HOME TO DENVER - COMPLETING THE CIRCLE

The typography changed rapidly and now we were introduced to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising above a vast arid dusty plain - such a contrast to the lush valleys. We saw the sand dunes at the foot of the mountains formed by the prevailing west winds on the way to Crestone a small town renown for its  for its tolerance where Buddhists live side by side with a Carmelite monastery and the houses are built in between the scrubby bushy trees. We were fascinated by the people having lunch in the restaurant. And then then long drive back to Denver, past the Rio Grande River.

Vast arid St Louis plain with the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the background

On this trip we saw: 43 of the 54 peaks over 14,000 feet, 4 major rivers and drove 1,500 miles (2,000 kms) completing the circular route. We drove up high passes so high that we felt as if we were flying, dipping down into crevices carved by fast flowing rivers flanked by awesome rock faces. We've seen sights that have delighted us, eaten steaks that we didn't think possible to finish, laughed and chatted and caught up on missing years. David and Maeve have shown us the places that they love and David's knowledge and the way he has organised the trip and their generosity has made this a week we'll always remember.