Mancos State Park, CO

May 20 – 25

May 21 – Went to Mesa Verde National Park Visitors Center but there weren’t any good tour times available. We booked a tour for the following day and went back to the campground. Matt went to ride Phil’s World and I took the kiddo and pooch for a walk next to the lake. Got to see some birds chasing what looked like an immature bald eagle away. About a half hour later we also go to watch it fish. 3 attempts made but couldn’t tell if s/he was successful. 

May 22 – Visited Mesa Verde National Park. Took a tour of the Balcony House. To visit this site we had to climb a 30 ft ladder, a couple 15 ft layers and crawl through some tight spots. A beautiful well preserved site

Climbing a 15 ft ladder at the end of the tour. 

Had to push Benat through this tunnel in the pack. He didn’t complain! I was able to maneuver through the others with him on my back. 

May 23 – Drove into Durango, CO. Cute, touristy, historic downtown area with a lot of small shops and local art. There is a train museum near the terminal of the narrow gauge tracks. It was amazing (and free!). It had old train memorabilia, taxidermy animals of the area, old trail cars you could go in, model trains, old cars and more. Nice collection. The trains still operate but $$$$ and an all day event. Everything to maintain the old Durango – Silverton train needs to be custom made and manufactured here in their workshop. The work has been handed down through generations.  

Had lunch at the Steamworks Brewery. Good food (quinoa burger and great kids selection) and brew. Also went to a good playground adjacent to the Colorado River. Lots of musical instruments to play with. 

May 24 – Took the short drive to the small historic town of Dolores. Had a train museum we didn’t go to but a “galloping goose” train was out front on some old narrow gauge tracks. We played in the park and walked along their riverfront trail so Benat would nap. Old cemetery at the end of the trail that we explored as well. 

There wasn’t enough time during our visit near Durango to visit Ska Brewing. Seriously, a brewery with Ska theme! Cans have checkerboard art and names like “Hop Ivy” or “Rudies Session IPA.” Thankfully the beer is readily available at stores! It’s been delicious!