Dave Page

Another 12 mile drive up and down and left and right. Slow going (book said allow 45 mins). Boy I wish I had a manual transmission — why did Volvo not supply a 2nd gear?

Arrived to see the ranger shed next to the parking lot, and trams lined up. We had the last tour at [...]

We took the morning bus tour. It was part of the AAA Rails to Trails package, and I was concerned it would be a waste of time. Not to worry. We had a great driver. She took us around the loop drive, talking about things we might not have picked up

She also recommended the XXXXX [...]

C1181857 Mesa Verde Lodge 2006

Originally uploaded by DaveTheC.

It is a 15 mile drive into the park. Pay toll at entrance. Drive up and down and back and forth etc. etc. Get used to it here.
Arrived, checked in. The babe we got at the counter was a jerk — thanks Aramark.

But the view from our balcony [...]

Nice trip. The website has a lot of info. I got some neat pictures that I am using for wallpaper of rocks.

If we did it again, we would copy from the Grandparents and their 5 grandkids we met on the trip. They rode up, and rented a SUV trip on the way down to see [...]

Arrived in Durango, and found that the Hampton Inn had our reservation screwed up. Must have been when I shifted our package one day earlier.

RULE: Always call the hotel directly to confirm reservations when in a package deal.

Bette was able to rough up the help enough to let us stay (the ladies at the desk [...]

We drove for 20 minutes up a steep winding gravel road. As we got out of the car in the parking lot, I noticed hissing. Opening the hood, I saw no split hoses, but all the coolant had come out of the reservoir.

No cell phone reception, so might as well hike. Worry about the [...]

Highlight of Bette’s Trip. (Park website) Big Sand Dunes in the middle of nowhere. Emily’s stepdad recommended we try sliding down the dunes on cardboard. We climbed up halfway and tried to slide down on pices of the cut up Jeopardy board. The coefficient of friction makes for slow going, especially for a fat-ass [...]

Stayed at the Inn of the Rio Grande. Kind of an interesting place. 50’s ish — but had a waterpark. Nobody there. Room was basic and clean. Restaurant was good basic breakfast (included). Dusty plastic plants.