Mountain-bound Mammoth

Thursday, Dec 20th, 2012

Today we headed out for our winter trip to Durango, Colorado. The previous night we finished the loading, and final hitch-up to Mammoth in the driveway, while the temperature was a balmy 75 degrees. Once we pulled Mammoth onto the street, just a few hours later a blustery cold front came through dropping some rain, blowing winds, dust, and colder temps. Overnight we had winds around 25-30mph and gusts to 45mph. Once morning of the 20th came, the winds had somewhat subsided.

ready to roll!

We headed out about 9am, and headed through Rockwall to the George Bush Tollway. Although it is expensive, it is a much easier drive with far less traffic to get around the Dallas area. We got to Denton around 10am, and stopped in at Camping World to use a $10 gift certificate that was destined to expire soon. When we stepped out of the rig, we were caught by surprise. The wind had really picked up, and was hard to even stand against it! We couldn't tell that while driving in it, as we really hadn't experienced any gusts or difficult driving. We resumed our travel, which was directly into a headwind. Tony could tell it was pushing against us, and we had to stop for fuel a little sooner than expected. By Wichita Falls, the winds calmed to more typical speeds, and we made it to Amarillo by 6pm. We had dinner with relatives, exchanged some Christmas gifts, and enjoyed their company.

Friday, Dec 21st, 2012

We hit the road by 7am, headed west on I-40.

Sunrise leaving Amarillo, TX.

We stopped in Tucumcari, NM for fuel, and noticed a Landmark being pulled by a transport driver, fueling as well. I asked him where he was headed, he said California! What a nice Christmas present for someone! We did notice that the transporter was trying to use a Dodge 2500 to pull this Landmark... It was not being pulled very level... I am curious how he passed the weigh stations successfully?!

We learned from a previous trip that to take the exit at Clines Corners and go to Santa Fe, then cut back down I-25 to Bernalillo, is a much easier drive than going through Albuquerque. We followed this same route, and stopped in Bernadillo to eat. We started seeing snow remnants, as well, once we turned North towards Santa Fe. From Bernalillo, we traveled NM 550 to Durango, CO. This drive through the various Indian Reservations is so pretty. I would love to stop and explore this area more. The roads were mostly dry, with the shoulders being wet, or icy, as we got further north.

The terrain is changing!

Beautiful New Mexico around us.

Gorgeous!

Beautiful colors in the rock formations.

snow

more snow near Bloomfield

Mountains in the distance!

Nearly there!

We arrived in Durango about 5pm.

Welcome to Durango!

Sun setting on the red cliffs, covered in snow.

We checked in at Westerly RV Park, got set up, ate dinner and collapsed. It was a long day, but an excellent day to travel. We are so glad to be here!

Pulled in and set up. Durango has at least 4-6 inches of snow on the ground!