Saturday, September 05, 2009

Durango and Back to NM

Monday, we drove to Durango, CO. This is such an interesting town, with lots of Victorian architecture and quaint main streets. This photo epitomizes my memories of Durango, with the Victorian iron fence and flowers. Every storefront had hanging baskets of glorious flowers, all along Main Street. I took lots of photos of the grand hotels, etc. but this fence and flowers say it for me.

This is the Animas River. We decided to follow it along its course back to New Mexico on the way back to Chama. It was this low in some places and deeper in others along the way. The Animas River Valley was a very pastoral valley, with lots of hay fields and horse farms.

We happened to be driving through Aztec, NM and noticed a sign for the Aztec Ruins. We decided to see what that was about and I am so glad we did. These were the ruins of a large village. Some of the main kivas were restored, but lots were just the walls remaining. This was one site of ruins where we were allowed to wander throughout the rooms. Of course, the people of these village were very short people and we spent a lot of time bending to pass through 5-foot doorways. There were many manos y matates in the plaza of this village that had been excavated from the ruins. These were the grinding stones for their cornmeal.

We will be leaving this great place on Monday, we will miss the cool weather and wonderful scenery we have been able to experience. But, we plan to come back for the Fall colors that promise to be wonderful here. Just wait till you see those photos!

5 comments:

Vicki Greene said...

I am so glad that I have been able to enjoy your trip through your photos.

Ruth said...

Not only has it been a delight to see your photos of this great area of the States, but your conversation is delightful and so expressive that one feels like one is riding right beside you. Thanks, Susan. Ruth

CHummelKornell said...

Susan, We are now in Susanville, CA! It's beautiful here. Haven't gotten out much, but will be hitting the trails soon. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your photographs when you are traveling. I especially like the iron fence and flowers from Durango. Of course, you must paint some of these scenes. The Aztec Ruins were also wonderful. I love stumbling onto unexpected treasures!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Hi Susan - I came to your blog via C Hummel Kornell's blog - just happened to notice the word Durango on her side bar. Love your photographs and your writing. I spent such a happy holiday in Durango a few years ago - going rafting on the Animas river and seeing such wonderful wildlife and eating in the evening at EO's restaurant in the Main Street - wonderful food, I have never forgotten it. I wonder if it is still there. Nice to meet you, I shall call again.

Gary Keimig said...

this is a very interesting area. My sister lives in Farmington and when my dad passed away my mother moved there to be close to that sister. I myself have had fun wandering around the 4-corners area and Durango is a fun town.
God bless and happy painting.