This spring we had planned to visit Italy, taking advantage of American Airlines new direct route DFW to Rome. After much consideration, we decided to change our plans & instead spend time here in our own USA! Our choice for a mini vacation was Colorado. We flew on American Eagle flight 5732 from DFW to Durango, arriving around 4pm.

Wednesday afternoon, we checked in the hotel and then went downtown to browse main street. it was cold and rainy. Miriam was wanting to have a hearty soup or stew. We found a Himalayan Restaurant! Delicious.

I forgot the train tickets! Luckily we were early and the hotel was just 5 minutes away. The morning was cloudy & cold. It started snowing as we rode up to Silverton. By the time we reached Silverton the snow was intense and the temperature was 31 degrees! French Onion Soup at the Shady Lady, then back to Durango. By the time we got back, the sun was shinning and it was beautiful!

Friday May 19 we spent the day at Mesa Verde National Park. Here are some photos taken on our way from Durango to the park entrance. The park entrance is about 34 miles from Durango and there are some spectacular views of the mountains.

We spent all day Friday at the historic Mesa Verde National Park. We stopped at the Visitors Center and purchased a $5 ticket for Miriam to take the Balcony House tour. I was lucky enough to find a lookout point where I was able to use the incredible zoom lens of the Nikon P900 and take photos of Miriam at the cliff dwelling!