The Post traveled to the top of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, 11,800 feet, well above the timberline, with Mary Ann Misner and John Cornell, both of Cedar Springs. This was part of their two and a half week trip exploring the Rocky Mountain region – from Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, to Salt Lake City, Utah, to northern Red Lodge, Montana, to Durango, Colorado.

They drove over several mountain passes that were above 10,000 feet, including the million dollar highway of Durango through the mining towns of Silverton and Ouary. One of the hightlights of the trip was watching a horseback rider and two dogs on top of a mountain above the timberline in northern Wyoming, herding a large herd of sheep (approximately 500) across the road in front of them. They also saw wild mustangs in Montana before traveling over Bear Tooth Pass into Yellowstone National Park, and about 200 buffalo in the park. Arches National Park was also beautiful, with the evening sun shining on the arches.

The most dangerous part of the trip was dealing with a herd of free range cattle in the middle of the road after dark. Unlike our Michigan deer, their eyes didn’t shine in the headlights and they didn’t dash out of the way. The cattle have the right-of-way there, and if you hit one you have to pay the rancher. The cattle seemed to know this. At night time, they recommend driving slowly or not at all, if you ever have the chance to visit free range country in this beautiful area. 

Thanks so much for taking us with you!

Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to news@cedarspringspost.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!