New state: Colorado!
"Welcome to Colorful Colorado"
My dad, me, Dave, and Austin on the border.
A typical position for me.
Colorado is as green as Utah is red. The contrast between the two states is incredible, as it seemed that the red canyons melted away to green fields right at the state border. Another contrast I noticed was that of environmentalism. Recycling programs across Utah were sparse, and those that existed were far from all-encompassing, to say the least. In Blanding, their recycling program consists of a once-every-three-weeks pickup of aluminum cans. In Milford and Panguitch, residents bring their recyclables to recycling centers—if they’re motivated enough. In Dolores and Telluride, however, there is curbside pickup for recyclables. The city of Dolores collects aluminum, cardboard, plastic, and more. However, there is no organic waste pickup, and the nearest location that recycles organics is in Longmont, CO, over 400 miles away.
In Dolores, we sat in the river, cooling off after our bike ride (Dave and Austin) and run (me). For dinner, we went to the Dolores River Brewery—the most California-esque restaurant we’ve been to this entire trip. They had delicious salads, pizzas, and sandwiches, in addition to their own beer that they brew at the restaurant.
Yesterday morning, four of us set out on the road to Telluride. My dad and I, however, turned back after 15 miles and headed back to Dolores. Then my parents and I parted ways, and I took off to meet Dave and Austin at Lizard Head Pass, elevation 10,222 feet. We then continued on to Telluride, where we met up with our couch surfing host, Brian. We missed the parade down main street, but we got there in time to see Brian's float, the parade winner, and the hordes of people following the portable party.
Last night, we watched the fireworks up a hill from the valley. It was one of the more spectacular fireworks shows I’ve seen; the colored fire illuminating the rock cliffs and waterfalls is a hard sight to beat. I think I could happily live in Colorado. Nice people, good food, beautiful scenery, and recycling. Happy Independence Day.
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