RV Trip to the High Mountains

Day 10 - October 1, 2018

Durango - Old 100 Mine - Silverton - Red Mountain Pass - Ouray

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.

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.

Looking north on the D&S

D&S Train 460 & 462 head north to Silverton

Overcast skies were the order of the day.

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.

The D&S Crossing of the Animas River as it enters Bakers Park, where Silverton is located.

For the 3rd time on this trip we arrived in Silverton.

One of my favorite places on Earth.

North of Silverton we left the pavement. This wouldn't be the last time we did this in the RV.

We arrived at the Old 100 mine with absolutely no difficulties.

Sure is pretty way up there.

Fathers & Sons

Helping the boys inspect the interior of the ore cars.

The mine entrance

Our guide. He reminded me of an actor named Adam Baldwin.

Looking up the shaft towards the upper works about 500' above the area we were in.

Explaining how dynamite is used to fracture the wall.

Noah got volun-told to push the plunger on the detonator.

Fortunately it was just a demo.

Demonstrating a mucker. The noise was deafening.

Back on the tram to head out.

While the adults chatted, the boys did what boys do: run around and throw rocks.

The upper workings of the mine, hundreds of feet above us.

Looking downgrade towards Howardsville. The road below was originally a branch of the Silverton Northern Railroad.

Part of the structure used to house and load ore into railcars.

Water runoff from the mine. This is rain and snow melt that seeped in the mountain years ago.

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.

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.

The weather was lousy, but the area is still quite beautiful and we had a great ride.

Noah slept for most of it. =)

Red Mountain

The Idarado Mine

Idarado Mine Town

Majestic and beautiful, even in the low hanging clouds.

11,018' above sea level. About 10,950 higher than our house in Spring.

Heading down the north side towards Ouray.

Ain't nuthin' like this in Texas!

Ouray, Colorado.

Ouray RV Park

Thus concluded a relatively easy, but fun day. Just about any day in the mountains is a good day.