Trippin' in Telluride

Janene and Robin made a quick trip to Telluride, Colorado to get their picture taken in front of an awesome mountain. Actually, Robin had to go there to work on the New Sheridan Hotel (named so as to distinguish it from the "old" Sheridan Hotel). The first was built in 1897, the New Sheridan Hotel was built in 1895, and both were located on the main drag, Colorado Avenue, until the old one burned down. The contractor Robin is working for is restoring the "new" hotel to its original grandeur (with some added modern features like fire alarm system and elevators).

The entire town of Telluride has been designated a Nationally Historic Landmark District by the National Park Service and much of the town remains as it was at the turn of the century. Great efforts are even made to save some of the most dilapidated of houses and structures, including the New Sheridan Hotel. The town nestles at the head of a glacially carved box canyon. For years, the only way to town was by mule team over the 13,000 foot plus Ophir Pass from Silverton. You may be able to pick out the road to Black Bear Pass in this photo. No kids, I did not drive to the top of that road. Janene would not stand for it.

We found that Telluride has a unique way of getting to the adjacent modern town of Mountain Village (think Deer Valley - only in Colorado). There is an aerial tramway in three parts that goes the whole distance in 13 minutes. There is no charge to ride this and it runs all the time. We rode with a little girl coming home from school one time, and another time with a fireman on his way to work.

And when you get to the other side, you are magically transported to London. Janene tried to call home, but nobody was there. She seemed particularly pleased about that. All in all, we enjoyed the break. Janene drove most of the way down while Robin slept off a small recurring fever from his past illness. Janene caught a cold, and we ate horribly delicious food at fine restaurants. It was good to get back to the fresh fruits and vegetables of our own garden. The vegetarian diet is back on - with a vengeance.