haphazardly coherent: Ah…Durango. This, is gonna be a long one.

So, the week at the cabin was just plain refreshing. Now, hit the road again, or roads as the case may be, to Boulder, then skirt Denver along the side of the mountains to 285 and cut through the rock to the interior of Colorado. Cutting through on 285 means driving right by the Kenosha Pass trailhead. Written and photographed by at least one –

http://www.anthonysloan.com/blog08oct1.html

Ridden by many. Grand country that.

It was a tough one driving by, seeing cars lining both sides of the road, beautiful fall day, bike on the rack in the back of the truck…tough indeed. But, the destination had it’s own calling, and quite a journey to get there.

Made an accidental rest stop in Salida. My love and I had one of those inevitable mis-communication moments. Such is life and the inaccuracies of the English language. But oh, what a glorious result, we entered town looking for a spot to make a very needed rest – and see a coffee shop – Café Dawn. Providence I say, providence.

Hey, the road needs traveled, the rest is needed, and why not at a coffee shop? What better place? Ok, a little background is needed. When possible, I will seek out the independent, local restaurant or coffee shop. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there is a place for Starbucks, and you will get the same latte in Phoenix as in Taipei, which is a comfort when away from home for some time. Albeit you will see a different menu -

But, for coffee shops, I mean, Macy’s in Flagstaff, Wicked Brew in Moab, Arches Book Company in Moab, Barking Dog Café and Stone Cup in Lyons, Kind Coffee and Coffee on the Rocks in Estes Park, Steaming Bean in Durango, all had great coffee. Some roasted their own beans, several used somebody else who was local in their own context. But, Café Dawn stood alone. The latte there invoked all of the senses. Sight – it was the only one on the trip which had art in it. Smell – great smell, as they all had. Taste – again very good, as all were. Sound – yes, they all had that whirring of the froth, building the anticipation of the drink once delivered. And finally Touch – it was the only one with texture, the texture of the latte. Thick, dense, velvet micro-foamed froth. Not just milk with foam on top poured into espresso.

Salida needs to be visited again – especially with trails like these:

Starvation Creek – Salida, CO

http://jenyjomtbbliss.blogspot.com/2009/08/frisatsun-pony-love.html

But, the road needs traveled, and the destination awaits. What a glorious side trip, and as Shakespeare said "things won are done, joy's soul lies in the doing". So, on with the adventure.

We made our temporary home at Vallecito Reservoir. Nice campground, yes, flush potties and electricity. Magnificent spruce trees, and a fire ring for marshmallows. You know that food group that exists at the very point of the food triangle. Absolutely not left out, just minimized, or reserved, for special occasions. We'll come back to that later.

With Durango, comes high country as well. We made an afternoon trek to Molas Pass, 10,910 feet above sea level. Basically, uh, thin air. If you are flying a plane at that altitude, oxygen is required. But, plane piloting not withstanding, the high country holds particular sway over my desires and appreciations. It is so grand, it reminds me that my footsteps here aren't nearly as important as I think they are sometimes. Gives perspective.

The view into the Weminuche Wilderness

Above treeline

The Fam

The waning light and colors of summer.

And the Colorado Trail.

We leave the top of the world, to drive back to town. Steamworks Brewery awaits. Oh, green chili tamales and pizza's for the girls. Wow. Now, time for the drive back to camp. Sleep a sleep of blissful rest. Under a large comforter of course, for these Phoenicians.

The next day brought sleeping in, breakfast at camp and a late start. A truly restful day on vacation. Gather some wood, since tonight, it's...marshmallows!