Cortez, CO

October 15
I accidentally deleted my notes for this day, so hopefully not forgetting too much...
We woke up early (like set an alarm!) to get to the Cortez Farmers Market early enough to hopefully snag some pie we heard about in a segment on The Splendid Table about the 'Perennial Plate' project. We made it there by 8 to get one of the few remaining pies! I felt bad taking two, but apparently it is unusual Bessie runs out this fast, someone before us bought like 10! After a little hanging out around town, we headed to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument - there are some trails that bikes are allowed on, but more like hiking trails that I didn't do so well on - a couple of dumb crashes for me, and an unfortunate, but not too terrible cactus collision for Rudy! Got some cool scenery, pueblo ruins, and rocks to make up for it!

Lots of hike-a-biking for me

We got to a camping spot not far from the next day's destination, made barley with red sauce for dinner, and started Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets. I think pie intermission was my favorite part...

Score!

October 16
A nice morning, relatively warm, good for me to motivate for a little road run before we went to Phil's World for some biking. Sam and his roommate were able to make the drive from Durango, so Rudy had some friends to play with. I ventured out onto the easier trails, which were easier than I expected, so I went ahead and rode nearly all the trails out there. There were spots I wasn't able to ride, but most of it was manageable and fun, this is definitely a great destination for all levels of riders!

We went back to same area to camp, but tried a different spot (original spot was taken, but we quickly found a good one!). Dinner was Native American inspired beans + squash + cornmeal - one too many jalapenos in there too, it was a bit spicy! After that, finished up the second Harry Potter movie.

October 17
We made a return to Phil's World for short run for me and ride for Rudy (he caught the easier trails he didn't get on yesterday. Next we did mostly a driving tour through Mesa Verde National Park, learning a lot about Anasazi and Pueblo societies of 700 + years ago, plus there was some cool scenery - not as spectacular as some other parks, but certainly interesting.

No informational sign telling us what this is about

Canyons are cool

Lots of 'Kiva's - underground ceremonial sites

Lots of yucca parts with lots of uses

Even gutters!

Experts think this was for water storage, Rudy says it's a race track

We were able to cover most of the highlights before they closed at sunset, and headed back to the same camp spot, dined on leftovers, and started Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (after attempting the third movie, and having technical difficulties.)

October 18
Highlight of the morning was Rudy getting to share van discussion with a neighboring camper. We made a quick stop in Cortez for some bike supplies, then headed north on Highway 145 for some mountain trails. Another stop happened at Dolores Market for what we heard are awesome homemade pies - picked up a triple berry and a few other local goods - a nice little store, but spendy! A little more driving until we reached our destination in San Juan National Forest. Rudy biked and I hiked/ran for some good 3-4 hour outings including Colorado Trail and steep Salt Creek Trail - fun, challenging, and some great views.

Colorado Trail and big mountains

Pretty grove at the top of the toughest climb

Fantastic sandstone and conglomerate layering

More big views

We originally hoped to camp near the trail head, but not wanted to intrude on some already established hunting camps, found another quiet spot just down the road. Made some wild rice and veggies, then finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - I think the series is getting a little more entertaining to us. Oh, and we enjoyed lots of fantastic pie - the Dolores Market held up to the reputation!

As delicious as it looks