Friday August 7, Durango, CO

This morning we walked into town before we left, seems strange to be camped so close to town. I wanted to see an art exhibition that was on, but arrived 15 minutes before it was to open. Decided to head back to camp and drive up on our way out, it was good to have a walk though.

Very pleased we made the effort to call back to the show, it was the 49^th Annual Juried show and featured some top class work.

The road south out of Ouray climbs the Red Mountain through the pass at over 10,000 feet, what a drive. It was spectacular, must admit looking down from the passenger seat, there wasn’t much room before a sheer drop. It flattened out for awhile to a grassy plain with a lake, surrounded by wildflowers…just beautiful.

Stopped at the top to look out over a number of the old mine shafts that had brought prosperity to this area. There has been work done to beautify parts of this area by flattening out the tailings and grassing it over.

Coming down the other side into Silverton we passed over 100 people biking up, obviously in a race….it must have been torture, but they must enjoy it, can’t understand why!

Silverton is another old mining town at the end of a railway that runs from Durango, the town has been kept alive by the throngs of tourist who daily take the 4 hour train trip to the top. Evidently there are 3 trains so the town fills with tourists during this time.

Interesting old buildings, but really the stores were just filled with souvenirs. Had a very nice lunch in an old inn.

Then it was down the other side into Durango to spend some time with Andy and Julie Barbour, a nephew of my American sister in law. They have visited us in New Zealand, and now have a wee 7 week old adorable daughter, Opal. I was able to get my “kid fix”! Andy is a builder and he has completely rebuilt their little old house into an amazing place. He is making concrete bench tops that include 75% crushed recycled glass…they look stunning.

We are parked in their driveway, for a few days. Andy has arranged tickets for us to see a demolition derby tomorrow night…this is a sellout yearly event that is pure Americana. Really looking forward to it.