Million Dollar Road from Durango to Ouray Colorado June 18th

In the state of Colorado there’s a special highway built in the late 1880's: the Million Dollar Highway, part of the San Juan Skyway. It's one of the nation’s most spectacular drives. Offering breathtaking mountain, valley and gorge views, the Million Dollar Highway cost a reported million dollars a mile to build. The road winds and clings to the mountain providing dramatic view at every turn. Part of the San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway.


From Durango, through Silverton and Ouray, to Ridgway, the highway delivers jaw-dropping vista after vista. It was cut from the side of the mountain and became know as the "Million Dollar Highway". It's one of the most scenic drives in the USA. The Million Dollar Highway stretches for about 25 miles (40 km) in western Colorado and follows the route of U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. It is part of the San Juan Skyway. Between Durango and Silverton the Skyway loosely parallels the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The road climbs up to 3 very high mountain passes. Coal Bank Pass (10,640 ft /3,240 m); Molas Pass (10,970 ft /3,340 m) and Red Mountain Pass (11,018 ft /3,358 m). The stretch between Silverton and Ouray, the part everyone goes on about, is only 25 miles in length but takes about 42 minutes.

Million Dollar Highway

Luna Lake, Alpine AZ Chipmunk

My first morning at Luna Lake - I got up early and went outside for my morning meditation and prayers.  I got  comfortable on my little round pillow, closed my eyes and started focusing.  After a few minutes my concentration was interrupted when I felt something on my left leg.

I have learned through experience not to freak out when something is touching you or crawling on you.  Remain calm until you know what it is that wants to spend some time with you.

That is exactly what I did.  I open an eye to see a Chipmunk sitting on my knee.  Then it crawled into my lap.  Then it climbed on my right leg and stretched out.   I said, very softly, "Hey Buddy."  He took off like a shot.  I determined it was a little unusual for a chipmunk, but was it symbolic?  

The next morning, I got up, perched myself on my little round pillow and I noticed my little chipmunk buddy coming over.  It approached my right knee, made itself comfortable beside it and started munching on seeds or something....   I decided it was symbolic.  How blessed I was to have the company of this amazing little guy.

I have read Chipmunks  are messengers of many realms...  Listen, observe....   when you see a chipmunk it it is telling you that you will be having an important conversation with someone.  Pay attention.

They also could be telling you to balance yourself.  Learn to have fun, prepare, remain vigilant, observe your environment.    Symbolic meaning of a Chipmunk teaches the blessing that there are always spirit guides around you, ready to help… but you must invite the assistance of the spirits.

Hi Buddy

Luna Lake Alpine AZ Flowers

Location: Luna Lake Campground, Alpine AZ

Date visited: June 15 through the 17th 2020⁣ 

Luna Lake Alpine AZ Birds and Insects

Location: Luna Lake Campground, Alpine AZ 

Date visited: June 15 through the 17th 2020⁣

Yellow Headed Blackbird

Coot

Sandpiper

Bluebird

Blue Heron 

Dragonfly - Dasher

Spurthroated Grasshopper

Honey Bee

Variegated Fritillary

Robber Fly

Luna Lake Campground, Alpine AZ

Location: Luna Lake Campground, Alpine AZ

Date visited: June 15 2020⁣

Number of Sites:  50 Single Sites and 3 Group Sites - Utility hookups are not available

Trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet length

Amenities: Boat ramp, Camping, Picnic tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking water, Fire Grills, Trash dumpsters (Memorial Day-Labor Day), Tackle shop and boat rental concessionaire at lake

Fees Per vehicle per night: $16.00  Interagency/Senior Discount $8.00​

Webpage:  Luna Lake Campground

Luna Lake is the eastern most lake in the White Mountains of Arizona, located about 3 miles east of Alpine. It sits in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests  The elevation of 7890 feet makes the temperatures perfect for spring, summer and early fall camping.  The campground is nestled in a grove of Ponderosa Pines.  It is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by thick forest and meadows. According to the internet the lake size is about 154 acres with an average depth of 8 feet with the deepest spots approaching 21 feet.