Days & Nights in Durango

Leaving Ouray on 550 south, you find one of the most scenic drives in the country.  Known as the Million Dollar Highway, it runs through the mountains from Ouray to Silverton and then into Durango.  Pleep found its steep climbs, winding turns and total lack of guardrails a bit scary but it was no problem for Delete who kept an eye out for elk, mountain goats and other creatures.  Amazingly, we encountered several  groups of cyclists making their way through as well.  We also ran into large groups of motorcyclists all heading to the weekend gathering in the Durango area.  Based on their rides, Pleep decided Harley Davidson was likely a good stock to own.

After checking into the Strater Hotel, Pleep insisted we catch the trolley and head straight for the Ska Brewery.  He was very impressed that Holly, our tour guide from the last visit, remembered him.  Ed commented that it wasn't such a big deal as it was unlikely there had been a lot of beer drinking monkeys visiting.

In the summer months, Ska features an outdoor biergarten with food provided by Zia's Tacqueria out of an air stream trailer.  There is also nightly live music and with $3 beers it makes for a very economical, entertaining adventure.  A rigged up car caught Pleep's attention.  He took down all the information and is planning on suggesting purchasing it as the replacement for Carnicelli's corporate babe mobile.  It has been modified for off road access which could come in handy during KC snowstorms.  Ed commented that maybe instead of purchasing this fine vehicle, the babe mobile could be modified to have the same look and feel.  

Sampling the excellent food prepared by the Zia's staff, Pleep was pleased to pair it with several of Ska's seasonal offering.  He shared a bit with Delete but only the smaller tasting glasses, explaining that Delete was still learning how to be a proper beer sommelier.  Ed was disappointed when he learned that the Euphoria kegs were not being tapped until 16 September but the good news is KC is within the distribution area this year.  Pleep's only complaint about his time at Ska was being required to use the outside facilities.

Durango was packed with hundreds and hundreds of motorcyclists.   The Four Corners area sponsors a Labor Day riding event every year which brings an interesting assortment of people into the towns.  Pleep found the people watching even more interesting than checking out the bikes.  There was everything from investment banker types to tattooed, long haired easy rider refugees.   Without a doubt the Harley Davidsons outnumbered all the other bikes by a considerable margin.  Pleep is planning on chatting up his neighbor Galen who owns several well tricked out Harleys.  He thinks it would be a lot more fun to hit the road with Galen next time Peggy and Ed talk about Durango.