I’m posting this little message from my AT&T Tilt using a new software application called moBlog. Now I can post to my blog more easily when I am out and about 
If you have a Windows Mobile device, you can check it out here.
Amanda and I spent part of our day today taking the tour of the Colorado National Monument. Even thought it was pretty windy and there were a lot of rain clouds overhead, we had a great time. We certainly didn’t see everything, but since it’s practically in our backyard, I’m sure we will be spending more time exploring the Monument in the future
Here’s a few pictures from today.
Ute Canyon
Tunnel we found that went under the road
Amanda and I are heading out to visit the Colorado National Monument tomorrow, and since we plan on visiting a number of National Parks (Arches, Canyonlands, etc.) now that we live much closer, we figured it would be a good idea to pick up an annual pass. So I headed up to the Monument today and got one that is good for both of us. The America the Beautiful Pass should pay for itself in a very short time.
If you are interested in the pass, find out more information here and maybe pick one up for yourself!
That’s right, I finally had a chance to get my Taurus 24/7 Pro out to the range here in Grand Junction. I put about 200 rounds through it without any problems.
The accuracy was good and it felt very good in my hand. The trigger pull was very nice, too.
So far I am very happy with this handgun. Here’s a few pictures
The range.
Gear
24/7 Pro .45
On another note, the UpLULA Universal Pistol Magazine Loader works great and saves your thumb. I would highly recommend this product.
It is so nice being able to get out and do some exploring after work for a few hours or so. The sky was overcast today, so the pictures didn’t come out too well, but here’s a few pics from today.
With clearer skys, there should be some good views of the Grand Mesa from this area
Chicken Corners (Moab, Utah)
Chicken Corners trail starts at Hurrah Pass and then gradually winds it’s way down to the Colorado River which it follows for a while with some great views.
Most of this trail is easy, but there are a few rocky spots that might require a high clearance 4×4 vehicle. After running this trail you can also access Lockhart Basin on your way back if you are interested in making this trail part of a multi-day trip.
Dead Horse State Park is located directly across the Colorado River from the end of this trail. There is a very narrow footpath at the end of this trail, but I certainly was not brave enough to try it.
Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Chicken Corners below.
Chicken Corners KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)
Open file above in Google Earth.
Cinnamon Pass (Silverton, Colorado)
Cinnamon Pass is part of the famous Alpine Loop when combined with Engineer Pass. This loop is a ‘must do’ trail for anyone visiting the San Juan Mountains. Cinnamon Pass is the easier of the two trails in the loop and can easily be traversed by any stock 4×4 with decent ground clearance.
This trail is a very relaxing drive with spectacular scenery. This pass tops out at an elevation of 12,640 feet and offers a nice view of the switchbacks heading back down into the valley after the pass.
When you are done with the Alpine Loop and end back up at Animas Forks, there are a number of other trails that you can follow from there including California Pass and Placer Gulch. Or you can just head back to Silverton and wander around that interesting town.
Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Cinnamon Pass below.
Cinnamon Pass KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)
Open file above in Google Earth.
Onion Creek (Moab, Utah)
Onion Creek is a very scenic ride that pretty much any 4×4 vehicle can handle. At the start of the trail there are a bunch of creek crossings. If it has recently rained, be careful because the crossings can get high. The trail often washes out and flash flooding is possible.
Driving this trail is very relaxing and winds it’s way through a beautiful deep-cut canyon with plenty of opportunities for photographs. There are also a number of campsites along the trail if you are looking for a place to spend the night.
When you are done exploring Onion Creek, you can head North on highway 128 for less than a mile and turn right to head to Fisher Towers.
Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Onion Creek below.
Onion Creek KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)
Open file above in Google Earth.
California Pass (Silverton, Colorado)
California Pass is one of the many high passes in the San Juan Mountains that offers excellent views. The trail is not very difficult unless you have a fear of heights. Most stock 4×4 vehicles should be able to handle this trail without any issues. This pass tops out at an elevation of 12,930 feet.
This trail can have snow late into the summer which can cause the trail to be a bit muddy as it melts. Near the pass there are a few tight switchbacks and shelf roads that must be navigated. After travelling over the pass, you are greeted with an excellent view of Lake Como.
Don’t forget to check out Animas Forks ghost town before you head up California Gulch. After finishing this trail, you can continue on a number of trails including Corkscrew Pass and Poughkeepsie Gulch.
Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from California Pass below.
California Pass KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)
Open file above in Google Earth.
It’s really nice having a great view from our backyard, so here’s a few more pictures from this evening.
Colorado River & Grand Mesa
Colorado River, City of GJ and Book Cliffs in the background
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