We'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain

The month of September was ushered out in Durango, Colorado - visually similar to our own Park City - and the leaves are changing daily. The United Campground (great place to park!) just north of town is our ‘home’ for the weekend - and we have quite enjoyed a little down time after the hectic schedule of the first 10 days.

Our camp spot.

After our delightful drive of 36 miles on Thursday, September 29th, we did our usual ‘investigate the town’ routine. And, guess what is here this week-end?!? The Cowboy Poetry Gathering! Since we will be missing the one in Park City, we will enjoy this one;-) And, of course, there is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This is where we shall start.

By the early 1950’s, Denver &Rio Grande Western rail freight traffic in Southwest Colorado was reduced to a trickle as shippers started using the new highways. Line after line was scrapped. But, for some reason the PUC denied the request to abandon the Silverton Branch. Thank goodness. After a couple of sales (in 1981 to Bradshaw, a citrus grower, and again in 1997 to the Harpers) and a lot of work on upgrading the rails and equipment by the committed buyers - the Denver & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) emerged as a world famous tourist line. Elizabeth rode these rails about 40-something years ago and wanted to relive the experience giving Gary the same thrills. Gary’s camera trigger finger was in constant action!! And, the sights and tree colors were fantastic -

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train builds up steam before our departure.

Lots of beautiful sights along the way.

We'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes......

.....toot - toot!

Silverton in the distance.

Downtown Silverton.

Not producing much silver these days.

Heading back to Durango.

October was ushered in with a round of golf (sorry no pictures of this course) and the Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Now this may sound like a yawner. BUT, you couldn’t be any more wrong. If you ever have the chance to attend one of these sessions - you should do it. They are REALLY funny, entertaining and ALL AMERICAN!! Can’t be beat. (Also, I challenge you to sit through a session and not tear up at least once!!)

In between these events we walked Main Ave., found that ever searched for Family Mexican restaurant (Tacos Nayarit - GREAT food!!) and enjoyed the sights and sounds of our campground as we watched football on Saturday and Sunday;-)  Oh - did I mention that our campground is right on the D&SNGRR tracks!! So - we got to wave and enjoy the train four times a day when we weren’t on it;-)

and  they don't run through the camp at night.

Love to All - A relaxed E & G