Day 4 & 5

Nathaniel and I visited the Fred Harman Museum.  He is known for his Red Ryder and Little Beaver comic strips and his western paintings.  It is a small museum but for me to see his studio was inspiring.  If you have ever watched The Christmas Story you are familiar with the Red Ryder bb gun.  Mr. Harman's son is the only living heir and he is 82.  The museum guide said they are not sure what will happen to the museum once he dies.
We spent some time in downtown Pagosa Springs shopping.

We always go to this shop.  Lots of pottery, housewares, jewelry.  

"You are my Sunshine" is what I always sang to Nathaniel when he was little.  I also like Cinderella's quote, because I love shoes!

We had dinner at JJ's with the family.  It is where Bob and Danyelle had their wedding reception.  Great food and fun!  Afterwards we had a early birthday party for Heath.  He loved his cupcake.  He doesn't get much sugar.  

Day 3

So one of the best ways to see the scenery and get to experience a train ride the way people did during the 1800's is to take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway.

Leaving the station

This is the original train that has been in operation for 128 years!

The train tracks run along the Animas River.  This bridge is a stop along the way where hikers get off to enter the wilderness.

An old entrance to a silver mine

When you arrive in Silverton you have a couple hours to visit shops, have some lunch and enjoy the view.

Day 2

Our second day in Pagosa Springs we hung out at the springs.  The pictures are taken across the road from the springs.  It is heavenly sitting in the springs.  There are many temperatures from 89 degrees in the large pool to the "Lobster Pot' which is 112 degrees.  It is amazing that this is water coming out of the earth.  It is full of minerals and many people come to the springs for the healing effects.