The Drive To Ouray

Above, The Beast and the Shady Lady Saloon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right now, I am sitting in the motorhome as it is thundering and pouring rain outside at the Ouray (Colorado) KOA Kampground.

I left the house around 6:15 this morning and I reached Ouray at about 12:30. I only made one stop and that was at a cigar shop in Durango.

Above, a mountaintop view of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation will be holding its half marathon and 5K run event tomorrow in Ridgway (nine miles from Ouray). I decided to go see it.

The campground's restaurant opens at 5:00, so I only have two hours to wait. 

When I reached Silverton, I took a couple of quick photos of the Shady Lady Saloon and sent them to my former roommate Jessica. She was surprised to learn I was in Silverton. Now a restaurant, the Shady Lady Saloon was the last brothel in Silverton. It was built in 1888.

Above, The Beast at the Ouray KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I got into Ouray, I went over to the county courthouse that was used in True Grit (1969). I wanted to see the courtroom that was used in the movie. But, unfortunately, the courthouse is open on Mondays through Thursdays. So I was out of luck. It was also closed when I was in Ouray two years ago.

Above, the Ouray KOA store, office and restaurant from my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Check-in at the KOA was fast and easy. The site I was assigned is a very short walk to the office/store and restaurant.