Day 22

The Camp Ground here at Monument Valley as a wonderful view of the Valley.  So this morning I got up just at sunrise to try and get a couple of pictures out through the window of the campground.

The ones following were just taken before sun down.

It seems like everyday is another WOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!
This morning we went on a tour of Monument Valley.

We rode in these very comfortable seat out into the Valley.  Really it wasn't to bad, but the roads were in bad need of repair.  I have ridden in washes that were smoother  then some of the roads we went on, but the sites were well worth it.  Anyway I though so, but maybe some of the guest questioned that.

We split the group in half and rode in two different bus's.  Here are some of the great sites we seen today.

Here is another one of those group shots of a wonderful group of people.
We had a great day traveling into the valley, and here are a few more sites we got to see.

Sun & Gary are trying to keep the rock from moving, Don't let go Gary!!!!

Some of you may be able to remember this shot from a couple of old western movies and a couple of new ones.

I picked a couple of the pictures that I though were pretty good from over 200 pictures I took today.  I didn't show any pictures of all the vendor's that were out here peddling there jewelry.  I felt it took away from the beauty of the valley.
Tomorrow is a drive day to Lake Powell and we are planning a trip up to Analop Valley, I hope to have some great pictures from their.

Day 21

Today was a travel day to Monument Valley by way of Four Corners Monument.  After a night of hard rain, and I mean lightning and thunder and more rain.  It finally stopped at about 7:00 AM when everyone was getting up and moving around.  We left the campground about 8:15 AM.  Within 4 miles we seen where there had been a lot of mud wash across the road last night.  Anyway we were on the road and heading to our first stop "Four Corners Monument".

 The sign hasn't chanced much in 8 years.

But the Indians have put some money into this Monument in the last few years.  Last time we were her it had a wood stand around the monument to take pictures from and the booths were in make shift lean-twos.  The place is really first class now.  Here are a few pictures of the guess standing or should I say putting all parts of body's in all four states.

 I wish I could of got everyone!!!

Judy I told you I would not tell Bob you put that one back, but did you!!!!
After about and hour milling around the shops here it was time to head down the road towards Monument Valley.  This is some of the sites we seen along the way.

 The WOW's just keeps coming.

I can't wait tell tomorrows tour of Monument Valley.

Happy Birthday Bob we are happy you had a birthday today so we could have ice cream and cake.

We all thank you Bob!!!

 At just before sundown we had a beautiful rainbow.  This is looking right front of our coach.

What a sunset!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 20

Today was a free day for all of our guest.  So everyone left and headed in different directions.  Cyndy & I went out for a little bit today to see what is in the town of Durango.  It is a nice little town with a lot to see.  We did a dumb thing today and forgot the camera.  But we did explore the Railroad museum and rail yard.  We are looking forward to doing this trip again.  So far this trip has to be close to one of our best for sites to see, but Alaska stile is the top of our list.
The staff today but on a dinner for all of our guest.  Everyone enjoyed the meal.  Tomorrow we head to four corners, then on to Monument Valley.  We have had few guess ask how can this trip get any better.  Every time we move it is another wow!!!!  I hope this keeps going for everyone.  Promise tomorrow there will be pictures.

Day 19

This morning we got up and got ready to go into Durango to catch the bus for Silverton, CO.  About 4 days ago we had checked the weather for this day and it said rain.  But today we have beautiful sun shine for a great ride to Silverton where we will explor the town then catch the train back to Durango.

Here we are all on the bus and enjoying the sites along the way.  What is nice when we come back on the train it will be a different route.  The bus can't follow the tracks all the time.

 The sites along the road were great.

 The closer we got to Silverton, which is at just over 9000 feet the colors of the trees really start showing.

Silverton was a mining town back in the late 1800's.  The only way to get here was by mule until the construction of the Narrow Gauge Railroad running from Durango to Silverton.  This was constructed by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, headed up by General William Jackson Palmer, in 1881-1882.  After the mines went dry this area has become a tourist destination because of the famous Narrow Gauge Railroad.

This is the steam locomotive that took us back down the mountain.  But first we have to eat and shop.

A lot of us ate a the Handlebars Restaurant.  The food was good and plenty of it.

 Yes, we all helped the local merchants out a little.

I still think Jesse should of got this hat.

Before we new it, it was time to head for the train and get ready for our ride down the mountain.

Lets make sure everyone is here, it is a long wait for the next train.

On the road again heading towards Durango, and here are some of the sites we seen heading their.

What a great day we had, all of us had a super great time.

I think we worked our poor wagonmaster a little to hard today, but he is doing a awesome job.  Great job Jim & Betty!!!!!!