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Installment Six - June 18, 2003 |
| [The "L" truck, aka Titanic: Andrew M.]
Well, the day started off quite early with a 5:50 wake up call. From there we proceeded
to breakfast at McDonalds. Unfortunately, with over 30 scouts and adults in line, many
were forced to eat on the way to the Durango-Silverton train. The classic steam
locomotive is a narrow gauge railroad intended to serve the silver mines in the 1800's,
and now serves tourists like us. The train took us through some of the most beautiful
territory in southern Colorado including the famous "High Line" which took us four
hundred feet above the majestic Animas River. Some of us played cards, others took
advantage of the refillable souvenir mugs, and still others slept.
At Needleton bridge we departed the train for an afternoon hike. We set off in two groups and began hiking in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. Up the mountain, from an initial elevation of around 8,300 to over 9,400 feet, we trekked through breathtaking waterfalls and dangerously narrow paths. Needle Creek, quite the misnomer, was full of tumbling rapids and a white, frothy mist which provided a scenic backdrop for eating lunch. There was no lack of picture taking as the adventurous sprit overtook us all and many leaped from rock to rock across the 45 degree river. For the most adventurous, a quick dip into the stream provided an immediate wake-up call. Just as we began our 3 mile descent, dense, dark clouds enveloped the sky and we hiked back to the train stop through a constant drizzle. We took the train home and many slept, but Kevin found a three year old French girl to talk to, and I spoke with her mother for quite some time [Steve B. notes that he was also in on the french conversation - REP]. After the train ride, we split into cars to go to dinner and returned to the campsite. Mr. L went to pick up Mr. Mat at the airport who arrived on time, but his bags did not [fixed next morning]. With no sleeping bag, and forty degree temperatures at the campsite, Mr. Mat was upgraded to the Best Western. That evening, all cars returned safely to camp by 9:30 with the exception of Blue-Boy [Van "S", whose driver claimed he had permission to stay out late from SM Mr. B]. Four impetuous people decided to go to the world-famous Melodrama and returned only after two search and rescue cars led by Mr. W, Mr. V, Jimmy, Denver, Rob D., Rob S. & Mr. P found them. The show was a great time, and after everyone returned safely, all went to bed quickly. Memorable Quotes
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(D. DeLaby photo)
(D. DeLaby photo) (photo by Brad) |
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(D. DeLaby photo) |
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(J. Moore photo) |
Next, we drive from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park, near Cortez, Colorado. There, we hope to learn about the Anasazi people, as we explore the remains of their cliff dwellings.
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