Tuesday, June 30 CORKSCREW

Don P, Brett, Alexis, Sy, Beverly, Wayne, Jimmy & I headed out this morning for a ride on Corkscrew, 12,600 feet elevation at its high point.  Back in the day, gold was found in this area, and prospectors drilled deep mine shafts, discovering underground water containing deadly sulfuric acid which ruined their machinery.  Hoping that's not what we drive thru!

At the end of the trail, the rest of the group headed towards U.S. Basin.  Being so close to Ouray, Jim and I peeled off and enjoyed a Mexican lunch at Buen Tiempo.  We then explored the upper NW side of Ouray and found ourselves coming back down near Ridgeway.  Once home, we found out that Ronny & Bonnie, who took a short ride thru the old Idarado mines, saw a mom Moose with TWO babies near the side of the main highway.  All these moose sightings and we are yet to see one this year.  This place is starting to get packed for the annual, huge 4th of July celebration that Silverton puts on.  With the influx of thousands of people, the internet slows to a crawl and sometimes stops working.  Will post as I am able.

On Corkscrew, looking across at Velocity:

 Following Brett:

Looking thru the windshield at washouts on the ledge.  

Pretty soon, there is not going to be any road left:

 Over the river & thru the woods, to Mexican Food we go:

 Black Lake at the top of the mountains, NW of Ouray: