June 16: SW Road Trip Day 38: On to Durango

We awake to another cloudless day. We prepare to depart Abiquiu, then have breakfast at the Cafe. We check out, get into the X3, and head north toward Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch on our way to Durango. The scenery continues to be utterly spectacular.

On the Road to Ghost Ranch

Ghost Ranch now, in addition to housing O’Keeffe’s preserved summer studio that one may tour, is a spiritual retreat conference center for all kinds of interesting groups and the home to two small museums (New Mexico History and Paleontology). It is run by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe.

Of course, it has a view of the Pedernal to the south, painted many times by O’Keeffe.

The Pedernal

O’Keeffe’s Original Summer Studio

Scenery at Ghost Ranch

During our visit, the conference in session has something to do with Friends, as in Quakers. There is a very “let’s all just get along” vibe. I’m not sure if it is this specific conference or the place itself giving off this vibe. We take most of the walking tour, including a visit to the Labyrinth. Modeled after the one at the Cathedral in Chartres, France, we walk it, contemplating inner peace. After that, we visit both the museums, which are fun, and the gift shop.

Back in the car, we continue north on US 84 and begin contemplating lunch. There are several small towns along the route to Durango. We decide to check them all out in turn and stop at the first place that seems acceptable. Alas, there is very little to choose from in these towns until we hit Chama and find the High Country Restaurant. Decent, but not spectacular.

After lunch, we get back in the car for the final 2 hours or so to Durango. After about a half hour, we are in Colorado and enjoying forested mountain views. After a little more driving, we pass Chimney Rock National Monument.

Chimney Rock

Another hour of driving finds us on the banks of the Animas River at the Downtown Durango Hotel. Amy will have a good run in the morning as there are pathways both upriver and down. We can’t quite check into the hotel yet (we are early), so we walk to the downtown and check out Durango. This is what all those little towns in New Mexico aspire to be. There are fun old hotels and other buildings (originally built circa 1875) that house businesses that support the town and its recreation/tourist industry. We are glad to be visiting for a couple of days as there is a lot to see.

We head back to the hotel for a short rest. Then, a few minutes before 6:00, we get in the car and head up the hill to the east to Cousin Jan’s house. We are so lucky to be getting a home-cooked meal! There is terrifically cooked sole, twice-baked potatoes, asparagus, and a yummy gluten-free pound-cake-like dessert with fruit. It is really fun catching up. Durango is our new favorite town in Colorado.

Wayne and Amy Visit Jan and Greg

After a too-short visit, we head back to the hotel and collapse. Another wonderful day of history, scenery and for a slight change, extended family.