June 1-2

Since we are early risers we see more beauty in sunrises


than in sunsets.  We left Gallup for Cortez.  This was a fun drive seeing Shiprock

one of the more iconic rock formations in Northern New Mexico.  As we approached the town of Shiprock, Jan said since we were so close(what is another 60 miles) how about we go to"4 Corners".  The drive to there was relatively challenging but fun.  Arriving at 4 Corners(now a Navajo tourist trap) we were met with closed gates.  These people have either had their culture put the fear into them or they are being paid by the government to keep their facilities closed.  I do know that the Covid has hit their community hard in the last couple of weeks.

After a great night's sleep we awoke to another beautiful sunrise


and start to our day at Durango for a train ride.  Following a recommendation of a fellow RV'r, we chose to take the shorter train

ride(5 hours) up into the mountains.  Along the way there were beautiful canyons (several hundred feet deep) with a river at the bottom.  The river was very violent and deep

.  However, we did see some kayakers in the upper portion headed that way(bless their hearts).  After getting back, we decided to drive over to Silverton to see that little town.  Silverton was, like the name implies, was a large silver town back in the late 1800's. 

This little town of 800 residents sits in a valley surrounded by 12 and 13 thousand foot mountains.

  The drive over took us over two passes that were over 10500"

.  On several of the peaks snow was still there. Tomorrow we will visit Mesa Verde.

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