We left the Rockies with a bit of melancholy today. It's been such an amazing trip down the continental divide. Scenery that is difficult to do justice to with words or photos. The same for the riding and all interspersed with regular chance meetings of great people. Last night it was Keith and Bob who shared a lovely meal and stories with us. Also riders, they understand.
So this morning we left Ouray after a walk in the local box canyon. The river was in full flow after the heavy rain that's been falling and in fact even here in Utah the rivers are very high with muddy water from the same rainfall.
We rode South to Silverton and then Durango, both of us occupied with our own thoughts ( I assume, I can only speak for myself, Daves mind may have been blank for all I know).
Turning West we headed into the desert. This turned out to be excellent riding and amazing scenery as we rode the tiny "c" roads through the Navajo reserves South of Hovenweep and eventually to our overnight stop here at the upper end of the spectacular Monument Valley.
The photos tell part of the story but again there was no end to the spectacular tableau of red rock, washes, canyons laced with the greenery of river tracts.
Dave has given his all in the Rockies and mind, body and bike are all slightly bruised. He clearly needed a little cheering up and with this in mind I decided to have a little interaction with the State troopers in Cortez. This may seem unusual but it turns out that it is illegal to ride the wrong way up the road on the sidewalk and then into the exit for McDonalds (coffee only in case you were wondering). Some sweet talking and we all parted in good cheer. He thought I might be drunk. I just have a thing for those flashing blue and red lights!
It all worked because Dave was a lot happier once he'd watched me shuffling from one foot to another!
Mexican Hat is a tiny little hamlet that is decidedly quirky. We agreed this would be the spot to stop as it allows for a leisurely ride down the valley tomorrow, eventually turning towards the Grand Canyon. The bikes are nestled up to hitching post like the horses would have been back in the old days.
The town in the photos is Ouray, our favourite Colorado town. I'm sure you can see why.
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