I should have brought a thesaurus along on this trip, as I’m running out of adjectives. To paraphrase Miles, I’ve run out of words. Today was a free day, and we went for a drive.

We headed north on US 550, the “Million Dollar Highway.” I’ve heard at least three explanations for the name, I’m just not sure which is right. The highway dates back to 1889 and a toll road that was punched into mining country for mules and wagons. It’s seen improvements since, but we’ve never been on a road with so many 10 MPH curves and switchbacks, and so many sheer drop offs. At one point you head over 11,000 feet in elevation.

But…the scenery is spectacular. Mountains, streams, fall colors all exploded into view around each corner. Never mind the warnings about avalanches, the drive was wonderful.

There was one more thing to watch for, at least according to a sign. We now have to watch for bighorn sheep, cows, rocks, prairie dogs, deer, marmots, elk and bison. I’m not sure what else this trip can throw at us…

At the end of the drive was the mining town Ouray; they bill themselves as the “Switzerland of America.” The town is in a pocket canyon with mountains on all sides. We did some strolling there, and enjoyed a really nice lunch. The day was most excellent…