For those of you who will be staying in Denver/Inverness on Saturday night, we will be looking to have dinner around the Parkwood Meadows Mall area. There are plenty of places to eat.

For those interested, we will be driving up to the top of Mt. Evans on Sunday on the way to Rifle. The road is open and there is still lots of snow up there at this time due to the very snowy season we had. The views are very breathtaking. You will be able to see the Eastern Plains (and portions of Denver), the Rocky Mountains to the north, Pikes Peak, and South Park (yes, it is a real place).

The cost to drive up to the top of Mt Evans is $10. It is PAVED all the way to the top. We will need to leave Denver/Inverness around 8:00AM. I want to make sure that we make it to the top of Mt Evans before any clouds may roll in. Thunderstorms and snow are not uncommon in the afternoons. The drive from Mt. Evans to Rifle is about three hours at the most. We can stop for some lunch in Idaho Springs on the way (Beau Jo's Pizza is my recommendation).

 

The route information has been updated with lunch and dinner locations. See https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...AA5/Routes.pdf

 

We went up Mt Evans last time and it is worth going up a second time. Check out the pics here: Mt. Evans 2011

 

Evan,

If you check out the link to my photos, see photo #10. The additional sign at the bottom of the large sign that has been added on - what does that mean? I meant to ask you last time.

James

 

This is excellent !!!
I have not been to the top of Mt. Evans since back in the 1980's and I cant think of a better way to kick off the week of CAA5
The highest auto road in North America reaching 14,130 feet
Thank you for adding this into the plan for those of us who will be joining you in the Denver area on Saturday afternoon/evening.

PS...This road was named in your honor wasn't it "Evan" ?? lol

 

I suspect it means no stop and parking at the top
Only a drive up and back down without leaving the car
Evan ??

 

Just a guess here ... if you don't go into the building at the top, and maybe just walk around for pictures and a "pee" break there is no charge. Just sayin ... One thing to remember, if it's a clear sunny day, and you spend time walking around outside, it is suggested to use a good sunscreen protection, because you will be at elevation for 14k, and cosmic rays from the Sun are not filtered by our regular more dense atmosphere at normal sea levels. Oh ... and hydrate frequently. That's the need for a "pee" break. LOL

 

And maybe bring some oxygen.

 

You know, I never noticed that before. I always pay the $10 because I always get out and walk around!

As Howard stated, bring sunscreen for sure!

For those of you who live in the "lowlands" (1500' or lower), the parking lot on the top of Mt Evans is at 14175'. Please take it easy while walking around. It will be very easy to become lightheaded and pass out. It will be good that you will be staying in Denver the night before to help your body adjust to the altitude.

 

Ok your official photographer is now coming. I have just booked my room at the comfort suites. Wow what a road trip this will be, the longest journey by road in my life 1800 miles from North Carolina. I am so excited, this is so last minute as I only decided today.
I am leaving on Thursday morning and hope to meet up with Gary and convoy in Nebraska Friday night, if I make it in time.

Looking forward to seeing some old friends and many news ones

Colorado here I come

Andy

 

Looking forward to seeing you again Andy! less then a week

 

Great news Andy! I know you'll get some great shots up there! (I'll be there..LOL).. Looking forward to see you again.. And I know Sherri is too.

 

Hey Greg , this will be a blast I know, on a scale of 1-10 I am running at 20 now, so excited, this will be such a great trip for me to see some of the glorious US of A.
So looking forward to meeting all the folks that don't get to the Dragon meets, and of course all the folks that I know so well.

The scenery is calling me, I have my tripod ready........

See y'all in a few days, god willing.

Andy

 

Andy,
Looking forward to seeing you there! My wife will be there as well. She is huge into photography and will be plotting out spots of historical interest such as old ghost towns.

 

Wishing everyone a safe drive and loads of fun!

 

Evan I am looking forward to meeting your wife, we can expand on the HDR thing as well. I am sure there will be some great places to photograph, I am looking forward to the scenery as much as the road trip to get there.
Now I have to spend tomorrow cleaning and waxing the car. This trip is so last minute but that's part of the fun. I never thought I would drive this far for a Crossfire meeting.

 

Don't forget to add me to the role call list Evan

 

Andy, are you going to use I-70 out of St. Louis? Maybe we can meet up.

 

Done! I'm looking forward to learning more about HDR photography from the master!

 

Between Evans' wife, Andy. James. and Gary, this could turn out to be the most "photo rich" Crossfire event ever. Copy-write, print. publish .......