After about an hour or so on the road, the first glimpse of the mighty Rocky Mountains came with a stop on top of Wilkerson Pass where you could see the imposing snow-capped mountains in the distance.

It wouldn't be too long before we were up close and personal with the peaks around Monarch, famous for its skiing.  The road wound its way through and over these mammoths, and the views of snow-covered peaks were quite humbling.  As spring was still in its infancy, things were slowly starting to transform from the dull browns of winter to the uplifting greens of spring and summer.  Colors were beginning to emerge.  We were lucky in that the weather had finally improved and we were able to enjoy the scenery.  Also, driving along Hwy 50 is so much more relaxing than the frenetic pace one encounters on Interstate 70!  Well worth the few extra minutes.  Stress-wise, there is no comparison.
 

The terrain levelled out somewhat after the descent from Monarch and gave way to hills and farms and cattle and trees.  We drove through the quaint town of Gunnison (stop and look around if you have time) and continued on towards Montrose.  The beautiful Blue Mesa Lake is worth ogling.  I did the driving so we didn't stop for any photos, otherwise we'd have taken hours and hours to get there!

After meeting the new baby and ooohing and aaahing, I went to check into the hotel (the Hampton Inn) and take a quick look around Main Street in daylight.  I recall an earlier visit and how much art there was about this pretty city.  We didn't have plans for wine tasting or to see the national park or check out the incredible Book Cliffs, so I concentrated on Main Street.  I loved all the sculptures strategically placed along this pedestrianized street, and that's about all I took notice of.
     
   

Walking along this peaceful street was pleasant and uncrowded.  Grand Junction is a university town and I expected more life on the streets on a Saturday night.  But, it was most enjoyable to be able to see the artwork and photograph it without dodging the crowds.  The sculptures are as varied in subject matter as they are in size, from people to animals to abstracts and flowers.  Quite astonishing.
     

We walked the six or so blocks from the hotel to about 7th Street and back, up one side and down the other side.  There were a few eating places still open and a few people milling about.
     

Day-time was no less impressive, and after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we walked the same up and down route and saw the art in a different light and new perspective.  The sky was a brilliant blue and brought life to the art scattered about so thoughtfully.  There is also a little area of busts of the people who put this pedestrian idea out there.  Thank you!  I did enjoy the store signs which were no less artistic than the next.  Main Street really is a feast for the eyes, if you're into art and/or creativity.
     
       
   

It was disappointing to find that all the stores with the exception of perhaps a few restaurants, were closed on Sunday morning.  It would have been lovely to have been able to step inside many of the stores, but sadly and probably bad for business, none were open.  I did notice that a few opened at noon, but we were done by then, as were many other people milling about.
     
   

Because this weekend was about the new baby, I didn't plan any other activities and thus concentrated on seeing Main Street for what it is.  One afternoon, one night, and one morning was all we had, and we made it count!

After a walk with the baby around her neighborhood, it was time to head back the same way we came.  I had no option other than to backtrack, and you know how much I like to go in a circle!