After a quick stop to pick up some Palisade Peaches, and a stop at the Honeyville honey store, our goal this morning was to “catch” the D&S train at a crossing, on its way up to Silverton. We knew, from our ride yesterday, that the track follows the road for the first hour or so.
It started raining this morning but, in spite of that, we
caught two different trains and got some interesting photos and videos, up
close and personal! (Watch the video, sound on)
It rained really hard as we got to Silverton, got gas, and
continued north up to Ouray. Along the way, spectacular scenery and two 11,000’
passes! Its called the “Million Dollar Highway” but honestly, we weren’t that
impressed. The road between Silverton and Ouray is beautiful. Many examples of
silver mining back in the day and we learned that iron in the Silver ore is
what turns the river water orange and stains the rocks. There is a massive
reclamation project underway.
By the time we got to Ouray, the skies had cleared. Ouray is
another fun looking, old Colorado silver mining town that has reinvented itself
as a tourist and outdoor activity mecca. We had a fun lunch at Maggie’s
Kitchen.
Leaving Ouray (he was a Ute chief) at Montrose we turned
east on our old friend US 50. The terrain becomes completely different,
treeless hills, some agriculture, many miles through the Curecanti National Recreation
Area and the large Blue Mesa Reservoir, into the town of Gunnison, obviously a
farming town.
Then back into the mountains over the Continental Divide at
Monarch Pass (11,312’) and on down to the town of Salida, which appears to be
another one of those reinvented mining towns. Excellent dinner at the Boathouse
Pub watching Monday night football. The Arkansas River runs through town. They
were preparing the course for a white water competition.
.png)
 |
| Love this shot! |
 |
| Ouray |
 |
| The Boathouse |
 |
| Salina |
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment