If you really want the most out of a road trip you have to take the road less traveled. And in my opinion, there's no better roads in America than those designated as Scenic Byways.
Last year I did one of my favorite stretches called Scenic Route 12 on my trip to all 48 contiguous states. This year I'm trying to hit as many as I can, and Colorado makes that kinda easy because there's 26 of them. So I took Colorado's Silver Thread Scenic Byway as part of my trek south from Crested Butte to Pagosa Springs. And the best way for me to describe it - and other Scenic Byways - to you is like this... It isn't driving. It's entertainment. Every winding turn brings new vistas that delight the eyes and soothe the soul. Every majestic mountain, winding river, gushing waterfall and green valley reminds you of how big and beautiful this country really is. And every time you find yourself at the corner of Zen and Nirvana in Creede, CO - or other uniquely named roads - you remember that America has a great sense of humor. So I hope you get a chance to experience the road less - or Les - traveled and that you too come back with some life affirming stories to share. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories. Colorado has a lot of brilliant photographers. I met two of them in Pagosa Springs, CO. Sarah Curry has authored a book and has a website with incredible stories and images of people. Gary Musgrave has a photo gallery at Musgrave Wildlife & Wood 262 Pagosa St Pagosa Springs, CO and online with astounding images of wildlife and nature. And both of them are absolutely intriguing to talk to - so if you are anywhere near them, I hope you get the chance to meet them. Time didn't allow me to get photos of them, so I "borrowed" these from their websites. I don't normally post other photographers work, but since I come from the school of "Tis better to ask forgiveness than permission", I hope this will get their blessing. Meeting them inspired me to think about the great passion and diversity of photography. Sarah uses the camera to "create" thought provoking, visually stunning images. Gary uses his lenses to "capture" mind blowing scenes and split second events. Whereas I use my gear to "compose" photos of people looking their best and expressing a side they never have shown before. So, three different types of photography with one common element... We all use our cameras to tell stories. So that leads me to conclude with a question for you... What kinds of stories do you tell with your images? Update: Click here to see what happened when I got to meet up with and photograph these two shooting stars at the very end of my trip. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories We went into the San Juan Public Lands Center in Durango, CO to inquire about possible camping places. The woman there was incredibly charming and helpful. However, when I saw these books on the stand there, I was scared shift-Les. (I cleaned that term up in case my pastor reads this.) :-) I mean there were books about how not to die, get poisoned, get lost, get eaten and survive catastrophes. And I'm not sure what that book, "Who's Butt?" was about, but personally I think it stinks. (Sorry. My inner 13 year old boy couldn't resist that one.) So if you are coming to Colorado and don't want to have nightmares about meeting a miserable end (again with the butt jokes), here's my best advice...
Stay. Away. From. The. Book. Stands! :-) Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories My friend, Cliff Weiss is a ski instructor and long time resident of idyllic Aspen, CO. He told me that when people ask him where he goes on vacation, he responds, "Outside".
Cliff is like so many Coloradans I have met who live to go outside and play. And after taking this drive into Silverton, CO. I can understand why. The hiking is superb - there's incredible places no human has ever seen before. The views are mesmerizing - there are many places to pull over and take it all in. The rivers are soothing - it calms the mind, relaxes the body and revives the spirit. The mountains are breathtaking - literally and figuratively. The camping is surreal - that middle shot next to the water was just 30 feet from our site. And the fishing - well, let's just say that seconds after taking this shot, they caught one. So if you are looking for a getaway that has a lot of silver linings to it - come to Colorado. And then go outside and play. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories As I wrote in another post, Silverton, CO is a town filled with art and artists. In the very short time we were there, I was privileged to meet one of them, Misha Garcia at the Brown Bear Cafe. Her personality is as vibrant and colorful as the pants she wears and her photography is vivid and awe-inspiring. Another artist - this one of the musical variety - was Dale Elliot who was performing at the Grand Imperial Hotel. I didn't get a chance to speak to him while he was playing piano, but I can tell you the man was a joy to watch and hear.
As I wound my way around the charming mining town, I met the delightful Kelly from the Coffee Bear and three very dapper people from the popular train station. And last, but not least, I met my girlfriend, Marilyn Monroe at the Villa Dallavalle Historic Hotel/Inn. Okay, so she wasn't actually there in person, but she certainly was there in spirit. As the story goes, she made on of her movies in Silverton and so the proprietors have a room dedicated to her memory. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Silverton, CO is a former gold and silver mining town with a rich history - no pun intended. The miners started staking claims in 1860 and it wasn't long before the town grew to a population of 2,000 and had 400 buildings, a busy railroad and a very popular red light district. Today the town bustles with a different kind of energy. There are lots or great restaurants, shops, hotels, art and artists, an interactive music park, and the World's Highest Harley Store. To learn more about some of the interesting people in Silverton, check out my blog Amazing Faces: Silverton, CO.
Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories At the foot of Cascade Falls in Ouray, CO. there’s a concrete chute to channel the continuous water run off. The chute extends for a great distance and dumps into the Cascade Creek which ultimately flows into the Uncompahgre River. Well, after seeing her brave older brother take the full ride and survive, this brave young lady decided she wanted to do it too. But judging from this close up of her expression, she was second guessing her decision right at that moment. Fortunately the ride ended well, and I’m sure she walked away with a great story to tell.
Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories I can’t talk about Ouray, CO without mentioning the harrrowing road to get there - U.S. 550 AKA “the million dollar highway” because it’s said that’s what it cost to build each mile. It is an extraordinary feat of engineering. It is also scary to us "flatlanders" who travel it. There are hair pin turns on sheer drop offs that leave absolutely no margin for error. However, once you arrive in Ouray it’s easy to see why it’s one of the places Coloradans go to vacation.
Ouray has a great little downtown area with a view of majestic Cascade Falls. It has great shopping and dining, soothing Hot Springs and hosts world class ice climbing competitions. And because of it's stunning setting, it is frequently referred to as the Switzerland of America. When we first got to Ouray, CO we struck up a conversation with two fellow travelers, Jeff and Matt. On the following day we bumped into them in a coffee shop in Telluride, CO. So we all jumped into a gondola to explore this rather magical place linked by high wire transportation. The veiws from the various mountain tops are extraordinary, and a tad bit scary when that gust of wind tried to make me airborne. After Telluride, we caravanned to Ridgeway, CO., to have lunch in the historic True Grit cafe. As the story goes, this is the site where much of the original True Grit movie, starring John Wayne, was shot. And since all four of us grew up watching his movies, we had to do our best John Wayne stance underneath the sign commemorating him. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories As John Taylor and I wound down our incredible camping trip in Colorado, we made a final stop in Montrose, CO. And like so many small Colorado towns, the art, shops, eateries and overall welcoming ambiance was a treat to behold. Of particular note was this wonderful young lady from the very cool The Vine Market and Bistro who's picture begs the question, "How do ya like them apples?". As always, if you know the artists or merchants, please let them know that their images are posted here so that others may recognize and support them.
A special thanks to artist Travis Walchle who did the phenomenal mural of the flag and the American soldier. As one who had the honor of camping with a three tour Vietnam veteran on this trip, your work was a fitting tribute to all of our military - and their loved ones - who have sacrificed for our country. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Carbondale, CO is located between Glenwood Springs and Aspen and the drive to get there alone is well worth the journey. But what sets it apart from so many other places are the friendly people. While I was there shooting photos of the art and businesses, I had several people strike up conversations like Kenny Pitts of Sweet Coloradough and Brett A. Crull 3rd. And if that weren't enough, I met some good folks from Marble Distilling and Distillery Inn who told me that if I'd arrived a little earlier I would have seen the cattle drive up Main Street. I mean, C'MON!! A real cattle drive?!?! My inner 7 year old who watched cowboy movies - make that "moooovies" - every Saturday morning went COWabunga!!! So if you are looking for great food, art, lodging, scenery, shops, friendliness - and definitely more cowbell!! - check out Carbondale.
As always, if you know the artists or merchants, please let them know that their images are posted here so that others may recognize and support them. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories |
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