Know how, in small towns, you see signs with unlikely combinations? It
might be the hairdresser and hardware store, or the attorney's office
advertising legal services and fine silver jewelry. We've seen these. We
saw the sign in Ridgway, a little sign by the side of the road, advertising
Mexican food and lodging. It pointed down a dirt road. We drove past.
Another time, in the hot springs, we asked around for recommendations on
Mexican food. Guess what. Mexican food and lodging. The Adobe Inn. Down
the dirt road.
Wow! Was that good Mexican food!
Well, we can't just stay at Ridgway. We had to move on to Glenwood Springs.
Actually, Basalt. The next job is in Glenwood Springs, but we're going to
stay down the road in Basalt. We get better hookups for the motorhome in
Basalt this early in the season. Ridgway to Basalt, by the direct route,
over McClure pass, down into Carbondale, and turn right for ten miles to
Basalt. It's an easy pass, a winding road. No problem.
Of course we could go the long way if we wanted, straight north all the way
up to Grand Junction, then east on I-70 to Glenwood Springs, and up the road
to Basalt. We ran the options through the CoPilot on the computer. The
long way adds fifty miles onto the trip. Estimated travel time? A half
hour less. Much straighter faster roads.
We went the long way. A nice drive to Basalt. Basalt is a good place to
be. It is a twenty-mile commute to Glenwood Springs. Ten miles to
Carbondale. It is at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and the Frying Pan.
