Colorado Part 2

2 Chicas Reserved at the El Oldo Condo

The solemn quietness of the surrounding Navajo lands was soon behind 2 Chicas. As we approached Cortez, CO, Chica 2 promised to make this a memorable trip. Promises, promises Chica 2, all of our trips are unforgettable.

Chica 1 breaks into a rousing, lowered voice, 2 Chicas version of Unforgettable – “that’s what we are…. Unforgettable though near or far….darling it’s incredible 2 Chicas are unforgettable…and we hope you’re unforgettable 2!”

Chica 2 was relieved that we pulled into Mesa Verde National Park; maybe Chica 1 would stop howling that made up song! Anyhoo, there’s something about ancient Native American pueblos that get 2 Chicas juices flowing.  Mesa Verde reflects the living styles of ancient Puebloans, who grew crops atop the mesas and carved out their homes into the canyon walls. They lived in a vibrant, thriving community peacefully working together to hunt, trade, and share creative expressions that live on centuries after their demise.

It is difficult to understand how these builders without the theorems and engineering expertise of today could build large dwellings that have withstood the wear and tear of the ages. Yet, here these archaeological marvels stand, a proud display of yesterdays ingenuity!

Chica 2 parks and we begin our trek to the Far View Visitor’s Center. If you are going to visit the dwellings, you must purchase tickets at the visitor’s center. There are a few exhibits of pottery and baskets here, but there are far better displays located in the Chapin Mesa Museum.

The weather was beautiful, but the trail is steep to the dwellings. The ladder up to these ancient condos is even steeper. 2 Chicas decide to enjoy the grounds but not risk slipping, sliding and ending up face down in the pueblo high rise.  Chica 2, ever so thoughtful, was really just trying to protect her dear friend from herself. When Chica 1 gets vertigo, she is transformed into a hilarious bobble head. Chica 1 usually does everything to the extreme! Tee hee hee

Over at the museum, 2 Chicas are enthralled with the dioramas which displayed life in the Puebloan village. The ancient baskets, tools, and other artifacts added depth to the visit. We spent a good two hours immersed in the history of the native people who simply walked away from their home and like so many modern day U.S. Northerners, moved south! It’s just that their south was New Mexico and Arizona.  Come reserve a day to climb into the homes of the ancient southwest! Tell them 2 Chicas said to get your ascent on!

2 Million Dollar Smiles on the Million Dollar Highway

2 Chicas proceed out of Mesa Verde and head up toward Durango on our procession up the Million Dollar Highway. Some say it cost a million dollars early in the twentieth century to construct this grand piece of highway. Others say there’s a million dollars worth of gold ore hidden under the road. One thing is for sure, this piece of highway is as beautiful as it is dangerous.

While driving through Durango, Chica 1 spots a big blob of color on the side of the road with a sign and a small pullover. It is quite a head turner so Chica 2 whipped a U turn and went back to investigate. The site marks Pinkerton Springs, which is named for a farmer in the area a long time ago.

2 Chicas discovered that the springs were originally across the street on the more mountainous side. The attraction was creating quite a traffic danger so a pipe was run under the road and up in a fountain like manner. 2 Chicas guess the rest formed around the pipe. It is beautiful and free so be sure to stop. Back to our journey....

Along the way, it is hard not to notice that the San Juan Mountains are stunning.  This route takes you right past the San Juan Skyway. But don’t be fooled, this road is a real nail biter. MSN lists the Million Dollar Highway as number two of its 10 Highways to Hell. There have been a number of fatalities on this road, so 2 Chicas always give the safety warning: “slow it down and keep ur eyes on the road buddy!” The sign warning of an avalanche doesn't help at all, even though it is late May.

Chica 2 breathed hard at every hair pin turn and switchback. Chica 1 just closed her eyes and tried not to moan too loudly. Fortunately, Chica 2’s steady hand was on the wheel. At some point, Chica 1 began singing Amazing Grace and making horn sounds like the band playing on the Titanic. Not very encouraging Chica 1.

It seemed at that very moment the road had a most severe switchback.  It appeared that Chica 2 had to almost bring the car to a complete stop in order to navigate the tight twist and turn. Chica 1 did not take one picture; Chica 2 actually pulled over a couple of times to snap photos. Poor Chica 1 with her vertigo kicking in was looking like a petrified child (or a petrified forest log).  

Despite what you have read, it is a beautiful drive between Silverton and Ouray, but take your time. It is important to note that 2 Chicas drove from Silverton to Ouray, which is the “safer” direction. If you drive from Ouray to Silverton, you are on the outside of the highway which is the side that has the steep drop off.  Pull over if you need to and don’t let anyone on the road rush you through this tough drive. God forbid you encounter wild life while driving. There are no guardrails and very little room to navigate.

Once 2 Chicas descended into Ouray, audible sighs could be heard.  Chica 2 bragged forever that she was the Million Dollar winner! With a big smile, she told everyone who would listen that she had conquered this beautifully dangerous highway. Chica 1 must admit that Chica 2’s grin was worth a million dollars! 

This is one grandiose piece of real estate but proceed with caution. No picture or touristy behavior is worth risking your life. Visit the Million Dollar Highway and tell everyone 2 Chicas said have a Million Smiles for 25 Miles!

2 Chicas Hooray for Ouray

Ouray was a beautiful little town with a whole lot of history. It is considered the Switzerland of the United States because of the beautiful mountains all around the area. The Ute Indians loved the area because of the great hunting and for the spa like springs. Surprisingly, the town is named for a great chief of the Ute Indians, who was esteemed for his great diplomacy. Sadly, the land of his people was taken at an alarming rate. So much for diplomacy…

Many of the Victorian era buildings are still intact, but on this trip, that's not our thing. 2 Chicas really looked forward to trying out the Ute recommendation concerning the “therapeutic” springs. Soon after checking into our hotel, we threw on our swimwear and a jacket (it was cold out) and headed over to the hotel’s hot spring. It was in an enclosed building, but it was wonderful!!! The water was hot, but it felt fantastic! There were a number of mineral deposits around the edge, but there was no sulfur. 

2 Chicas really needed to decompress after our self-imposed stressful ride.  Chica 2 brought her little yellow ducky for a ride on a hot springs wave.  Huh?  Chica 1 tried to engage Chica 2 in a round of drown the dag-gone duck. Chica 2 was not amused.

After being steam pickled, 2 Chicas ran through the cold parking lot back to the room to dress for dinner. It was nice strolling through the streets of the little settlement. Speaking with the locals, we found out the town has its own hot springs pool.

They also said there are people who occasionally come here to go up in the mountains and hunt for gold and silver. Chica 2 wanted to buy a pick ax and give it a shot. Chica 1 knowingly would never go to an isolated area with Chica 2 and an ax  Nothing but trouble would ensue. Tee hee he

Chica 2 arranged for a nice birthday dinner at a local steakhouse The Outlaw. Chica 1 was as pleased as a mountain lion at the deer town hall meeting! The rib eye was fit for a birthday celebration and the leftovers were outstanding with eggs the next morning. As 2 Chicas bid Ouray goodbye, we promised to return for another round of fun perhaps in the fall.

2 Chicas Gunning to the Black Canyon

Chica 2 in her normal child like questioning asked what in the world is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison?  She said it sounded like a movie that would have a really tragic ending. Only Chica 2! 

Black Canyon is a spectacular national park that is not nearly well known as its northern cousin Rocky Mountain National Park.  2 Chicas were heading into the South Rim of the Canyon. The black rock and beautiful sheer canyons really make this an outing any nature lover must experience.

Chica 1 was so excited about checking out the canyons, she forgot to wait for the car to make a complete stop. Of course she accused Chica 2 of trying to kill her and turn this excursion into a ghostly horror flick - “The Black Canyon Haunting of the Lost Chica!” 

Chica 2 once again wished Chica 1 would shut up. After all that drama, maybe it would be a homicide investigation?  No that’s just n ot nice at all Chica 2!

The parking area does not adequately prepare you for the breathtaking views seen from the trails. While hiking to the first overlook, Chica 1 tripped and watched a few rocks topple over the edge. These trails are not steep at all, but Chica 2 laughingly reminded Chica 1 of her clumsiness. This is not the place for taking chances. 

The overlooks thankfully have a protective rail.  Looking down into the canyon is breathtaking. The drop off is deep and you can barely see the Gunnison River below.

Chica 2 threatened to go rock climbing.  She knows better than to make idle threats. Chica 1 said she would gladly pay for the right to take pictures of this spectacle. Of course Chica 2 was only joking. The North Rim is much more isolated and the trails are more difficult. Black Canyon of the Gunnison gets the 2 Chicas 2 Snap Salute! Enjoy the scenery and take a slow ride on the Gunnison River to get views of the canyon from below.

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