“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Welcome back to the Turbine Traveler! I am a traveling wind turbine technician who happens to have a blog. I always start these off with a bible verse and starting this post, this verse popped into my head. I don’t know if it was the Holy Spirit telling me to put this on here or if I just subconsciously thought of it.
I know the last post said I was going to Washington D.C., but after some thought I figured that wouldn’t be the smartest move since I would then have to make the drive from D.C. to Texas. So after some careful consideration and talking with my grandmother I decided I should go to Rocky Mountain National Park.
So to start off the week I traveled up to Iowa to visit my twin brother on Sunday. The drive was long, I started my journey at 06:30 and it did not end until 21:30. That is way too long, but I powered through and stayed the night at my brother’s house. In the morning of Monday I went to the family farm and visited with my mother and then went to the courthouse to pay for vehicle tags. Monday ended with going out to dinner with some of my family.
Tuesday starts off early at 05:40. I took off from my brother’s house and headed West to Longmont Colorado. Last time I visited Colorado was when I was on Spring break my senior year of high school. Colorado was really pretty when I went in March, I’m curious what it’s going to be like in June. I guess thinking back I was in Denver’s airport July of 2024, but does having a layover at the airport really constitute me “visiting” there? I don’t think so. Tuesday was long and rough, I pulled over at a rest stop around noon to take a quick cat nap. Well that turned into an hour and a half nap. Wasn’t too pleased with myself, but what can ya do. Finally arrived at my hotel around 21:30, immediately got to the room and fell asleep. I didn’t even set out my clothes or anything!
Wednesday was a go go go day. I woke up at 0600 and hopped into the shower, quickly got dressed and headed for the truck. Picked up a little breakfast and headed out towards Estes Park, Colorado.
I spent the morning roaming around Estes Park. Most of the shops were still closed and the streets were quiet, something I was genuinely thankful for. The stillness made the mountain air feel even crisper.
By noon, I entered Rocky Mountain National Park through the Fall River Entrance. From there, I followed the Alpine tundra Roads and drove along the iconic Trail Ridge Road. I loved how many scenic turnouts dotted the way, each one offering a chance to step out, stand on the edge soak in the dramatic views. Absolutely stunning. There’s no way to take it all in during a single visit, so I’ll definitely be coming back.
Thursday was another travel day. I hit the road early and made my way to Farmington, New Mexico. Originally, I had planned to visit the Aztec Ruins National Monument, but I accidentally mixed up my dates when booking hotels. Because of that, I won’t have time to see the ruins this trip. Instead, I’m spending the night in Farmington before continuing South to explore Carlsbad Caverns.
Thursday wasn’t a total loss, I did get to see a bunch while traveling south from Rocky Mountain National Park. Leaving the Estes Park Area I went towards the Rio Grande National Forest. I went down Wolf Creek Pass, that was really cool. I’ve been on some smaller mountain passes but this one was way longer and had some hairpin turns.
Now let’s talk about Carlsbad Cavern. This was the first cave I could “explore” on my own. Which means just to stay on the marked trail and don’t touch anything. I started my Saturday by driving to the Cave and checking in at the visitor’s center. They ask you when you arrive if you’d like to do the Natural Cave Entrance or to use the elevator. I elected to use the natural cave entrance and that was a hike. The Natural Entrance is steep and winds down 750 feet to the bottom. Along the way you get to see a bunch of rock formations, but the first fifth of the trip you have to dodge the birds pooping while leaving the cave. Once you get to the bottom you get to see what they call The Big Room.
The cave is mostly 57 degrees Fahrenheit, I walked the total length in jeans and a t-shirt. Really cool cave and if you are in the area you must go check it out!!
I want to thank each and everyone who reads my posts, it truly means the world to me. I cannot express in words how grateful I am that you came and read my blog. Thank you. Of course don’t hesitate to reach out to me my email is; Connor@turbinetraveler.com. You can also find me on X with the button below. Feel free to share my posts, maybe someone you are close to would like to visit some of these places.
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