Grand Junction, CO

We intended to tour this area 2 years ago but chickened out because the pickup was acting up, going spastic at high altitudes.  That problem seems to have gone away, so here we are, camped at Colorado River SP/Island Acres Recreation Area for 7 days.

Artie, dog tired from his navigation efforts, takes a well deserved break.

Our trip planning software threw us a curve on the location of this campground, indicated it was right on the edge of town - which is where we wanted to be for quick access to pickleball venues, bike trails, stores and good cell phone service.  Instead, it's 18 miles north of town.  Bummer.

Grand Junction is where the Gunnison River flows into the Colorado River.  The area has dramatic geological features, some of which are visible from our campground.  The 'biggie' is Colorado National Monument, which has beautiful rock formations.  So, you can look forward to even more pictures of rocks - although by now you're probably thinking good grief; enough already with the blankety blank rocks!

These bluffs, across the Colorado River from where we're camped, 

look very similar to those in WA state where the Columbia River carved its path.

Both Rivers used to have massive flows and caused much flooding but have now been tapped and sapped into placid pussycats.  The rich soil of the former flood plains, both here and in WA, now support lush vineyards and orchards.  Today, we'll be stopping at a local fruit stand for fresh cherries and peaches and whatever else looks especially appealing.