When we climbed the two flights of stairs and opened our door after almost 15 hours in a car, we were thrilled with our apartment. For the first time in 12 years, we hadn’t worried about anything while we were gone. This “downsizing thing” has some pretty sweet perks, I tell ya!

This was an interesting trip;  it was cold for July, there was still snow on the mountains, and we were often dodging rain, until it caught up with us on the way back to Santa Fe!
A local called it “monsoon season,” saying it usually rained for a while every afternoon, and you could see it coming over the mountains each afternoon. The upside: everything was more lush than I had ever seen it before. From west Texas through Santa Fe, the desert was a vibrant green dotted with bright fuschia Cholla cactus!

I forgot my camera, so these are taken on an iPhone, and Cindy Pulley got a couple of beautiful shots that I’ve shared below. I hope you enjoy this visual tour.

XO Donna

Following the bike trailer into Santa Fe.

Diamond Belle Saloon in Strater Hotel, Durango.

Leaving Silverton, heading over the pass to Telluride, CO.

We all stayed at Mountain Lodge, Telluride

Telluride 4th of July Parade

Our cabin was on the
Rio Grande, Creede, CO

Leaving Creede, for Santa Fe.

Waiting it out – on the way back to Santa Fe.