A Gorgeous Drive to Durango!

It was 37 degrees when we got up so it was a bit chilly.  We were hooked-up and on our way to Durango by 8:15.  Ken was a little anxious regarding the steep drive we would have today through Wolf Creek Pass on Hwy. 160.  Ken had thought we would go around that area and drive an additional hour but after talking to fellow campers and CG owners he decided it was going to be a good challenge for Waldo and him. 

We were so thankful we took this route because the drive was absolutely gorgeous.  We drove through the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests! Again, the aspen trees are at their peak and breathtaking.  Ken did not use the tow haul mode when going through Wolf Creek Pass but worked at using the gears of Waldo and did a great job. He felt like he learned a lot on this drive. We had to drive 9 miles down the mountain with a 7% grade.  I was impressed at how well the drive went.  I will prepare you for all the scenic photos but I was the photographer today from inside Waldo as we were driving and couldn't help myself.  I just loved the aspens and the mountainside. The colors are fabulous and much better "in person" than in a picture!  These photos are going up the mountain -

The aspens were so colorful on this drive!

What can I say????

Wow, it took some work to construct this tunnel!

At the top!!!!  10,857 feet

 Now we are starting our trip down the steep mountain -

Rather curvy!!

Some hairpin turns!

Just in case your brakes fail and you can't stop!

 We arrived at Alpine Rose CG at 1:00 and what a great location.  We are about 6 miles outside of Historic Durango and 65 miles from Ouray, which we plan to drive to tomorrow!  

This is the scene right near the entrance to the CG!

This is the scenery near the CG!

The red rocks in the background are
what we see from Waldo and our
picnic table.  Not bad, huh??//

The hosts at the CG greeted us and escorted us to our site.  They told us to get set-up and check-in at the office whenever we are ready!  Wow!!  The view from Waldo and our picnic table are magnificent.  We enjoyed eating our lunch outside because it was 74 degrees.  I did some major cleaning inside while Ken washed the windshield and the front of Waldo - we had taken on lots of bugs!

After checking in we went into Durango to the Visitors Center and to a local grocery store - we were out of lettuce and that is a major problem!  Back to Waldo to make dinner and have a relaxing evening.  Ken did some planning for our drive tomorrow while I downloaded photos and did the blog. 

I did talk to Lori Paparo from back home.  She and her husband, Eddie, are on a trip out west also and plan to be home in about a week or so.  I also talked to my sister and she and John are leaving this evening for a month long trip south. Also spoke to Noela and they are working to get their 5th wheel and truck repaired. My mother has a bad cold and some sort of virus that is keeping her confined to her room at Masonic Homes.  Hopefully she will start to feel better soon.

 It has been a busy but fantastic day.