Winter Trip 2017 is unfortunately officially over. As much as I wanted to go to Germany/Austria my bank account said a road trip was in order. Audra and I had a great time exploring the Southwest. The Kia did great getting us over the hills and thru the woods.
At Four Corners National Monument. Yes, we can officially say that we were in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado
I'm in Utah and Audra is in Colorado. Off we went from Four Corners to Durango Colorado
We had a great time exploring this town and met up with an old friend of Audra's. Thanks Jess for letting us stay with you. It is much appreciated.
We ate some yummy food, checked out some cute shops and sampled some of the local brews
First how would you get on this bike and second how would you peddle? Sure wouldn't take long to get places if you figured out the logistics.
After a few days in Durango we made our way over to Pagosa Springs. A quick drive. Only spent one night here, but it was fun to soak in the hot springs. The pools are natural and range in temp from about 90-110 degrees.
Brrr it was definitely a bit chilly getting in and out. Thankful that the hotel supplied us with these robes.
Just spent one night in Pagosa and then headed on our way to Silverton. Along the way we decided to take a ride on the Cascade Railway. It was scenic, but man you are getting nowhere quick.
We then hopped in the Soul and drove on over to Silverton. Seriously, about 2 stores in the entire town were open. Guess they rotate who is opening their doors. We stayed at the Grand Imperial hotel which was built back in the late 1800's.
The hustle and bustle of Silverton Colorado. Thankfully they do a good job plowing the roads in and out of town. Other wise might be looking into a rental for the rest of winter. Silverton's elevation is above 9000 ft and they get a bit of snow.
Driving over another pass. These roads can be a bit sketchy even in the nicest of weather. Thankfully the Kia did a great job. Mountain passes, no guard rails and snowy roads. Thankful I have a manual transmission vehicle.
And on our way to Ouray, Colorado.
Walked around town, explored, ate some lunch and did some shopping.
The big attraction here right now is Ice Climbing. Yup, need to work on some upper body strength for that to happen. Ouray has great hot springs that were unfortunately closed. Just means we'll have to venture back again.
Over looking the town of Ouray
Scenic Colorado Mountains. Spent one more night in Silverton and then hopped in the car for the trip home. On the way home we decided to take a slight detour thru Monument Valley. It's beautiful country, but man there is not much for civilization
We found this restaurant/gift shop after a few hundred miles. They actually had some decent food.
and off to explore Monument Valley. We took that dirt road for a few miles. Would be nice if they used some of the park entrance fee to maintain the road. A bit of a rough ride in spots.
A few more shots of Monument Valley
Overall a great Winter Trip.
