The Unexpected Epilogue
Our road trip was full of twists and turns, a testament to the unpredictability of travel. However, the journey wasn't quite over even as we approached the end of our time in the Western States. The last leg, which we had anticipated would be the most straightforward, turned out to be an adventure. In the same way, our trip had been packed full of unexpected moments; the return was just as eventful.
The Plan
The plan was clear: a drive back to Georgia, cutting through the heartlands of Eastern Wyoming and Nebraska. But once again, Mother Nature had other plans.
A winter storm advisory popped up on my phone the morning we were set to disembark. After checking it a few times to be sure, it seemed we would have to move to plan B. Pushing south through the high deserts of Wyoming into Utah.
The Detour
The skies were gloomy as we began our detour, with rain and snow merging into an intimidating wintery mix, characteristic of Wyoming's high elevations. As we wound our way through this unpredictable weather in the high peaks of Wyoming’s desert, the route through Vernal beckoned until fate threw us yet another curveball.
After a white knuckle drive through high winds, rain, and sleet, we made a pitstop at a local gas station right over the Utah state line. A conversation with the residents led us into potential snow and ice heading towards the town of Vernal. This led us on another path, through the scenic valley pass of Utah Highway 1364/CO Highway 318.
After the unexpected detour through the most beautiful slithers of Utah and Northern Colorado, we hopped onto US-40 E and began heading towards Denver. The break in the storm and clouds lulled me into a false sense that the worst weather was behind us. But if you have ever been in the notorious Rocky Mountains, you know the weather can change at the drop of a hat. So when the low-hanging clouds and a constant drizzle began again, we took it as a sign urging us to cross the Colorado Rockies before darkness set in.
We kept a good pace along US-40, leading us to think we would make our goal of reaching Denver before darkness until we got Berthound Pass, a nearly 30-mile stretch touching the skies at 11,000 feet. We thought we would attempt to brave it, despite the low-hanging clouds, which were sure to cut our visibility as we climbed the steep pass.
Only a couple of miles in, the dense fog began to blur our vision. Now, long afterward, the snow and ice started to show, leaving us no choice but to reroute.
We rushed to find a more suitable, lower elevation route, leading us to make a few pit stops at gas stations to seek locals' advice. They recommended a diversion to the town of Kremming and then to CO-9 through Silverthorne before rejoining the familiar embrace of I-70.
And while the terrain remained icy, the path was more formidable due to the CDOT having treated the interstate roads earlier in the night. This allowed us to reach our destination of Denver, albeit after night.
Always Have a Plan (...but be Adaptable)
The epilogue of our journey underscored an important lesson: preparation is critical, but adaptability is vital. While the initial route seemed foolproof, the changing landscapes and unpredictable weather taught us to value adaptability and local wisdom. And in the Rockies, especially during the transitional phase of fall, this was a lesson worth its weight in gold.
GPS and weather forecasts are indispensable in today's age, but the value of human touch - conversations with locals and understanding the nuances of the terrain cannot be underestimated. Through every unexpected detour and reroute, what guided us was not just technology but the wisdom of fellow travelers and residents.
From its inception to its unexpected epilogue, this journey reiterated a simple yet profound truth: It's essential to chart your course, but when the road throws a curveball, adapt, listen, learn, and keep moving forward. Always be prepared, but also be open to the serendipities of travel. It's in these unplanned moments that the true magic of the journey unfold
