Durango Hot Springs, CO

​August 11, 2022

I spent about 45 minutes down on Little Molas Lake as my neighbors, the group of guys, were breaking down their camp. I was a bit concerned initially with the idea of having about six men as neighbors, but they were gentleman, and kept the potential noise in check. By the time I got back to my camp, a new neighbor had already moved in. He was in a camper truck about a quarter of a mile away but just slightly off the road and he wanted to move away from the dust. We spoke briefly as the expressed interest in my space instead. But, I already told him that the tent here was a place marker for a couple that was about to meet here at 10 AM. Just as I was heading out, I did run into this couple and we stopped in the street to exchange hellos. She asked if I liked tomatoes, and I said yes, and she handed me one. They live in Grand Junction where she has a garden. I was so appreciative of this huge beefsteak tomato, as I don’t think I’ve had a decent tomato since I moved away from New York. I felt like it was all a “pay it forward.” I gave Reese‘s peanut butter cups to Josh yesterday, and today I get a tomato! Fair trade!

I found my way south stopping briefly at a roadside place called Pinkerton Hot Springs. A little mini Yellowstone springs filled with various earth colors. You were allowed to walk around this hot spring carefully, as the water flowed downhill. And I couldn’t help but notice a white shawl, a Buddha shawl, hanging from the tree. Apparently someone felt like this was a sacred and spiritual place to leave the white shawl.

After a quick stop for groceries I parked at the Durango Hot Springs parking lot. I was concerned since The Sylver Gypsy was in full sunlight, at 6500 foot elevation, and it was getting quite warm. I had all the windows open and I had plans to meet someone at 3 PM wondering if the shade would arrive in time. I was doubtful, so I turned on the generator and thankfully this time it kicked over and started up on the very first try. I’m convinced that the altitude was the issue with this generator. Just before 3 PM Sandy arrived, who is a member of the Travato owners and wannabee Facebook site. I put the generator back on with ac. All looked good for me to leave Jo Jo and go to the springs, though I’m never comfortable not knowing if things will be functioning. I did check on him an hour later and the temperature went down to 77° fortunately, and I was in full shade at that time, so I turned everything off. I enjoyed my time with Sandy in the springs and the water was incredibly comfortable.

Unfortunately, it sounded as if the initial invitation to park in front of her house was no longer an option. I could read between the lines and knew I would have to find my own place to stay. It was recommended I check out Haviland Campground, a national forest campsite, about 15 minutes backtracking north towards Silverton. I would’ve love to stay at the Hot Springs a little bit longer except it was already 6 PM, and I wanted to take a nice hot shower before I traveled. I never seek accommodations at this late time of the day, so who knows what I would find. I drove through the campsite and saw two spots available initially, which were more like pull out parking spots, and not ideal, so close to the road. I quickly went through the campground, to try to find something more appealing. Fortunately I did, and I actually pulled in, but the moment I shut my engine off I realized that the large RV next to me was running their generator. One that was even louder, and more obnoxious than my own generator. Ugh, just ugh. There were only three spots remaining. My heart sank as I pulled out and just grabbed one of those pull out spots. At that point I was just ready to compromise. In the end it was a quite peaceful overnight, and that spot gave me a sliver view of the lake. 



















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