Friday through Sunday (Aug 19-21, 2005) was the 2nd Annual MINI5280 Just Peachy and No Whining Run. This drive was from Denver to Palisade (near Grand Junction, Colorado) and points in between.
I-70 west, into the mountains was uneventful (no rock slides today) until two miles west of the summit at Vail Pass.
A private airplane crashed just off the highway, about an hour before we went through that area! Of course I had to stop and shoot a few photos.
The pilot and passenger were injured but not seriously. They were attempting to fly east over the pass when they lost altitude, touched eastbound I-70 twice before clipping the median with the left wing tip and coming to rest on the westbound embankment.
The Piper Cherokee narrowly missed two semi tankers and a motorcyclist had to duck as the plane was bearing down on him. This was about an hour before we got there!
Here's one of the three landing gears, broken off by the unscheduled landing. After losing altitude, the Piper Cherokee could not make a u-turn in the narrow I-70 corridor of Vail Pass.
Thankfully there were no serious injuries, no fire and motorists involved.
Back on the road, after a little excitement, as we enter the east end of the beautiful Glenwood Canyon.
One of several tunnels of Glenwood Canyon. Passing through this narrow, deep canyon is the Colorado River, the D&RG railroad, I-70 (4 lanes) and a bike trail. No airplanes.
Feels like were inside a PVC pipe, behind Whitlow and Eleanor in the chile red MINI.
I-70 through Glenwood Canyon features parkway style guard rails.
Part way through Glenwood Canyon, we stop for a short break at the Hanging Lake rest area. From left, Eleanor, Whitlow, Nancy, Dave and Wendy.
In Palisade, just off I-70, at our second winery tasting.
Rusty's Dream.
Rusty would really like to...
Another metal sculpture, composed of many different bits. This is Henny Penny's Dad, by Lesle Nichols.
Henny Penny's Dad, by Lesle Nichols
Henny Penny's Dad, by Lesle Nichols.
One of many vineyards in the Palisade and Grand Junction area.
The Carlson Vineyards are located along a fun, twisty highway heading south of Palisade.
The Chile Red MINI is eyeing the Purple Haze grapes.
The Carlson Vineyards employees are checking out the surprisingly roomy interior of the Purple Haze MINI. Plenty of room in the boot for a couple of cases of wine!
Brand new convertible (two days and several hundred miles) of Paul (2nd from right), a resident of Grand Junction. Paul's son is at the right. On the left is Nancy and David.
View from the convertible's backseat.
Paul's matching gear shift knob.
Taking in Colorado National Monument while we still have light.
One of many scenic stops along Colorado National Monument's Rim Rock Drive.
Wendy and Eleanor looking toward Palisade and Grand Junction.
Colorado National Monument.
Palisade and Grand Junction in the distance.
Rick forgot to close the door after getting out to shoot a few photos.
As the light disappears Friday evening, some artificial light is utilized for this shot. Colorado National Monument.
Saturday morning before the parade. Nancy is drying OVREASY.
Rick puts the finishing touches on roof at the car wash.
Lining up for the Palisade Peach Festival Parade, Saturday morning.
This parade entry, "We can shake peaches out of any tree."
Kevin from Carbondale and his pepper white "S".
This guy ready for his parade ride in this classic.
The Palisade Peach Queen and a couple of lots of local and other Miyatas, staging for the parade.
THE Marbles Champ!
Now we're ready to go!
Practicing twisties on the parade route. Not content to drive in a straight line.
The MINIs were a real hit, according to several locals. (Photo by Nancy Bierbaumer's daughter)
