The Animas River...Two Different Views - Part 1

Durango, CO
September 7, 2013

Last Saturday Joe and I hiked the Animas Mountain Trail. It was not the most difficult or the longest hike we have taken...about a 6.2 mile loop. 

But, it is rather steep for the first half mile or so. Then it tapers off to just a steady climb to the plateau. All total we went from 6500 to 8100 ft. in elevation. 

 Animas Mountain sits to the north and slightly west of Durango.

 We hiked the trail counter clockwise (the east to the west side of the mountain) and enjoyed the views of Durango and the Animas River from the very beginning.

I couldn't help but capture a most interesting cairn...not like the ones in Moab!










Here the forest was beautiful and many shades of green...Utah junipers, Ponderosa pines, and Gambel oaks dominated. 


And it sure helps to throw in some patches of yellow!

The trail could be confusing at times, but maps are provided at each juncture.

 Finally, the sign we were looking for..."you are here" at 8100 feet.

The north high point of the Animas Mountain loop overlooks the Falls Creek Archaeological Area  and the hidden valley.

 Heading down the trail (on the west side) were views of the LaPlata Mountains.

Eventually we were back where we started. The trail going down was rocky most of the way. You would think hiking down is easier, but not in this case. The rocks were not stable to walk on and some descents were steep...

which sure interfered with my picture taking!





The word Animas (ANN-i-muss) is Spanish for "souls". The river was originally named Rio de las Animas Perdidas, or River of Lost Souls. Both the mountain and the community of Animas Forks were named for this river.

 This was a great way to spend Saturday. Sunday, we had another view of the Animas River with friends Sue and Paul. That will be Part 2.

 Take care...until next time...

enjoy the view!

Colorful Colorado and Wonderful Weather

Durango, CO
September 4-6, 2013

We left Moab bright and early Wed. (Sept. 4th). It was a beautiful ride to Durango and only about 180 miles. We enjoyed being on a country highway as opposed to the interstate.

 Sights along the way kept me busy and interested...

 A huge thanks to the people working in this heat to improve our quality of travel.

 We passed many farms...

 colorful meadows...

and pastures before arriving in Durango.

 Belle quickly settled into her spot at the Durango KOA. We chose a secluded back-in space on the far side of the park. Its very quiet and very little traffic.

Wrecks

The Tan Clan is happy...Joe made a nice fenced in area at home so they can sit out with us and there are two fenced in bark parks at the campground  for them to play ball in.

Dover

We started our third year of full-time RVing on September 6th. The time has flown by and just thinking back on all our adventures sure makes us thankful we can enjoy this life style.

Jack

Our pups seem to have settled down over the past 2 years. They always know when we are getting ready to move on.

Sally

And have turned out to be great traveling companions.








 Thursday was spent running errands...Pearl needed a new air filter...imagine that! We needed information...always good to have! And we needed a few things from Wal-Mart and the grocery store...nice to stock up!

With errands out of the way...Friday we hit the trail!

 The Colorado Trail stretches almost 500 miles...from Durango to Denver. Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers all enjoy the trail which is maintained by the Colorado Trail Foundation...all volunteers!


 The section of trail we hiked was along the Junction Creek just outside of Durango.







Pam and John (Oh, The Places They Go!) did this hike with friends when they were in Durango...look familiar?


We only made it 2 miles in...didn't get to Gudy's Rest. If we have time, we want to go back to catch that view!

We finished our time with a 7 mile ride (one way) to the Animas Overlook. It's an unpaved road with wonderful views.

There is a very short interpretive walk at the overlook along with picnic tables and a potty.











Oh, I almost forgot to mention the wonderful weather...it is absolutely perfect. Highs in the mid 80s and the lows in the mid 50s with a very nice breeze. 

Hope you are having a great week-end.

 Take care...

until next time...