After we returned to the La Salle project, we took a day trip to Mount Evans which is west of Denver.
It was 15 miles from the entrance of the park to the summit. Although it was paved, it was a narrow, two-lane road filled with pot holes, frost heaves, edges breaking off with no shoulders in most areas and hair pin curves.
Unfortunately it was a cloudy day. Half way to the top we experienced a short burst of heavy sleet. The temperature was 42 degrees so the sleet melted rather quickly. At 11,540 feet there have been 160 acres set aside for research and protection of the bristlecone pine tree which grows twisted for a stronger foundation against extreme winds.
From the top at 14,130 feet we could look out over the surrounding mountain ranges and could even make out Denver in the distance.
When you arrive at the parking area on top, you can hike another quarter of a mile on a very rocky and uneven trail.
We had planned to do the hike, but after walking a portion of the way Allan felt it was too dangerous for me as I might fall and land on my bionic knee. The wind was blowing rather strongly which made it feel much cooler. In 1979 a fire destroyed the Crest House restaurant which was not rebuilt, but some of the rock walls remain standing.
The picture shows the rain clouds around us. It looks like we are at the same level as the clouds.
In this alpine tundra the weather is harsh with a cold and dry environment it experiences intense sunlight and high winds.
The only animal we sighted was a marmot who stood up and posed for us.
While we were on the trail Allan got a picture of this flower. You wonder how it could thrive in this harsh weather.
After leaving Mount Evans we stopped at a McDonalds in Idaho Springs for a drink and potty break. On returning to our Jeep we found a problem. The car would not start. We were able to get a jump start from a wrecker service so our next stop was Wal-Mart for a new battery. Praise the Lord it was an easy fix. .
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