Giving some thought.....

Once again today, DH told someone that taking the narrow gauge from Durango to Silverton, CO was on his bucket list. So, I'm thinking....And I have some questions.....Has anyone been to United Campgrounds in Durango and what did you think of it??? Looks like there are 5 in very close proximity, but this one looks good at first glance. Other ideas for things to do in the area?? If you've taken the train, was it worth it?? He really, really wants to do this, but he's basically........cheap! So, my plan, if I get to that point, is to get gift certificates for the train and hope they're refundable 6 months in advance if he has an absolute stroke over spending the money - I would confirm this with the company in advance. Also having the CG reservations - also refundable if necessary - made and the whole itinerary in a notebook - he knows how I am about my notebooks - and that will be his Christmas gift. This is much bigger than the time I bought him his first ever puppy and took it to him at his office so he couldn't throw a complete fit....it worked like a charm. But, there is no office any longer, just retirement and we'll be in the same house for a long time listening to him be really PO'd if this is a really bad idea. So before you ask, yes, we have the money....cash-type money, yes we have the time and I'm thinking the better part of 2 weeks. Yes, DS#1 will be home to tend to the doggies. No, the truck doesn't need any new tires to add to the expense and our brand new trailer shouldn't have any problems. We do have the yearly FL trip with our DS#1 in the early spring, which will be late Feb/Mar. We have a family reunion very close to home in July. So.....my thought is early June....what's the weather like in that area in early June??? I need some suggestions here and if you think I've lost my very last functional brain cell to even think about this kind of a gift, feel free to say so. I know he wouldn't just run out and do it on his own, but we're not getting any younger and the bucket is really not terribly full, but to spend money causes him some stress and usually I have to give him a good nudge to do it.

beachlovingmom
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013
I have no personal knowledge of your question. I wanted you to know that your posting made me smile. I love that you have it all planned out. So from one wife of a newly retired to another, I say "You go, girl!"
loulou57
Explorer
Sep 12, 2013
What a wonderful thing to do. I am sure once your hubby gets over the shock he will love it.

I wish I was able to do something like this for my hubby.
drillking
Explorer
Sep 12, 2013
We stayed at United 3 years ago. It was a nice but crowded place. We had fun riding the train to Silverton. If its summer and you choose to sit outside beware the hot cinders! 20 miles west and north is Hesperus campground up on Hesperus Mt. It is beautiful country. Camped up there with all the kids and Grandkids. Great fun!
kknowlton
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2013
The train ride is well worth it. Scenery is stupendous. Agreed about sitting outside & the cinders - we opted for inside seating.
_40Fan
Explorer
Sep 12, 2013
Usually hot that time of the year, but around Durango, who knows. Could snow on you.
98coachman
Explorer
Sep 12, 2013
Go for it!!! He'll love the train ride and well worth the money! We actually sat in the open car at the very end of the train; I would do it again in a heartbeat! We never had any issues with cinders, but that is not to say it won't happen, just remember your sun glasses :C. It was a little spendy for that car, but you did get a really nice cup and all the refills for free and the seats were really comfortable. Go to their website and they have all the different packages, some are quite reasonable. We stayed at Lightner Creek rv park and it was really nice. Sites were a nice size and it probably won't be to crowded in June. It was a short ten minute drive to the train depot. United looked more like a parking lot to me, not my kind of camping! He won't regret spending the money once you get there, He'll probably wish he had done it years ago! Lots to see and do in the area, you won't be bored. Have a great trip!
Bill
dadmomh
Explorer
Sep 12, 2013
Step 2....called the train office and once I buy the tickets, which won't be available until about Dec. 1, they're mine forever. Ok, now I think I know what cinders you're talking about....from the train, right?? DUH! Lightner Creek sounds more like us and I will check it out. I liked that Union was closeby and they noted that the train passes through the CG several times daily, but also don't want to be so squeezed in that we can't have some quiet time. The person I spoke to this morning mentioned some shops in Silverton.....antique shops?? others?? especially interesting?? What should I be thinking about??

He melted over the puppy being delivered to his office, what's not to melt about an 8 week old Irish Setter?? But when he realizes I've just committed to $$$$, well, I'm a bit nervous over this. Have bought houses with less jitters.

Weatherwise, the person I talked to this morning - aside from sounding 15 years old - said anywhere from chilly in the morning to 80 later in the day....sound about right??? When we went to the UP 3 years ago we were cautioned numerous times to bring heavy jackets because it can get cold.....we were there for what was called a "highly unusual heat wave"....it was HOT by TN standards.

Ok, so I'm still pondering this, but leaning strongly to just making the jump. At least I have until Dec to weigh the consequences or lack thereof. Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
mileshuff
Explorer
Sep 12, 2013
For a day trip look into going to Mesa Verde Indian ruins. If you have the time take a drive to Telluride. From there take the Gondolla up and over the mountain from the Village of Telluride to the Town of Telluride or vis versa.
tbred
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2013
No advice on camp locations, but the train ride is awesome and the scenery is breathtaking! You will have time to stop and mill around in Silverton, very neat mountain town.

Back down in the Durango area, of shopping and places to eat. Rafting on the Animas River is fun too.
dadmomh
Explorer
Sep 12, 2013
Took an online look at Lightner Creek and like the looks of it a lot. We're happier with plenty of trees and some breathing room. Really need to pull out the atlas and take a good look at the general area and some of the places mentioned. I can tell you one thing for sure.....our 17 day trip to the UP was incredible and we loved ALMOST every minute of it. But.....I squeezed in a couple of things that made us have a few 1 night stops and we had our HTT then. Those 1 night stops with the bit of extra work setting up and breaking down the ROO was a killer when we were already getting tired. The new TT will make that a LOT easier and I'm doing a good bit of the driving now,so easier on both of us. ****IMHO BOTH need to learn to drive with the trailer, just in case.***** We're not big about having long days of driving....mapquest shows right at 1300 miles, so I'm thinking 300+ each day will allow us some time to make stops if we see something that looks interesting....like an RC Shop or a quilt shop along the way. One benefit of towing a trailer is that instead of zipping by at 80ish and missing a lot of good things, we're down to 55 - 60 and actually seeing some great things worth stopping at.

Well, "the maid" seems to have taken several days off, so apparently I'm going to have to pick up the slack around here, but will get back to this as often as I can. Will call Lightner Creek this afternoon or tomorrow and see what's what there, but it looks great....thanks for the suggestion. Good thing DH is so wrapped up in his RC stuff that he never checks RVNet any more. Keep the ideas coming. Thanks all.