Cool running

September 10th/09 - Pagosa Springs Riverside Campground
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Mileage: 100 km
Total mileage: 2486 km

Camped tonight in a very nice campground. Even have Chong from 'Up in Smoke' camped beside us. Oh, what a miserable life he has had and I've heard every detail. The guy means well though.

We started out today in busy traffic eastbound on Hwy 160. A bit overcast, but the cooler temperature was welcome. Mostly mountainous bush country, moderate grades, easy riding.

East of Bayfield we travelled through the San Juan National Forest. Beautiful big pines which I admired very much. I found out from one of the locals in Pagosa Springs that these are Ponderosa Pines.

Continuing east we were blessed with a long descent. I reached 67 km/hr with my old bike. I couldn't help feeling like Hans Solo in his junk yard space ship at warp speed waiting for it to disintegrate.

We sailed into what was supposed to be the town of Chimney Rock looking forward to a break and some lunch. Chimney Rock however, consisted of only an old closed down restaurant and a market garden. Since neither of us wanted a cob of corn for lunch we continued on.

Ominous clouds to the north of us haunted us all day. They finally broke open as we reached the Turkey Spring Trading Post. We drank coffee and ate burritos through the worst of it and then left for Pagosa under only light showers.

Nearing Pagosa Springs the higher peaks of the San Juan mountain range came into view. Everyday has a new breathtaking vista. We will head south tomorrow into New Mexico on the western slopes of the San Juan's.