An Autumn Drive Along the San Juan Skyway - CO

Durango, Colorado
La Plata Fairgrounds

While we have driven portions of the San Juan Skyway during the past few months, today we will do it in one long day trip.  Curt and Glenda were up for it so off we went for a very long drive to see some of best towns in the glorious fall color.  Once again, it was perfect weather.

 

The drive is over 200 miles.  We started in Durango and drove past the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park.  Some of the mostmajestic mountains you will see are on this loop.

We drive through Delores and along the Delores River with its many rolling farm land.

As we climb towards Montrose, the rugged mountains appear.

A large flock of sheep grazing in the valley.

The watchful sheepherder keeping a close eye on things.

How would you like your own private lake?

The Aspen are in full color up and down the mountain valleys.

Most of the peaks behind us are over 14,000 feet elevation.  We also found a geocache here.

 

As we come into Montrose, a herd of Elk were across the road.

 

This bull elk was rubbing his antlers against the pines.

This guy had some serious equipment.

While we were in Telluride, we of course had to ride the free gondola.

That's Montrose in the background.

And Mountain Village on the other side.

I could've used that guys mega lens for this shot.  In the middle is a huge waterfall that runs down the mountain.  This is as close as I could zoom.  It's a very long way down the mountain.

Curt finding a large geocache at the old jail.

Around the mountains toward Ridgway, Mt. Sneffels in the background.  I really love the views of the mountains on this side.  I wish I could've gotten more blue sky without the shadows, but it was getting late.  Still stunning, right?

In Ouray, this lookout hangs out over the mountain.

 

Back towards Silverton we pass many old abandoned towns and mines.

 

The color is just amazing!

Couldn't figure out what shot he was going for.  Or maybe he was hiding?

Silverton, Colorado.

The sun is setting so we stayed a bit to get some great shots before driving back to Durango.

 

 

 

A Feast with Friends

Durango, Colorado
La Plata Fairgrounds


What do you get when you combine 2 pounds of Royal Reds, 3 side dishes and 4 friends?  A feast!  We last saw Curt & Glenda, Illinois Campers, in June while we were at the Country Concert and they stopped by for a few days on their way from Utah to visit family in Illinois.  Now they are on their way to Arizona where they spend the winter.  Lucky for us they decided to swing by Colorado to see us. 

We decided to stay back at the Fairgrounds where we stayed in April when we first came to Colorado.

Us on the left, Curt and Glenda on the right.

Curt & Glenda's rig.

 

It was a lot nicer view before the dump truck parked behind us.

Animas River which runs behind the fairgrounds along the bike trail.

We spent one day riding the bike trail which follows the river through town.

Colorful leaves and seed pods.

Glenda and I.

 

We also did a little geocaching along the way.  One was hidden at the park in the Veterans Garden.

Steve watching Curt look for a sneaky hide.

It was a fake bolt.  Clever.

Nice views along the trail.

Oops.  Someone lost an axle!

 

In town we checked out the train depot as we'll be taking a day trip on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.  With Fall colors at peak and the weather a perfect 70, it should be a great day!

Ticket counter.

Train parked out back.

 

We've already got our tickets.

Fresh baked bread!  Smells so good.

 

Back to the feast!  After a long day on the bike trail, we couldn't wait.  Curt and Glenda picked up some of those great Royal Reds while in Alabama and brought some back for us.

Reds, Steak, salad and corn on the cob!

 

Like mini-lobsters!  So buttery, they melt in your mouth.

 

Better than lobster.  You've got to try them if you get a chance.

 

 

 So glad you came to visit!  Train ride next.