There's a section of Interstate-70 that goes over two passes and has no services for 100+ miles. Being loaded with gear and towing the Honda CRV, I usually don't want to fill either the 60 gal water tank (480 lbs) or 75 gallon gas tank (400+ lbs). Getting over passes is hard enough without the added weight.
Well, by the time I mounted the first steep pass I had consumed half of my half filled gas tank. The next pass looked higher on the map. I pulled over at a side road that took a shorter path (37 mile vs. 80+) to a town with gas and it would let me travel through Capital Reef National Park.
Silly me. The map did not show that it went over an 8500' pass with multiple 8% grades. My engine kept overheating and at each of the three events I'd lose 2 gallons of coolant. But I do sometimes come prepared. I had 5 gallons in storage. I was nearly out of coolant for the final leg over the pass (8% grade for 3 miles with multiple switchbacks.)
Did I mention the 40 mph headwind?
I didn't want to risk losing it all with no place to pull off the 2 lane road. So, I unhitched the car, scouted the final leg and drove to the first gas station to fill-up on water.
You still with me?
Got gas and water. Returned to the RV being guarded by the mad dogs. Filled the radiator and made a fearless mad dash for the summit. Piece O' Cake! Made it without incident. Walked back two miles to get the car. Drove to the summit, co-joined the vehicles and cruised down the mountain backside to the gas station.
.
Whew. Exciting!
Finally drove through Capital Reef National Park. WOW, was that drive impressive! It was hard to drive while gawking at theroadside scenery. I must return and explore more later.
While exiting the park I picked up a hitchhiker and drove him to the hostel in Moab.
So, a not so blessed 15 hr day, but definitely challenging and visually exhilarating.
