Changes in Latitude- Changes in Altitude

[GregFrench]

Got an idea for a cool-themed expedition. It would be a 2-part trip done maybe a year apart, or alternating trips every other year.

The first would be "Changes in Latitude" which would go from Caribou, Maine to Key West, Florida.

The second would be "Changes in Altitude" which would go from Badwater Basin (Death Valley) to Winter Park, CO (Highest elevation city in CONUS)

Both would do as little paved road driving as possible.
This is just an idea I am throwing out there. Feel free to take the idea and run with it.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I like the idea! Very cool Oh great, now the gears in my head are turning........

 

[calsum2]

I would make my final destination Leadville,CO as it is the highest incorporated city in the continental United States at 10,152 feet above sea level. In addition it has the most storied history.




The history of Leadville is filled with dramatic stories of real people who made, and lost, fortunes in this frontier mountain town spiced with Victorian flavor. People known to all of us -- Carnegie, Guggenheim, Susan B. Anthony, the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, Doc Holliday, Oscar Wilde, Horace and Baby Doe Tabor -- are just a few of the many who fill Leadville's past.



Rich in gold and silver mining history, Leadville and Lake County are the perfect destination for a unique getaway, relaxing vacation, or relocation. Visit our area business page to find out more about lodging and real estate in Leadville, CO.


Leadville is a National Historic Landmark District encompassing over 70 square blocks. Most of the buildings were built between 1880 and 1905 and complete the charm with their architecture. Leadville was incorporated in 1878 and is the highest incorporated city in the continental United States at 10,152 feet above sea level. It is also the county seat of scenic Lake County, Colorado.

Twin Lakes Village is located in the southern part of Lake County about 15 miles from Leadville. Twin Lakes is a National Historic Site. Today, this small town is a delight for visitors, hikers, climbers, photographers, and fishermen

 

[goschbrandon]

This is a great idea- I don't know what kind of wheeling lies in the east, but between Death Valley and Colorado there is some amazing stuff, both scenic and wheeling- wise. Could even wheel up Mt. Antero (13,700 feet, not a real tough road later in summer) and drive up either Pikes Peak or Evans Peak (both car-passable).

On the highest city: go to both Leadville and Alma, CO. Alma is the highest town in North America, a couple hundred feet above Leadville. Alma and Leadville made a truce a few years back by which Alma could call itself the highest town and Leadville the highest city, as Alma failed the incorporation process. Last year, Winter Park, in a huge a**hole move, annexed the ski area to become the highest city (incorporated). They do not honor the Alma/Leadville truce, however, and thus aim to strip away both smaller towns' titles. A spokesman for Winter Park did acknowledge that it was only for publicity. Alma has nothing, except a couple bars ("Alma's Only Bar" and a saloon) and a tiny general store, and the slogans "Alma's Got Soul" and "Get High in Alma."

 

[GregFrench]

Ok...Alma, leadville...wherever, as long as it is high.

As for the east, the scenery in Key West is nice, and we have the Adirondacks. Appalachians, and Smokies here with lots of trails to make it through.

 

[Sno bored]

Alma and Leadville are both really HIGH

 

[lowtideride]

Welll if you are driving from the Keys swing in...and say hello. We can catch some waves. Orrrrr go rock crawling in Ocala...

 

[soggy60]

Changes in Latitude....if going to Key West; becomes changes in atitude

There's limited off roading in FL; there are a few non-paved roads that would get a fair north-south strectch of the State coverd...but you'll be touching (on or crossing) a lot of asphalt....

 

[mpeagan]

Ocala?

Lowtide,

Having spent a few years in the megalopolis of ocala, where do you find rocks to crawl? Just in case I make a trip to see my son in Orlando. Thanks

Mike
Conyers, Ga