July 29-30, 2007
Durango, Colorado
Lightner Creek Campground

Arrived in Durango, Colorado after a ride over Wolf Creek Pass, which is about 10,000 feet. On the way up, the last 5 miles or so were a first gear, gas gulping, uphill climb. Visible in the rear view mirror were nickels, dimes, quarters and finally, dollar bills blowing out the exhaust. Fuel consumption was less than 2 mpg on this climb. Coasted downhill on the other side in second gear most of the way, which continued to suck the petrol. Exiting South Fork, we noted several nice looking RV parks on the way to the pass.
We soon noted that Durango gas was about $3.33 for ‘unleaded plus’, which is the 87 octane mix that we call ‘regular’ in California. ‘Regular’, in the Rocky Mountain states is usually 85 or 85.5 octane, better known as ‘tractor gas’. They ‘low ball’ the price on the signs to suck you in, only to shock you with a ‘regular plus’ price that is about 10-20 cents higher.

Our creekside villa here is the Lightner Creek Campground, about 2 miles north of Hwy 160, and west of Durango. I think if I walk about 60 feet to the 8 foot wide creek and kneel down next to it, I might hear the hint of a relaxing creek gurgle. Janice loves the sound of running water. I tried.

Durango appears to be a bustling town, supported by the tourists who flock here to ride the Durango-Silverton steam train. Yep, we’ll be doing that Tuesday, assuming we can ‘time’ Carly’s digestive tract. She’ll be ‘home alone’ for about 8 hours. Going to see the Indian ruins in Mesa Verde tomorrow.

FLASH!! Big news last night. Son, Jason called to announce his betrothal to gal-pal Lori. Wedding in September in Las Vegas!

July 30, 2007

Mesa Verde National Park

Carly accompanied us in the CRV to Mesa Verde, some 35 miles distant from our camp. We purchased a couple of Cliff Palace tour tickets, thinking Carly could repose in the car. However, as tour time approached, the sun broke through the clouds and it was evident that if we left her, that PETA or the SPCA would nab us for heat torture. So, Janice, having previously declared herself as ‘not a fan of Indian ruins’ was relegated to dog-sitting duties. Carly provided surrogate petting opportunities for travelers who had left their pooches at home.

The ranger-led tour of the Cliff Palace was excellent. These ruins were very similar to those we viewed near Silver City, NM in March, just on a larger scale.

After the tour, we finished the driving loop and headed back to Durango under increasingly darkening skies. Thunderclaps (very close by) and pounding rain created some excitement after we entered the rig.

We found a couple in the park (originally from Sacramento) who provide dog-walking services for train riders, so our fears about Carly's intestinal rhythm have been alleviated. We will ride the rails with a clear conscience.

You can review some of the sights of Mesa Verde by clicking here. Be patient, it'll take some time to load. Turn on the audio.