The Continental Divide

Around 5 miles West of Thoreau

 

What is the Continental Divide?

“The Continental Divide in the Americas is the line that divides the flow of water between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. Rain or snow that drains on the east side of the Continental Divide flows toward the Atlantic Ocean {via the Gulf of Mexico}, while precipitation on the west side drains and flows toward the Pacific Ocean. (However, some rivers empty into the desert and don't end up in the oceans.)

The continental divide runs from northwestern Canada along the crest of the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico. Then, it follows the crest of Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental. 


In South America, the Continental Divide lies along the Andes.
Every continent except for Antarctica has a continental divide.”

http://geography.about.com/library/faq/blqzcontdiv.htm

 

This was formerly home to Top O' the World, a dance hall, bar, tourist court, and boarding house.



 

Top of the world at over 7000 ft above sea level

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