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Set
off rather late at 6.a.m. and promptly lose another hour
crossing the time zone. Much pleasanter drive through beautiful
wooded valleys - Apache country - they drew the lucky straw.
Temperature drops, legs are getting cold, ask Peter what
the altitude is and spot a sign saying 7860 feet. No wonder
I'm frozen. We stop at Chama for breakfast after 100miles.
The next step takes us up to Cumbres Pass, Heaven on Earth
at 10,230 feet. Fabulous stretch of road alongside
a scenic railway, closed at the moment from fire risk. Tall
trees like silver birch, cattle wandering across the road.
Pass the oldest church in Colorado. Yes, we are taking
a short loop into Colorado for fun. Stock country, scent
of new mown hay. Pass the Jack Dempsey Museum, not interested
enough to stop. Over the baby Rio Grande River, not so grand
at this point.
Buy a picnic in tiny San Luis and set off for some off piste
work I have been saving for Peter's birthday. Gravel Road,
20 miles of it - GRRREAT Fun. Peter happy, Healey
happy but Philip & Kathryn left to eat dust and very
unhappy!
We stop for a picnic in the Red river ski area, a lovely
canyon through the mountains. Bear country! All we saw were
chipmunks and a squirrel.
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Bear
Country |
After
lunch we are cruising along Route 64 when I shout
STOP. Yes, you will have guessed from to-day's heading,
I spot a rodeo in action. I spend a happy half hour
learning the intracacies of team roping and throwing
a lassoo. Find a tack shop and buy myself a small
rope halter for the foals' pressie.
Next
Return
to despatches |
R odeo at Cimarron |
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