Can't get enough of those trains

We are in Durango for a week, seeing the sites and riding the train! The Durango to Silverton steam train is not one to miss! You get on the train at 9:am for the 45 miles to Silverton--slow ride to Silverton as it takes 3 1/2 hours to get there. Lots of scenery to take in.  Then you have two hours to find lunch in Silverton, or shop or see the sights before you board the train again for the leisurely trip back. They actually turn the train around so that if your seats were on the left side, you get to see the other side going back. Although we are up and walking the train looking for open cars and hanging out the windows. Back at station at 6:30pm. We usually do this train if we are anywhere near Durango but never gets old.  Last year it was closed for Covid so we were anxious to go.

Big Meadows Campground, Rio Grand National

We decided to do a little Boondocking for a few days and dry camp at a National Forest Campground, West of South Fork and just before the summit of Wolf Creek Pass. Forest service campgrounds are usually pretty basic, and this one was too but it was so well laid out and each site was tucked on the side of a hill overlooking a sweet mountain lake. And just by chance we got what we think was the best site of all!!

The spillway out of the lake

We fished some more. Will has had better luck than I have--but who's counting!  (me!!) and it's a mystery. We stand next to each other, same rig, same bait-- he catches fish and I don't!!  I keep rubbing his shirt thinking his luck will rub off on me--doesn't work! Although I changed to using worms and finally caught a couple of small rainbow trout!

Took a drive up to an old silver mine and scenery was pretty stunning up above the tree line.

That's our recent "blue moon" the  morning after full moon. Still shining as sun coming up!

I truly don't care if I catch fish, am glad Will is, I love just being out there and trying. 

Last days at Creede

One of the things we look forward to in Creede is the Creede Repatory Theater. Totally cancelled last summer but this year their productions are outside. We went to see a two person show called, "Jack and Louise." It was great--we have seen enough shows over the years that we recognize the actors and Caitlin Wise as Louise was phenomenal. She never disappoints. It was a cold night so we dressed warm--Will didn't dress warm enough--plus it started to rain as production was ending but it had such a grabber ending that nobody was about to bail until it was over. However, the ovation at the end was short!!

The backdrop was spectacular!!

While fishing we watched a flock of Canadian Geese fly over accompanied by one white goose! When we were leaving the lake we spied the flock in the field. Had to be the same flock as there was one Snow Geese with them.

Range cattle behind us as we fished.

How long since I have seen a Badger!! Along the road--he was fearless. I wasn't about to get close--got him with my zoom.

Saw these planters in a park in Lake City. Made us laugh!!

Another waterfall on a hike.

Another hike. Sky is really clear these days. Smoke and haze much less.

Our lazy days at Creede

I did a horseback ride while Will went for a long bike ride.

Caught another fish. We are having to really work hard this time, fishing has been slow. Everyone we talk to agrees. But is still a good time trying.

We stopped to check out an old silver mine. A local bought the abandoned mine several years ago and turned it into a museum of sorts. He rebuilt some buildings, sifted through rubble to find interesting mining memorabilia, and left other fallen down buildings to show what was here and gives a sense of what it was like. And he is always on site to share the story of the hey-day of one of the richest mines in Colorado in 1880's.

Gathered up our little grill and packed up dinner and went for a drive up Pool Table Road for a picnic super. It's a scenic gravel road that goes up top a big plateau. There is the remains of an old lumber mill, called Hanson's Mill, a campground for the hearty that had a picnic table for us, and a trailhead that goes into a Wilderness Area.

We were enjoying our supper when suddenly a realife cowboy came riding out of the wilderness area herding about 25 cattle. They had strayed into the protected area and he needed to get them back to his range land.

The view of the Rio Grande River and valley coming up Pool Table Road.

Peddle Rail Bike and a Hike

A new adventure just opened here about a month ago and we always have to support the local economy. It was a fun ride.  You climb aboard a two-person peddle "bike" that runs on an abandoned (but repaired) railroad and peddle your way down the tracks!  It's a bit of a push going up hill and a coast down, but it's a railroad grade so the up hills are not so hard. Here our 10am tour is ready to head out. Once we are off each bike is on their own. We went about 6 miles total out and back along the Rio Grande River.

Yesterday's hike on the Ivy Creek Trail. Several stream crossings to maneuver.

Lunch stop on the trail. Also turn-around point

View driving into the RV Park

It's always an occasion to have dinner at the Lodge and tonight was the night. Our table stream-side was pretty nice even though we had a small shower of rain as our entre was served. We were fine under the big table umbrella.

Resident new lambs

Clouds gathering

The bigger rain coming in after dinner was finished.

To Creede for a week

The front gate of "Antlers Resort and RV Park" is so impressive. We have come to like this place a lot and now make it a point to stay here.

We are right on the Rio Grande River. It's headwaters are in this corner of Colorado. The restaurant and lodge look out over the water.

The main street of the old mining town of Creede heads right up into the old mining district-- no working mines anymore, just tourists.

We come here most every year--some favorite views like this one of Bristol Head.

I post this picture every year. It's a scenic roadside stop along hiway 149 that is probably my favorite. The Rio Grand River begins near that little peak way in the back.

First thing, we went fishing at Continental Reservoir. Cool, clear morning with the surrounding hills reflecting on the absolutely quiet water.

Fishing was slow this first morning but not totally unproductive!

Lots of cattle grazing on BLM land around the Reservoir.

Hummingbird feeder goes out first thing. An aggressive Rufous Hummingbird keeps guard and refuses to share.

We apparently had a bear in the campground last night. He was able to tip over a large dumpster and destroyed some bird feeders.  I heard the noise but didn't even consider it was really a bear!!