Durango

Saturday was cowboy day. There was a parade that presented good photo opportunities. And we met an interesting character or two. Here are a few photos.

After the parade there were cowboy stories, music and poetry at the Statler Hotel. Some of them funny others sad...a lifestyle on the wane.

That evening we went to a movie at the downtown theatre. The two of us were the only ones there. We had a private showing. How do they make any money?

Sunday morning we had breakfast for the second time at a bagel shop. Afterwards I went on a bike ride heading north out of town. No mishaps this time. Great scenery, little traffic and a bit of climbing.

Had a late lunch, chili that was good and spicy, but we "paid" for it later. Watched the Denver Broncos beat themselves playing the New England Patriots. Peyton Manning was leading a comeback, but missed catches and a late fumble did them in. Went to another movie, Loopers, at a different theater, not a private showing this time and then called it a day.

On to Aspen today.

Vacation 2012 - Week 1

I've been having trouble posting, so I am only going to cover highlights and weird stuff. If you want details friend Vicki on Facebook if you have not already done so.

We left for Taos on Sunday, Sept. 30. Vicki drove the entire eleven hours, a first for her. The most interesting part of the ride was on New Mexico Hwy. 120 that has stretch of road that is gravel and wide enough for one vehicle. It is part of the climb up the mountain and here is where we got into the Fall colors.







In Taos we stayed at the El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa. We usually stay in a bed and breakfast, but this place was really luxurious and a very good value. We will probably be back.




During our four day stay in Taos we had massages, ate at La Cueva, Oregano's Gourmet Sandwiches, Graham's Grille (my favorite), Orlando's, and Bent Street Cafe. Did a five mile hike up El Devisadero in Carson National Forest.




Lastly, I had a memorable bike ride up to Taos Ski Village ... actually it was coming down that was memorable. I managed to hit a pothole going 25-30 mph that resulted in blowing out both tires, the force pushed my handlebars down a bit, my chain came off and I did not crash. I only carry one spare tube, so I had a dilemma. I tried calling Vicki on my cell, but did not get a call through. Fortunately another cyclist, Caleb, stopped and sold me one of his spare tubes. As the two of us were talking Vicki heard our conversation because my call had gone through, but the phone was in my pocket. She knew the route, so headed up the mountain and found me switching out the tubes. Since Vicki was there I decided to "sag" back to town figuring that I probably should not ride because of unknown damage to the bike. So, we drove directly to Gearing Up, one of the local bike shops. Both wheels were out of true. After $47 in repairs I was ready for the next ride.




On Thursday, Oct. 4, we left Taos and headed for Durango. On the way we stopped in Chama to take the Cumbre & Toltec narrow gauge railroad ride. A bus took us to Antonito where we got on the train back to Chama. The ride was spectacular! Just check out the photos.

At the halfway point the train stopped in Osier where we had lunch and a bathroom break. The weird thing about the men's bathroom was the decor. The walls were decorated with old album covers of female country western singers. Each urinal had it's own performer. I got Reba McIntire.




We arrived in Chama somewhat blackened with soot, but happy we had chosen to experience the ride and memorable scenery.

On to Durango where we checked in to the Doubletree Hotel and settled in after switching rooms three times. How come when you book these places online they put you in the worst rooms?




After breakfast Friday at Jean Pierre the French French (not a typo) Baker we got over the hotel room debacle and made some plans for our Durango stay. Did some shopping and found a really cool xylophone - yeah what a weird thing to buy, but the sounds coming from this thing are amazing...kind of zen like tones.




In the afternoon we rented a bike for Vicki and rode a trail along the Animas River that runs alongside the hotel. Dinner was at an Irish restaurant downtown that had live music - a Celtic band.

 

Today, Saturday, Oct. 6, there is cowboy parade and other cowboy related activities that we are going to check out. Tomorrow I am planning to take a bike ride.