We were not far into our journey when we discovered that the pass at Red Mountain was closed for road work and we were stuck in Silverton for 4 hours. We were disappointed at first but this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Silverton was a mining town in the 1800's and now relies on tourism from the Durango to Silverton Steam train service and the ski fields that are close by. The town is like stepping back in time into an old western and we had lunch at the Brown Bear Cafe.
We also discovered Eagles Nest Leathers where we could have spent a small fortune, or rather, spent a larger fortune than we did! Our hall included a genuine skunk hat, a gift or two and of course the girls couldn't leave a shop without a purchase. I also brought myself a Navajo beaded blanket necklace from another quaint little shop. So after spending up we were finally able to set off into what was a wet, cold and bleak afternoon for the scariest part of our journey we have encountered yet. Red Mountain pass is 11075m at its highest point and it doesn't have a single guard rail on what are sheer cliffs. Driving in a massive vehicle, on he wrong side of the road and what was the cliff side was not pleasurable.
When the sun came out we were treated to spectacular country side, but we were so glad to get through that pass!
The view looking back from our destination for the day, Montrose.
Overlooking the Dinasour National Monument.
Flaming Gorge Dam, Utah
Some of the many mule deers we have encountered.
A not very good picture of the timid Pronghorn deer, these are beautiful creatures.
Bison on the road as we came into the Teton National Park.
Sun setting over the Tetons.
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