Lovely Lake in the Little Valley - Vallecito.

Once we were finally settled in to living out here in the Southwest, Roy's stepmom and sister decided to introduce us to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Vallecito (means Little Valley in Spanish) Lake is located only 18 miles from Durango and was never really established as an actual town.  There is evidence that the ancient Anazasi had inhabited the area, then the Ute,  before Francisco Coronado lead his troops northward from Mexico.  They enslaved the Ute, making them work the silver and gold mines; then the French came along and finally the great expeditions to settle the Southwest.  In other words, the area named Vallecito by the Spanish which is now Vallecito Reservoir, has a busy history due to the mining and the quest for those streets paved with gold.





Nowadays Vallecito Lake is rich with campers, hikers, boaters and visitors simply looking for a peaceful, scenic and serene place to relax and enjoy life.  There are campgrounds galore all around the Lake which are run by the Forestry Service, so you'll need to reserve an area through them.   Roy and I only spent a few hours visiting the area, but I know his relatives often enjoy spending days there camping out.  The water is blue and clean; the air is crisp, and the quiet of the forest surrounds you.  The campsites are a good distance apart, so no worries about bothering, or being bothered by, your neighbor.  There are bears in the area, so you will need to take the necessary precautions concerning NOT having them visit you.

 

As I said, we only spent a few hours there, enjoying a barbecue, pleasant conversation and lovely scenery. Let me tell you though, there is nothing more relaxing then putting your feet up on a log or large rock; enjoying a fresh charcoal grilled burger, corn on the cob and other veggies. Every now and then a boater would come speeding by; the swell of the water washing up on the shore.

By the way boaters, please remember there are locals who live on the lake, yes, I said on the lake; they'd appreciate you not running them and their families over in your lust for speed.







Other local residents will expect a usage fee for being in their territory.  Squirrels and chipmunks will be looking for peanuts (still in the shell) to add to their winter larder.  During those cold, snowy days they'll be very appreciative of the friendly humans who helped build their supply.

Whether it's just for a few hours, or a few days; let a restful stop at Vallecito Lake take the stress away for awhile.  Enjoy the visit!

Mary Cokenour

Baker's Bridge - A Tribute to Colorado Miners.

As I mentioned in my review of the Bar D Chuckwagon experience, you have to travel along scenic Route 250 from Durango to reach it. However, my husband and I got there earlier than planned, so decided to do a little bit of exploring of Route 250. It is only five miles more before you reach Route 550 (around mile marker 36) which leads either back to Durango (12 miles), or up north through the Rocky Mountains towards Silverton. Continue onwards towards Quray, Red Hill Pass and eventually you'll end up in Grand Junction, but be prepared for many other scenic locations along the entire way.

Along Route 250 we came across the most beautiful area imaginable, Baker's Bridge.  Captain Charles Baker lead an expedition of 15 men in the hopes of finding, and mining, gold.  The men camped down by the Animas River, during the winter of 1860 - 1861, at what became known as Animas City.  Durango itself had not been founded, named or settled yet.  The men endured many hardships; attacks by the Ute Indians, harsh winter conditions, and war...The Civil War.  The men who made it through the attacks and weather ended up in an area they named Baker's Park which later became known as Silverton.  However, the Civil War forced many to take up arms; those that lived returned, but the landmarks etched upon their maps had been destroyed (mainly trees cut down), and the gold was lost.  Legend says that it is still waiting up in the mountains to be claimed.

Baker's Bridge was built to give easier access over the Animas River; the original bridge was torn down and recreated with sturdy concrete.  The water flows quickly on the river, white caps topping the waves; the sound of it as enchanting as the song of a siren.  The entire area is calm, serene and majestic; whether standing along the fenced wall, or sitting upon the rocks down below, you are at peace.

 

 

While the surrounding area is forest, plant life grows from between the rocks and boulders along the Animas River.  Even the stones along the roadway flourish with life; the Yucca, a desert plant, shows off its bell like blooms.



If you find yourself around the Durango area, take the ride along Route 250 and make sure to stop at Baker's Bridge; enjoy the simplicity of serenity.

Mary Cokenour

The Bar D Chuckwagon in Durango, Colorado.

 

Bar D Chuckwagon

8080 County Road 250

Durango, CO 81301

 

(970) 247-5753

 

 

                                               Website: http://www.bardchuckwagon.com

 

The easiest description I can give of Bar D Chuckwagon is FUN!!!  The atmosphere rustic and serene; the staff are so, so friendly; the cowboy food is hearty and filling; and the entertainment ranged anywhere to sentimental to fall on the floor funny.   The drive along Route 250 is beautiful; we saw two young Elk grazing, but unfortunately there is no real shoulder to pull off on to take photos.  To get to Route 250, make a turn onto 32nd Street in Durango (City Market side); follow to the 250 junction and turn to the left; keep on following the road till you see those welcoming gates to the Bar D; follow the paved road to the parking lot.

 

 

 

 

Once you park, head on over to the train station to purchase your tickets.  The price includes the meal and the show; the tickets have assigned table numbers, so the earlier you get there (it opens at 5:30pm), the closer to the stage you are).  There is a train ride for the children; also a wedding chapel for ceremonies.

As you continue walking around, you'll see the Record Shop where CDs and DVDs of the Bar D Wranglers can be purchased.  There are many more shops, and there is bound to be something that catches your eye; or your taste buds like at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Shop. 






The outside decor ranges from historic to simply fun.

The back area of the property contains the dining section with wooden, picnic style tables and benches; all with numbers that correspond with the tickets.  The kitchen area doubles as the stage once meals are done with.  The backdrop for the entire area is a beautiful forest and towering formations of stone.

 

 

 

Dinner begins at 7:30pm and Bar D is not chintzy with the food items; your cowboy plate is full.  For those with really large appetite, if there are extras available, they will be offered after everyone has gotten their firsts.  Lemonade, coffee and water are served in metal cups; remember this is a cowboy dinner and you're going rustic.  Choices in meat range from BBQ Beef, BBQ Chicken, Combo of both or Ribeye Steak; beans, baked potato, biscuit, applesauce and spiced cake are included too.  See, told you they were not cheap on the grub.

 

 

Bar D Wranglers
 

Matt Palmer and Richard Lee Cody
 

Gary Cook and Joel Racheff
 

Bar D Wranglers are the entertainment for the evening and they are, not just very talented, but absolutely wonderfully fun to listen to.  The Western songs vary from sentimental to hilarious; for instance, their updated version of "Ghost Riders in the Sky" to "Low Riders in the Sky".  At any moment I was expecting Gabriel Iglesias to walk on stage yelling, "Martin!!!" 

 

 



Cy Scarborough
 

One of the original founders and owners of the Bar D came out on stage to sing about opossums; Cy Scarborough started this Chuckwagon rolling along in 1969.  He helped to end the evening with a patriotic medley of the United States, and it was hard not to stand, put your hand over your heart and sing along.








If you're visiting Durango, whether spending a few days, overnight, or going home the same day; make sure to plan for an evening at Bar D Chuckwagon.  Get along little doggies.

Mary Cokenour