Fall Has Arrived in Durango, CO

Monday, September 26, 2016

Well, this mountain fall weather is much different from my lovely desert fall weather.  COLD here!  We had a cabin in the Greenhorn Mountains for 14 years, and I loved the fall days up there. Warmish during the day and cool at night--the fireplace helped.  But here it feels like winter already.  Rained like the dickens most of the day last Friday.  A cold rain!  No more sitting outside in the evenings and chatting with neighbors.  Time to move on?

A lot has happened since I last wrote.   Remember our RV neighbor Max, the bird-trapping boy?  He and his parents, Bob and Sarah, were planning to leave on September 8 to go travel around Europe for 6 months or so.  They had moved out of this park a few weeks back (to a cheaper place to save $$).  So we were very surprised to find see their RV back in its same old space next to us one day.  Moakie, the Golden Retriever, was still with them.  Turns out, bad luck has caused them to put their travel plans on hold.  Sarah, a back-to-nature sort (as opposed to Glamgirl--a back-to-the-mall sort), liked to go into the local mountains and hunt for mushrooms.   She did that one day by herself--stepped wrong, fell, and broke her leg in three places!  Luckily, she had her cell phone with her, and even more luckily, she had cell service up there in the mountains.  She called her husband--unfortnately, he had left his cell phone in the car (isn't that just like a man?) and didn't get her frantic message until 2 hours later!  She left a message that she thought she had broken her leg and that Max would know where to find her (him having been to those hunting grounds before).  Of course, as soon as husband Bob heard her message, he contacted the local Search and Rescue unit.  Max (as he excitedly told us later) got to ride with the S&R guys and give them directions.  Not having been able to reach her husband, Mom had crawled 3/4ths of a mile back towards her car before they found her.  One tough woman!

Max and Moakie

Meanwhile, even tho Bob is greatly appreciative of my cooking skills, I still find the need to share my bounty with others.  Made a lovely peach pie one day and shared it with neighbors all around us.  Lots of great feedback, which pathetically, I seem to need.

Peach pie on right side of tiny counter

On Wednesday the 14th we decided to take a drive up to Silverton--we had heard that the scenery along the way up there was beautiful.  So, off we went.  Our first stop was in Honeyville--where I made friends with a honeybear.

Honeyville is a family-owned specialty honey business that was started in 1918 with just a couple of hobby beehives.  Some of the hives are still located in their original locations.  They have a glass beehive (I could not find the queen), a viewing window to watch honey being bottled, and free samples of all their honeys, honey wines, and even chocolate honey (yuck).  In the store they have for sell a fabulous variety of whipped honeys, honey enhanced jellies, jams, and sauces.  Needless to say, we found several items without which we could not live!  This store also made me think about what the Brier Creek Apiary in Thomson, GA, could become some day (owned and operated by my nephews and my brother).  You can get a free catalogue by calling:  800-676-7690.

From Honeyville we made our way on up the road to James Ranch Market--where you can buy fresh eggs, morning-harvested vegetables, and watch cheese being made by their on-site artisan cheese maker  But, best of all, they make the most delicious hamburgers on the face of the earth--bar none--they even beat (by a long shot) my favorite--In-and-Out Burgers!  Now that's saying something.

The Market

One of the egg makers having a bad hair day

Finally back on the road to Silverton.   Along the way we crossed over Coal Bank Pass at 10, 300 feet in altitude.  When we got to Silverton, we were surprised to find out that there was SO MUCH MORE TO SEE than we realized when we went by train a week or so ago.  Because of the stern warning by the train people that they would leave stragglers behind, we limited our sight-seeing that day to a very small area.  We missed the best part of town.  After cruising around a bit (and seeing some very interesting things, including somebody's homemade ski truck,

we headed on up the road to the Old Hundred Gold Mine. 

My friend and neighbor, Mary Grimsley, had highly recommended that we take the mine tour there.  The property is no longer mined but is open for tours.  The tour took us on a vintage electric powered narrow gauge mine train 1/3rd of a mile into the heart of the 1300 foot Galena mountain,  We were able (with our great guide) to see real mining equipment (air-powered drills, slusher, and mucking machines dating as far back as the 1930's) in action!  LOUD!  And, I also almost froze to death!  Outside, pouring rain was falling.  Inside, water was dripping on our heads!  But, despite the discomfort (would be wonderful to do this tour along about mid-July), we were very glad we did it!

A couple of days later we decided to go to the Mesa Verde National Park, located only a few miles up the road from Durango.  Raise your hand if you have already visited this place.  Yep, like I thought--most of you have seen it.  Well, the following is for those who have not yet had the pleasure.  We stopped in Mancos, CO, on the way and had a wonderful breakfast at the Absolute Bakery and Cafe.  Located in a 100-year old building, this cafe is chock full of books (on shelves right next to your table), art and a great wait staff.  Needless to say, our breakfast was delicious.  Another sight along the way was a banner just off the highway that read:  "Massive Petroleum Spill and Toxic Site" with skull and crossbone logos!  Seems that a Sinclair gas station was once located here.  Apparently the land owner sued a contractor (hired by the former operator of the gas station to clean up a spill) and put up signs to draw attention to the dispute, which went to federal court.  The landowner got a $1 settlement and now refuses to allow access for cleanup, despite the concerns highlighted on the signage.  Needless to say, we did not stop there--not even for a quick photo!

Finally we reach Mesa Verde--just magnificent!

After a quick stop at the visitor center at the entrance to the park, we set off on our driving tour.  A little history:  Around AD 550, the Anasazi people (now called Ancestral Pueblo people to reflect their modern descendants) moved onto the Mesa Verde.  For over 700 years these people and their descendants lived and flourished here, eventually building elaborate stone communities in the sheltered alcoves of canyon walls.  In the late 1200's in the span of a generation or two, they left their homes and moved away.  These cliff dwellings were first reported by local ranchers in the 1880's.   (NOTE:  I am not this smart--quoting the brochure that we were given at the park entrance.)  Our car tour took us down the Chapin Mesa road where the best sights (from the car) were along the Mesa Top Loop and the Cliff Palace Loop.  Sadly, another sight along the way were huge areas where three different fires in recent years have left hundreds of dead trees in their path.

Cliff Palace

We might have been tempted to get out of the car and hike to some of the accessible sites had I not developed altitude sickness partway through our drive.  I was surprised by this as the altitude at the highest point is only around 7700 feet.  But, if altitude sickness equals nauseated, sweaty, and headachy, that was what I had.  As we headed back down the mesa, those symptoms disappeared.  I was so happy!

One more thing we saw along the way:

Located on Hwy 160, near Mancos, at the Mud Creek Hogan Gift Shop.  Telephone poles have been fitted with giant arrowheads and stuck into the ground at 45 degree angles  No idea why.

And, finally, my dedicated readers (I like to think positively), I will describe what will probably be our last adventure in this location before we head east this coming Wednesday.  Yesterday we decided to take a little Sunday drive.  Our drive took us down into New Mexico.  Our destination was the Harvest Wine Festival just outside of Blanco, NM, near Farmington.  The festival is held on beautiful grounds near the San Juan River, surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, glowing sandstone cliffs, and curious tail-less peacocks (molting).  Lots of craft and food booths, wine tasting, and live music.  We shopped, we ate, we listened. And, a wonderful time was had by all!

Our favorite craft booth was this wonderful Indian potter whose creations were beautiful! 

So, almost done here.  But wait!  Two Friday nights ago we went to a local football game--the Durango Demons v. the Farmington somebodies.  Durango high school has a fabulous new stadium with faux turf.  We cheered for the home team (while watching all the teenage fans who were there to be seen--not to watch the game.  I was freezing to death and the kids were dressed in sleeveless outfits with no jackets in sight.  BTW--the Demons won!

Me and Oz at the ballgame! (His first-ever selfie)

So, one last thing (I promise).  For the past week or so, Bob has been chasing a medical issue.  Back in August or so he started having pain in his neck that eventually migrated down into his shoulder.  After suffering with the pain for a while, he decided to see if he could find a doctor to identify the source and recommend a fix.  Two MRI's, a CT scan, and a cancer scare later, he is back to square one.  First doc thought his shoulder pain was related to a torn rotator cuff--MRI showed a perfect rotator cuff.  Second MRI (of his neck) revealed a suspicious lymph node, which resulted in him getting a CT scan..  After Bob found and showed the doctor a report from 2005 of a suspicious lymph node in his neck that, after a needle biopsy, was determined to be benign, she concluded that the current suspicious lymph node was one in the same and gave him a clean bill of health re lymph node.  Now we need to find a spine doc who can read the neck MRI and CT scan and figure out what is causing the neck/shoulder pain.  Dr. Nancy (me) suspects the cause is stenosis of various disks in the spine.  Those were mentioned in the radiology report.  But, we will try to find a real doctor, perhaps when we get to Georgia, to make a diagnosis and recommendation or a fix.  Meanwhile, he keeps the pain at a manageable level with ibuprofen.  

Glamgirl closing for now.

  

15th anniversary of 9/11

Sunday, 9/11/16

A somber day of reflection and remembering.  Where were you on this awful day in 2001?  Just like the day of Kennedy's assassination, I will forever remember where I was and exactly what I was doing.  Sad times.


Seen today just down the street from us.  Joint venture by the local police and firefighters.

Alright, I have put myself in a box here--how do I move from that paragraph above to describe the good time we are having here in Durango?  With apologies, I will just move on.  I mentioned in my last post that we were going that night to the Bar D Chuckwagon Supper and Famous Western Stage Show, featuring the Bar D Wranglers.

Met my cousin, Matt Palmer--not really--at least not that I know of, but he and I had a laugh about it.  Matt was the youngest in the group.  He is an amazing fiddle player and baritone singer.  He was joined by Gary Cook, a two-time National Champion flatpick guitar player and tenor; Joel Racheff who plays a gigantic bass and sings. . . . comedy (according to the pamphlet)--he was quite funny; and Richard Espinosa who sang the lead vocals and played rhythm guitar.  He was really funny!  Last but not least (he joined in for the last two numbers) was Cy Scarborough--91 years old, he is the General Manager and one of the original owners of the Bar D,

The show was fabulous!  What's that?  How was the supper?  Hmmmm. . . . .if you go, go for the music!  Food wasn't anything to write home about.  But then, consider the writer here.  However, during the dinner part, sitting across the table from me and Bob were two Amish couples.  Just as friendly as could be.  They told us that they live in an Amish commiunity in Indiana--drive a horse and buggy and don't use electricity.  However, they had been driven to Durango by their nephew, who is not Amish.  They explained that traveling in a car being driven by a non-Amish person is permitted.  One of the couples told us that they take a train from Indiana to Phoenix almost every winter to get away from the snow.  They also laughed when I told them about how Bob (and his neighbor, Connie) used to think that the TV show called The Amish Mafia was real.  Bob and Connie were so disappointed when I showed them a website that debunked that myth!  Don't think they ever watched it again.

One afternoon we took a drive around the area of Durango.  The trees in the higher elevations are starting to turn beautiful colors--gold and orange and red.  A college is located here--Fort Lewis College--a 4-year liberal arts public college. Along this ride, we stopped by a neato gourmet market, where I bought a jar of pickled asparagus.  Hoping it is half as good as the pickled asparagus that Sally Macy served to us two summers ago.  Next door was a wine/liquor shop.  No wine in the grocery stores.  However, in June of this year the Colorado governor signed a bill that will allow grocery stores to sell wine and full-strength beer.  This change will be phased in over the NEXT TWENTY YEARS!!!!!  Supposedly the long phase in was designed to protect local small businesses and unique craft brewing joints from going out of business right away when people figure out that the grocery stores and Target/Wal-Mart-type businesses can sell these libations soooooo much cheaper that the mom-and-pop stores whose prices are OUT OF SIGHT--at least for this wine-drinking Californian.  I am finding that wines here--the same ones I buy at Albertson's at home--cost at least 4 or 5 dollars more than what I pay in Cali.

Went shopping one afternoon at the local Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  Isn't it amazing how sometimes you have no idea what you need until you see it?  I went in there looking for a bench scraper--a kitchen utensil which I am convinced I cannot live without.  Came out with said bench scraper, along with a cutting board, tongs, 4 soup bowls, a wooden-wicked candle, and a beautiful Wilton 9X13 baking pan--WHICH WILL NOT FIT IN THE RV OVEN!  Guess I will be bringing that back home with me.  Should have measured first.  And, I should have bought a pie plate--decided a couple of days later that I wanted to make a buttermilk peach pie.  No pie plate.  That's alright because they always sell them at grocery stores.  Uh huh!  At the City Market they only sell them in sets of two!  That's right--nice Pyrex pie plates but only in sets of two!  I didn't need two!  Guess one of those will come home with me, too, to join the other eight I have there.

So, this brings us to last Thursday.  Several years ago when Bob and Linda were spending a summer in Alaska, they met some RV neighbors, Sammy and Peggy Bougeus (pronounced:  Bogus).  Tho they only spent a couple of hours together, they became fast friends--a friendship that still exists today.  A few weeks ago Bob and Sammy talked, and we found out that they were on an RV trip that would bring them to Durango for a couple of nights.  Sure enough--they rolled in last Thursday afternoon and were able to park right next to us.  That night I made Cajun Catfish Chowder for them (along with the buttermilk peach pie).  Messed up this tiny kitchen to hell and back but it was worth it!  Ate outside (the rain and thunderstorms seem to have calmed down for now) and a good time was had by all.

Next morning at the crack of dawn we all hot-footed it up to the trolley stop next to our RV park and rode it downtown to the train station.  Several days before,  Bob and I had purchased tickets for the four of us to ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Silverton.   Two trains go up each day--we took the second train that left at 8:45 a.m.  Those who know me well will not be surprised to hear that I got us to the train station more than an hour before the scheduled departure time.  Hey, we were not late!  And, there were gift shops to peruse while waiting.  Finally we boarded  the train.  We had been advised to reserve a seat in an open car, which we did.

 Me, Peggy, and Sammy (Sammy is a lot funnier than he looks here).

The scenery between here and Silverton is almost beyond my ability to describe--so beautiful!  I will let the photos speak for themselves.

The train runs on coal--lots of smoke and cinders flying by!

Still in the lower elevation here.

Uh, you can reach out and touch these rocks if you want to risk losing your hand.

A gold miner we saw along the way.

In the mountains now.

Some of the drop-offs were rather precipitous!

See above comment.

The Animus river which was alongside us most of the way.

Periodically, the train blew off steam.

When we finally arrived in Silverton--the train ride was 3-1/2 hours--it traveled very slowly--we looked around a bit then had lunch at Natalia's 1912 Restaurant.  Food just o.k. but we really didn't go there for the food.  But, before we re-boarded the train (they only allowed us 2 hours to look around--with a STERN warning that they would leave at 2:30 with or without the passengers), we found an ice cream shop serving huckleberry ice cream waffle cones!  Yum-O!

The return trip was in full sun all the way--the outside car was not as nice.  I got a tad sunburned.  But, again, the views were spectacular!  Pack you bags and come visit Durango and take this train ride--you won't regret it.  I know several of my readers have already had this wonderful experience.

The evening concluded with wine and cheese and crackers outside.  Next morning Peggy and Sammy were pulling out bright and early, headed back to Louisiana via, among other places, Taos and Santa Fe.

And, you might be relieved to hear that this now concludes the blog for today.  Oh, one last thing.  The first night with Peggy and Sammy, a beautiful Golden Doodle named Dudley, towing his owner, Marilyn, at the end of his leash, stopped by.  We offered Marilyn wine, which she promptly accepted. We chatted at the table for a while.  Then Marilyn told us that we just had to see her RV.  Said it was huge.  So, we all got up and began following Marilyn and Dudley on a wandering path through the RV park.  At some point Marilyn announced that she might not know exactly where her RV was parked.  Hmmmmm. . . .  Me thinks Marilyn had already been imbibing something before we gave her wine.  Finally located her RV--RIGHT ACROSS FROM OUR RV!!!  She was right--it was HUGE.  We could have square danced in the living room area--that is if we knew how to square dance.  The kitchen was to die for--so much prep space.  And the bedroom had a king-sized bed!  Let me tell you--that Golden Doodle had it made!!  Now, finally, glam girl signing out.

September 1, 2016

Friday--September 1, 2016

Glamgirl reporting in.  Can I just start by saying that, three weeks into the trip and I am SICK of all my clothes (and shoes)!  Well, the summer ones anyway.  I knew this would happen!  And, no Dillard's or Macy's for miles!!  My only choices for buying clothes here in Durango are expensive little boutique stores downtown or the Super Walmart out on highway 550!  What's a glamgirl to do?  Why order online of course!  Whoo-hoo!  I am going shopping right here in the RV tonight!  Worked a couple of days ago when I realized I desperately needed a chef's knife.  Good old Amazon had my favorite Shun knives for very decent prices.  One is winging its way to me as I type!

Soooo, what have we been doing since my last report?  I mentioned that we drove to Telluride.  Cutest little town!  Suspect it is really a lively place during ski season.  Actually, tho, we were told that the summers are pretty busy because the town has some sort of festival every single weekend during the summer.  Smart town!  I read that they bring in some great music acts.  Were it not for the harrowing drive back from there, I would consider going back one weekend.  But I NEVER want to drive that route again!

Last Friday we decided to drive out to Lake Vallecito--a little ways out of town.  Beautiful drive out there.  Gorgeous homes up in the hills with very impressive views.  Finally reached the lake--large lake.  Some nice (probably weekend) homes all around the lake.  But nothing much else to see there.  We drove half-way around the lake, then turned around and came back to the RV.


Lake Vallecito--love how the clouds are reflected in the lake.

Now, Saturday we had a wonderful surprise!  Around noon or so, my friend, John Bradley, from Ridgecrest called.  This was not a total shock as his wife, Cyndy, had told me that John and some friends of his were going to be camping in Durango.  I just didn't know exactly when.  When he called, John said they were currently in Pagosa Springs--about 60 miles east of  Durango.  They were getting ready to drive to Durango and would be looking for a campsite when they got here.  I suggested our campground (which, in addition to RV spaces, has nice tent spaces in a beautiful trees an grassy area).  Turns out, they did stay here.  I have met each of John's friends in the past.  Two of them more than once--Tad Roberts and Jake Bowen--not to mention Tad's gorgeous wife, Laura.  Jake has had more girlfriends than I can count--cute devil that he is!  Anyway, the "Mancation" boys, including Al Carlile, touched base with us when they arrived in the early afternoon.  What's that you ask?  What does "mancation" mean?  These guys have known each other for years.  They try to go somewhere each summer together--usually involving fishing and camping.  For this years excursion to Colorado, Jake, ever so thoughtfully, had t-shirts and hats made with the logo:  Mancation 2016.  The other guys were sooooo appreciative (ha ha), but they wore the shirts.  That evening they all came over to our RV and John (the master cook) grilled chicken for us.  I made an appetizer plate and made potato salad to go with the chicken.  Plus, since my birthday was the next day, I bought (yes, I said bought--cake baking in the RV would be a nightmare!) and served a delicious carrot cake for dessert.  A grand time was had by all!  Lots of laughter!  Oh, did I mention that they brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a "dancing dill pickle"  birthday card!  They left the very next morning so it was a quick visit.  But, they gave us 3 freshly caught trout from the Animus River nearby which Bob and I made for dinner the next night.  Man, were those fish good!!


And, a good time was had by all!

Sunday, my actual birthday, I had intended to just relax and enjoy the day doing whatever I pleased, be that reading or working on my coloring masterpieces--yes, I said COLORING!  Don't knock it before you try it.  Very relaxing activity.  However, as the old saying goes, "The best laid plans sometimes go awry."  Man oh man, did they ever!!  It started when Oz decided he needed to go somewhere and discovered that his key ring was missing.  He started looking for it.  Soon I joined in the search (since I know that he, like almost every other man I have ever known, have no clue when it comes to looking for stuff--right ladies?).  Before the search ended about 3 hours later (maybe 4), we had turned this RV upsidedown and inside out!!  Bob even found stuff that he didn't know was missing!!  I finally called my AAA people and requested a locksmith to come out and unlock the truck.  Hoping the keys were in there.  Soon realized, tho, that the keys being in the truck would be impossible since we had used the keys after exiting the truck to get into the RV.  I am a tad embarrassed to admit that, throughout the great search, my greatest appreciation was the fact that I KNEW I was not the last one to touch those keys!!!  I did not crow too loudly about that fact, tho, as Bob was quite distraught.  Not long after the call to AAA and arranging for the locksmith (who we really did not need--couldn't drive the truck without the keys anyway), Bob remembered a place where he had not searched--his side of the closet in a basket where he files his important stuff.  No chance they were there, tho.  But in the interest of leaving no stone unturned, he looked there.  Guess what he found?  Yep, that darn key ring!!  Needless to say, I quickly canceled the unneeded locksmith.  We also immediately headed off to that Wal-Mart on Hwy 550 to have keys duplicated.  Got new keys made for the truck ignition (that amazed me) and the tailgate.  Also, the key that unlocks the various storage cabinets on the outside of the 5th wheel.  But, Wal-Mart could not make a key for the RV.  Yes, they will make one for your vehicle but not the 5th wheel RV.  Go figure!  Next day we went to a very nice locksmith (maybe the very one headed out here the day before) and got a key duplicated for the RV.  All the new keys are now on a keyring in my possession!!!


Me and old smiley at the Verizon store.  He is wearing his favorite psycho clown shirt!


Katelyn--Verizon employee of the year (IOHO--if you get this acronym, you get a prize).

So, where are we now?  Oh yeah--Monday.  Interesting day that involve trapped birds and a new phone.  First, the least painful of the two events--the phone (see photos above). Bob's fabulous Samsung Note 3 cellphone started acting up on Sunday and refused to take a charge.  Sooooo, on Monday he researched and found a phone repair place.  Off we went--again out on Hwy 550.  Found the place--nice proprietor.  Long story short--made more sense to just buy a new phone (Bob's secret desire anyway).  Now to find a Verizon store--not far away.  Got there around noon-thirty--left after 5!  I kid you not.  And, we had a fabulous person (Katelyn) helping us.  She was very patient and answered every question we could think to ask.  In the process of purchasing the new Note 7 Samsung, other irresistible items were also purchased--like a dedicated wifi for the RV so that we won't have to depend on the notoriously slow RV park wifi, an indestructible Otter case for the phone, an upgraded plan.  Oh, Katelyn was goooood.  Silver tongued devil!  But, Bob is happy and the new camera function is beyond fabulous!  The most clear photos you have ever seen--some of which appear in this blog.  But, what a giant hassle buying a new phone and having everything transferred from old to new can be!!!

Now the trapped bird story.  Dare I tell it?  This event revealed a very fundamental difference in mine and Bob's life philosophy about the treatment of animals.  I suspect some of you will take his side and some mine.  First some background.  Camped next to us in a very small camp trailer is a Mom, Pop, and their 10-year old son named Max.  Their story is that they live in Durango but have rented their house out and have plans to travel for the next 6 months (with Max) in Europe.  I am having a major "deja vu" feeling here--if I discussed this family in my last blog, please ignore this part.  Anyway, back to the story.  So, Max, being an only child, seems lonely.  But Sunday night his dad and he, using a milk crate and some twigs and bait (peanut butter), set up a trap.



Max wanted to catch a wild animal.  Monday morning as we were leaving to replace the phone, I glanced over at the trap and saw that one of the beautiful magpies which hang around here, had gone for the bait and tripped the trap and was now frantically trying to find a way out.  The family, having left their camp site earlier, could have been gone all day for all I knew.   I won't go into the discussion between me and Bob that preceded me releasing that poor bird from his prison.  But, it was not pretty.  Bob thought that it was not fair of me to deprive Max from finding out that his trap worked.  I, on the other hand, could only feel the panic of the bird and in no way could have left him in that trap for goodness only knows how long.  We finally agreed to disagree, sort of.  Enough said about that.

Now, Tuesday, 8/30.  A lovely drive  to Pagosa Springs, east of Durango.  What spectacular (I might run out of adjectives to describe the beauty of Colorado before we are done)  scenery we saw between here and there (see the photos).  Had lunch at a place right on a river (failed to get the name of the river--restaurant was Borde Rio).  I had a delicious carnitas plate.  And, an excellent margarita.  A very nice combination, I might add.  On the way to Pagosa Springs, we went through the Ute Indian reservation (at least we saw the turn-off for it), saw tons of (what I think were) sunflowers along the roadside, passed the Billy Goat Saloon and Pizza place.   Then a few more miles down the road, we passed a billy goat farm!  Passed a sign for an equestrian place that read, "Astradle a Saddle."  That tickled my funny bone for some reason.  Drove through Bayfield--not much there--will not be a future destination!  Saw Yellow Jacket Creek--eek--stay away from there!  And, in the distance, saw Chimney Rock--a National monument.

 Chimney Rock--way out there!



A beautiful scene on the way to Pagosa Springs.

A gate that must have led to a spectacuar house.  Bob's new camera made this special effect.

The view from the Borde Rio restaurant where we had lunch in Pagosa Springs.

So, here we are--it is September 1st!  We have some interesting plans for tonight.  We are going to the Bar D Chuckwagon for the Supper and Famous Western Stage Show, starring the Bar D Wranglers.  According to the brochure, the fiddle players name is Matt Palmer--maybe a long lost relative?   I might have to go downtown to one of those little Southwestern Boutiques and get me a Western outfit.  That only makes sense, right???  So long for now.  Glamgirl signing out.