The Westward journey started from La Junta, CO on its second day with an early takeoff toward Col Springs to meet up with two local pilots to guide us around Pikes Peak (see picture) and unto Leadville, CO. We had to climb from 4400 feet to 12,500 feet in order to transit the Peak. This long slow climb took a very long time. As we approached the south Peak side the guide pilots knew what was the safe path to take in a 30 MPH south wind! We finally climbed to 13,700 as we approached the Peak, which is over 14,000 feet. The guide pilots are friends of one of our pilots and fly RV's like mine. The valley approach to the Leadville airport (9,900 elev) was a new experience for me to land at such a high elevation. My touch down was not pretty, but was safe. I thought that I would never stop rolling. The Leadville takeoff was one to never forget. I rolled for a very long time before finally getting airborne, and then could barely climb at around 100 mph. Our destination was Canyonland, at about 200 miles. About half way, the lead plane with weather radar announced rain showers ahead. We continued thru some of the showers in hopes of continuing the trip. However, the rain closed in all around us and a decision was made to land ASAP. So, we turned back and landed at Gunnison, CO for the duration of the weather. We may just rent cars and drive to Durango,CO since we have rooms reserved there and we planned on taking the narrow gage train to the mines. Stay tuned. Having a great time. The showers got Ginger rather nervous, and I wasn't too comfortable my self !
