Category Archives: iPhoneography

GERMANY – Munich Churches, Day 5 #bavaria

Munich

Day 5 – Churches

It was another beautify day in Munich.  We had a nice lunch at  Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant to start.  The open-air beer gardens are pretty fantastic.  A great place to pause for a bit so as to take your time and relax while you tour the city on foot.  Must keep hydrated.

You never know what you are going to encounter or what will be around the next corner…unless you peak on Google Maps.

The street musicians were entertaining.  Sadly, this is the only one I took video of.

We were all over the city center this day touring the beautiful churches.  The architecture was simply stunning – both inside and out.

Church of Our Dear Lady

Church of Our Dear Lady
photo credit – https://www.muenchen.de

The Frauenkirche (Full name: German: Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau, English: Cathedral of Our Dear Lady) is a church in the Bavarian city of Munich that serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freisingand seat of its Archbishop. It is a landmark and is considered a symbol of the Bavarian capital city.

The church towers are widely visible because of local height limits. According to the narrow outcome of a local plebiscite, city administration prohibits buildings with a height exceeding 99 m in the city center. Since November 2004, this prohibition has been provisionally extended outward and as a result, no buildings may be built in the city over the aforementioned height. The south tower which is normally open to those wishing to climb the stairs, will, on completion of its current renovation, offer a unique view of Munich and the nearby Alps. -wikipedia

Short organ clip – Church of Our Dear Lady

Each church had their own policy on photographs.  Even when not permitted, it was hard not to snap at least one…or two as it were.  I wish I would have recorded more of the organ playing.  It was pretty amazing and filled the entire 200,000 m³ volume of the cathedral.

St. Johann Nepomuk

Asam's Church
photo credit – https://www.muenchen.de
St. Johann Nepomuk, better known as the Asam Church (German: Asamkirche), is a Baroque church in Munich, southern Germany, built from 1733 to 1746 by the brothers, sculptor Egid Quirin Asam, and painter Cosmas Damian Asam as their private church. It is considered to be one of the most important buildings of the southern German Late Baroque.
The church was built without an order, as a private chapel for the greater glory of God and for the salvation of the builders. This allowed the brothers also to build in line with the ideas of independent contractors. So for example Egid Quirin Asam could watch the altar through a window of his private house next to the church (Asamhaus). Egid Quirin Asam designed the church as Beichtkirche (confession church) for the youth. So the small church has seven confessionals with allegorical scenes. – wikipedia
The front of the church blends in nicely to the homes on either side.  This was the smallest church we toured.  It was arguably the most colorful and ornate in my opinion.  The ceiling alone was so magnificent.

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter's Chruch
photo credit – https://www.muenchen.de

Before the foundation of Munich as a city in 1158, there had been a pre-Merovingian church on this site. 8th century monks lived around this church on a hill called Petersbergl. At the end of the 12th century a new church in the Bavarian Romanesque style was consecrated, and expanded in Gothic style shortly before the great fire in 1327, which destroyed the building.

After its reconstruction the church was dedicated anew in 1368. In the early 17th century the 91 meter spire received its Renaissance steeple top and a new Baroque choir was added.

The parish church of Saint Peter, whose 91 meters high tower is commonly known as “Alter Peter” – Old Pete – and which is emblematic of Munich, is the oldest recorded parish church in Munich and presumably the originating point for the whole city.
-wikipedia

This church is massive; I cannot imagine this built hundreds of years ago.  It would be a marvel today with modern equipment!  So much artistry, craftsmanship and talent.

*Link to photos of grave inscriptions on the outside of the church.

Church of the Holy Spirit

church of the holy spirit
photo credit – https://www.muenchen.de

It was remodelled in 1724–30 by Johann Georg Ettenhofer (de) (vaults, renovation of pillars); in the interior are Rococo frescoes and stucco ornament by the Asam brothers. After the demolition of the hospice buildings in 1885, Franz Lšwel added three bays at the west end of the church and gave it a Neo-Baroque facade. The church suffered severe damage during World War II and its interior furnishings were largely destroyed; extensive rebuilding and restoration was carried out after the war.  The interior of the church was renovated in 1991. – wikipedia

This massive church is directly adjacent to Viktualienmarkt (more on that later).  Most of these churches in/near the city center sustained significant damage during WWII.  Unless it was pointed out, it was almost impossible to ascertain what had been damaged.  The vaulted ceilings, columns and frescoes in this church were wonderful.

St. Michael’s Church

St. Michael's
photo credit – https://www.muenchen.de

The church was built by William V, Duke of Bavaria between 1583–97 as a spiritual center for the Counter Reformation. The foundation stone was laid in 1585.

In order to realize his ambitious plans for the church and the adjoining college, Duke William had 87 houses in the best location pulled down, ignoring the protests of the citizens. The church was erected in two stages. In the first stage (1583–88), the church was built by the model of Il Gesù in Rome and given a barrel-vaulted roof by an unknown architect, the vault being the largest in the world apart from that of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, spanning freely more than 20 meters.

When the church was built, there were doubts about the stability of the vaulting. But it was the tower that collapsed in 1590, destroying the just completed quire. Duke William V took it as a bad omen and so planned to build a much larger church. The second phase of construction continued until the consecration of the church in 1597. Friedrich Sustris built on to the undamaged nave a new quire and a transept and a magnificent facade. -wikipedia

This church was quite large as well, but very much different in design having significantly less barrel vaults in the ceiling.  St. Michael is the first renaissance church north of the Alps. It was trend-setting for the baroque church building in southern Germany.  The main altar was pretty amazing; they all were in every church though.

We had another beer break a little later in the afternoon at what became a favorite stop of ours – Hackerhaus.  Cold refreshing beer and terrific food.  The yellow jackets are not very nice here – or anywhere in Munich.  Cover your beer and don’t mess with them; otherwise someone is liable to get stung.  So sorry Megan.

The history of the firm dates back to the 15th century. The brewery was known as “Prew im Haggenviertel” until the 18th century. On 16 August 1738, brewer Simon Hacker acquired the brewery and gave it its new name – “Hackerbräu” – the Hacker Brewery. – http://www.hackerhaus.de/

Dinner at Weinhaus Neuner

The 15th century townhouse owned by the family since 1892 is the the oldest weinhaus in the Munich.  It was a beautiful evening and we ate outside.  My apologies for the marginal iPhone photos, but you will get the gist of it.  We started with a Watermelon Gazpacho soup – wow, that was amazing.  The Wiener Schnitzel, Fried Potatoes (not pictured) with Lingonberry-Horesradisch Cream was so delicious.  The Pear-Bacon-Cabbage Ravioli was very unique and absolutely out of this world as was the Truffled Chicken Pie.  Desert – oh my – Lavender creme brûlée with marinated pears and sugar crust and raspberry sorbet.  I do not recall what all the cheeses where, but the Sweet and Spicy Fig Mustard Glaze that came with it was a hit.  It turns out that the chef was from Austin, TX, the same city our travel companions live in.  Small world.  To cap of the evening our amazing waiter poured us a round of peach schnapps not available on the menu; brought out for special occasions.  We were celebrating our travel companions recent marriage.  Perfect end to another incredible day in Munich.

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GERMANY – Munich, Day 4b #bavaria

Munich

Day 4b – English GardenMunich Trip 2018

Our trek to the English Garden continued after our 1/2 liter of beer and respite at Augustiner Klosterwirt.  The green-space in Munich was pretty amazing; even more wonderful is the fact that much of that space contain beer gardens!

Hofgarten and Diana Tempel

This garden was adjacent to the English Garden.  The landscape maintenance in Munich must employee a lot of people.  Most every place we visited had beautiful flowers and well-maintained grounds.

The garden was built in 1613–1617 by Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria as an Italian style Renaissance garden. In the center of the garden is a pavilion for the goddess Diana, built in 1615 by Heinrich Schön the elder.  -wikipedia

Bayerische Staatskanzlei – State Government Office

We passed by this magnificent structure on way to the English Garden.  So much glass you’d think it was a green house of sorts.  Beautiful building to conduct government business from.

The Bavarian State Chancellery is serving as the executive office of the Minister-President as head of government. The agency’s primary function is to assist the Minister-President in coordinating the activities of the Bavarian State Government, similar to the German Chancellery on federal level. – wikipedia

English Garten

The  English Garden is a large public park in the centre of Munich, Bavaria, stretching from the city centre to the northeastern city limits. It was created in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson (1753–1814), later Count Rumford (Reichsgraf von Rumford), for Prince Charles Theodore, Elector of Bavaria. Thompson’s successors, Reinhard von Werneck (1757–1842) and Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell (1750–1823), advisers on the project from its beginning, both extended and improved the park.

With an area of 1.4 sq mi (910 acres), the English Garden is one of world’s largest urban public parks.  – wikipedia

Surfing in English Garden

Monopteros in English Garden

A Monpteros is a circular colonnade supporting a roof but without any walls.  Unlike a tholos (in its wider sense as a circular building), it does not have a cella (inner chamber).
-wikipedia

A few more photos from around the garden.  The beverage bottles atop the trash can initially appeared to be there as there was no recycling receptacle near by.  After further consideration and discussion, it may also be that they are placed on top of trash receptacles so they would not have to be dug out of the trash.  Recycling pays in Germany.  In fact, Germany leads the EU in recycling.  Nicely done.  Great beer, pretzels and recycling program – the list continues to grow.

Beer gardens

With 7,000 spots, the beer garden in the English Garden, right by the Chinese Tower, is Munich’s second largest. This distinctive pagoda is approx. 75 feet high and is based on a design from 1789.

Another beer garden is located on Kleinhesseloher Lake. From the first ray of sunshine, all benches are quickly taken. The associated Restaurant Seehaus is open year-round and offers sophisticated local fare. ~muechen.de

We had dinner at Biergarten am Kleinhesseloher See.  We were pretty spent at this point.  It was another warm day of walking around Munich (approximately 12 miles).  I have no photos of the food which mean I was pretty tired and hungry.  After dinner we began walking back towards the hotel and hailed the first taxi that came into view.

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GERMANY – Munich, Day 4a #bavaria

Munich

Day 4a – Glyptothek & Staatliche Antikensammlung

day 4 mpa

 

 

 

 

 

 

We decided to stop by the Glyptothek and Staatliche Antikensammlung on our way to the Englischer Garten.  It was the second stop of many that day; only a mile into our journey.  Prior to that, of course we stopped at Augustiner Klosterwirt for a quick 1/2 liter of beer.

Augustiner Klosterwirt

Bicycle Traffic

A huge contrast to the USA; at least where we live, is the incredible amount of bicycle traffic.  It was odd to see a bunch of bicyclist stacked up at a traffic light or large numbers of bicycles parked everywhere you looked; sometimes in masses and sometimes just laying in the middle of the sidewalk.  Sometime you saw bikes that seem to have been partly run over.

 

You really need to pay attention when walking around.  If you hear a bicycle bell you best get out-of-the-way.  The bicycle lanes are next to the sidewalks; not partitioned off as part of the roadway like they are here in Minnesota.  For the most part, the smooth surface was the bike path and the cobble stone was the walk way.  We heard a few interesting phrases shouted in Germany by bicyclist – the meaning was quite clear even though we didn’t understand much of the language .  The variety of types of bicycles was interesting as well.  I began counting the number of red scooters I met and quickly gave up – they were everywhere.

Glyptothek

The Glyptothek was commissioned by the Crown Prince (later King) Ludwig I of Bavaria alongside other projects, such as the neighboring Königsplatz and the building which houses the State Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, as a monument to ancient Greece. He envisioned a “German Athens”, in which the ancient Greek culture would be remembered; he had this built in front of the gates of Munich. The Glyptothek is Munich’s oldest public museum. – wikipedia

The exterior of the building looks the part – German Athens.

Glyptothek

The Laocoon and His Sons statue just outside the door is an interesting combination of white marble and pigments by Fabio Viale

Here are some other photos from inside.  There is so much here to see here; if in Munich, this is very interesting to see.

Staatliche Antikensammlung

The neo-classical building at Königsplatz with Corinthian columns was established in 1848 as counterpart to the opposite Glyptothek and commissioned by the Bavarian King Ludwig I. The architect was Georg Friedrich Ziebland. Already from 1869 to 1872 the building housed the royal antiquarium before the Munich Secession resided here from 1898 to 1912. From 1919 the building contained the New State Gallery. The museum building was severely damaged by bombing in World War II but was reconstructed and reopened to the public in the late 1960s to display the State Collection of Antiques. – wikipedia

Here are a few photos of some on the pieces on display.  Most items are behind glass witch makes photographing them tough.  You really have to see this place in person to truly appreciate the art and the totality of the collection.

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GERMANY – Munich, Day 3 #bavaria

Munich

We selected Le Meridian hotel because it was one of very few that had AC.  It’s close proximity to the Munich Hauptbahnhof (transportation station) was an obvious plus as well.  This was important given our plans for day trips outside of Munich by rail travel.  The added bonus was the convenience stores and food vendors.  Each morning, breakfast was a short walk away.  The pretzel with butter and sliced Camembert cheese was an instant favorite and breakfast for most of the week.  At €2.70 it was hard to beat.  Pair that with a hot cup of coffee or even a beer and you are set for the morning.

Day 3 -Bayerstraße Stroll –
Marienplatz & Glockenspiel

Munich Trip 2018

Our first full day in Munich.  We made our way along Bayerstraße toward Marienplatz to see Rathaus-Glockenspiel.  Marienplatz is the central square in Old Town.  The magnificent neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus is absolutely stunning to experience in person.

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel of Munich is a tourist attraction in Marienplatz, the heart of Munich.

Part of the second construction phase of the New Town Hall, it dates from 1908. Every day at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century to the amusement of mass crowds of tourists and locals. It consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures.

The top half of the Glockenspiel

It tells the story of the marriage of the local Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine. In honor of the happy couple there is a joust with life-sized knights on horseback representing Bavaria and Lothringen . The Bavarian knight wins every time, of course.

The bottom half of the Glockenspiel

Tells the second story: Schäfflertanz . According to myth, 1517 was a year of plague in Munich. The coopers are said to have danced through the streets to “bring fresh vitality to fearful dispositions.” The coopers remained loyal to the duke, and their dance came to symbolize perseverance and loyalty to authority through difficult times. By tradition, the dance is performed in Munich every seven years. This was described in 1700 as “an age-old custom”, but the current dance was defined only in 1871. The dance can be seen during Fasching.

The whole show lasts somewhere between 12 and 15 minutes long depending on which tune it plays that day. At the very end of the show, a very small golden rooster at the top of the Glockenspiel chirps quietly three times, marking the end of the spectacle. – wikipedia

There is so much to see in and around the town center.  It is very much alive with activity, tourist and locals alike.  The Town Hall itself was spectacular; very ornate.  There is quite a variety of gargoyles all over the structure.  The sculptures and fountains in the square were quite interesting as well.

Early dinner at Kilian’s Irish Pub.  The food was wonderful.  The salad was Baked Goats Cheese and Figs with Rocket and Baby Spinach, with blanched Asparagus, Mixed Olives, Sun-dried Tomatoes with Balsamic Dressing.  The Gnocchi was prepared with Sauteed Spinach in a Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Sauce with Goats Cheese and Toasted Pine Nuts.

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GERMANY – Munich, Day 1 – 2 #bavaria

Munich

Day 1 – Travel Day

Munich Trip 2018The flight to Munich – MSP to ATL 2h 31m; ATL to MUC 9h 13m.  It’s always a long travel day to Europe from Minnesota.  Our 46m layover in ATL was barely sufficient.  Thankfully our flight from MSP landed at the same concourse that our flight to MUC was departing from; albeit at the opposite ends of the concourse, we arrived at the gate as the departing flight began to board – yay!

The gates at the MUC airport were like island in a sea of asphalt.  After deplaning you congregate in a “holding area” of sorts and wait for a bus to bring you to the terminal.  This felt a bit cattle-esque.  It was warm and humid with no AC.  Thankfully dragging our luggage around and waiting in line to clear customs didn’t take too long.  The excitement of landing and finally arriving in Germany carried us through the exhaustion for the plane ride.  We only had a 45 minute train ride to our hotel near the city center.  Thankfully we could check in early and crash for awhile.

Day 2 – Augustiner-Keller

After waking up from a post-flight-power-nap, we went in search of some local fare.  Augustiner-Keller is one of Munich’s oldest beer gardens.  It’s close proximity to our hotel made this an easy choice.Munich Trip 2018

The delicious Bavarian food, tasty beer and a great atmosphere make this a wonderful place have dinner.  The Augustiner-Keller beer garden is quite large.  It seats 5,000!  This is quite a bit different that what we are used to in the USA at fairs, town celebrations, etc.  This beer garden is under the canopy of 100 Chestnut trees instead of tents.  This was the first of many beer garden experiences.  Our first exposure to the beer garden culture in Germany was fantastic.  We ate at the actual restaurant and where there is a larger menu.  We sat outside which is slight elevated from, but directly adjacent to the beer garden seating.   There is a limited menu available  from kitchens around the perimeter of the beer garden as well.

A perfect end to a very long day 2 of travel and first day in country.  Stay tuned for more post on our Germany trip.

 

 

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GERMANY – Murnau, Day 9 #bavaria

Murnau am Staffelsee

Murnau am Staffelsee is a market town in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the Oberbayern region of Bavaria, Germany.  The market originated in the 12th century around Murnau Castle. Murnau is on the edge of the Bavarian Alps, about 70 kilometres (43 mi) south of Munich. Directly to its west is the Staffelsee lake and to the south are the peaks and ridges of the Ammergauer Alps.  ~wikipedia

Munich Train

We very much enjoyed our trip to Murnau.  A very cozy community with the Alps as a backdrop.  We traveled there on a Sunday by train from Munich.  Unfortunately a lot of shops where closed.  I would have loved to see the local bakery and butcher shops.  The ice cream shop was open and had quite the crowd surrounding it.  There was what appeared to be the local brown fuzzy town dog doing his rounds.  No owner immediately identifiable.  Perhaps it was combing the street for any ice cream accidents.  Nothing says happiness like a small child with an ice cream cone.  Little Girl Power was adorable.  Ice cream also makes this big kid smile.  I had the most fantastic pistachio ice cream.  Yum…happy.

Staffelsee was beautiful.  A very nice recreational lake with seven islands.  Access to those island is restricted to non-fuel-powered means; meaning you can only get there by swimming, sailing, rowing or surfing.  The ferry only stops at one of the island during the summer months to bring supplies to the campground there.

We took a ride around the lake on the MS Seehausen while enjoying a nice cold beer.

Lido BEACH & BURGER

There is a nice spot right on the lake to kick back and – yep, they serve cold beer.  Lido beach & burger serves a great burger too.  I am glad we hung around for a while and had a bite to eat as well.  The sunset was pretty amazing.  We met a very outgoing duck which we named Marge the Mallard.  A perfect day all around; a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of Munich.  It is hard to beat a day filled with adventure, great people, laughter and beer.  Prost!

Marge the Mallard

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GERMANY – Munich, Day 11 – 12

Munich, Day 11 – 12

Our last  full two days in Munich were spent continuing our leisurely exploration of sites in the city.  We made another stop at Hacker Haus for lunch and there may have been a hornet incident incited by me; my apologies Megan.

Hacker Haus lunch – bees; the lunch was delicious.

Walk to the river

Isar River

Griechisch-Orthodoxe Salvatorkirche

Other misc. photos and dinner…again, delicous.

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MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY – Ouray #Colorado

MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY

Most of U.S. 550 in Colorado is two-lane mountainous highway.  It is one of only two north–south U.S. Highways in Colorado which runs west of the Continental Divide.  The section from Silverton to Ouray is frequently called the Million Dollar Highway.  -wikipedia

Though the entire stretch has been called the Million Dollar Highway, it is really the twelve miles south of Ouray through the Uncompahgre Gorge to the summit of Red Mountain Pass which gains the highway its name.  This stretch through the gorge is challenging and potentially hazardous to drive.  It is characterized by steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a lack of guardrails.  The ascent of Red Mountain Pass is marked with a number of hairpin curves used to gain elevation, and again, narrow lanes for traffic—many cut directly into the sides of mountains.  Large RVs travel in both directions, which adds a degree of excitement (or danger) to people in cars.  The road is open year-round. -wikipedia

The Million Dollar Highway is a thrill to travel.  The sweeping views and abrupt drop-offs are spectacular.  If you are afraid of heights, you should avoid this route or take a nap.  There are not many places to pull off and capture the beauty this route beholds.  We did manage to find a few spots.

Uncompahgre River

The Uncompahgre River is a tributary of the Gunnison River, approximately 75 mi long, in southwestern Colorado in the United States.  Lake Como at 12,215 ft in northern San Juan County, in the Uncompahgre National Forest in the northwestern San Juan Mountains is the headwaters of the river.  It flows northwest past Ouray, Ridgway, Montrose, and Olathe and joins the Gunnison at Confluence Park in Delta.  ~wikipedia

It had rained a fair bit the day before we traveled the Million Dollar Highway.  The runoff turned the river reddish-brown.

Uncompahgre River

Red Mountain No. 1, 2 & 3

Red Mountain

The San Juan Mountains are undoubtedly the most colorful mountains in Colorado.  Mineral deposits have created slopes that are red, orange, yellow, purple, silver, brown or black. These colors combine with the blue skies, white snow and the various shades of green that grow on the mountains to produce a dazzling kaleidoscope.  Red seems to be a recurring theme.  At least three such mountains aggregate near the “Red Mountain Pass” (11018 ft) on U.S. Route 550 that connects the towns of Montrose and Durango via Ouray and Silverton. The three mountains, unceremoniously named are Red Mountain #1 (12592 ft), Red Mountain #2 (12219 ft) and Red Mountain #3 (12890 ft) all of which are visible from the road (north of the pass). ~www.summitpost.org

June 25, 2003 - Looking east...

Commodore Gulch

Right along side the road in Commodore Gulch lives this beautiful unnamed little mountain stream.

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GUNNISON RIVER – Gunnison Gorge #Colorado

GUNNISON RIVER

The Gunnison River is formed by the confluence of Taylor and East rivers at Almont in eastern Gunnison County.  It winds through desert canyonlands, where it receives Kannah Creek before it empties out of the Dominguez Canyon into the Colorado in Grand Junction.

The Gunnison River ranges in width from 100 to 1,000 feet and 3 to 50 feet in depth.  The river’s powerful current and many rapids make upstream travel nearly impossible.  It is navigable for small craft throughout its course and by larger boats below the Black Canyon.  Parts of the Black Canyon are non-navigable to any sorts of craft because of giant cataracts.  Navigation through the entire canyon is dangerous and for experienced boaters only.

Through the mid-1800s, the river held various names.  Names included: The Eagle, Eagle Tail, South Fork of the Grand, Grande, and Grand River. Exploration reports and published maps in the 1850s and 1860s most commonly referred to the river as the Grand River. In subsequent years, the river was renamed for U.S. Army Captain John W. Gunnison.  He was one of the Topographic Engineers who was ambushed and killed by Pahvant Utes while mapping a trail west in Utah Territory in 1853. ~wikipedia

The target was to view the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.  We approached from the the north through Crawford on our way to Ouray.  There isn’t a “through-route” to speak of on the north side.  Just south of Crawford Reservoir, Black Canyon Road to the west that will get you to the North Rim area.  We continued on 92 heading south toward the river.  The views were spectacular.

Hermits Rest Picnic Area

Hermits Rest Picnic Area

Our first stop was at Hermits Rest Picnic Area.  From there you can see Morrow Point Reservoir.  There are restrooms here.  Here you will find Hermits Rest Trail down to the edge of the reservoir.  1800 feet down, then 1800 feet back up; approximately 6 miles round trip.  We continued on by car.

Pioneer Lookout Point

There are numerous areas along 92 to pull off.  There are only two areas with restrooms.  The second stop was Pioneer Lookout Point.  Here you can see Curecanti Needle, a 700-ft granite spire.

Curecanti Needle

There are several locations at this stop to take in the magnificent views.  Here you will find Curecanti Creek Trail that descends down to the river edge.  900 feet down, 900 feet up; approximately 4 miles round trip.

Highway 92 was an excellent way to see parts of the Gunnison River.  On a future return trip to the area I hope to visit the Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park in its entirety.  I would love to visit both the North Rim and South Rim.  The views (seen through Google images) of those two areas of the park look amazing.

Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park Map

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INDEPENDENCE PASS – Rocky Mountain High #Colorado

INDEPENDENCE PASS

Independence Pass was originally known as Hunter Pass.  It is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado in the United States. The elevation on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range is 12,095 ft. The pass is midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes, on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties.  State Highway 82 traverses it.  The is the highest elevation of a paved Colorado state highway on a through road.  ~wikipedia

Map of Independence Pass and Highway 82

The land around the summit is flattish, windswept, lonely, and covered by sparse vegetation of grass and delicate tundra plants – the treeline is a thousand feet lower down – and yet all around are higher mountains, especially to the south and east. Several shallow pools line the road around the pass, and patches of snow are likely to remain for most of the summer. There are no visitor facilities at the summit, just a large carpark and a short, paved loop path leading to two overlooks of Lake Creek valley and surrounding peaks.  A longer trail (2 miles) heads southwest, following the continental divide, to an unnamed peak 700 feet higher up.  ~http://www.americansouthwest.net

Aside from traversing Trail Ridge Road in RMNP, Independence Pass is my favorite to drive.  The road gets a wee bit narrow in spots, but the views are incredible.

[Past trip photos: September 2016 Independence Pass]

Independence Lake Trail Head

1: N39 07.484 W106 34.909 — 0.0 miles : Independence Lake Trailhead
2: N39 07.577 W106 34.996 — .15 miles : Linkins Lake Trail split + Wilderness Boundary
3: N39 07.833 W106 34.889 — .48 miles : Cross Roaring Fork River to east side of valley
4: N39 08.205 W106 34.694 — 1.0 miles : Steady climb in expanding upper valley
5: N39 08.543 W106 34.189 — 1.8 miles : Independence Lake (12,487′)
6: N39 08.920 W106 34.035 — 2.35 miles : Lost Man Pass (12,810′)
7: N39 09.119 W106 34.048 — 2.75 miles : Lost Man Lake (12,482′)

We returned for another look and hike.  This time we made it a wee bit further up the path amidst the thin mountain air.  Our previous trip in 2016 we made it to the Roaring Fork River crossing (3) and this trip we made it to the upper valley (4).  Some day we’ll make the entire journey round trip.

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