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Old 07-30-2023, 10:24 AM
 
Location: Berwick, Penna.
16,215 posts, read 11,330,002 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Igor Blevin View Post
It was the visionary William Blake who observed that "Great things are done when men and mountains meet",

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Blake

And there is no finer demonstration of this principle than the two preserved narrow-gauge steam-powered railroads which survive as tourist attractions in Southern Colorado. (Cumbres and Toltec and the Durango-based "Silverton train").

Narrow-gauge railroad technology, which revolved around sharper curves and lower weight limits, evolved at a time when all-weather highways and tractor-trailer rigs were still several decades yet to come and that circled from Salida to Alamosa to Silverton, Gunnison, and back to Salida.

A day trip on either of these two attractions is a great lesson for an amateur civil engineer, or for anyone with an interest in history.

Last edited by 2nd trick op; 07-30-2023 at 11:44 AM..
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Old 07-30-2023, 10:35 AM
 
Location: State of Transition
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I haven't seen anyone mention Ft. Lewis College in Durango. It has a good anthropology museums, the Center for Southwest Studies. https://swcenter.fortlewis.edu/
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Old 08-10-2023, 08:21 PM
 
Location: East Central Phoenix
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Durango has some interesting architecture, particularly the Strater Hotel. In fact, the entire downtown area is quaint, and kind of reminiscent of an Old West styled town. The Silverton train is definitely something to take advantage of, which starts in Durango and travels through vast but beautiful forested wilderness. Outside of Durango, a few places to visit are Chimney Rock, Pagosa Springs, San Juan River, and Wolf Creek Pass.
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Old 08-21-2023, 03:39 PM
 
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Good posts here!

A couple that have not been mentioned here---

Hovenweep National Monument is about 20 miles north of Cortez and is easily reachable from 491 NW to Pleasant View, then left. It doesn't get the print that Mesa Verde gets but it's a must see.

The Anasazi Heritage Center is located near Dolores on state highway 184. It's an archaeological museum of Native American Pueblo and hunter/gatherer cultures. Check their website for hours of operation.
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Old 08-21-2023, 05:41 PM
 
Location: CO
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If you happen to be there on October 14, 2023, there will be an annular solar eclipse in Colorado’s Four Corners area, including Mesa Verde. (In Durango itself, it will be a partial solar eclipse)
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Old 08-22-2023, 08:13 AM
 
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Been there a few times. Yes, the train for sure. We had to get tickets months in advance to be in the open end car. But worth it. Also, driven that way , just make sure you use your low gears; otherwise you will need new brake pads afterwards. Ouray is great , spent the night there and enjoyed the big pool. Wish I could have gone to Orvis Hot springs but did have a great breakfast in Ridgeway at the lodge there. Stop at the honey store just north of Durango as well. The Strader is very quaint as well .

Mesa Verde is worth the trip as well. Got to spend the night in the lodge. The early mornings there are so beautiful!!
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