Going to Colorado

**Clockwork John** · 13th July 07, 11:39 PM

I probably will be a bit scarce around here for the next week or so. I'll be visiting family in Montrose, Colorado. I will be spending part of the trip kilted, and this will be the first time my wife's family has seen me sans pants. If any of you live in the area, I'll be going for lots of walks... so it might be possible to meet for a drink or something... Anyway, it's going to be a long week without my Xmarks family... Cheers.

**Livingston** · 14th July 07, 06:54 AM

I think Ozone might be the closest to Montrose other than our members in Utah. You'll be over on the Western Slope and most of us are on the Front Range (I25 area)

**ozone** · 14th July 07, 07:21 AM

Have your family take you over McClure pass and go visit Redstone as well as Marble. Two very cool towns. Marble is where they got the marble for the washington monument, lincoln memorial, and the tomb of the unknown soldier. There is a HUGE marble carving seminar going on right now and you can see what some famous and not-so-famous artists are doing with their time. Also, if your family has a good 4-wheel drive, you can visit the ghost town of Crystal, about a 1/2 drive above Mable at about 10,000 feet. Also very cool place to visit. Finally, in Redstone, you can bring your kilt and visit the Redstone Castle which is now open for tours over the weekends. A kilt would look quite nice in that castle....

BTW, Montrose to Redstone would take about 2 hours or thereabouts, and a really beautiful drive.

Now that I think about it, you should just quit California and move to Colorado because this place is Soooo much cooler (and cheaper) than California.

**Clockwork John** · 14th July 07, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Livingston

I think Ozone might be the closest to Montrose other than our members in Utah. You'll be over on the Western Slope and most of us are on the Front Range (I25 area)

I've got family in Denver, but I don't think we're gonna make it that far on this trip... Next time I'm out there I'll let you know.

Originally Posted by ozone

Now that I think about it, you should just quit California and move to Colorado because this place is Soooo much cooler (and cheaper) than California.

I should quit California and move anywhere!

Last time I was out there, I drove through Aspen and Marble. Man, was it beautiful... Redstone Castle sounds lie it would be cool, but I'm not actually going to be there on the weekend... bummer.

**Riverkilt** · 14th July 07, 06:52 PM

I'm a ways away, but love that part of the Earth. Used to live in Ouray and mine up at Red Mountain Pass between Ouray and Silverton.

These days, Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgeway is my favorite haunt.

Here's the old Utilikilt basil survival II somewhere up in the San Juans a while back.

Ron

**Erisianmonkey** · 15th July 07, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

These days, Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgeway is my favorite haunt.

Oh Ron, you brought back some good memories for me. My wife and I being the weird people we are, went camping on our honeymoon. The first night we spent at the state park just north of Orvis. But the highlight of that part of the trip was Orvis itself. Very reasonable price for a CO hot springs too, IIRC it was only about $15 for the both of us for the afternoon. (By contrast, Trimble Hot Springs in Durango, a textile hot springs, was running about 15-20 per person last time I checked.)

Crusty, I'm not sure what route you'll be taking to get to Montrose from California, but if you have the chance to make at least part of the network of Highways called the San Juan Skyway, I would suggest doing it. Southwest Colorado boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

EDIT TO ADD: Ron, that picture looks like it was taken up on Molas Pass, in the Lake Andrews area.

**Riverkilt** · 15th July 07, 09:31 AM

Pic was somewhere on the road from Silverton to Ouray.

And Orvis Hot Springs has been well remodeled, the rooms there are great with antique furnishings and big old beds. I had a LOT of positive comments on my kilts at Orvis.

And if you're blasting through St. George, Utah be sure to take the Bluff Rd. Exit and drive a mile or so north on Bluff to the Holiday Inn. Just across the street (on the same side of the road) there's a strip shopping center and back in the corner is a place called Crowshaw's Pies. Little old ladies bake fresh pies in there...buy them by the slice or the whole pie. They also have sandwiches etc. Its just the perfect place for a break when on the road. Pies are just as good as Rock Springs Cafe north of Phoenix...worth the stop.

Ron

**GMan** · 15th July 07, 09:10 PM

Yep, that is Molas alright.

**Erisianmonkey** · 15th July 07, 10:11 PM

Actually, given what Ron said, it would have to be on Red Mountain Pass. To me, it looked like that was Spud over his left shoulder. But looking again, the peak over his right shoulder is about the same height, which means it probably isn't. Given those two things, I would say this is probably up near the county line, possibly that parking area near the summit. If it was late summer and green, I'd be able to tell you quick. I grew up in that area, hearing all the tales told by the plow drivers and rescue workers so I abso-zarking-lutely won't hit Red Mountain Pass in the winter unless I have no choice. (Since it has long been considered one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the country, can you blame me?) Otto Mears' million dollars be damned, I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for that stretch of highway once the snow starts flying.