Durango

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We stopped in Durango to visit our friends, Jim and Becky Rodefer, whom we met and traveled with last year in Alaska. Located on the edge of the mountains in picturesque southwestern Colorado, Durango is a real outdoorsman’s paradise, with great hunting, fishing, skiing, and whitewater rafting readily available in the area. It is also home to the Durango and Silverton narrow-gauge railroad, which began operation in 1882, and still carries passengers on the scenic route using authentic coal-fired steam engines and vintage passenger coaches. The tracks passed within about 50 feet of our campsite, and just after we arrived we heard the whistle of the approaching train. We had just enough time to get the camera before the train passed, returning from its daily run to Silverton. Pretty neat, eh?

After dinner at a neat little micro brewery, Jim took us to the Diamond Belle Saloon in the historic (1887) Strater Hotel in downtown Durango. The hotel is furnished beautifully with period antiques, and is so authentic that you feel like you might run into Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid at any moment. In the saloon we were entertained by a really good C&W band. Neat town, nice people -- what a great time. After getting Jim and Becky to promise to visit us in Florida, we were off again heading west. Next stop - Moab, Utah.

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Photos

Here Comes the Train.
Wish the grandkids were here to see this.

The Strater Hotel
Prominent landmark in downtown Durango. Beautifully restored and maintained.

The Front Desk
Check in, Podner!

More Band
They were all very good, but the little guy on the right was terrific.

Two Barflies
Why, its Jim and Bob!