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Show Page 8 September 20, 1996 Cross Currents FALL COLORS Continued from page 7 holes everywhere, though the best bet for striking gold these days is probably by jeeping the skeins of rough dirt roads leading to some of Colorados most spectacular golden aspen forests. The skyway loop has been designated one of Americas Highway" most beautiful roads ... The tow n sits at 7,8(X) feet. Dramatic cliffs rise 5,000 feet above Main Street. Beyond lie rugged rivers and waterfalls, alpine meadow s and faraway parts of the remote San Juan Mountains. The jeeping on the Alpine Loop Byway, over two 12,000-foo- t passes to Lake City and back to Silverton, or over Black Bear Pass to Telluride, is bouncy and beautiful n over roads, some of the most challenging and scenic anywhere. In fall the beauty ante is upped considerably by the play of light and shadow on shimmering armies of glimmerwild-flow- er rock-strew- white-trunke- ing, golden-leave- d d, aspens. ' 'VI is a section of U.S. Highway 550 -- - Ourays Main Street -- - between here and Silverton. It winds around mountains via switchbacks in a thorough- Yi fti , ly impressive fashion for a road. (The is small a portion of the "Highway e San Juan Skyway, a road ...YJ-- Silverton, Durango, Cortez, Dolores, Telluride and Ridgway. The skyway loop has been designated one of Americas most beautiful roads by the National Forest Service Scenic Byways program.) Closer to Ouray one may drive to the Amphitheater Campground for a panoramic overlook of the valley. The Camp Bird Road is also south of downtown. It is about seven miles to the site of Ourays most , vr t . hi 232-mil- ... f. loop encompassing Ouray, - ; ; V v V' - - A.'.- , ... t; .,, u Y ,. j- .. , - . , , City is on the Alpine Scenic Byway, a jeep road circuit near Ouray. (Photo by Stee Cohen) The ghost town of Capitol famous mine, one that produced $26 million in silver and gold for a man named Walsh, whose daughter Evalyn spent part of her fortune on the Hope Diamond, the worMs largest, which now resides in the Smithsonian, in Washington, D.C. Fishing is almost as popular as jeep rentals or guided jeep tours. Fifteen nearby lakes are stocked with trout. The East Dallas River and Willow Swamps areas southwest of Ridgway are good spots for catching them. The Ridgway State Recreation Area, including a stocked 1200-acr- e reservoir, is 10 miles north of Ouray. Chipeta Sun or Lodge, d a bed and break8, solar-heate- The Roots of Good Health . . . Compiling a family health history can help preserve your own health. Like hair color and the shape of a nose, family members often share hereditary susceptibilities for certain cancers and other diseases. But if you are aware of these factors, medical experts say you can control the risks with regular checkups, screenings and changes in diet and lifestyle. For best results, make separate listings for the maternal and paternal sides of the family and go back at least two generations, including your immediate family (parents, siblings, children, spouse), as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Gather as much health history information as you can. Your doctor will be particularly interested in major diseases or conditions, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, stroke and hemophilia; the age at which the condition first appeared; additional risk factors, such as smoking, obesity and alcoholism; persistent or chronic health conditions, such as allergies or headaches; number of children andor attempted pregnancies; and age at death and cause of death. This health message is brought topuby... Southwest Memorial Hospital 1311 North Mildred Ri, Cortez, (970) 565-6666 Colorado 81321 fast in Ridgway, is a particularly good bet for fall accommodations. Giant windows provide great views, and the owners lead guests on hiking, biking, and photo excursions into the fall colors at no charge. All the jeep roads around Ouray are also good for bike riding. You can veer off the Alpine Loop near Engineer Pass and ride down around 5,000 feet in 10 miles to Ouray, but bring strong kidneys. Its a rough road. Downhill Biking, 722 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427, rents mountain bikes for a half day, full day, or weekly. Also available are tours in which riders are driven up a mountain for a downhill-onl- y ride back to town. is still Jeeping probably the most autumn popular activity in Ouray 4, County. Rentals or guided tours are available from numerous operators, over-eas- y scenic routes, or hair-raisi- mining tracks, passing alpine tundra, ghost towns, abandoned mines and offering incredible mountain views. Four-wheroads are el 78 Centurion 14x70, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, $5,500. 9 or 327-999- DL581 |
