Vacation 2016, The Mine Shaft Inn, Rico, CO

Rico, CO is a lovely old mining town located high in the foot hills of the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado. We stayed at The Mine Shaft Inn an historic hotel and hostel that has been restored back to it's original state from the early mining days when this community thrived. Today it is a travel destination for those who love the remoteness and out door activities that surround the area. The rooms there are reasonable and the atmosphere is very inviting providing for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Barbara and I like to take a break from camping out at least once or twice during our trips to enjoy the comforts that are not available to us when we are on the road. We explored Rico touring the small museum, waundering down to the hot springs near town and viewing the old water tower that was restored from the days it was used for the Rio Grande Southern railroad. The railroad is no longer operational having been used during the boom times long ago to haul ore out from the silver mines.

The Mine Shaft Inn, Rico, CO

Restored Railroad Water Tower

Rico Hot Sprins

Pancho (Proprietor), Huckleberry, Barbara and Doug 

Main Street, Rico, CO

Vacation 2016, Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ

Canyon De Chelly National Monument near Chinle, AZ is a beautiful park full majestic canyons. The Navajo tribe has a big presence in the canyon and provides tours of the lower canyon. We toured the north rim on our trip as we were pressed for time traveling to Cortez, CO to visit Mesa Verde National Park. The Canyon has a special presence of it's own with overlooks that are amazing.

Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Vacation 2016,Homolovi State Park, Winslow, AZ

Homolovi State Park, Winslow, AZ

Homolovi State Park is located just outside of Winslow, AZ. It is a nice place with great facilities and wide open spaces located on the high desert. It is known for it ancient Hopi Indian ruins. From the park it is just a short drive to Winslow which is a historic town which a hue for The BNSF railroad with trains pulling through town every 15 minutes or so. Winslow was made famous by The Eagles in there song Taking it Easy with the famous verse Standing on the corner in Winslow, AZ with the girls in the flat bed fords driving by to check me out. My not be the exact verse but you get the idea. There is a statue of Don Henley on the corner as well. One of the most interesting places in town is The La Posada Hotel which serves as the local Amtrac Station as well. This beautiful southwestern designed hotel is elegant with a beautiful museum with many interest painting on the walls. Out back train lovers can watch the long freight trains pull through town as the main line for the BNSF is located here. 

La Posada Hotel, Williams, CO

Homolovi State Park

Vacation 2016, Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park near Holbrook, AZ is a special place of full of crystallized wood from over 231 million years ago. The Park is an amazing place with ancient relics from a period of time when this part of the land was near the equator before before the continents brook apart due to plate tectonics. Walking through the park gives one a sense of wonder knowing that we are just a part of a moment in time looking at wonders that were here during a time long ago. This tests our imaginations and gives us all a sense of wonder. 

Petrified Forest National Park

Vacation 2016, Faywood Hot Springs, NM

Faywood Hot Springs is located in southwest New Mexico just south of Silver City, NM. Faywood is a very relaxing little oasis in the desert that is one of our favorite places to rest when we are traveling out west. There is a variety of hot spring pools of various types all under the clear blue desert skies. We were treated to colorful peacocks that roamed the grounds and loving cat families who came by to visit us at our camp site. Faywood Hot Springs is a must for those who just love to relax and soak in a very beautiful desert environment. 

Our Campsite

Hot Spring Pool Area

Hot Springs Source