Rodeo 2.0

Currently In: Bayfield, CO
Will be in New Mexico for 1/2 of September and then hope to get to Utah


While we enjoyed the rodeo we attended in Idaho last month, we wanted to see some skilled cowboys.  Durango offered the perfect opportunity to see Championship Rodeo in La Plata County!

We went with our friends Tim and Jenny.

They had a nice ceremony at the beginning with the rodeo queen and princesses riding out with the flags.

We saw Saddle Bronc riding.

And some bull riding.

The kids participated in mutton busting' (riding a sheep) and the ribbon pull.

We also got to see some steer wrestling.

And this event they call buddy pick up (or hitch hiking) where one person stands on a barrel and waits for the horse and rider to pick them up.  The fastest time wins!

And entertainment was provided by the rodeo clowns.

It was a beautiful evening and we got to learn more about the cowboy culture.

Durango also provided Johnny and I with an opportunity to get on our bikes!  There is a beautiful Greenway path that follows the Animas River.  Tim and Jenny dropped us off on the north side of town and we rode to the south side.

We saw some nice views of the river as well as this old boat house.

Rode over a couple of bridges and through a tunnel.

There were even flowers along the way.

The trail also followed the narrow gauge railroad tracks you can see from this park.  We saw a couple of train bridges from the path.

When we got to the south side of town, there was an old train display!

The train was used on set for a couple of movies and the TV show Petticoat Junction.  We loved the Irish theme.

After all that work, we were ready for some refreshments.  Jenny and Tim picked us up and we headed for Steamboat Brewing!

After a quick stop at Honeyville (a honey store) to get some treats,  Jenny pointed out a hot spring sitting right along the highway!  It's called Pinkerton Hot Springs named after the gentleman who established a daily farm here. The colors were so unusual.  The kids were sure having fun!