The national forest campgrounds we closing for the season and we couldn't get into the county fair campground until Monday. We found the Alpen Rose Campground, which was very nice, north of Durango to stay a couple of days. The bike route near there was calling our name and had some great treats along the way.
Pinkerton Warm Mineral Springs were not real hot but had a soda fizz to it. The springs were used by the Pinkerton Ranch's bathhouse in the 1878. The minerals in the water was thought to cure all diseases.
The scrub oak are changing.
It was such a nice ride through the ranches and farms.
One house would have these chairs arranged differently each time we passed. This time
with fishing poles, the next around a table and umbrella with beer cans in front
of each chair.
The apples smelled so good as we rode by.
Fall is definitely in the air.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' jump scene was filmed here near Baker's Bridge.
While hiking the Vallencito Trail, a lady told us to stop at Honeyville, which was right along our ride, and try the distilled honey bourbon. I don't care for bourbon but his was pretty good. Mike likes Maker's Mark and bought a bottle.
Across the road was the James Ranch. After trying out the cheeses, we had to have the burger with a side of corn on the cob. I bet we return before leaving the area.
James Ranch is ten miles north of Durango, Colorado in the beautiful Animas River Valley. Here, we found 400 acres of high altitude, irrigated pastures, crystal clear flowing water, 100% grass fed and finished beef cattle, grazing Jersey milk cows, a spruce tree nursery, an organic vegetable and flower garden, and busy families who utilize organic growing practices in the day-to-day operation of the ranch and their enterprises.
What a great bike ride on the backroads before we head to Silverton.
