Back in Colorado
We made our way to Ridgway State Park which is 5 miles from the small town of Ridgway between Ouray and Telluride for a week long stay. We had no internet service once we left Montrose but would visit the nice little library in Ridgway every day or two. Then we would have an excuse to try one of the great restaurants in town. We even found a great Thai coconut and lemongrass soup.
We could see why there had been so many wild fires in Colorado. Everywhere we looked was brown and it was hot. The lake was down 30 feet. Too hot for our planned visit to the hot springs.
Finally, on our fourth day the monsoon rains came and cooled down everything.
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| Box Canyon Falls |
Of course, we had to see Ouray's Box Canyon Falls. Even though the run off was low, they were still quite impressive with a loud roar in the canyon.
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| A stop at the Ouray Brewery |
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| An excellent Pilsner and view |
The eclectic people (old hippies, young hippies, cowboys and friends that hangout at Ralph Lauren's ranch) were as entertaining as the musicians at the Thursday evening Ridgway concert in the park. Two couples sat their chairs on each side of us and made the evening even better. They were both so much fun and had great stories.
Million Dollar Highway
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| Hayden Lake |
We took the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton one morning and stopped for a hike. The next day the signs were flashing that the highway was closed due to a rock slide. It would be a very long drive to get back for anyone caught south of the slide.
Hiking at an elevation of 11,000-12,000 feet had our legs moving slow on our return from Sivlerton. I thought that we would be faster in the thinner air. Less resistance? Maybe not.
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| Barrett Mines |
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| Add caption |
Glad we brought a lunch.
Ouray's Perimeter Trail
After an early morning hike on the 6 mile Perimeter Trail which runs around Ouray, we stopped at Gnar's Taco shop which turned out to have some great tacos.
They must have been dirty babies leaving the tubs looking like that.
We got an early start on our hike because it had been pretty hot. As we reached the Perimeter Trail's high point, the sun was rising over the mountains behind us.
A change of plans...
I sure hope the Aspens wills till turn this Fall, for we are heading that way in October :) Thanks for the preview for the things to do while park at Ridgeway SP, where we will also be by then.
ReplyDeleteYour timing should be perfect. The monsoon season has arrived and should make it much prettier for you.
DeleteOuray is one of our favorite places to visit! We haven’t been there for to many years! Your pictures made me wish to go their again
ReplyDeleteIt is much cooler where you are right now. There are just too many places to visit.
DeleteGreat 'cover' photo - long shadows in the early morning. We were fortunate to have lots of water at the falls. Fran was thrilled when I was told the pizza place was out of elk! But we did moved on in the morning and did not hike, thanks for sharing your adventure.
ReplyDeleteI am with Fran on the elk.
DeleteNot only did you get to check out the Perimeter trail that we had planned to hike in Ouray and the Million Dollar Highway that we planned to drive, but you also got to go to Gnar Tacos... which was closed when we tried to go. I am officially jealous... :) Oh well. Looks like it will be worthwhile for us to go back and try again.
ReplyDeleteThere are several Gnars in Colorado. Sometimes you have to know when to throw in the towel.
DeleteThat is such a beautiful area and I have enjoyed a beer in that same end bar swing.
ReplyDeleteMike made sure it was reinforced before climbing aboard.
DeleteSo beautiful! LOL at the "add title" photo. You guys are tough to be hiking at 11.000 feet and above.
ReplyDeleteThe legs were moving slow and brain slower.
DeleteSo sad we had to leave CO early, seeing lots of posts of mudslides and evacuated campgrounds in Durango. Glad you are able to enjoy time there. One of my favorite memories of a trip years ago was a meal in Ridgeway and the wonderful loveable huge (mastiff) that joined us outside on the porch.
ReplyDeleteSo glad we have avoided the mudslide and hail so far. Lol about the mastiff....
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