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Curecanti National Recreation Area and Crested ButteOct 19, 2007
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Locomotive #278, Cimarron, Curecanti National Recreation Area
Blue Mesa Reservoir, Curecanti National Recreation Area
Blue Mesa Reservoir, Curecanti National Recreation Area
| Today, I finally left Montrose and headed toward Crested Butte. Along the way I passed through the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which adjoins the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and follows much of the Gunnison River and the reservoirs that were formed when the river was dammed. I had to stop at the railroad exhibit at Cimarron, which preserves Locomotive #278 and the last remaining railroad trestle along the Black Canyon of the Gunnison narrow gauge route. One of the most beautiful sites along the way was the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water. Crested Butte is another of Colorado's preserved mining towns, and it is also has a beautifully preserved historic district. It's been interesting to me to compare and contrast the various old mining towns, most of which are now ski resorts. To me, Crested Butte is a bit funkier than Telluride, but lots of fun. I checked into the Elk Mountain Lodge, just three blocks off the main street, and headed out for a hike. I stayed mainly on a dirt road with views of Peanut Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks, since the trails were still muddy and slushy from the recent snow. The Ginger Café was my destination for dinner. I sat at the bar of this tiny restaurant and had a pleasant chat with the bartender. He recommended a spicy Thai dish, which was delicious, and I washed it down with a ginger martini. I usually avoid martinis, since they usually cause me nothing but trouble, but I decided to indulge. After I finished dinner, I was joined at the bar by a local character, and we had a series of heated discussions about politics. He offered to buy me a drink, the house specialty, which was a mojito made with mango puree. I was so relieved that I was able to walk back to the lodge and not have to drive. |
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