Durango: Day 5

Wednesday was another highlight day for me. There were two things I wanted to do while we were in Durango. See Mesa Verde and drive up to Silverton. Of course the big thing is the train from Durango to Silverton, but we’ll have to do that next time. We just couldn’t see spending $75 each with our tight budget.

The drive to Silverton was great, and probably even better than I imagined it. The road winds its way up three different mountain passes with majestic views of even bigger mountains along the way. The day was not all peace and scenic beauty though. Half way up the first pass an engine light came on. I just figured the climbs were a little steep, but we’d make it okay if we just went slowly. Kay was a little more worried though. So, we got out the manual and learned to use the autostick. Kind of a standard for dummies kind of thing the Pacifica is outfitted with. The manual said it was best to use the autostick when climbing so it’s a good thing Kay insisted.

Of course the whole trip I was imagining riding my bike. A few days prior Kelly told me about the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/ which races the train from Durango to Silverton. It’s 47 miles with 5,700 feet of climbing. I don’t know when, but someday I will do it.

In Silverton we had lunch at High Noon Hamburgers and looked around the shops. The train was there while we were so we took some pictures. It’s a great little town.

That evening we had dinner with Kelly at a nice Italian place, and heading back to our campsite for a fire and S’mores. Unfortunately, it was late when we got back and I got the fire going. Mackenzie was ready for bed. So, while Kay put Mack down I had a beer and watched the fire die.