Route 66 RV Park, Edgewood, NM

Well, we had planned to try Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 59 to cut the corner from US 160 to US 191, but we had conflicting directions from multiple guidance sources. None of the GPS sources like Apple Maps, Google Maps and Garmin wanted us to use BIA 59, so we drove on by and found these three tools still could not agree on a route. We went with US 191 since the Carrier’s Atlas indicated it was the closest approved carrier route. All went well down to I-40 where we then headed eastbound.

Sadly, just east of Gallop, NM at the Continental Divide all traffic came to a stop, and stayed stopped for an hour. A semi had suffered a blowout, crossed the median and struck a westbound Greyhound bus. There were numerous fatalities and debris completely closed the westbound lanes. We saw many ambulances heading west and law enforcement and ambulances passed us eastbound. It also appeared that two police escorted school buses were used to transport the less severely injured to the Gallop hospital. We were fortunate to be near the front of the backup and were eventually on our way with lessened traffic due to the congestion behind us. It was a tragic day for those involved in the accident.

We arrived at Route 66 RV in Edgewood, NM an hour late, but happy to be in one piece.

Campground entrance as you approach from the west on Hwy 333

Typical western campground on the interstate. Roomy, with friendly folks.

Bayfield, CO

We have stopped for the night in Bayfield, CO on our way from Buena Vista to Monument Valley. The campground is a jewel just off US 160 as you approach Durango. Riverside RV Park is a bit more expensive than our usual Durango park, Alpen Rose, but is right on our route. The landscaping here is beautiful and there is a brook that circles through the park. 

Barbara was particularly taken by Al the pet Alpaca.

We met Fred and Joyce DiManno for a brief happy hour once they arrived. They are also members of the FMCA 4Wheelers and were at the Buena Vista rally with us. They live in Boulder City, NV and have come to Bayfield to spend two weeks with Habitat For Humanity.

We are just here for the night, but a longer stay would be nice if we decide to explore this part of Colorado.

Mary Murphy Mine and Pomeroy Lake

This is our last day of trails in Buena Vista, CO. We visited Pomeroy Lake and Mary Murphy Mine. It was another day spent between 11,000’ and 12,000’. I would like to say we have acclimated to the elevation, but we still need to take an occasional deep breath. Out resting heart rates have not yet returned to our sea level norm, and are still in the high eighties for the most part.

I wish we had pictures of Saint Elmo, CO. A few hardy souls still live in this town that once had a pobulaton of over two thousand mine workers. The general store sells antiques from the area, and more importantly, ice cream. There are about one hundred chipmunks, and one mean squirrel,  that hang out across from the general store waiting for handouts. The store sells little bags of nuts for a buck, good for the squirrels and good for the store. People literally have chipmunks climbing all over them to get the nuts. Barbara had a ball.

We have enjoyed our stay in Buena Vista and exploring the local area. Leadville was a nice treat, even if it was to take Barbara to the clinic to get medication for her continued eye irritation. If you get to Leadville be sure to visit the mining museum and have lunch at the Tennessee Pass Cafe. We are already planning next year’s return to this beautiful area.

Mine relics

Pomeroy Lake in the distance. We are having lunch at 12,000'.

Departing Pomeroy Lake overlook.

Approaching Mary Murphy Mine in the distance.

Returning from Mary Murphy Mine.

More mining relics.