Friday November 1, Durango, Colorado

A change of landscape, Colorado

After seeing so many amazing things over the last few weeks in Southern Utah, it was time to leave today and head east. Driving through Montezuma Creek and onwards the landscape was pretty harsh, this was still Navajo Reservation land, and small settlements were dotted everywhere. We followed the San Juan River, which was lined with cottonwood trees, their brilliant yellow autumn leaves provided the only brightness to the scene.

What surprised us was the number of oil wells dotted through this area which they call the San Juan Basin, understand this whole area is rich in natural gas and oil.

Crossed the border into New Mexico and onto Shiprock and Farmington, a very uninspiring area with a large native population. The main road was just lined with pawn shops and loan shops, an indication of some of the issues in this area.

It was really refreshing as we left the area and headed north into Colorado, following the very clear flowing Mancos River and snow capped peaks in the distance….what a contrast.

Arrived in Durango late afternoon to spend the weekend with Sherry and Terry’s son Andy and his wife Julie. We visited here in 2009 soon after Opie was born, so it was wonderful to meet this happy, bright and bubbly 4 year old. It will be a fun weekend.

Had to look twice as this car passed us!