Redvale, Colorado

Another view from the deck, showing our little "canyon"
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Well, I made it to our place in Redvale, Colorado.

Today's drive was pretty easy, but still took about 8 hours including stops.  I left Chimayo at 11, and followed US routes north, stopping for fuel and dog walk breaks. On the way, I did manage a quick stop at Echo Amphitheater to see the rocks and hear the echoes.

Road's End for now

There was a distinct difference as I crossed the state border from New Mexico into Colorado.  The scenery got greener, the hills became mountains, and the air was much cooler. I stopped and took some photos shortly after entering Colorado, though I still had three hours to go.  The first town was Pagosa Springs, a town I had last visited in the late 70s when a friend was teaching there.  Not surprisingly, it was much larger than I remembered.

The last of the snow on nearby mountains, near Rico, Colorado
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My route took me almost to Telluride, up across Lizard Head Pass, and alongside some of the tallest mountains in the area.  The northern slopes of those moutains still have snow cover, though of course ski season ended some time ago.  The spring/summer snowmelt has kept the rivers full even now in July.

And so around 7 pm, I ended Phase 1 of the Big Drive.

I'll spend the next month or so getting to know the area, probably hiking and playing tennis, and maybe rafting on one of the rivers. There is a great zip line attraction, and if I get up the courage I'll try that, too. Stay tuned.