Day 2: Up to Utah and Wyoming

Things were so comfortable at the Buchanan's that an early start was out of the question.  After enjoying more of their company and fine food, we didn't get on the road until 10 AM.  That would make 400 miles a tough goal, but the Healey was running well.  Off we went, starting West to Glenwood Springs.  Traffic and civilization are heavy here, but it could not hide the beautiful canyon that cradles this town.

We finally got on I-70 for a short ride to Rifle.  We headed north on CO 13 after filling up with some $3.99 per gallon gas -- the most expensive so far on this trip.  I expect this record will be broken later.

CO 13 left the congestion of the interstate system quickly.  We moved toward Meeker where we joined CO 64, heading west along the White River.  This area looked more like New Mexico, with splashs of red rock and sandstone.  Below and mostly visible was the green valley irrigated by the White River.  Traffic was minimal, this beautiful road is off most tourist agendas. 

Typical rock formation on US 40 near Dinosaur

We headed for Dinosaur, joining US 40 west.  This winding wonder skirted Dinosaur national Park with its towering rock formations.  We enjoyed learning the names of some of the geologic formations, identified by many easy to read signs on this route. 

Turning north on US 191 cranked up the scenery even more. This route had some incredibly long climbs that kept the Healey working. These climbs started at lower altitudes (around 3000 ft) so it was a bit hotter. I feared vapor lock, but it never really slowed us down. We managed to even pass a few turtleing RV's on these long hills.

The best part of the day was the drive across the Flaming Gorge dam, built in 1962. This beautiful lake and dam on the Green River is something to behold.   The route north on 191 to Pineview continued to amaze.  We encountered another bout of very high winds that buffetted the Healey.  Suddendly, the wind changed direction and the temperature dropped about 20 degrees.  No doubt, we had passed through a weather front.  But the skys were clear and the snow capped Grand Teton range was looming before us.   We stopped finally in Pineview and a very nice Best Western.  We now look forward to exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

Bill gets down and dirty fixing the sway bar bushing

The Healey ran great today except for one glitch.  It developed a heavy rattle in the front end near the Flaming Gorge dam.  I thought it might be a loose shock and was concerned about it.  After a couple of inspections, I found the rubber bushing on the front sway bar had slipped out from under its clamp.  This was an easy fix, and no more rattle.