This past weekend Luke and I set off on a serious road trip to Durango, CO. With this trip, I am proud to announce that I have been to every part of New Mexico! We drove all the way from the bottom Southeastern corner to the top Northwestern corner this weekend. Now I have seen all parts of the state--a mission of mine on moving here.
We didn't really hang out in NM though, but opted for Durango, CO instead. I am IN LOVE with Durango, CO. My love affair started last March when we enjoyed fresh powder at the Purgatory Ski Resort and the amazing town that is Durango. I will say this is the BEST place I have ever skied, and highly recommend it to any and everyone. When we returned home in March I went ahead and started planning our next trip back to town. I want to eventually visit Durango in every season. Durango is the perfect city for outdoor enthusiast--white water rafting in the summer; amazing hiking and biking in the fall; and the best skiing all winter.
Luke and I worked Friday and drove up to Farmington, NM Friday night as a pit stop. We woke up early Saturday to arrive in town and catch our 8:15 train to Silverton, CO. Durango offers a great experience riding on a narrow gauge railroad up through the mountains to the old mining town of Silverton. Silverton is a true old western town stuck back in time with dirt roads and western saloons. The train departed at 8:15 and took us on an amazing 3.5 hour trek. Once in town we wondered the streets and shops, had lunch, and jumped back on the train for our ride home to Durango.
Luke and I opted for the open air gondola and were blessed with the most beautiful weather. I think we jumped the true trees changing colors by a week or two, but I thought everything was breathtaking.
We did make it back in town to catch the end of the 2nd quarter of the game, and of course found Auburn family members in the local sports bar to cheer along with. I really could go on and on about how much I enjoyed everything about this trip (except the super long drive of course) but I think the pictures will say a thousand words.

The Front of our train rounding the bend! We are actually on a HUGE CLIFF  overlooking the Animas River

The cars and passengers behind us

The river was so pretty!  I am already thinking of when to return next year for rafting--ANY TAKERS?

Luke and I in Silverton about to re board the train home

The only paved street in town

The pictures are complements of Luke Dorman

So...we took a million pictures, and narrowing them down was very hard. I think Luke is going to put up an FB Album with more photos of the scenic journey.