Well, we may be captives here in Grand Junction at the Freightliner but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t going to get out to get a bit of hiking in. In most cases, we found ourselves here because they they said the part might be in and we wanted to be here for the work. By the time we found out that the part hadn’t come in or that the wrong part had been ordered, it was a bit late to start a long hike. Today began the same way: the part was expected in the 10:30 delivery.
Knowing that we had some time, we toodled over to the Bagel bakery where they also bake other marvelous pastries. We found the Harvest Apple cinnamon roll perfectly heavenly, light, tasty and not too sweet. Reggae music was playing softly in the background and we could hear the hum of people happy to see each other and enjoying the company. What a great way to start the day.
When we got back, we learned that the part had not come in yet. Hmm. What to do? Sit around the RV working on paperwork? Boy, doesn’t that sound like fun? Oh, how about a hike? The Monument is right over there, enticing and close. Let’s go. We donned our hiking clothes, grabbed our poles, drove over and began our hike. About 2 weeks ago we started at the top of the canyon rim and hiked down but when it began to rain and hail, we turned around and hiked back up the hill. Today we decided to start at the bottom, hike around Independence Monument and head on over to where we had turned around the last time.
What a beautiful hike and we owe thanks to John Otto who designed and built it. When he arrived in the area and visited the canyons he was so enthralled by their beauty and uniqueness that he said: "I came here last year and found these canyons, and they feel like the heart of the world to me. I'm going to stay and build trails and promote this place, because it should be a national park." And, built trails he did. Nicknamed the ‘Trailbuilder” he used a pick and shovel to carve out the trails, making the canyons accessible to everyone.
One of his favorite rock monoliths was the one he called Independence Monument. He liked it so much that he had his wedding ceremony in its shadow. On July 4, 1911, he climbed to the top and planted the US flag, a tradition that is carried out still today.
We thoroughly enjoyed the hike, as we rounded these marvelous rocks. They were all colors of red and many had the desert patina finish.
When we turned around to head back down the trail, we looked at Independence Monument and, sure enough, we saw two guys at the top. I didn’t see a flag but they were up there enjoying their victory. Look closely at the top and see the two guys in white t-shirts on the crown.
Marvelous hike, surrounded by all rocks in every color from deep yellow to deep red. This hike had the WOW factor around every turn. This is a lesser known and visited Monument in the National Park System but all with whom I talked thought it awe inspiring.
8 mi., 1368'
8 mi., 1368'
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