Slow and Steady
I lead a conga line of frustrated, impatient drivers down Farmington Hill on Hwy 550 into Durango at the end of my 3rd travel day. I am proud that I maneuver this curvy, steep mile slowly enough to avoid using my brakes until the stop sign or running off the mountainside (especially that last thing).
However when I park at the campground and look back into the RV, the scattered furniture resembles the aftermath of driving the RV on the Grand Prix at full speed. Yet another thing that a passenger is handy for – gathering up all the debris after a rough section of road.
An Aspen Hike with Michele
After I get the RV set up and recover from my travels, Michele guides me to a hike to the Animas River on the Purgatory Flats Trail. This crazy scenic trail is an easy 2 mile hike down to the river. Near the beginning of our hike on this narrow trail, two young men carrying kayaks over their heads pass us. Like everyone else we meet along this trail, they ask if we are gonna be OK. I begin to wonder what we don’t know about this hike. They are just getting ready to launch when we finally reach the river and are very obliging when I ask if I can take pictures of their adventure.
I learn as we begin our return to the Jeep why our fellow hikers are so concerned about us. While this rocky, forested path thrills us with aspen, colombine and mountain views going out, the grueling 14 mile climb back to the top requires MANY gasping rest stops. The only view I get on my ascent is of the rocks in front of my feet which refuse to lift high enough to avoid tripping on said rocks. Yes, we take the same path back up, but the vertical distance substantially lengthens our journey. Grab some water, put on your virtual hiking shoes and scroll through the pictures below to take a trip through the forest with Michele and me.
Thanks for a beautiful trip. I thought you went down 2 miles to the river, and it was 14 back??? you made a wrong turn somewhere girl. Glad you made it OK. Good to see Michele glad you had some company on this trip. Hiking that is. Its been raining here for the last 3 days, and the pond next to the house is getting fuller and fuller, we may need a boat yet. :>) GOD BLESS
JD
Jim
Hahaha, hope it does not come to needing a boat. I thought I was in shape somewhat, but not at this altitude?
Debbie, I’m so proud of you for traveling on and enjoying all the countryside. You’re so brave in all your adventures. I feel as I’m with you as I read and see your stories. Great pics!! Sandy Dukeman
Thanks Sandy. I love to have you along for the virtual ride!
I’m wondering about just how long that trail was?!?
Glad you made it to Durango and hope you and Michelle have fun!
You made need to use bungy cords to tie down the furniture for those mountain roads.
Jane and Leyman
It was only 4 miles round trip, but the uphill return seemed soooo much longer ?
The bungee cords are a great idea!
Amazing how things fly around the bus when we drive, right?!?! So glad you are with Michelle. LOVE the hiking pics. You are a Rock Star Deb!!! I know how very hard being alone in the bus is. You are an inspiration. Enjoy your friends and the beautiful landscape!!!! Big hugs ?
The weird thing is that I was only going 25 mph. At least everything moves around quietly when I am driving. None of those loud crashes that I would have to go back and investigate when Storm was hurtling us down the road!
I am so lucky to have met you while traveling around in the bus! I am inspired to keep going by the wonderful people like you that I get to call my friends!!
Hugs right back at you!!