A “Potpourri trip” – Landscapes & History
Yes, my last blog was at the end of February this year. But there is a reason I haven’t written another until now.
In February, Cindy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, she has finished having surgery and finished her chemo and radiation. It was stressful, but Cindy is incredibly cheerful and has a great attitude. Now, she watches her hair grow slowly and concentrates on increasing strength and stamina.
We went on a short road trip to celebrate her 70th birthday, her road to recovery, and our 25th wedding anniversary. It was our first time away from home in a long time. We went to Pagosa Springs and Durango. Both places are close to home, just across the New Mexican border into Colorado.
Alberta Peak
Outside of Pagosa Springs, we hiked almost to the top of Alberta Peak, in Wolf Creek, up to 11,920ft (3,633müM), and gained 1,640ft (500m) in altitude. It was amazing. We walked slowly and truly enjoyed the experience.
Chimney Rock National Monument
On our way to Durango, we explored Chimney Rock National Monument, where you can find Pueblo houses built around 925 AD for approximately 2,000 Pueblo Indians. We also learned about the Northern Major Lunar Standstill.
Durango – Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The next day, we enjoyed a very special train ride. The Durango—Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 45-mile (72-km) heritage railroad that opened in 1882. It was initially built to transport gold and silver from the San Juan Mountains. It’s hard to imagine building this railroad line through the challenging and sometimes treacherous landscape.
Bisti/De-Na-Sin Wilderness
On our way home, we stopped at another unbelievable site. Bisti/De-Na-Sin Wilderness. A year ago, we weren’t able to find a trailhead. This time, we did and hiked a part of a loop. We will return to this hike soon with a much earlier start, as there is no shade. So we saw only a tiny part and not the most spectacular formations, but it was a perfect introduction.
It was a great trip with so many different landscapes and history. Visit New Mexico. We’ll show you all these terrific and historic places.
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on our way to Pagosa Springs[/caption]
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Clouds, blue sky, tree, wildflowers and no sound[/caption]
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Dramatic sky with the San Juan River in front of our cabin at Fireside Cabins[/caption]
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Cindy is enjoying the late afternoon sun[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9343" align="alignnone" width="600"] on our hike to the Alberta Peak[/caption]
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Enzians[/caption]
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Big Meadows Lake[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9346" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chimney Rock National Monument[/caption]
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Cindy with Melissa, San Juan National Forest. She explained us in detail the history of this Indian site.[/caption]
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“Our” hotel in Durango: STRATER. It has a great history[/caption]
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… there is really something special when you drink a creamy full aroma coffee[/caption]
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…. can you tell that I just had that coffee?[/caption]
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The steam engine is getting ready[/caption]
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Cindy “where were you”? – I was taking photos until last moment. Everybody was on board[/caption]
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Nostalgic and the smell of wood[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9356" align="alignnone" width="600"] This is the most difficult portion of the line when they built it in 1882. 420ft (130m) above the Animas River[/caption]
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Town of Silverton[/caption]
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The houses put you into a Wild West mood[/caption]
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When I walked into this bar, I didn’t flail my arms. I was in control, and my strong but gentle movement filled the space and set the minds of others around me at ease.[/caption]
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Shall I buy this photography store?[/caption]
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on our way back to Durango[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9365" align="alignnone" width="600"] Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness[/caption]
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time and natural elements have etched a fantasy world of strange rock formations made of interbedded sandstone, shale, mudstone, coal, and silt[/caption]
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