How Aging Affects Our Driving

Above, driving into Silverton, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I have reached my 70s, I have noticed that my stamina isn't what it used to be. That especially goes for RV driving.

I used to be able to drive 400 miles with no effort, but during the last few years, I have had to stop halfway through for an overnight break. If I had a good night's sleep the night before, it is a lot easier. 

I recently drove from Des Moines, Iowa to Orange County, California. It was easier than I thought it would be, but I still to take breaks and end my driving days at around 3:00 in the afternoon. 

RV Travel posted an article on how aging affects our driving.

They begin it with:

Most RVtravel.com readers are 55 or older and qualify as senior citizens. They’re also keenly aware that their bodies change with time… and that includes how they drive.

As we age, joints may stiffen, and muscles can weaken. Turning your head to check a blind spot may take more effort. Reaction time can slow, and quick moves—like slamming on the brakes or correcting a skid—may not come as easily as they once did.

Vision and hearing also change with age. Older eyes typically need more light to see clearly, yet they’re often more sensitive to glare from the sun, oncoming headlights, or reflective road signs at night. Hearing loss can make it harder to notice sirens, horns, or unusual mechanical sounds coming from your rig. The normal aging process can also slow reflexes and shorten attention span, making it harder to juggle multiple tasks at once, like navigating, watching traffic, and monitoring a large RV’s mirrors all at the same time.

To read the full article, go here. 

Durango Train Schedule For 2025 Released

Above, the Durango train at High Line with the Animas River 400 feet below. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although we're near the end of February, it is time to plan one's summer vacation trip.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has announced their Summer 2025 schedule. There's several different train trips to choose from.

Above, the Durango train at the Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the official website:

Embark on an Incredible Journey Through the San Juan Mountains

For a truly unforgettable step back in time, enjoy a leisurely trip to yesteryear riding 3 1/2 hours each way on this train while spending a nearly 2 hour layover in the historic mining town of Silverton to enjoy the sights, shopping, food, and libations that Silverton offers. We’ve been in continuous operation running trains on this 45-mile branch of the original Denver & Rio Grande Railway since 1882. Much of the scenery remains unchanged since those historic days. There’s no cell service or Wi-Fi throughout the Animas Canyon so you’ll be unplugged from the modern world. Soak in the views, listen as the steam whistle echoes through the canyon, hear the vintage locomotive work to pull the train up the grades. If you long to unwind and enjoy Colorado nature at its finest, this is the trip for you.

Above, the Durango train in Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whatever excursion one chooses, it is a great ride. Who knows, one may even get to see Sasquatch!

To see the schedule and book a trip, go here. 

Sasquatch Spotted From Durango Train

Over the years, I have ridden on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trains several times. The views from the train as it travels on rocky cliffs along the Animas River are spectacular.

The following is something I have never seen while aboard the train. 

Some passengers were trying to spot some elk but they something else. Sasquatch! This took place last year in October.

Here's a video they shot:

Speaking of Sasquatch, there is a camping trailer company in Silverton called Sasquatch Campers. I spotted it today as I was driving to Ouray.

Made It Into Colorado

 

Above, the fall colors are evident along Hwy. 550 outside of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I made it into Ouray, Colorado. I am at the Ouray KOA Holiday. It was a 250-mile drive.

The site I was given has to be the nicest one of the three times I've stayed there. It is a nice back-in site right next to a creek. It is relaxing hearing the gurgling water as it flows behind my motorhome. 

Above, the campsite at the Ouray KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I reached the KOA at about noon. 

I did stop in Silverton for some coffee and a blueberry muffin at the coffee shop of the Grand Imperial Hotel. It was a nice little pit stop.

Above, the creek behind my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that, I headed off for the 25 mile drive to Ouray. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series marathon will be held tomorrow 11 miles west of Ridgway. Ridgway is nine miles from Ouray.

Above, the main drag of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am just going to spend today just relaxing at camp. 

On the way, I saw the 9:00 Durango train north of Durango. It is on its way to Silverton.

Above, inside Silverton's Grand Imperial Hotel during my coffee stop. 

The fall colors are very evident in Colorado. Many people stopped in turnouts to take pictures of the trees. I took some as I was heading out of Silverton. 

Above, the 9:00 Silverton train along Hwy. 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the marathon, I will be heading to Monument Valley Tribal Park in Utah. 

Latest Fuel Prices

Above, at the Shady Lady Saloon in Silverton, Colorado last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted its Saturday edition of their Latest News Newsletter report.

One item of importance to RVers is the current U.S. average cost of fuel. Happily, it is down quite a bit from last year's price.

According to RV Travel:

Latest fuel prices

Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of June 19, 2023:

Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.58 (Washington state is highest, at $4.77)
Change from week before: Down 2 cents; Change from year before: Down $1.39
Diesel: $3.82
Change from week before: Up 2 cents; Change from year before: Down $2.00

For fuel prices for specific states, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In New Mexico, the average gasoline price for unleaded regular is around $3.279/gallon.

For more in today's RV Travel Newsletter, go here. 

This Rocky Mountain Railroad Will Transport You Back in Time

Above, the Durango train at High Line with the Animas River below. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I discovered the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad back in the 1980s at a travel show in Southern California, I have ridden the train several times. Most recently, I rode the train last year from Durango to Silverton, Colorado.

Since I moved to New Mexico five years ago, I am only a few hours away from Durango. This allows me to make more visits there.

Above, the Durango train about to depart the Durango depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thrillist has posted an article on the train that is entertaining as well as informative.

They begin it with:

You can take the Hogwarts Express through Scotland, or the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, but only in the Rocky Mountains of Southwestern Colorado can you board a vintage train that’s been chugging its way through the San Juan National Forest—hauling both passengers and mine ore—since the 19th century. The appeal of the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of very few trains in the nation to consistently use steam locomotives, isn’t magic or murder mysteries. It’s the memories you’ll make while enjoying killer views of the roaring Animas River, dense forest as far as the eye can
see, and picture-perfect mountain towns seemingly preserved in time from a bygone Gold Rush era.

Now a National Historic Landmark, and operating out of the same train depot since July of 1882, a ride on this timeworn train feels like a blast from the gilded past, in which miners would use it to transport gold and silver from the mountains into the burgeoning town of Durango, Colorado. Said town, now an endearingly frontiersy mountain hub lined with saloons and western wear shops, was founded by the Denver and Rio Grande Railway in 1880, fueled by more than $300 million worth of mountain metals that have traversed its tracks. Today, while the Gold Rush has ceased, that same railroad still reigns as a foremost attraction in Durango. It’s anchored by the same classic depot since day one, whisking wistful passengers through the high-elevation forest for day trips and special events.

Above, inside the Durango train museum after entering. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one hasn't decided yet on what to do this summer vacation season, a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is worth considering. Also, there's a free museum at the Durango depot roundhouse that is worth a good browse through.

To read the full article, go here. 

Gas Prices and Summer Vacation Planning

Above, the ranch location used in the opening scenes of True Grit
(1969) is 11 miles west of Ridgway, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What is in store for us this year in regard to gasoline prices?

From WANE 15:

“2023 is not going to be a cakewalk for motorists. It could be expensive,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The national average could breach $4 per gallon as early as May – and that’s something that could last through much of the summer driving season. Basically, curveballs are coming from every direction. Extreme amounts of volatility remain possible, but should become slightly more muted in the year ahead. I don’t think we’ve ever seen such an amount of volatility as we saw this year, and that will be a trend that likely continues to lead to wider uncertainty over fuel prices going into 2023.” 

Above, about to order lunch at the True Grit Café surrounded by John Wayne memorabilia in Ridgway.

If gasoline prices are going to be around $4.00/gallon, it looks like I'll be taking a summer vacation camping trip in the RV closer to home as I did last year.

Originally, I was planning to go to the Black Hills region of eastern Wyoming and western South Dakota last summer. But due to the high gas prices, I decided to vacation closer to home in Durango, Colorado and Navajo Lake in New Mexico. Doing so saved me some money.

Above, the Ouray KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What I am thinking about doing for a summer vacation trip this year is to go to the Ouray/Ridgway, Colorado area. It is a beautiful area with True Grit (1969) movie locations in Ouray (the Court House), Ridgway and the Ross family ranch 11 miles west of Ridgway. It is only a few hours drive from home. There are plenty of campgrounds in the area as the below map indicates. I stayed last year at the Ouray KOA when I went to see the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's "Grit Series" marathons. 

Above, campgrounds in the Ouray/Ridgway, Colorado area.

To reach Ouray and Ridgway, one has to drive north from Durango and Silverton on the "Million Dollar Highway". It is a nice drive, if one doesn't mind winding roads. 

Above, a view of Silverton on the way to Ouray. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

But, we have a few months to see how things go with gasoline prices. Hopefully, they will be better than last year's prices. Knock on wood!

Why You Should Travel In Your RV More Often

Above, at the Shady Lady Saloon in Silverton, Colorado last month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Up until the past few weeks, I have not as much RV travel due to the high gasoline prices.

Now that they've come down by about a dollar per gallon, I have been out in the RV on a couple of trips and will be doing some more this month. 

RV Life has posted an article with 10 reasons one should travel in the RV.

The start it with:

Summer is starting to wind down and the RV travel season tends to go with it. RV owners look at putting their rigs in storage, emptying and winterizing the tanks, and getting ready for the flurry of holidays coming down the pipe.

This is a real shame. When summer winds down, so do the crowds, traffic, park and campground fees, hot weather, and bugs. This not only makes for a more pleasant camping experience, but it also keeps you in the RV mood, no matter what the weather.

Weather and camping conditions are just one reason to travel more in your RV. There are a few others that we want to discuss below, but before we do, we’ll talk about the elephant in the room: fuel costs.

Putting away the RV for the season will definitely save you money on gas and diesel. However, there are other things that will suffer if you quit RVing for the next six to eight months. These include your RV “muscle” memory, your rig’s systems, and even your sanity. These ten reasons go beyond just the price of fuel and cover things you may have never thought of during the RV off-season.

To read more, go here. 

Roadblocks To RVing

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

Now that gasoline prices have tapered off a bit (it is currently $3.599 in the Gallup area), I have been able to use my motorhome lately.

I still had to change plans on where I wanted to go to this summer. I originally planned to go to eastern Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota. But I ended up going to Durango and Navajo Lake State Park, places much closer to home. I also took a second trip, a 3-day trip to Ouray and Ridgway, Colorado.

There are some who own RVs and haven't been able to do even those kinds of trips. RV Travel posted an article on what are the roadblocks to RVing.

They begin with:

When you think about roadblocks you probably envision the highway division’s series of cones, giant barrels, or wooden barricades. These are, of course, physical roadblocks. But what I’m talking about are the “roadblocks” to RVing, the things that keep RV owners from using their rigs more often.

An RVer’s dream

Prior to owning an RV, I dreamed of taking it out every weekend. We’d stay at local parks, maybe try boondocking, and take several longer excursions each year. In my dreams I envisioned an RV constantly on the move—exploring, sightseeing, and taking us to parts unknown.

The reality of owning an RV

We used our RV constantly during the first three years of ownership. Back then, we were involved with a faith-based group that worked to build churches and schools, as well as make improvements to youth camps. We practically lived full-time in our rig and absolutely loved it!

Then COVID hit and everything came to a whiplashing stop. Our RV went into storage, and we returned to life as it had been “pre-RV.” Since the pandemic ended, we’ve taken our rig out only occasionally. Yes, we still go to Florida for the winter months, but that leaves nine other months when we could be traveling, meeting new people, and seeing new places. So, what’s keeping us from RVing more? What are our roadblocks to RVing?

To read more, go here. 

Visiting At Denny's

Above, Michelle in Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I woke up this morning, I found that I had about a cup and a half of coffee left in the coffeepot. And, on top of that, I forgot to get a gallon of water at the Flying J yesterday.

So, I headed over to the Flying J at 3:30 to get some water.

But, before getting the water, I detoured over to Denny's since Michelle was on duty there. I hadn't seen her since we ended up on the same train and the same car of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad earlier this month.

As soon as I walked in, she greeted me with, "Hi, handsome!" (Nice ego-builder, eh?)

I then ordered some coffee and, in-between her duties, we visited and "shot the bull" about our encounter in Durango. We both had the same reaction of "it couldn't be" when we spotted each other on the train. 

I told her about her being in the background of a photo I took of Jessica after we arrived in Silverton and showed it to her. I said before showing the photo (a blow-up of her) that she looked serious. She laughed and said it was probably from getting mad at her husband over something.

We had a good chat about the road work near her home in nearby Coolidge and other subjects. She said her husband works in construction doing drywalling. I told her that friends in Jamestown may have need of some drywall work due to a pipe leak and will let them know. 

So, after about an hour and a half at Denny's I went and got the water and headed home. It was a nice start to today.

Night Drive On The "Million Dollar Highway"

Above, a view of Silverton from a roadside overlook. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one thinks driving the "Million Dollar Highway" (U.S. 550) between Silverton and Ouray in Colorado is "hairy" during the day, they should try it at night.

I started heading home (245 miles) at about 5:15 yesterday morning from the Ouray KOA Kampground. It was still pitch black out. Driving south through Ouray wasn't bad, but once I got out of town, the road started climbing as a narrow two-lane road with a major drop. The speed limit averaged 25 mph along this stretch.

After that section of the road, the road widened and it comprised of more winding sections and switchbacks. I generally drove five to ten miles per hour less than the posted speed limit due to the possibility of wildlife and I was driving a motorhome. I did see one deer. Two birds, during course of the drive, flew in front of the RV and collided with it. 

Even though the distance between Ouray and Silverton is 24 miles, it takes around 40 minutes to drive it. 

It was still pitch dark when I reached Silverton. I didn't stop as I knew nothing was open. So I proceeded on.

I did slow to take in a view of Silverton from an overlook and with its lights on, it was a great view. I stopped at that viewpoint two days prior and took some photos. I pressed on to Durango.

I reached Durango at about 7:00 and stopped at the McDonalds next to the train station for a sausage McMuffin breakfast. I also filled the RV's gas tank ($160) while in Durango.

I reached home around 11:00.

Marathon Day In Ridgway

Above, stopped at a Silverton overlook on the Million Dollar Highway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right now, I am waiting for some daylight so that I can see what I am doing when I put the electrical cord away in its compartment and the water hose into the storage area. Then, I will be taking the nine mile drive to Ridgway for the marathons to begin.

They are to start in the eight o'clock hour.

I have to find the starting area, though. I have a good idea where it is from Ridgway, about 11 miles west of town. 

From what I've seen posted, Patrick Wayne and Ethan Wayne, John Wayne's sons, are here. 

The drive yesterday knocked me for a loop. The Million Dollar Highway was easier than I thought. This was the first time I've driven it. Still, the many switchbacks on the rain-slick road does tax one's energies. 

I went to bed at 7:00 and woke up earlier than usual. Just can't seem to win when it comes to sleep these days.  

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.

Federal Lawsuit Against The D&SNG Settled

Above, the D&SNG train at Highline above the Animas River this month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I hadn't heard anything about the federal lawsuit against the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad over the 416 Fire in 2018.

So, I did some checking and found that the matter had been settled earlier this year.

According to the Durango Telegraph (June 23 article):

As part of the settlement in a federal lawsuit related to the 416 Fire, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is now subject to sudden closures if wildfire danger is too high, which is having mixed results just a few weeks in practice.

In March, the D&SNG and the U.S. Forest Service signed a settlement stemming from the federal lawsuit, in which the railroad was accused of starting the 416 Fire, north of Durango in the summer of 2018. The agreement held several conditions, namely that D&SNG would pay the federal government $20 million to recoup firefighting costs. 

In addition, the D&SNG has agreed to not run trains if wildfire danger is too high, as determined by a fire restriction system set by the Forest Service.

“It’s definitely a game changer for the way we do business,” Jeff Johnson, general manager of the D&SNG, said. “And cancellations are the most difficult part of this process, because we’re aware this is something people have planned for a long time. It’s on their bucket list.” 

With an incredibly dry spring and early summer, the D&SNG has already been forced to shut down several days this June, canceling thousands of reservations and affecting the two towns that rely on the tourism dollars, Durango and Silverton. 

The situation is further muddled by the fact that after the 416 Fire, the D&SNG promised to convert its fleet from running on coal, which holds a huge fire risk, to oil- and diesel-burning engines. The D&SNG spent millions to fulfill this commitment, but even still, these locomotives are not allowed to run in certain conditions. 

Above, the Animas River next to the train during the trip to Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During our ride on the train earlier this month, I did not see any evidence of the fire. The locomotive that took us to Silverton is one converted to oil from coal. Admittedly, I miss the smell of burning coal.

Fortunately, we've had a great monsoon season which lowered the fire danger in the San Juan Mountains where the train runs. We had rain while we were in Silverton and it rained prior to our arrival at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. We had some rainfall during our train ride and we saw several waterfalls along the way. 

To read the full article, go here.

What To Know About The Durango Train

Above, the train traveling several hundred feet above the Animas River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One does not have to be a train buff to enjoy a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

I have ridden the train several times since the 1980s and have enjoyed the ride each time. The scenery along the route is spectacular. The train travels along (for the most part) the Animas River, sometimes at river level and sometimes several hundred feet above it on a rocky ledge.

I last rode it earlier this month.

The Travel has posted the things to know about the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that would be helpful for those planning a trip.

They begin with:

All aboard the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad running between Durango and Silverton in Colorado! The vintage train is a trip into the romance of train travel of the Old West - and efforts have been taken to ensure the whole experience remains as authentic as possible.

There are many authentic railroad experiences still offered out West (and around the nation). If going to the Grand Canyon, be sure to take the Grand Canyon Railway and sit back and enjoy the Wild West performances - similar to an old-timey train robbery. For train enthusiasts out there, the oldest train still running today is the Fair Queen of India - it's only two years younger than the nation's rail network!

To read more, go here. 

The Shady Lady Saloon In Silverton, Colorado

One business in Silverton, Colorado that caught our attention was the Shady Lady Saloon.

It is currently a family restaurant at 1154 Blair Street. But it wasn't always family oriented.

According to the Silverton Chamber of Commerce:

The Shady Lady building was built in 1888.  It was the last brothel to operate in Silverton CO.  This historic building now operates as a fun, family owned restaurant and saloon that is OPEN year around.  

Before we boarded the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for the return trip to Durango, I snapped this photo of the Shady Lady Saloon:

Above, once a brothel, the Shady Lady Saloon is now a family restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In Silverton, Colorado

Above, the Durango train about to depart Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On our first full day in Colorado, Jessica and I went on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to Silverton.

Before boarding the train, we stopped at Durango Bagel. I had an onion bagel with just lox and cream cheese on it. It was excellent!

Above, yours truly at Durango Bagel. Photo by Jessica.

It takes (usually) three and a half hours for each way. On the way back from Silverton, we were delayed an hour due to a rockfall that left a boulder near or on the tracks. The railroad crew had to fire off two warning torpedoes and verify that the train had enough clearance to pass the boulder. It had six inches of clearance to pass it..

The ride was enjoyable and thanks to the monsoon rains we've been having, there were plenty of waterfalls to see.

Here's some photos of the train ride, Durango station and Silverton:

 ,

Durango Train

As things happen, I packed everything for my laptop...except for the laptop. 

We rode the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad today. It was a nice ride to Silverton. 

Above, Jessica. 

Amazingly, Michelle, a waitress I know at Denny's at the Jamestown Flying J was sitting across from us with her family. Talk about a small world!

Above, in the background of a photo was this of Michelle after
 arriving in Silverton, who works at Denny's in the Flying J.
What are the chances that someone you know ends up
on the same train and in the same car?