What's the big deal, it's a paved federal highway, lots of nice tourismo views of the mountains, blah, blah. Lies, all lies. It's scary. My leg was cramping from pushing on the imaginary brake the whole time to prevent a Thelma and Louise style plunge over the side of the mountain. The worst part is the pass over the Uncompahgre Gorge with 8% grades, no guard rails and lots of primal scream inducing emptiness over the side. Honestly, there were times I didn't think all four wheels of the Bambi were on the road. I thought at one point I could smell the burning brakes of either our vehicle or the ones ahead of us. The road here is not one inch wider than it needs to be and trust me it needs to be wider. I wish I had taken a picture of this highway but my focus was directly on the center lane and abyss on right hand side. I had to cover my eyes through some sections until Fred gave me the all clear that Ouray was in sight. Like I said, no pictures but it looked pretty much like this:
After we found our little RV campground, Fred decided to reward himself with a nerve-settling beer or two. Can't say I blame him, he's the man! Not once did he consider pulling over and weeping which I can't say for myself.
Our campground is a sad, soulless place filled with big rigs with names like Predator, Prowler and Wildcat Master Elite. I worry for the little Bambi's safety but we had no other option since everything was full for the 4th of July. It's cramped here to say the least. Alot of the other campers are here for the whole summer which means they brought along all their essentials for a fun summer vacation, ATVs, outdoor speakers, and small hooligan-like offspring. The problem with this is that they are stuck with their spouse and no one else to talk to about politics or the price of diesel for months on end. The result is that they really, really want to talk to Fred. Endlessly. We have to time our exits from the Bambi so we can make a run for the truck, otherwise he will immediately be hit up with a friendly "Hey, neighbor where ya headed today".
This is how close we are to our neighbors. The guy in the Winnebago is Fred's new best friend.
Since this is not the kind of place you want to hang out during the day, we have been taking drives, hiking and bird watching so we are only here pretty much to eat and sleep for four nights.
The highlight in Ouray on the 4th is the big parade downtown featuring all the local fire engines, ambulances, decorated jeeps and the high school marching band. What can I say, it's a small town. But, the really big deal is the water hose competition between fire departments.
Basically, they get closer and closer till one team cries uncle from the water pressure being forced up their noses and down their throats. The crowd also gets completely soaked and yeah, that water is cold.
Walked the Uncompahgre River trail the first morning. Unfortunately, there is no life in this river due to 100 years of mining activity. The water is milky from mill tailings but the city is trying to restore the area. Maybe the next time we visit we can see some trout or a maybe a nice blue-green algae. Gotta start somewhere on the food chain.
Took a drive up to Owl Creek Pass to do some birdwatching, didn't see alot but the flowers were great and the views were to die for. If you like this picture, I would direct you to Fred's photobucket page where we have posted many, many pics of what I like to call "Fred Standing in Front of Signs".
Yeah, it's some boring columbine pictures. So sue me, I like 'em.
Oh hello Mr. Red Squirrel. Although, you and I know both know you are just a rat in a cuter outfit.
The two big tourist attractions in Ouray are Box Canyon and the hot springs. We did both but if you think I'm gonna upload photos of me in a bathing suit you are wrong. So here's a nice shot of water falling through some rocks.
See those rare black swifts nesting, look really hard. Yeah, me neither. They are so rare, they aren't here.
Ouray is called the Switzerland of America, you can see why. Which makes me wonder, is there a city in Europe filled with Walmarts and McDonalds called the America of Switzerland?
Better shot of the canyon but it needs some perspective. I should have tossed down a large Prowler RV so you could see how deep this is.
We took a drive to an old mining camp, around one of the narrow, hairpin curves that drops off into lots and lots of fresh air someone had placed this nice little vase of flowers. Gee, I wonder why.
Camp Bird mine, complete with toxic mine tailings. Supposedly, it's being reclaimed but we didn't much progress.
Note sign in foreground and flagrant violator in background.
Fred, get off that thing ore else.
Nice end to a long day at the Grumpy Old Man tavern. Gotta finish this beer, go grill dinner, scowl at the noisy kids in the campground and pack up for our next stop......Aspen.
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