July 15: Leadville to Ouray

Today, Ann and I arose early, as we were slated to drive the camper van from Leadville to Ouray, including Chase, who by now is feeling much more like himself again.  As we hadn't eaten any breakfast before the trip, we stopped in the Brown Dog Coffee Company of Buena Vista for coffee and a blueberry scone for me and an almond twist for Ann.  The route was as follows| Leadville, Buena Vista, Poncha Springs, Gunnison, Montrose and then south to Ridgeway and then Ouray, in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.  Once there, we first secured our spot at the KOA for two nights, then drove into town, where we signed up for a Jeep tour from Ouray to Telluride by Black Bear Pass, one of the most difficult terrains anywhere.  Thank God I am not driving, nor is Ann!  
From that errand on we spent our time walking the Main Street of town and then arrived back at our campsite at about 6:00 p.m.  We walked over to an open patio and enjoyed eating salads while listening to a group called Hot Damn performing country music.  The motto of this group: "listening to Hot Damn makes you want to break out in uncontrollable dancing,"--and that is just what the audience did.  I even knew a few songs, and Ann requested Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire," which was popularly received.  By the end of the last set everyone, including little kids, were dancing up a storm!  Great evening!  Tomorrow a possible terror, but, if I am still here to tell the tale, you will all learn details tomorrow night!