15. North Platte to Georgetown and Eagle, Colorado
Leaving North Platte we were back on I-80 that would take us due east to Sacramento, but we decided to make a detour on Highway 76 through Denver on our way to Eagle, Colorado. It wouldn't take long to put flat land behind us as we approached the Rockies. Barbara was driving when we reached Denver around noon and I dreaded the freeway interchanges. The transition from Highway 76 to I-70 was almost effortless as we started to climb the mountains. Heading down the mountains towards Eagle, the cars and trucks were going over the 75 mph speed limit as if we were out in the desert somewhere. I looked at the map for an escape from the madness and saw a familiar town name again, Georgetown. We could see it in the distance and agreed to take a chance on the unknown for a break. It was a great introduction to this part of Colorado.
We joined hosts of tourists wandering through the art galleries and gift shops of Georgetown. The old town was restored to meet the touring standards of vacationers from nearby Vail with its endless condominiums and upscale resorts. It boasted of its Georgetown Loop Railroad on the Devil's Gate Viaduct. That sounded like fun, but it would have to wait for another day. I found a shack on the edge of town that was the perfect foil to all the latest restorations.
It was a short drive from Georgetown to Eagle. Like Georgetown, it catered to vacationers, especially those who like to hike and to go mountain biking. In the Valley of the Eagle River, it is near the Colorado River that winds its way along I-70. Our motel manager directed us to a restaurant, The Dusty Boot, with a view of the river. The vistas, the wine, and the steaks were great.
Our waitress took our picture after dinner.
Next: Day 16: Eagle to Collbran, Colorado, to Wendover, Utah
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