Tim and I started out our day with hot camp coffee in the Airstream. Then, since we don’t know if we can meet the trains again tomorrow morning, off we went to meet the arrival of the first train of today. It never gets old. First you hear the loud piercing blow of the locomotives whistle in the distance. Then on the edge of town you can see the white puffs of smoke against the fall colored mountains well before the train arrives. As she rounds the bend you can now feel the roar of this massive piece of machinery!!! It really never gets old!
Next up was a drive on the Alpine Loop. We drove for about four hours total. Finding the old mines and seeing the spectacular views of this scenic byway made for a relaxing day compared to yesterday’s strenuous hike.
Alpine Loop is a spectacular drive with 63 miles of majestic and scenic views, located in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Tim and I hopped on the loop just a few blocks from basecamp here in Silverton.
Along the way we viewed mountains covered with pines and golden aspen, old gold mines, BLM land, campgrounds, debris from recent avalanches, trails, small ski areas and slot canyons. The landscape and views were just dynamite! (no pun intended)
It turned out to be a very special day touring the area. The evening ended with a visit to Avalanche Brewing Company. Tim and I had fun hanging out at the bar talking to the bartender and locals. We truly don’t want to depart here tomorrow but we have a HUGE, and I mean HUGE, event to attend by weeks end.
Today’s quote -
Happy National Public Lands Day!
"Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits." - National Parks Service
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