July 2. Ouray, Colorado

We got up this morning to a beautiful scenery of nothing but these huge mountains. Just unbelievable. We then visited Mesa Verde National Park and this is a must for anyone. An Indian society lived in the alcove of mountains. We visited a place similar to this a couple of days ago but this visit was different. We actually got to walk into the dwelling and see how this group of indians lived in the year 1200. They were a very resourceful group of people. The ride into Mesa Verde is absolutely incredible. Curves and curves and curves. Motorcycle bliss.

On the way from Mesa Verde to Durango, CO, the temperature was a pleasant 80 degrees. Then all of a suddenthe temperature dropped to 52 degrees in a matter of minutes. We should have know something was up, but we drove on. That was a mistake. We first encountered rain, then all of a sudden it started hailing, and there was no where to stop. We all had on the correct riding gear except for Bo. He only had on a shirt and a leather vest and he paid for that decision. The hail hit his bare arms and left abotu 20 or 30 red bumps that looked like bee stings. Ouch, to say the least. We found refuge in a mailbox facility that was for some housing area and was covered. After about 25 minutes we headed on into Durango. We found a nice place to eat and returned to our bikes to discover that all three of us has received parking tickets from the local police. It appears that we had parked in an area that required a parking permit, but no signs were in the area where we parked. We all figured it was a $15.00 tip to the city of Durango from a few southern cruisers.

When we first pulled into the parking lot, I put the kickstand down and jumped off the bike. I must have been been parked at some weird angle because, once again, the bike tumbled over. No damage and we just picked her up, again, and went to lunch.

Durango is an old western town that had a lot of "cowboy" roots. However, now the town has become a tourist trap and is too comercial in my opinion. The streets are very busy, traffic is everywhere and there is no where to park. And the locals are rude to say the least. The old west charm that I was so looking forward to was not there. I would not visit this town again unless I had to pass thru it to go somewhere else.

We left Durango on hwy 550 and headed towards Silverton. Now Silverton is a neat little town that does have the old west feel and look and is a very quite and relaxing town. We left Silverton and headed to Ouray, CO, and this road is really unbelievable, but not for the faint at heart. The road has NO guardrails and NO shoulders at all. I mean none. And the drop is about 3000 feet straight down from the edge of the concrete. Scary. Lots of great views with snow on mountain tops and many, many beautiful waterfalls.

We did not make our final destination of Glenwood Sorings, Colorado, because of the extended visit at Mesa Verde, the hail storm and narrow mountain highways. Instead we stayed the night in a small little town named Ouray, nestled in the bottom of a canyon. Simply a breath taking place and a must for everyone. We were all glad that todays events made us have to stay in this little town.

We ate supper at a little place called the Outlaw restaurant. Very expensive, but great steaks. I think there is a tourist menu with prices and a locals menu with much lower prices.

It is late and I need to get some sleep.

Later.........................