The region is steeped in local myth and history, ranging from Indian folklore, to Spanish, and white settler tales. For instance, they say that the water in the valley is magical; it tastes like peppermint, looks like green ice, and once a person has tasted it, they fall in love with the valley forever. Well, even though we didn’t get to taste the waters, it certainly is a beautiful valley and we would have liked to have spent some time soaking in the calm and peaceful atmosphere there.
All along the route through the valley and up over the mountain passes, there is a most unusual rock formation. There is a thin layer of Dakota sandstone, only about 5-10 metres thick, that has been tilted up almost vertically on edge and running 30-40 kms along the side of the valley. This is a feature of the town of Stonewall – see the photo. BTW, you sort of have to wonder how the town got its name, don’t you?
A little further on we stopped at a little mountain lake for lunch. It was such a beautiful setting that we just had to take a photo. David says that it doesn’t do the place justice. Even here you can see the ridge of Dakota sandstone running along the skyline.
Shortly after this lake, the road goes over a high pass. Out first time above 10,000 ft! Coming down, we started smelling something funny. Yup! We were cooking the brakes. Had to pull off the road and let them cool off. We unhitched the car and took a side road to explore a couple of little lakes up in the hills.
Back on the road again, with cool brakes, through La Vela and up another pass (this time only 9,413 high – hardly worth a mention ) to Blanca, our home for the next couple of days while we explore Great Sand Dunes National Monument.
But more on that next time…
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