Animas Forks is a Snow Globe

 We lead the way towards Animas Forks, following a set of tracks for a little ways.

We hit a turn and noticed whomever was here before turned around.  We contemplated the journey with our new adventure pals in the Ram, when a local in a Toyota pickup showed up.  They were hellbent on making it to their cabin to fix some plumbing issues and had snow chains.  Throwing caution to the wind, we followed them.

The locals turned up a switch back and we forged through the snow to Animas Forks.  At this point, we could see the shale road peaking through the snow, so we were confident to continue on. And boy were we glad we did.  This will probably be the only time we can say we had Animas Forks to ourselves.

A family in a 4Runner followed us all in and the Ram left with them to continue up to more mining ruins.  We stayed around, let the dogs get some energy out and had a picnic lunch from the Jeep.  It was just so amazing to have unfettered access without the noise of side by sides.  

After a while, we packed up and headed towards Silverton to tourist and get pizza and beer from the Golden Block brewery (best pizza) to take back to the cabin.  The 

This Isn't Iceland: "Lazy Day"

 We both we're feeling the ill effects of high altitude.  We're desert basin dwellers, and sometimes, the altitude just gets to us.  We did a short jaunt to a mining camp before heading up 550 to Ouray.  Walked a bit through Ouray, before we just headed back to camp to relax.  

Sometimes its just about taking a breather and enjoying the fall colors along easy routes.

New Year's Eve Trails

We started the year with new friends on a trail, it seemed fitting to end the year with the same amazing people.

The end of year crew was smaller: Pete and Mandy in the FJ, Liz and dogs in the Tundra, Jeremy in SeanRubiconnery, and Dave and Charlie in the TRD 4Runner.  We met up at their campsite off Table Mesa Road and caught up after our extended disappearance from off roading.

Then onto trails!  SeanRubiconnery lead us around for the day.  While the start of the year was wet and cold, today proved to be sunny and dusty.  Couldn't have asked for better weather.

We made our way to an old fort and explored before lunch.  Hope wasn't much of a fan of climbing rocks.  Elly needs to teach her the ropes.  (We left Elly and Rommel at the house.  Old age sucks)

After a fort-side lunch, we made our way along a ravine towards an old mine site.  We explored and chatted for a while before turning back.

After meeting up one last time, we all said our goodbyes.  Half the crew was camping again, while our teardrop is trapped behind car parts.  On our way out, we met up with Brett who had to work today, but was on his way in for an afternoon of trails and camping.

This was an amazing way to end the year.  I very much needed a day on the trail.  The fresh air, great scenery and good friends is just the reset button my brain needed.

Happy New Year!!! May your 2018 be filled with adventures great and small!

Full photo gallery found on SmugMug

Silverton's Rich Mining History

We woke to overcast skies and low temperatures.  It has been refreshing to require a light jacket and hat. 

Mike continued with his daily routine and went exploring with the dogs. Elly is in love with tall grass and would run and run and run through it.  She's a pip when she's not grumpy and tired.

During any down time at camp, Mike would wander out and watch the vehicles climb up to Black Bear Pass.

We drove out to pavement a different way, hoping the road would be easier to drag the trailers out later on.  Not so much.  One spot sported a 30 degree downslope, and the switchbacks were too tight.

Two years ago, when we were last in Silverton, we did not make it to Animas Forks.  Today we wanted a bit of a lazy day, so we did the "short" drive out to poke around the old mining community.

Colorado just leaves water sitting around everywhere.

The old mining town was neat to explore.  They have been repairing the remaining structures.  We were chased away by rain, but had enough time to feel sufficiently like tourists.

On our way out we saw a small Jeep use a water crossing to wash off.  Since our Jeep got muddy on the drive in, we decided to partake in nature's car wash too.  (Thanks Mandy for the pics!)

The drive back to Silverton was uneventful but pretty.

We stopped in Silverton for lunch at the Pickle Barrel and to browse the shops.

On our way back to camp, Mike and I stopped to our waterfall to finish washing the mud off the Jeep. It rained sporadically throughout dinner. I didn't mind the rain.  The cool weather, and wet conditions are a welcome change.  11,300 feet is rough on the lungs, but as usual, I'm loving my time in Colorado.