Hello from Durango, Colorado.......been a long day of travel plus the time change from eastern to mountain makes for 2 very tired nomads. We got up at 4 AM, took the shuttle to Atlanta airport, flew to Love Field in Dallas (found out this afternoon there had been a shooting near baggage claim - domestic incident about 2 hours after we were there) and onto Albuquerque.
Michael Kuss had told us it's a beautiful drive from Albuquerque to Durango and about 3 hours. Wow....he was right on! Spectacular rock formations, mountains, rugged terrain and then trees and brush growing here and there. Parts of the trip were actually kind of flat - not like the Midwest, but pretty still flat. We drove for miles and didn't see any type of civilization - no critters, nuthin! Finally came upon Cuba, New Mexico and had a great authentic Mexican lunch at La Bruno's.
I drove after lunch for awhile and Mark brought us into Durango - wow....snow-capped mountains and lots of beauty. We got settled in our hotel room and had a drink in the hotel restaurant. It was a beautiful evening and we walked to the Doubletree and hung out with Ryan and some of the Blue Angels. This is along the Animas River with very strong current - popular for white water rafting. We walked along the riverfront which goes for 3 miles. The air is so fresh and it usually gets down in the 40's at night.
Said good night to the team and walked back to our hotel and ready for a good night's sleep.
A selfie along the riverwalk
Pretty flowers along the way
The raging Animas River
The Kuss family brought Jeff home this afternoon in Fat Albert. Tomorrow the town of Durango will honor Jeff and he will be laid to rest. Planning a large procession thru the town.
Till then....
1 comment:
Hi Pat: Been on my FB page and got to see the video of the vigil last night. I could not get it to come up, but someone posted it today so got to hear it (for some reason could only get the audio). Very moving and teary especially when the pipers were playing at the end of the memorial. Also got to see a video of Fat Albert coming into the airport with Jeff along with his family. Teary again.
We have driven from Durango to Albuquerque before and you will not believe it but we also stopped in Cuba, NM and had lunch that day. Thought that was amazing when I read you had stopped there too. Can't remember the name of the place where we ate (it was too long ago), but do remember having a great lunch. Can't think that there would be too many restaurants there anyway. Do remember it was small inside and one lady did most everything from being a waitress to being a cashier. We thought her husband was the cook and their daughter who was out of school that day was clearing the tables. The drive was beautiful with the wonderful countryside and colors. And yes we did not see many people, houses or critters along the road.
Loved, loved Durango. We took a drive into the mountains and had breathtaking views. They also have a narrow gauge railroad there that Ralph and Vernette had taken one other time when they were in Durango. They said it ran along the river and the views were spectacular. We did not have time when we were there to do that, but I would love to go back one day????? It was just a neat small town. We also walked around easily and enjoyed our two days there.
So glad you are there for Ryan during the last memorial for Jeff. It promises to be as emotional as the other ones I know. Take lots of kleenex. I have reached for mine in reading and viewing all the pics and videos this week. Don't know if you saw this pic but it is of Boss hugging what I guess was his child after the candlelight vigil. Heartbreaking just showing his emotions during this time. You know he feels that this accident was on his watch, his responsibility, his team. During his press conference at the Durango airport on Friday you could see how he was just holding it together as best as he could and during the vigil also.
Well, just thought I would leave you a message on this early Saturday morning to let you know that we are feeling your emotions and thinking of all during the Saturday memorial.
Love, Judy and Bob
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