A Climb All Day and Then On to Gunnison

June 19 Day 18 63 miles

We stared climbing as soon as we left the hotel in Montrose.This continued with a gradually increasing pitch for 27 miles. We are now seeing more green space and lots of trees. There was just a hint of snow a the top of the pass. We then descended half of the altitude that we had gained, followed by another climb to about the same altitude. The final downhill lead to the Blue Mesa Lake, which was stunningly beautiful under cotton ball clouds.

We ended the day in Gunnison, a charming western town, which is full of life. It had a brewpub, bike shop and lots of restaurants and cafes.

Tomorrow we climb to the continental divide.

We could glimpse the Rockies as soon as we left the hotel in Montrose.

The climb eventually lead to the pass near Cerro Summit.

Then down the other side toward Blue Mesa Lake.

The views along the lake were spectacular.

We arrive mid-afternoon in Gunnison. It is a town of many charms. We even made it to the bike shop that does double duty as a coffee shop. The place was hopping!

Sampling the local brewpub.