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RV Trip to the High Mountains Day 10 - October 1, 2018 Durango - Old 100 Mine - Silverton - Red Mountain Pass - Ouray |
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After such a busy day on the D&S, we needed a light day. Because of careful planning, we had one. We relaxed, slept late and when we finally did get moving, we made a leisurely drive back up to Silverton. The plan for the day was to tour the Old 100 mine in Howardsville, a few miles north of Silverton. Now, the paved roads end at the edge of Silverton and our rental called for NO off-road use of the RV. My logic was that, in Colorado, a gravel paved road IS a paved road. So... off the pavement we went. And, for what it's worth, we had absolutely no issues with the gravel or the grades. It was a piece of cake getting to the mine.
At the mine we met up with Jon and his son, Riley. Jon is an Engineer on the D&S and we've been friends for years. Riley was born a year after Noah and I suspected they would be immediate friends. They were. In fact, when Jon needed to head back to Durango after lunch, Noah was really upset and cried for quite a while. But, for the few hours they got to play together, they had a great time.
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United Campground was one of the better spots we stayed. It's a tad crowded, but it's close to town, wooded, has a neat stream, and of course... the railroad runs right through it.
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Looking north on the D&S
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D&S Train 460 & 462 head north to Silverton
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Overcast skies were the order of the day.
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The drive up to Silverton goes over 2 passes (Coal Bank & Molas), but isn't particularly difficult. Though, it's pretty slow-going in an RV. I hate being "that guy" that slows everyone down, but it simply can't be avoided when driving a vehicle that large up grades that steep.
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The D&S Crossing of the Animas River as it enters Bakers Park, where Silverton is located.
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For the 3rd time on this trip we arrived in Silverton.
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One of my favorite places on Earth.
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North of Silverton we left the pavement. This wouldn't be the last time we did this in the RV.
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We arrived at the Old 100 mine with absolutely no difficulties.
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Sure is pretty way up there.
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Fathers & Sons
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Helping the boys inspect the interior of the ore cars.
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The mine entrance
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Our guide. He reminded me of an actor named Adam Baldwin.
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Looking up the shaft towards the upper works about 500' above the area we were in.
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Explaining how dynamite is used to fracture the wall.
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Noah got volun-told to push the plunger on the detonator.
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Fortunately it was just a demo.
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Demonstrating a mucker. The noise was deafening.
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Back on the tram to head out.
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While the adults chatted, the boys did what boys do: run around and throw rocks.
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The upper workings of the mine, hundreds of feet above us.
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Looking downgrade towards Howardsville. The road below was originally a branch of the Silverton Northern Railroad.
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Part of the structure used to house and load ore into railcars.
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Water runoff from the mine. This is rain and snow melt that seeped in the mountain years ago.
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For lunch we hit Mommy and Daddy's favorite spot in Silverton: Thee Pitts Again. Seriously. Tasty. BBQ.
Outside the restaurant were these same types of bell instruments we saw in Durango.
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After Jon and Riley left, we found a mailbox so George could mail something, and then we started up the grade to Red Mountain Pass.
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The weather was lousy, but the area is still quite beautiful and we had a great ride. Noah slept for most of it. =)
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Red Mountain
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The Idarado Mine
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Idarado Mine Town
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Majestic and beautiful, even in the low hanging clouds. |
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11,018' above sea level. About 10,950 higher than our house in Spring.
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Heading down the north side towards Ouray.
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Ain't nuthin' like this in Texas!
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Ouray, Colorado.
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Thus concluded a relatively easy, but fun day. Just about any day in the mountains is a good day.
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