We weren't sure if Beverly would feel well enough to go but after discussing it with her doctors, we decided to hit the road. One of Beverly's favorite doctors, Dr. Deb, told her that she should avoid stressful situations and said she should probably just stay on the paved roads! Paved roads? That's no fun, especially when in Ouray! So, as you'll see, we didn't take his advice! Yikes!
We had a great time as we took the Jeep over some of the prettiest trails and passes in the San Juan Mountains. Jerry and Terry met us again this year and we were able to catch up on the happenings of our families. We took our usual drive over Last Dollar Road to Telluride on day one; Corkscrew, Hurricane and California passes, Animas Forks and Silverton on day 2 and then spent the last day just enjoying all the sights and sounds of Ouray. It may sound boring to some, but we just like to get in the Jeep and drive around town looking at homes to buy (just kidding), the yards, mule deer and many of the historic buildings. We finally saw a short documentary of the San Juan mountains narrated by famous Ouray resident and former mayor C. W. McCall, well known for such songs as Wolf Creek Pass.
Each year we take in some excellent food stops as well. 2016's choices included the True Grit Café in Ridgeway (good old American food choices), O'Brien's Pub (always fish and chips), Goldbelt's (excellent burger) and the Bon Ton (fancy dining for salmon) in Ouray as well as a quick bite at Handlebars in Silverton. Sounds like we eat a lot while we are gone but in reality we usually eat breakfast at the motel, eat from the cooler during our jeeping trips and then eat out at night.
To some it might sound like the same old thing each year but it's hard to explain how you grow to love the area and all of it's beauty and it never gets old. Can't wait to go back!
We spent the first night in Abilene in order to shorten the next
day's drive to Alamosa where we spent the night before going on to Ouray.
Of course, that meant fun times with Leighton and Remington!
It's Papaw's Jeep! Remington is all in on that!!
He thought he was going with us. Maybe some day, but not this time.
Loaded up and ready to make that long trip to the cool mountains.
Papaw, do you need some help?
What do mean, we don't get to go? School's not that important.
We always take a break at this park in Gunnison.
Another favorite stop.
The road from Gunnison to Montrose has a few tricky curves and steep mountains.
A stop in Ridgeway before getting to Ouray.
Ridgeway is famous as the place where the hanging scene was filmed
in the original True Grit movie.
Ah, the drive is over. Time to take in the town of Ouray.
Beautiful scenery from the second floor balcony.
Entertaining ourselves while waiting on Terry and Jerry to get there.
Taking selfies, something we never do. For good reasons!
The rooms were how much??
The primping Princess!
Black Bear pass. You say we're going over Black Bear??
Time to unload the Beast.
Thank you Lord for a safe trip! Ready to go where no man has been before!
Well, maybe just a few thousand other jeepers!
Day 1: our usual drive over Last Dollar Road to Telluride.
Our travel buddies, Terry and Jerry.
Lunch break near the big rock slide area.
We saw a lot of these rail fences during the drive.
Have you seen these two characters on any Wanted Posters?
Bev told me to get into character! Don't think anything about
that bar and beer sign behind us! We were just modeling hats!
Around the town square in Ridgeway, site of the previously mentioned
hanging scene from John Wayne's movie True Grit.
Back to the motel, situated along the river where it's peaceful and quiet.
The Million Dollar highway headed south out of Ouray to Ironton Park
where we joined the trail to Corkscrew, California and Hurricane Pass.
Who in their right mind would ride a bike on this road? I have a hard
time just driving over it!
Ironton Park, some of the thickest aspens that we see on the trails.
A short video as we begin the climb up into the mountains.
One of three Red Mountains on this trail.
Does anyone need to take a break?
Jerry and Terry brought up the rear climbing up Corkscrew Pass.
You can see the trail where we started off in the distance.
Como Lake, nestled high in the snow.
It gets a little colder up here, 12,730 feet above sea level.
Just to say; we were here.
Even in the mountains, there are grasshoppers! Look closely.
High above the tree line, where you feel like you can reach out and touch
the clouds and the blue is brilliant!
Eerie!
Interesting read. If those mountains could talk, wouldn't they have a tale to tell!
A quick stop into the Handlebar Saloon, another one of
our favorite haunts when in Silverton.
Keep your eyes on the road Danny!
A common sight in these mountain tourist towns.
Checking on the outside world. Yes, they have internet!
A Texas company in Ouray.
Typical scene in town, notice the deer and the apples.
A burger at Goldbelts. A burger, but man was it good that day.
Clouds coming in over the mountains. Things can change quickly!
Headed home, back in Gunnison headed toward Texas.
I'm ready for a Sonic Coke!!
Woody, my co-pilot!
Unhappiness is Ouray in our rear view mirror!
My little helper!
What does this do Papaw?
Time for you to go to bed little man!
