Fri, Jun 3, 2011

Friday, June 3, 2011

As we sat on the cabin porch to watch the sunset I wrapped up in a blanket to fend off the evening chill.  Charles looked at me and said, “Do you think anyone in Meridian is sitting on their porch wrapped up in a blanket?” – Donna Downey

Of course that is one reason it is so difficult to head toward Mississippi or even Texas at this point.  Everyone is telling us about the high temperatures and humidity and here in Pagosa Springs is will be in the upper thirties tonight and will warm to the low seventies with about 18% humidity. Now I know I want to head toward Mississippi!

We made the relatively short drive from Gunnison back around Blue Mesa Lake and then headed toward Lake City, CO.  We turned off on the Powderhorn dirt road for another opportunity to enjoy a slower pace and more of the “up close and personal” feel.  Cebolla (pronounced suh-VOY-ah) Creek meanders along the dirt road which offers wonderful views of historic and still active high-altitude ranches.  If we sometimes forget that we are driving around in excess of 9,000 feet we are soon reminded as we take a deep breath trying to get enough air!

Topping out at Slumgullion Pass again we headed toward Creede along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.  This is the area where the Rio Grande River begins and it is one of the most beautiful drives in the US. We made our usual stop for a picnic lunch along the Rio Grande just outside of Creede.  The weather was so good Charles opted for a nap before lunch and I set up to try to get a few bird pictures.  I was able to catch a few common grackles feeding on bugs along the riverbank and also a “take your breath away” yellow warbler. 

After our lunch we continued to South Fork, CO and then headed south for Wolf Creek pass and our destination of Pagosa Springs.  We got a cabin just outside of town and then headed out to take a recommended tour route Charles had found last year.  It was about a 35 mile trip called the Plumtaw-Piedra Loop that began on a Forest Service Access road in Pagosa.  Just a couple of blocks from downtown it became dirt and began to ascend into the higher altitudes north of town.  Other than in the fall when the fall colors are at their height, I’m sure we lucked up on the next best time to take this drive.  The snows had melted and the grass was tall and lush and there were lots of wildflowers blooming everywhere.  Shortly we were in the Aspens with their bright green leaves and also the towering Ponderosa Pines.  The forests in the west are nothing like our woods.  They are open and don’t have the weeds that we have to contend with.  This drive was like something out of heaven today.  The road was perfect as well as it climbed about 1,000 feet or so and then we just drove around at almost a constant level with beautiful vistas combined with lovely open meadows.  It might have been the most relaxing drive we have taken.  Toward the end of the drive we encountered several “jaw-dropping” views of several historic ranches.  For Charles and myself it is very difficult to leave these areas. 

One interesting building was the Debs School which was in service from 1909 to 1959.  It served grades 1 – 8 and school was held only during the summers.  I’m sure this was because it would be difficult for anyone to get to school in the winters here.  The average annual snowfall in nearby Wolf Creek Pass is 460 inches and the highest average in the US I believe.

Back in Pagosa Springs we enjoyed another Mexican dinner at Tequila’s overlooking the San Juan River and the Pagosa Hot Springs.  Then it was back to our cabin for a hot cup of coffee as the sunset.  As I said when I began today’s journal, I was wrapped in a blanket and it felt really good as the evening advanced.

We are well tonight and hope that y’all are too.

Peace, Hope & Love,

Donna, Charles, Paris & Dodger