Views expressed by this shirt do not necessarily reflect those of the management.
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| Strater Hotel, Durango |
Durango immediately reminded me of Flagstaff, Arizona. Gentrified downtown, mountains in the background, politically left-leaning. I don't know if it considers itself a college town, although Fort Lewis College adds about 4,000 to the city's population.
Animas River provides some exciting whitewater, and the visitor's center makes it easy to use. Also, RVs can find fresh water and a dump station there.*
*NOT in the river.
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| What the what is going on out there? |
Durango was hosting a classic car show downtown. I found a bookstore.
We've been relaxing at the Vallecito Resort. I'm not a resort gal, although I have enjoyed the hot tub and the laundry room. Sites are too small, and neighbors are too close; we're already looking forward to New Mexico state parks again. Colorado is beautiful and knows it. New Mexico is a shy beauty who isn't so secure in her allure.
20 comments:
Great photo trip:)
Have you been to Los Alamos? We were enchanted by the place and would like to read your opinion of it.
Nice kayaking pix. The overall post is a lesson on how things should stay in their natural environments. Can you imagine a steam locomotive going down a whitewater river, or a kayak going down a railroad track?
Craig, I've been to Los Alamos twice. I stayed in White Rock, and visited the ... gorge? I can't think of what they call it. The town of Los Alamos is almost quaint, and the Starbucks is the most unusual I've seen. It's hard to believe the town itself is still so small. What was your favorite part?
I guess you're suggesting I should never leave Dunkin' Donuts. Message received!
Thanks, C&A!
it would help if your pictures were black and white... adds realism to a silent film...
We adore Durango we lived in Aurora Colorado and also Broomfield and Arvada many years ago..We thought that everyone thought Denver was the only place to live, NOT...We have lived for 37 years in the pacific northwest, hottest and driest years we have ever experienced the moisture and rain that we always got for 200 plus days of the year is gone, biggest drought ever, farmers, vintners and others are devastated and it is humid to boot..Already there are forest fires, no ski season so many suffered and the national parks have strict restrictions, it was hotter than a pepper plant in 1977 when our only was born in Boulder county near Boulder and hotter than you know what when we moved out here in 1978 but nothing like was is coming, it is 3:00 am in the morning of 6/24/2015 and it is hot and more heat and 100 plus coming this Friday Saturday and Sunday oh, my goodness sakes alive! At least colorful Colorado has rivers but it is in a drought tooooo...The state has changed so much, hunger and homelessness and no jobs, nice place to visit but would not consider living there if no jobs..Denver is so expensive now and many can not buy homes, who wants to live in a gorgeous place with no hope to ever purchase a home...You are right on with your opinion that Coloradans think their place fancsy schmancy..New Mexico we found lovelier but one has to be extremely careful in New Mexico cold as can be winters and warmer than a pepper plant in the long long spring and summers hot as can be, but for some reason the people are live and let live more than Coloradans! Must be the native American and Spanish influences, Colorado used to be like California only minus the people now they have all the people, no jobs, no homes and tons of crap, their marijuana laws for example, we have it in Washington and it just isn't working sure some businesses are making a killing but where is the money going to? no the schools, state parks and crime is up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grrrrrrrr...enjoy New Mexico, Land of Enchantment and a lot less snooty and expensive and live and let live!~~~~~~~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have been to New Mexico as travelers, but have not yet explored it. I am hoping to spend a few weeks there after the Baloonfestival in October and before Thanksgiving with family in California. If not then perhaps after Christmas. I like state parks throuought the country, but we don't dry camp. No solar. Like to have hookups if possible, and like to stay put in one place for more than a few days.
Merikay, NM state parks are excellent, and a heckuva good deal with the annual pass (not too shabby without, either). Most have hookups, and a few even have FHU sites (with sewer) for $18/night. The ones that don't have electricity are few. Morphy Lake, and Eagle Nest are the two I can think of.
Anon, you're right about heat and cold in New Mexico. It's possible and easy to stay very comfortable for ten months, and then a rolling stone has to roll downhill into Arizona. :o) I get the impression that Colorado is quite expensive even for nomads - we checked out primitive USFS campgrounds near here - $19/night for dry camping.
Heyduke, I hadn't thought of that. Maybe some piano music.
"New Mexico is a shy beauty who isn't so secure in her allure." I like that. It's much better than what I tell people: "It's sort of like Arizona, but with way less golf." (Which I think is a positive thing.) I'll be back that way toward the end of summer.
Al, your description made me laugh out loud. Yes, that's about right. Plus, parts of New Mexico have official "frontier" status, and that just sounds cool.
Wonderful white water pics! The boys and I loved the train to Silverton many years ago, it was one of the highlights of a ten state trip taken over one month. If NM could control her winds better, she'd be damn near perfect.
Well, Jodee, you know how hard it can be to control your wind sometimes.
We are following you! Just got into Durango. We are using our train chips on the Durango Silverton tomorrow. We spent a few days in Albuquerque..............it was HOT. We are headed further north after several days in Durango. The cooler the better.
We live in Los Alamos. If you have any questions about camping/hiking or visiting - I am happy to try to answer. We feel very lucky to call Los Alamos home until we hit the road full-time
Karen, I'd love to know more about camping around Los Alamos. I've never camped in that area, and would really like to.
Enjoy, Barbara! We'll compare choo-choos.
Karen, I'd love to know more about camping around Los Alamos. I've never camped in that area, and would really like to.
Enjoy, Barbara! We'll compare choo-choos.
I hadn't realized I missed so many posts. What a fantastic trip you have been on. Your pictures are just amazing. thanks for the ride
We have some beautiful spots in and near Los Alamos. Greg made s list
http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2014/04/rv-sites-in-los-alamos-county-new-mexico.html?m=0
Are you in the Prius or bigger RV? How long, if in RV? I ask to make best recommendation. Did you see Bandelier last time you were here? We also have some awesome hiking trails right from town.
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