In July 1964, I had the priviledge and the pleasure of driving over Independence Pass from east to west and I have always been happy that I had the opportunity to drive this route prior to the construction of the modern highway. When I drove the same route in the late 1970's, I was so very disppointed because I missed the thrill of the old road which was unpaved in places and in places as you ascended from the east you drove through "a tunnel formed by trees" because the road was narrow and without shoulders. The new road is great for getting from place to place but it was far more fun to drive the old road. I don't recall that I encountered another car going in either direction. It is somewhat regreatable that the old road could not have been preserved so that people today could enjoy the wonderful experience of driving that old road. I have not looked at my 35mm colored slides of that drive for decades and I need to locate those slides and relive that drive with photos now that I have been reminded of that wonderful day in July 1964.
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