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Snakes and Ladders
Morning in Mesa Verde was a bit chilly at 44 degrees, so we ran the propane heat to warm up. Cell service doesn’t reach the campground, but we were pleasantly surprised to find free wi-fi. By 1100 we made the short climb from the parking lot to Park Point, the highest point in the park…
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Mesa Verde National Park
After a great experience in Durango, we headed 36 miles west to Mesa Verde National Park for the weekend. Gateway to the park, the visitor’s center has a small museum and rangers to answer questions. This is also where you sign up for guided tours of the cliff dwellings. Pictographs in the foreground give way…
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Durango Shop Tour
Another night at United Campground in Durango allowed early morning photos of the trains heading north to Silverton. You can just see our van behind locomotive 480. Strapped the cell phone to a fence post for video. I’ll post a link here once that is uploaded to YouTube. All the train crews, like this engineer,…
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Historic Rail Adventure
Today is the day we get to ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Not dissuaded by the 40° chill, I’m excited to be up and on our way to town at just before 0700. Greeting us on the street is K-28 #476, the locomotive that will be pulling us to Silverton. as it…
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Aztec Ruins to Durango
Though it was cool enough overnight to use our little electric heater, a sunny morning warmed us to 52° by 1000. We took one more walk to the San Juan River before leaving Cottonwood Campground, but didn’t spot any wildlife. Aztec Ruins National Monument was today’s first stop. The visitor’s center is actually a house…
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Gems and the Divide
The day dawned over Escondida Lake revealing a blue sky and an almost full moon. It was a welcome sight after last nights wind and rain. The students from New Mexico State were busy drying out tents and sleeping bags in the chilly (44°) air. After breakfast we drove 15 minutes to the campus of…