Jack the dog loves Colorado.
Jack loves Colorado
One paw in four states?
He could live there. Riding through the Rockies, seeing snow-capped peaks and smelling pine turns the hot Arizona desert into a memory. He tries to place a paw in four states at the same time, alas, some genius fiscal manager from the Federal government closes the National Monument of Four Corners for construction…druing the beginning of tourist season…I guess they do not need the money?
The town of Durango offers everything that we need. Friendly folks, bicycle and walking trails along a raging river, and a plethora of breweries. You ask, “What is a plethora?” He answers, “A plethora is many.”
Mare and I cop a $50 pet-friendly motel room next to a stream.
A dog and his man
Jack drinks water from the brook while breaching atop two stumps. He sniffs new scents, cautiously.
Durango river walk
What a great stop. After a day’s drive, we relax instantly. This is our kind of town… hiking, water sports, skiing, all the outdoor stuff…but right now, kicking-back becomes the name of the game and the Steamworks brewery seems to be the place to do it. We observe a balanced blend of historical/modern, cowboy/yuppie, you name it, wherever you fit in, there will be comfort on these streets.
Diner
In the morning we stroll down a cement walkway along the river. A steam-powered train engine pulls tourists up to the town of Silverton. Bicyclists peddle to work, and joggers pass by. We find a diner, a throwback to the type of diners back east, where people sit on stools.
A man wearing a cowboy hat and bib overalls approaches us. “Where you from?”
“Arizona,” I reply. “Sure is nice and cool up here.”
“Well, you came to the right place for breakfast. They use real potatoes here, not like those frozen cubes called hashbrowns.”
After a friendly conversation, he walks out the door where poor Jack sits outside tied to a pole. He pets Jack and then disappears.
No dogs allowed
It’s time to hit the road, Jack. We marvel at the Rockies. How did they build these roads? Impossible. The switchbacks zigzag over passes as high as 11,000 feet. We stop to step in the snow, and see the road twisting its way down through the pines and into a valley.
Silverton in the valley
Tonight, we hope to make the town of Golden, where we can hang out with Mike and Carole, not just relatives, but good friends. We know that we’re in for a good time.
This is absolutely beautiful, wonderful, and any other adjective I can’t think of right now!! Now this is what I’m talkin’ about!!!!!!
Good job guys!! How I wish we were with you on this trip!!
Yes, you guys would love it too!
Ron,
I LOVE Durango…and Silverton… If you took that drive, from Durango up to Silverton…just up a ways from Pergatory there is a very sharp right turn switchback that has a small roadside ‘picnic” area. The overlook is just BEAUTIFUL, and that is the spot that Jackie will spread my ashes, when that day comes!!
But…I digress…you said Golden, so I guess you headed east to Pagosa Springs to head up to Golden…
Lucky you…beautiful trip, anywhere through Colorado..
If you get a chance, Frisco, Dillon, Copper Mtn., Breckenridge are very very beautiful, also.
If you go to Frisco, stop in and see Sue Wentworth, owner of the Frisco Lodge… Tell her Skip Redpath sent you..(nice brewery just down the street, too.)… I made a nice Pet Urn for Sue a few years back..
Enjoy and keep writing…I love the stories.. Hi to Mare and Jack…
Hey Skip,
I must say that ashes and urns were not on my mind. If we had known, we would have certainly visited your future planting grounds!
Ron
Awesome! i don’t think I ever told you but I grew up in the four corners area – Kayenta, AZ to be exact – I’m sure you guys drove thru to get to Durango, unless you went thru Gallup. I saw the construction sign photo you posted, i think I recall reading a recent article that mentioned that they had the coordinates wrong all along and that where they ‘thought’ was the four corners really wasn’t – it was off by a few thousand feet – not bad considering the original survey happened in the late 1800’s. Interesting fact! happy trails!
Hi Brian,
From four corners to downtown Phoenix, now that’s traveling. Off by a few thousand feet…now all the believers will have to revisit.
Ron
Jack is no dummy. Who wouldn’t love Co. I am jealous. Have some cold ones for me. Have fun!!
We toast you all the time, Babe.
I say what a lucky dog!
You be right!
I bet Jack wishes his buddy Casper was with him to play with when he has to wait outside.
Hey Jo, Jack truly is able to entertain himself. Obsessive or something like that! Ron