Friday, Oct. 2
The days have been somewhat warm in Durango, and the work days long too… Time to head south to see some fall color, and we sure found it in Chama. A late departure for us: 11:30 am. Spent three nights at the Elk Creek Trailhead in Chama (Colorado side), disbursed camping, no rules! Generator when we want, for as long as we want. Camped downhill from the others so not bothering them. The leaves are just gorgeous all along the mountainside, looking like someone plugged them in. Overcast and rain on and off after we set up, and continued into the night. The party was on and I "over-served" myself with two vodkas then wine with dinner -- forgetting that we are at least 8800' above sea level. I was reminded when the headache and ice pick to the brain started at bedtime.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Woke to beautiful blue skies and 46 degrees, and not enough sleep. But we had to hike and so we did, about 7 miles round trip to a beautiful meadow along the Conejos River. Just gorgeous. Later took a drive around the area, not much around but washboard roads to other camps. Visited a gift shop, about the only thing in "town" and saw a wedding going on. We also took a look at Elk Creek Campground next-door, which is the official campground and is closed for the season. Great location. That was about it for the excitement, so back to home, dinner and a Doors movie on Dish. More rain and lightning in the evening. Well, at least the timing for that is perfect.
Sunday, Oct. 4
Woke to 36 degrees at 7am. Today's hike: Duck Creek. Very steep and muddy, turned around after about a mile or so, continuously wiping mud from our shoes. We were walking six inches taller. Decided to move on today, not much else to do here. Went to Abiquiu reservoir and it was really nice. Only one night so need to go back and spend more time, beautiful area. And, campground has electric, yeah! Drove around to Body's to see what the big deal is (there is none), but next time we need to do the 13 mile drive to the monastery. The Purple Adobe Lavender Farm is closed today and Monday, poo. Walked around the campground for photos of the landscape, then caught a colorful sunset at the trailer.
Monday, Oct. 5
Probably less than an hour drive to Santa Fe, so stopped for lunch at Gabriel's off the highway, north of SF. Has been on the bucket list for some time; not bad, pretty good yet expensive lunch. Found our reserved spot #12 at the deep an dark Black Canyon campground. Last time here someone stole my favorite lounge chair!! Back out to town to REI for new hiking shoes and bike discussion with their expert. I joined their club so expect great REI things. Still full from big lunch so no dinner. Did a short hike in my new hiking shoes to decide if I like them; not sure… kinda sloppy.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Farmer's market day! Plus a little work to do, ugh, did that in the parking lot before the market. Terrible cell signal in this town. Smaller version of the market on a Tuesday, but all I needed. Had breakfast at Tecolote, another bucket list, and was horribly disappointed. Totally inedible greasy potatoes, bland eggs with what seemed like stewed tomatoes from a can… once requested I got a good red salsa. Bakery stuff not bad but overall disappointed, yet the place is full. Must me be I guess. or I ordered the wrong thing. Anyway, now we know. Did the plaza stuff after the market and had a later afternoon quesadilla and margarita atop the LaFonda, which again ruined any chance of dinner!
Wednesday, Oct. 7
Shopping day, this time up Cerillos. Discovered the new, larger Camino Real Imports -- fabulous they have it all for Mexican imports, Talavera and all. SF Stone Works for nail files for Vic, Kohl's, outlet mall, Trader Joe's, then of course, Maria's! Bill ruined that with a lunch I missed while at Kohl's so I had a "light" two tamale dinner and chips there! just one margarita for me, two for my driver, look out coyote fences! Really not loving this dark campground; it may be good for the summer because it is cool, but it is too dark and on the north side of the canyon for fall. Get me out of here! About 6 - 7 miles up from town up Artist Road. Been a bit cloudy and overcast so time to go home. Not going to extend the trip. Besides, time to shop for bikes at home…
Thursday, Oct. 8
One last trip to REI to exchange the hiking shoes, then the drive home via Abiquiu. Stopped at Echo Amphitheater and found a small campground is there, good future reference. Came home to beautiful weather; we missed all the rain they had last week. All dry now.
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