Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show

This weekend there was the Four Corners Gem and Mineral show hosted by the Four Corners Mineral Club of Durango. Every year there are tons of amazing rocks, crystals, jewelery and other neat things to see. I highly recommend going to a rock show like this where you live.

  

 

Large Amazonite (blue) and Smokey Quartz crystals (black)

 This guy is the miner who found all of these

 Thunderegg Agate

 I didn't find out the name of this neat mineral

 A large sample of Crinoid fossils

 Fishy fossils

 Trilobites!

So many things to look at!!

 The items I purchased for my own collection.

Carnival Time

The Memorial Day Carnival has been running all weekend. I happened to see it from the Rim Trail around Fort Lewis College and got this shot.

Taste of Durango

Once a year, the weekend before Memorial Day Durango hosts a large party in the streets. It is the Taste of Durango and here you can sample the food from most of the restaurants in town. It is a great opportunity to try food from any place you have not been to and it is a great atmosphere of celebration as well. This year, there was a band from Costa Rica called the Ojo de Buey who where just phenomenal. Their music got everyone dancing and I have never seen so many people smiling and happy! MAke plans for next year and join in on the fun!

Snowdown Light Parade

Snowdown is an annual, week long celebration here in Durango. It has been going on since 1979, when the people of Durango decided they needed something to bring a little cheer to the dark and cold times of winter. There are many schedule events and a local favorite is the Light Parade. People dress in costume according to the Snowdown Theme (chosen by vote, this year's was 'Safari So Good') and line Main Avenue to watch floats and participants bedecked with lights and zany costumes. It's always great fun and I recommend anyone to come and see it for themselves.

Snowdown Strongman/Strongwoman Competition

This event is just one of many hosted around town for Snowdown.

2013 Snowdown Parade of Lights

Snowdown is an annual tradition here in Durango. Since 1979, the People of Durango have held Winter's darkness at bay by throwing the biggest party this side of the Rockies..

I was disappointed by the performance of my camera at night and this was the only usable photo I was able to get

An Evening with Craig Childs

The author Craig Childs has been making the rounds promoting his new book, Apocalyptic Planet, and last evening he was here in Durango talking to a sold out crowd. His talk was fascinating and he was really personable. After his talk, he did a book signing and Yours Truly got to meet my favorite author still living. It was a wonderful night!

San Juan Brewfest

Sorry for the late post today. Yesterday was the 14th Annual San Juan Brewfest. It was held in Downtown Durango at Buckley park and took place in the street, as you can see from my photo. There were almost 30 different brewers in attendance and it was a great, friendly party. I would recommend this event to all who carry an appreciation for beer.

Bicycle Valet

"Of course there's Valet parking for your bike. This is Durango, after all!"

Watching the Race VIA Jumbotron

After the race departed town, everybody migrated to Buckley Park to party down and to catch some of the action on the big Jumbotron screen they set up. It was a mad house there. There were a lot of people, and it seemed as though everyone had their bike, too. Bikes were chained and locked to just about everything permanent around the whole block. It was a really great time, and I hope the race comes through here again!

Race Day

The USA PRO CHALLENGE happened yesterday, and it was really awesome to participate in. I found a really great spot to watch the race and I got a few good pictures of the peloton as it went by. The race continues today. It begins in Montrose, Colorado and ends in Crested Butte. Check out the official USA PRO CHALLENGE website to learn more and to watch live coverage

It all starts here

The USA Pro Challenge is soon to be happenning, and as the event draws near, we are seeing morre and more banners, flyers and other promotions for the race which is being billed as the "Tour de France" of Colorado. It is being estimated that there could be as many as 30,000 visitors to our little town over the week of the event. Surely, it is an event not to be missed!