September 24, 2007

September 24, 2007

After 24 hours of rain, some of it finally found its way inside the RV. Yesterday evening we discovered a steady drip coming from the air-conditioner protruding thru the ceiling. It looks like we need a new gasket. Another item for the rapidly growing repair list this winter. Fortunately for us, the rain stopped shortly afterward.

In the morning the sun happily made its reappearance. And just in time for our journey over the mountains. Heading south, Rt. 550 follows the Uncompahgre River upstream to Ouray, CO. This very cute town is surrounded on three sides by tall mountains. No wonder they call the area, the Switzerland of America. From Ouray we climb the mountains to the town of Silverton, CO. There is one big reason to suffer the chilly weather of autumn in the mountains. They are alive with color. The Aspen trees have mostly changed to a bright yellow golden color that is in sharp contrast with the dark green pine trees and the white snow-capped mountain peaks. It is simply gorgeous. Although what should have been a short trip is made much longer because of frequent camera stops to try and capture this beauty.

Silverton is an old mining town. I had expected it to be a charming town. A short drive down Main Street was disappointing. It looks like the only thing going for it is the Silverton-Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad that continues to operate as a tourist attraction.

We stop for a quick lunch and then head down mountain to Durango, a much bigger city. We don’t stop. Instead we head thirty miles west and get a campsite in Mesa Verde National Park. They have lots of room. We buy wine at the Park store and toast the sunshine.