needed to get the mud/dirt/dust off the van. Next stop...downtown Durango to shop.
I just MapQuested the directions. The Shortest Time takes us a different way...pretty much AROUND the mountain. Highway driving the whole time. I select Shortest Distance. The GPS directions appear. And...in BIG RED WARNINGS on the Hermosa Park Road step - there is a warning that says, "Road Closed Seasonally: Oct 1 - June 30."
Oops. the GPS didn't give us that warning.
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| Our view and our gravel road. |
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| My dirty van. |
2 comments:
We had lots of great moments on our trip...this however was a memorable highlight. One that we can laugh about now!! :)
Hi Dawn., Nice blog! How to add the Glitter Effect Mouse Pointer to your Blog
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