Day 14: Into the Mountains to Durango
Today we left the high desert of Cortez Colorado and entered the mountains as we biked to Durango. I took full advantage of the short 43 mile ride, riding quite slowly to rest my hamstring. My hamstring felt a bit better than yesterday, so I am hopeful that today will help its recovery as will a shorter day tomorrow (60 miles to Pagosa Springs).
It was a brisk 40 degrees as we started our ride, but warmed up nicely as the sun rose higher in the sky.
This photo shows what looks like a beaver's den in a pond we passed.
The landscape has changed significantly from yesterday as we bicycled up the pass to get to Durango. Trees, some showing the beginnings of fall colors, along with grasses, streams and ponds dotted the landscape.
As the temperature rose, these cows rested near their watering hole.
As we crossed the pass and began our descent into Durango, more of the Rockies became visible. After spending the last 12 days in different types of deserts, today's ride was a lovely change.