Part 2

Day 4: “It doesn’t get any better than this.” (08/02/2007)

I could go on about Durango, but I will save that for some other post. It is truly a beautiful place that I wish I had invested in about 3 years ago. Jeff and I got our last glimpses of D-town while on a morning hike that overlooks town and the Animas River. We found out later that it was also a stretch of the Colorado Trail that spans the whole entire state. We then drove the BEST/MOST BEAUTIFUL/EVERYTHING STRETCH OF ROAD that goes from Durango through Silverton up to Ouray. It is called the Million Dollar Highway, and it truly does live up to the name. We made this drive last year and hope to make it a yearly event. We also dropped down into Telluride to ride the Gondola before camping at Ridgeway State Park. Before I move on to Salida, I want to let you in on a little secret of ours. We LOVE it when we work the system or find some tricks that “make life better for us.” So the least that we can do is share these “tips” with you guys. Say, you are on a road trip or in a resort town, and you really need ice to cool down the milk in your ice chest but the ice is $3 and you really don’t want to pay that considering it will melt eventually. Note: There is always a hotel nearby. Remember how your mom always sent you down the hall to get ice? I did too. And it worked out perfectly in Telluride! One of our favorite moments was when we happened to stumble upon the 4-star Ice Hotel about the same time we were in need of some ice. Oh yeah. How ironic. Also, if you need a bathroom break on the road, don’t go to the gas station! There is always a hotel lobby nearby that has WAY better bathrooms.



Place that keeps us smilin’: Durango















Watch out Yosemite, most beautiful stretch of road in the US: From Durango to Ouray






























Best Gondola ride/Good place to enjoy views while sipping a nice brew: Telluride

Days 5 and 6: “Welcome to River-Rat Country.” (08/03/2007-08/04/2007)

We met Jeff’s parents in Salida, CO and spent two days exploring one of our favorite “little-known” places in CO. Many young people live there during the summer months to raft/kayak the Arkansas. It is where my roommate/best friend, Katie, grew up, and I always enjoy visiting to soak up the lively spirit of the town. We got to hang out with Katie’s parents while there too! Jeff also hiked a 14-er, Mt Shavano, with his dad on Saturday. Great views of the Continental Divide from the top! We left Saturday night to head into Denver and to have a quick visit with Katie and Mark in Golden.

Best Pizza of the trip: Amica’s in Salida

Best view from the top: Shavano