As I proceeded up the road past Rico I came across this woman painting near the Lizard Head Pass. I have seen artists inspired by and recreating what they are seeing on canvas at various places during my trip. This is Susan, who lives in nearby Dolores, Colorado.
Susan took a break from her work and we had a very enjoyable conversation. Here is what she was being inspired by.
Now, take a moment to ponder what you have just seen and read but please stop thinking about Susan before reading this next section.
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PLEASE SHOW ME YOUR BACKSIDE
Excuse me??
This is perhaps the best example I have ever seen of not judging a book (or mountain) by it’s cover.
If I turned about 120 degrees to my right from where I had been talking with Susan I saw this mountain in the direction I was about to travel.
A nice looking mound of dirt and rock, right? Well, as I continued on up the road the views of this mountain changed dramatically.
Pretty cool, huh? I have lots more photos but I think this illustrates my point.
Further up the road I saw Priest Lake, with a pretty awesome background.
And further up the road, more mountain views.
As I neared the northern end of my scenic loop I turned right and headed in to the little town of Telluride. This is where the “pretty people” come to live (if they can afford it) and play (is they can afford it).
The young man I spoke with down at the Retro Inn in Cortez told me that when I got to Telluride I should drive all the way through town and continue on what would become a dirt road until I reached Colorado’s version of Bridal Veil Falls. I did so (at the painfully slow 15 mph speed limit).
If you look straight up from the right taillight on the white truck you’ll see the upper portion of the falls.
And to the left of the falls is a white house!
I’d sure hate to plow their driveway…
After leaving Telluride I continued on my way, eager to start my southward turn back to Durango. Here is a four-shot panorama from an overlook.
Not too shabby, eh?
Finally, a very tall mountain right next to the road before getting to Ouray.
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