A closeup of the poster at the far left. "Respected" is, in this case, a jargon term letting you know you're on or crossing private property.
Are they being disingenuous? The tradition of trashing public lands continues, but we should always remember to be especially careful with private lands.
The aspen were starting to drop their leaves.
Now don't forget: Leave No Trace.
(Peerz tuh me hits alreddy bin traced tuh duh max!)
So there I was trudging from gallery to gallery jonesing for some art when the muse giggled. I went inside and there, just waiting to be appreciated, were three paintings by Jon Schneck. It's the Silverton Green Works on 13th Street, a recreational marijuana store.
Jon checked out about ten years ago, but one of the owners, Jason Carroway, knew him and has had the paintings for many years.
Only 39, Jason had had a stroke six weeks earlier. Still reveling in being able to talk, he kindly took time to tell me about Mr. Schneck. He'd known him since he was six and said Jon was eccentric and kept to himself. His mom knew him better and when he died he'd left her his paintings. There are over 100 and they have yet to see them...they're in a storage locker. He said he's had these three for many years and considers them priceless.
When I asked about the store, Jason said he spent a year and a half getting to know folks around the state before deciding who he wanted to work with. The "foyer" has a couple of couches and overstuffed chairs and feels like a living room. And with the paintings and some large photographs of the Durango-Silverton Train, it's a lot like a gallery.
Philip Carmody (on right) is co-owner and manager. The store is in the back -- must be 21 to enter -- with friendly people carefully chosen by Jason. Our conversation was intense and focused on entrepreneurship and the importance of relationships.
As with most geographic spectacles, it's impossible to capture the magnificence. But that's why we're out here, isn't it....tuh see it. Ain't no dang fotey-graf kin do it. But, perhaps these will inspire you...to go see fer yerse'f. The view approaching Ouray. Although this time of year is usually accompanied by "monsoons," this year has been particularly wet. The mushrooms have been fantastic!
Ouray -- A name with many inferences. (My fav is that it's the British pronunciation (dropped aitches) of what the children in Captain Underpants books shout when the teacher announces recess.)
Immediately south of Ouray the road ascends a small hill to enter this valley...
Silverton...after a long steep descent (from either way). The Animas river flows along the right (SE) side of town with Mineral Creek flowing in from the NW. Their confluence, accessible from City Park, is about 500 feet behind the Visitor's Center...the white two-story building in the foreground (gray roof on right side of highway). It closes promptly at 5:00 p.m.
The library is wonderfully welcoming with excellent wifi, many comfortable, over-stuffed chairs, couches and a large section for children. And dog-friendly too. There are some nice homes awaiting renovation.
And, of course. there's the train.
The view a couple miles south.
And for those who're uninterested in "yet another rock pile," there're flowers everywhere...
A landslide closed highway 550 north of Silveron, but by the time I got there it was open an hour each day from 12:30 - 1:30. Fortunately, I arrived at exactly 1:30. The gatekeeper noted the time and said it'd open again at 6:30 p.m. I drove back into town and, completely out of reading material, was pleased to walk out of the library with seven books from the Books For Sale. I went once around the square looking for arrows to replace the ones I've lost or damaged in my new hobby and now bored, took the road NE out of town toward the Mine Tour. As I came off the hill I turned onto a dirt road that paralleled the river. I followed it for a couple of miles until I came to a bridge. On the other side it was a steep climb. I drove as far as I could and parked. After a short walk I followed a side road down into a valley. Below are pictures.
There is a camping area in front of the horizontal "gate" blocking the two-track. It's nothing more than a parking spot. 14 day limit. The house is behind the grove of aspen on the right.
The view from below the porch.
I'll always be grateful to that highway woman. If she'd said, "It's exactly 1:30, you may go." I'd have missed out. The next day the highway was completely open. Requisite Train Vid......
For those who may be considering taking the train, here's a beautiful video I found on Youtube...
