August 5, 2023 - OFF ROADING!

Temperatures:

Exterior: 42*

Interior: 49*

Time to go off roading! We took Rd. 39 right at our campground entrance. It’s a narrow gravel road that turns into Hermosa Park Road.  This road heads up the mountain following Barlow Creek. Beautiful! We passed Barlow Lake which was more of a marshy area now. I’m sure it’s much fuller during the spring snow melt. 

At the point we saw the sign that says ‘High Clearance Vehicles Recommended’ we decided to turn around. (10,000’)The road appeared to get much narrower and you would definitely need a Jeep or a side-by-side for the rest of the way. 

If we would have continued we would have passed Hermosa Peak at 12,520’ elevation. Then down the other side to Hwy 550 (Million Dollar Highway) near Pergatory Ski Resort that’s just south of Silverton. A short cut! This is why in the past we could never make that day trip from Durango or Silverton to Telluride and leave Jett behind for a long day. Two and one half hours one way! But it’s right there as the crow flys!! 

(The gravel road we were on connects the blue dot with the red pin in basically a straight hairpin line LOL)

On our way back down we had beautiful views of Mt. Wilson. It stands at 14,252’ elevation. Then we decided to go back onto Hwy 145 (pavement) and onto another gravel road. We didn’t stay on it long. It was a much narrower gravel path and this diesel truck is too big. Hard to pass another vehicle. Most times someone had to backup to a wider spot. When we finally got to a hairpin turn that we could turn around this now put us on the outside edge to pass anyone. I literally had to stick my head out the window to tell Tim how many inches he had to move over. We passed at least 12 other vehicles this way. Done! 

Back at camp we went fly fishing again. Tim and I had lots of hits. Even hooked a few. However I only landed one. Catch and release! We both absolutely love this area and especially love fly fishing here right from our campsite! 

Dinner was a one pot sweet Italian sausage dish. It was delicious. This new recipe will be a keeper and I forgot a picture. Tomorrow we plan on heading to town (on a paved road) to explore and possibly take a hike somewhere. 

Bedtime temperature: Exterior 54*