Over Tuesday and Wednesday my Beloved and I decided to tackle the area near Mount Sneffels and explore the wilderness of the Yankee Boy Basin.
It was no easy task to get there as Highway 50 was closed and we were told by the Colorado State Patrol to detour well out of or way. We elected to wait at Blue Mesa Reservoir until it opened. It was gorgeous and I worked on my macro photography, walked the shore and hung out on the docks.
After getting back on the road, we were stopped numerous times as serious road work was being conducted.
The frequency of stops and thier long durations set us back considerably, resulting in disgruntled people by the multiple dozens.
To deescalate some angry drivers that were geting out pf their cars, I brought personality and a few laughs to the convoy.
Because I will probably be on someone’s social media feed, I will turn myself in with a short clip of it all.
One would hope my boss does not see this. (I will try to pawn it off as effective communication)
Yankee Boy Basin Road, the final part of our drive, was no joke. There was a deadly drop off and one lane as seen in this clip.
We were also surprised to find that we could not make the final part of the drive and we would have to walk the road to get to the trail head.
Our arrival to the sign left us without much daylight to work with and we were forced to change plans. Using a paid subscription to All Trails to link to satellites without cell service, we found a trail head that linked directly to the one we were aiming for so we could be found if something happened. (I had texted numerous people where we would be as we were in a wilderness area)
At 12,000 feet above sea level, there is still snow, no trees and while not below freezing, the wind cut right through us.
Parts of the trail required us to walk over snow that had rushing water underneath.
While we understand these to be particularly dangerous, we are done with them for a long while. My Beloved fell in thigh-deep and we don’t want to play with those kinds of traps anymore.
Exhausted from the additional four-wheel-drive road miles and the snow, we backtracked and made camp near Wright Lake.
Morning brought a whole new mindset and we started fresh, purifying water, making coffee and oatmeal and exploring.
Well, that concludes part 1 of our adventure! I will see you soon with part 2!
Author: Benjamin
Benjamin Thiel is a community leader, urban farmer, and author of The Ongoing Tale at Brothers Campfire. He might know a guy...
The photos are amazing. Happy Anniversary!
Thank you Kritika! How is your life going?
Wow. Very effective de-escalation communication tactic, I’m sure.
I am glad you took away the most important parts of this post. Meaningful conversation is paramount.
That is quite an adventure! I’m surprised there are roads in the U.S. like that without any guardrails.
Ha ha! Was the road Un American?
The road up Pikes Peak did not have gaurd rails for years. I am not sure if it does now.
Good point. They even race on that road.
I have only been on the road once. I have hiked the trail on both main sides twice.
P.S. Happy Anniversary!
Thank you Salsa World Traveler!
You are a funny guy 😄 and brave for driving on that edge 😳 Happy anniversary ⚘
Thank you Krista! It was a scary road!
That’s beautiful, adorable and funny at the same time !
Congratulations to you both and happy anniversary !
Thank you Jaskiers! We had a great time!
Happy Anniversary. Thank you for sharing amazing moments!
Thank you, there is part 2 coming soon! Have a beautiful day, Hao Hao!
Ugh that high end road footage, ya just ceased my interest. 😬😳But glad you enjoyed yourselves 👍
It was a long way down, Matt! There were a lot of places we thought to turn back but we chose to soldier on! I am fortunate my Beloved is into the backpacking scene.
I would imagine if she wasn’t you wouldn’t be camping lol
Ha ha! No doubt!
What an adventure and what an anniversary celebration? Stay well. Allan
I am fortunate that I have such an understanding wife! Perhaps Part 2 will cheer things up!
Wow, what an adventure, love it! Yes, your beloved is an amazing person! You both will always remember the details of your 17th anniversary vividly! Glad He kept His arms around you both!
Thank you! We need to go camping this year, Auntie!
You’re welcome, nephew! I am so ready, we need to start planning it soon! Thanks!
Guess I saw this backwards.
But it’s still wonderful. Venture on!
Nature is a stress-buster. 🙂
Thank you!
I’m so silly
Happy Anniversary! 🌹🌹
Thank you Terveen! I appreciate the flowers!
Happy Anniversary! 👍👏
Thank you! What did you think of the adventure?
I love hiking but I cannot drive on a road like that or even walk too near steep drop offs. I can traverse snow fields but do not like doing it. I am always the wimpiest one on any hike!
Perhaps you are the wisest on any hike.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you Mariana Goiveia!
You could do a lot worse spending time together in such a beautiful place! It’s crazy how time flies, and how you can revisit what you loved about her in the first place. It’s like you are the same people who started a journey, and you aren’t. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading! We grow as we go!
Keep growing. Keep going!
Absolutely!
Man that was a hell of a adventure you are amazing spending you special day in a special place
Thanks Day Dreamer!
Oh my that is scary I think I would have walked lol. Love your adventures thanks for sharing!
It was a sketchy drive for sure! We were not expecting to have to walk extra!
How long did it take. To get off that road.?
Perhaps half an hour? Not much.
Oh that’s not bad. But I’m sure it felt longer.
It felt like a long time!
That’s why I would have walked along ng the vehicle. Lol
It would have been a long walk with cars going both ways!
Yes t would I’m sure
Happy Anniversary! May God continue bless your life together and grant you plenty of joy and laughter! sending you both love!
Thank you Cassa Bassa! You are a blessing to have at the Campfire!
To top it up, I will bring marshmallows when I come around. 🤠
Yay!!!!
17 years is amazing, congratulations!
Thank you, Petra!
Happy Anniversary and love the adventurous life.
Thank you! Some of it comes on accident!