Blanca, Colorado

The last 2 days have been spent listening to the rain both day and night.  Nice to hear especially since we did not experience any of that wet stuff while at Picacho, Arizona! Did the usual routine - laundry, clean, watch the world go by, oohed and aaahhed at the lightning.  Just laid low.

Start of the hike up to Wolf Creek Pass

This morning we packed up in between rain showers and headed eastbound on state route 160, leaving Mesa Verde and the cliff dwellings behind.  This is a well traveled route, and of course, over the mountains.  Dave took the first part of the drive east through Durango and then steadily climbed up into the San Juan Mountains.  We passed through Wolf Creek pass, which  took us up to 10,857 feet and the view was magnificent.  Waterfalls, steep rock cliffs, mountain streams and rivers flowing by, and campgrounds.  Lots of them.  Packed.  We found out later that we passed one of the largest RV park in the United States, just east of South Fork, Colorado. Didn't have the camera out but picture RVs of any shape and size hugging a river, little room between rigs.  Almost looked like sardines - packed in that tight.

Large Ski Resort at Wolf Creek

Crossed the Continental Divide and started the downward trek.  Passed a snow plow and thought - gee, end of July and they still have them out?  Traveled inside a snow shed tunnel - must be where there are a lot of avalanches, and through a wiggly tunnel.  Fun day!  Stopped in Pagosa Springs to tank up and we changed drivers and I think I got the better deal - relatively flat even though we drove in elevation of 7000 plus feet. The motorhome did fantastic - although the engine screamed while pushing up and over and then trying to keep the speed down, letting the tow package keep it in check.  The car being towed was no problem, thank goodness we didn't have to worry about that.  The kids (cats) have adjusted well, neither came out to yell at me, when we got here to the campground they both immediately came out when we opened up the slides.  All is good.

Snow shed tunnel

Wiggly tunnel through mountain

Snow plow in July?

Not too close!  Drop off was a little scary!

We are stopped for 3 days in Blanca at the base of the 4th largest mountain in Colorado, Mt. Blanca. Our elevation here is 7,792 - the highest elevation we have ever camped at.  We will visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park while here.  Blanca is small, but cutesy.  Has a couple of restaurants/cafes, grocery store, gas station, and this campground.  Only 6 miles from the entrance to the national park.  Friday we will continue east and then head north on I 25 into Denver. However, we know we have to cross the Rocky Mountains yet - that will be this Friday.  Joy.