We drove up to Haviland Lake to have a look, and the dogs went for a swim, of course.

 Purgatory ski resort....like a small city up there!  Doug is a ski instructor, and hopes to return this winter.  We drove around the back of the runs, and it's a beautiful valley with primitive campsites, streams, and the road probably goes back to Silverton.

IN SEARCH OF.........

Just north of Ouray, in the Red Mountain mining district, we were in search of the townsite of Ironton, hoping to find the old train turntable used in the mining operation.  First, we started up a road we thought would take us there, but only learned that the road went forever.  We stopped hiking after about 2 miles (up), and being passed by several jeeps. 

 After much exploring, we finally found the townsite of Ironton.  It was just off the highway, we just didn't have the special book that showed you where it was.  Anyway, lots of buildings in varying stages of decay.  It appears some work has been done to slow down the dilapidation.

TELLURIDE, AND RALPH LOREN RANCH

 More fall colors, as we drive past the Ralph Loren ranch (22,000 acres) on the San Juan scenic skyway.

 Below is the old hospital in Telluride, rebuilt to house a museum for the area.  At left, progress has changed the face of the old town.  We were here 20 years ago, and were not real impressed with the town....run down buildings, and lots of young people of questionable means.  Today, it seems like the residents have banded together, planned the community, and take pride in what they have. 

OURAY

We are camped in Ridgway, about 10 miles from Ouray.  Lots of history here, with roads going high up into the mountains that only a jeep can traverse.  This town is called the little Switzerland of America, because of its surrounding peaks.

SILVERTON, TRAINS, OLD MINES AND BEAUTIFUL COLORS

 We drove from Ouray to Silverton, along the Million Dollar Highway, named that because the crushed rock they used to build it at the time came from the nearby mine tailings....they discovered later that this castoff rock contained more gold. 

 The Durango to Silverton  RR runs several trains daily between the two towns.  It's a steam locomotive.

 Here in the Red Mountain mining district, several mines sit idle, a reminder of the roaring times back in the gold rush of the late 1800's.  This is the Yankee Girl, mainly a producer of silver.  Below is a trestle that was part of a mine operation.  The tunnel from the Yankee Girl goes 5-1/2 miles and connects to the town of Telluride.

 The aspen are just at the peak of their color here along the million dollar highway.