How many monkeys does it take to change a tire in the rain and mud? Answer: All of us
Yes, quite a handy barrel of monkeys to have around. Let’s see – alternator/serpentine belt replacement, blown oil pressure line, fuel pump, vaporlock, magic disappearing unibearing bolt and probably a couple things I forgot. Not one thing phased this group.
Passing through the ghost town of Animas Forks
On the way to Engineer Pass
360 degree views up here – gorgeous!
View from the waterfall in Schafer Gulch on the way to Hurricane Basin
Hurricane Basin
At the top is a large collection of mining equipment and a 20 person boarding house, remarkably intact.
Passing the Rose Lime Kiln, built in 1881 along the banks of Henson Creek
Heading down into Capitol City
And passing a (former) dam at the site of the Ule Ute mine
Climbing to Cinnamon Pass
Heading back, there was a landslide blocking the road out from Animas Forks to Silverton. Getting info from the recon party we sent out:
These guys spend thousands of hours a year doing trail maintenance on a black diamond trail in the SBNF near Big Bear, a bunch of them wanted to fix it. But it was getting late and we wanted to get to dinner before the restaurant closed. We picked up another motorist who had to get out and left via CA Gulch.
Passing Lake Como:
And made it back to Silverton in time to coerce the restaurant to stay open for us. A great day.
The rest of my day 2 pics are
here.
