We drove over I-550 numerous times as we photographed the San Juan Mountains. On several of those trips we were joined by Karen. Here is a collection of our favorite images taken along the road. If you know this region well you will recognize some favorites.

Taken before sunrise on our way to meet up with Karen for breakfast in Silverton.

Another 'find'.  As we drove by we noticed a line of cars and then a long line of photographers on a ridge.  You cannot easily see Crystal Lake from the road in the dark.  We parked, grabbed tripods and waited for the sun to rise.&nbs… — Another 'find'. As we drove by we noticed a line of cars and then a long line of photographers on a ridge. You cannot easily see Crystal Lake from the road in the dark. We parked, grabbed tripods and waited for the sun to rise. We did not stay as long as we needed to see a full sunrise. We had an important date with Karen and we did not want to be late! We would go again and have her with us. Notice how much snow there is on Red Mountain. There would not be so much on our return.

Tom's take on the lake.  He likes adding the shoreline.  I want you to believe that I am out in the middle of the lake in a kayak! — Tom's take on the lake. He likes adding the shoreline. I want you to believe that I am out in the middle of the lake in a kayak!

Karen, is that our Toad in front of you?  Nah!  You would not be clicking and driving at the same time.  Right? — Karen, is that our Toad in front of you? Nah! You would not be clicking and driving at the same time. Right?

Durango Silverton train arriving in Silverton.

This was taken on our return trip to Crystal Lake.  There was mist on the lake and just a hint of snow on Red Mountain. — This was taken on our return trip to Crystal Lake. There was mist on the lake and just a hint of snow on Red Mountain.

The sun rose and slowly Red Mountain lit up.  I had hopes of the whole thing becoming red!  Well, no such luck as the cloud cover increased and played tricks by hiding the sun, teasing me into thinking that 'just any second . . . .'  … — The sun rose and slowly Red Mountain lit up. I had hopes of the whole thing becoming red! Well, no such luck as the cloud cover increased and played tricks by hiding the sun, teasing me into thinking that 'just any second . . . .' I know that you are familiar with that routine. Right?

For me, this is as good as it was going to get.  By the way, a graduated neutral density filter came in very handy in keeping the brightest parts of the scene from blowing out.  Interestingly, the mist only shows up as reflections on the l… — For me, this is as good as it was going to get. By the way, a graduated neutral density filter came in very handy in keeping the brightest parts of the scene from blowing out. Interestingly, the mist only shows up as reflections on the lake. We noticed the same thing while in Ireland. Why does the camera not see the mist over the lake?

Karen and Tom stayed a while taking 'geometric compositions'.  I went back to the car to get warm.  They got some great compositions. — Karen and Tom stayed a while taking 'geometric compositions'. I went back to the car to get warm. They got some great compositions.

Karen and Dave stopped at Crystal Lake on there way home last Friday.  I put this here to show how much the fall foliage had changed from the first time we stopped to take our photographs of the fall color reflected on the lake.  WOW! — Karen and Dave stopped at Crystal Lake on there way home last Friday. I put this here to show how much the fall foliage had changed from the first time we stopped to take our photographs of the fall color reflected on the lake. WOW!

Karen and Dave went back to Crystal Lake to get some night photography, hopefully some good shots of the Milky Way.  Unfortunately, they had to contend with clouds, cold wind churning up the water and a pesky moon.  Some nights are just no… — Karen and Dave went back to Crystal Lake to get some night photography, hopefully some good shots of the Milky Way. Unfortunately, they had to contend with clouds, cold wind churning up the water and a pesky moon. Some nights are just not suited for night photography.

A few stars and a nice reflection of the moon on the water.

Long shutter speeds create interesting clouds.  But, there are a few stars.  Good effort. — Long shutter speeds create interesting clouds. But, there are a few stars. Good effort.

We hope you enjoyed the ride.

Rick and Barbara had a dream trip and are sharing it with us. The covered 2,200 miles, three states and visited three National Parks. Their goal was Denver via the 'scenic' route. Their first night was in Cortez, but before chowing down on Mexican food they had already stopped at the Cameron Trading Post and then spent three hours at the Mesa Verde National Park.

The Little Colorado Wash behind the Cameron Trading Post hotel.

Before leaving Durango they stopped by the Durango-Silverton Railroad to capture the steam locomotives.

From Durango they headed up Wolf Creek Pass which tops out at 11,000 feet.

Fall Creek Falls at the base of Wolf Creek Pass.

Rick and Barbara then spent time in Winter Park with some very close friends. A walk around the neighborhood gave them some nice photo opportunities, including hot-air balloons near the local lake.

Rick wrote that there was a hummingbirds frenzy at this feeder.  Lucky one sat still just long enough for a good shot. — Rick wrote that there was a hummingbirds frenzy at this feeder. Lucky one sat still just long enough for a good shot.

From Winter Park they headed on to Denver via Rocky Mountain National Park and the Trail Ridge Road. The road is the highest maintained automobile road in the US. Patches of snow and lots of elk most assuredly reminded them they were not at home.

Well, they did reach Denver. The second part of their trip is up tomorrow. A very special thanks to two exceptional and generous photographers.

550

2200 Miles, 3 States, 3 Parks

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