Durango, Colorado
Friday – October 4, 2013
October can bring unpredictable weather to parts of Colorado and it held true
today, here in Durango. Yesterday, the temperature was quite pleasant in the low
70s. A cold front arrived last night and today the temperature is in the low 50s
and quite windy. Tonight, the temperature is forecast to be in the high 20s.
What a difference a day makes!
We were planning to book a ride on the Durango & Silverton train ride today, but
we decided to postpone that trip for another time perhaps in an August or
September time-frame when warmer weather conditions would prevail.
Instead of the train ride, we took a self-guided walking tour of the downtown
area of Durango. With approximately 17,000 residents, it is the largest town in
southwest Colorado. The town offers over 500 stores for the avid shopper to
explore. Shoppers will find unique specialty shops, art and photography
galleries, outdoor specialty shops, plenty of coffee shops and restaurants.
The centerpiece of the town is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Depot. Visitors from all over the world vacation here to experience the thrill
of riding on this vintage steam engine train from Durango to Silverton.
Equally impressive is taking a stroll or bike trip on the Animas
River Trail.
Durango Website - Animas River - Edited Version
It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque Colorado mountain city than Durango.
Part of what gives Durango its magical ambiance is the Animas River. Flowing
from the peaks of the San Juan Mountains through downtown Durango and beyond,
the River is rich with spirit and history. Known as one of the last free-flowing
rivers in Colorado, the Animas River’s name comes from the Spanish terms for
river of lost souls.
A great way to see the Animas River in Durango is by taking a walk down the
Animas River Trail. It’s a paved, mix-use path perfect for a leisurely stroll,
jog, or excursion on wheels. The nine mile trail also provides great access to
several parks and other free-entry points of interest, including several put-in
locations for those wanting to get in the water. There are several river access
points along the Animas for anyone hoping to enjoy a day of whitewater rafting,
kayaking, or just floating peacefully on a tube.
Every summer, Durango locals celebrate the role of the Animas in the community
by hosting a series of whitewater events and competitions at the city’s very own
whitewater park. Events include stand-up paddle boarding, river surfing,
freestyle kayaking, raft slalom, and even a costumed river parade. Animas River
Days also seeks to educate the public about river resources and conservation.
In addition to tubing, kayaking, SUP and rafting, the Animas is known for its
crystal clear waters and fishing. Casters here catch Rainbow and Brown trout,
and many of those fishermen will take home an impressive catch, with most trout
in the Animas measuring between 10 and 15 inches.
Experience the beauty of Durango by staying at one of the charming hotels
located along the Animas River. These accommodations offer picturesque river
views and easy access to downtown Durango.
Durango Tour Completed
Our tour of Durango finished, we were returning to our campsite at United
Campground when we spotted a small, unique establishment called HomeSlice Pizza.
We just had to stop and check it out. We ordered one of their 16" gourmet pizzas
to take back to our RV. This is quite the unusual pizza place. The front of the
building is a bar. The entrance is via a garage door, fitted with 12" squares of
clear glass panels. The garage door stays open and provides access to a patio
area in the front of the building. Patrons can enjoy pizza by the slice with a
beer, seated in the patio area or at a few tables inside of the bar. A food
truck is permanently installed in the back of the building. A large rectangular
window has been cut out of the back wall of the building to provide an access
area to the food truck. There, patrons place their order for a pizza. The pizzas
are made inside of the food truck. We really enjoyed our pizza, it was
delicious!
Tomorrow another adventure begins.
Durango Downtown Directory
Durango Downtown
Durango Downtown
Durango Downtown
Durango Train Station
Durango Train Station
Durango Train
Durango - Homeslice Pizza
