Home via the Mountains and Craters of the Moon

We decided to stay in the mountains as much as possible on our return trip to avoid the worst of the hot weather. I try to plan a route with some new places for us to see each time we travel between Aztec and Tacoma. Our first overnight stop was Ouray, CO. We've driven past many times, but because it is fairly close to the final destination in New Mexico, we've never stayed. Ouray is a fantastic mountain town. Once know for mining, it is now a tourist and recreation destination. I was impressed with the Ouray Perimeter Trail that circles the entire town on the slopes above town. The city sits in a hole basically, with high, steep sides of stone and the  Uncompahgre river running through the middle. They also have a public hot spring (we didn't use it). We stayed at the 4J + 1 +1 RV Park and ate at Ouray Brewing downtown on their roof deck.

Ouray, CO from the Ouray Perimeter Trail.

Nice trail, but some daunting exposure.

The Uncompahgre River. The RV park was along the river next to downtown.

 

Last Week in Aztec, Prepare to Return Home

We've been getting out a bit more, seeing a few things that we haven't had the chance to visit here in several years. I made my first trip to Navajo Lake, and my niece and I had a girls day out to see the Barbie movie together. Russ and I have been eating at our favorite restaurants and trying new ones. It's been relaxing and fun, but I've begun to feel too lazy. My usual exercise and active life has turned into sitting around and reading or playing on my computer. The weather has been so hot, it's painful to be outside for more than a few minutes.

Keeping cool feet.

Russ contemplates the view.