April 26th
Mile 3472 to 3689, 217 miles
10,450+ feet of elevation
One last drive through this cute little town before we left. We tried to visit the active pueblo nation that is living in their historic village but the road was closed to local traffic only. Bummer.
We crossed the Rio Grand, with amazing views and stopped at the rest stop to walk back over the bridge. There were big horned sheep hanging out grazing in the rest area! So cool!!
We road through high mountain meadows and again started gaining elevation. We started to see patches of snow.
We passed a sign that said no cell service for the next 50 miles and climbed above 10,400 feet with temperatures in the 30s. Snow was everywhere (except the roads, they were dry). Creeks were just breaking free from the ice and aspen haven’t blossomed yet. There are storm clouds on the horizon and it was exhilarating! We are grateful for all our layers!
We drove through Pagosa Springs. There are hot spring pools in town along the river. Some people were soaking in the pools. We walked down and took off our boots and warmed our cold feet in the hot water. It felt amazing. Across the river were resorts with concrete pools along the river filled with people enjoying the mineral waters.
We passed a herd of elk and circled back around and caught glimpses of them as they ran for the woods.
We blew past a Buffalo farm too fast for a picture.
We made it to Durango CO and soaked in the hot tub immediately after arrival. Then we walked around town revived.
I love Colorado. We found a gluten free grass fed beef hamburger bowl with quinoa and arugula with chipotle aioli! OMG! Then gluten free truffles and a decaf oat milk latte! All yummy things for my tummy! I was so happy!
We met a fellow motorcycle traveler and spent the evening sharing stories. Good times!