29 Jul 2023 - Day trip to Durango CO

 

This morning we took a break from the Mesa Verde National Park and drove about 35 miles east to Durango CO.  Saturday mornings until noon they have a farmers market, plus just one block away is the old main street area with shops and restaurants.

The drive was really nice down US 160.  Plenty of passing lanes helps keep traffic moving.  The greenery is a welcome site after a week in Moab. 

 Coming into Durango we passed over the Animas River, which played a huge part in Durango's history.  In September 1880 the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Company formed Durango along the banks of the Animas River to serve the San Juan mining district. Both gold and silver were being discovered in the nearby mountains and resulted in the settlement of mining towns like Silverton which is about 50 miles north. Durango was actually named after Durango Mexico.  The name 'Durango' comes from the Basque word "Urango" meaning "water town" or "well watered place.

We got a great tour of the downtown area as we drove around and around trying to find an adequate place to park the big ol' brown truck.  Finally we found a one-hour spot near Walgreens and then walked a few blocks south to the bank parking lot where the farmers market is held.

It was interesting walking through the rows of canopy's, but a bit disappointing as the selection of fresh vegetables was poor.  If you wanted beads, trinkets, CBD flour or lavender scents they had you covered.  There was some food vendors and one of the highlights was this guy singing and playing Pink Floyd tunes.  He was pretty good!

We left the farmers market empty handed and headed up to Main Avenue.  You can almost imagine the dusty unpaved streets, horses lined up in front of the buildings, the old saloons and mercantile stores. 

After walking Main Avenue we stopped at the Carver Brewing Company for lunch.

 Doreen had a chicken wrap and I had a corned beef Reuben sandwich.  She ordered a Raspberry Blush with fresh mint, raspberry puree and vodka.  

I had a Colorado Trail Nut Brown Ale which was delicious.  This is one of the beers they brew.

We called it a day and headed back to the campground.  Tonight after the sun goes down I plan to wash the RV and the truck.  The campground here allows that with a nominal charge for the water.  We will also start packing things up in preparation for our departure Monday morning..

Tomorrow we have our Palace Cliff hiking tour at 1330 hrs back in Mesa Verde National Park.  It is about a 45-60 minute drive each way depending on if the road construction workers are working the weekend and how packed the park is with sightseeing drivers.  The tour hike is about a half hour.  When we get done with that and drive back we will clean up and then drive into Cortez and fuel the truck in preparation for our departure.