Across Highway 160

Colorado felt like a distant home, one yet to experience fully, awaiting my return.  The climate, the mountains, the streams, and even the funky little pop-up experiences, were a land of ancestors calling.

Ancestral culture hummed its way into our hearts and minds, which stirred a path from Lyons to Durango and beyond to Mesa Verde National Park near the four corners.  Yet on our way, we made a few stops to enlighten our lengthy trip.

The Garden of the Gods, south of Colorado Springs, was our first stop.  Red rock sandstone formations grace the land, towering from above.  We dutifully walked along the path, which remain groomed and fenced, and climbed a few boulders when given the opportunity to be adventurous.   Although, we were dreaming to be one of many rock climbers.

Henry’s cravings, for American fare of clam chowder and hamburgers, grew and grew along this journey.  So when we saw the Three Barrels Brewery near our stop for local honey in Del Norte, off of highway 160, I stopped for what seemed a historic moment – gluten free pizza.  The first dough he’s had in six weeks, besides my makeshift pancakes, we claimed our pie with tomato slices and basil, hold the cheese and sauce.  Henry glorified in every indulgent slice.

By Wolf Creek Pass, our van was really generating some energy at 10,000 feet above sea level.  We were entering the San Juan National Forest, and a bumper sticker said it well, “May the FOREST be with you.”  Majestic mountain peaks and lush greenery, home to mountain lions and bears, we decided on a rather short hike, with good reason, to a nearby fall, and our only siting was a ground squirrel.  Thankfully.

Time was ticking on.  So I drove beyond the towns that peeked my interest such as Pagosa Springs and Durango.  We found a private campground a few miles outside of Durango for a night’s stay called Lightner Creek Campground.  Early the next morning, we rounded the bends and drove to an illuminated monolith – Mesa Verde.