We arrived early afternoon on the 4th of July at Riverside Resort & RV Park in Durango, Colorado. The kids were more excited for this stop than usual because their cousin, Joe, a recent college graduate living in Gunnison, Co. was coming to spend the night with us.
We went into Durango for their 4th of July parade-a cute, small town affair after which, Main Street was closed down to car traffic and they set up an old fashioned block party, complete with a band, dancing and lots of good food. Joe met us at the party with a surprise in tow, his new puppy, Jack, an adorable St. Bernard/Border Collie mix that the kids fell in love with instantly.
We spent the rest of the evening at the block party and capped the night off with fireworks in the park.
Tuesday’s activities were a little more adrenaline-filled. We took the kids, Joe and Jack to the Durango Mountain Resort where we rode the mechanical bull, jumped high on the bungee trampoline, slid down the zip line and scaled the rock climbing wall.
Everyone had a blast, and we headed back for some lunch and to say goodbye to Joe and Jack.
Late afternoon we set out with our guide, Travis, from 4 Corner Watersports on a two hour white water rafting tour. Travis was a terrific guide and we were soaked and happy at trips end.
Meghan, Maura and I were a little scared to start, but loved it. Colin was ready to move to the bigger rapids. Fortunately, you need to be 16 to tackle them!
We ended the day back on Main Street on the back patio of a cute little restaurant called Ken & Sue’s. Jeff and I had wonderful Lobster Quesadillas and the kids were thrilled when their desserts came-a big bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
All in all, Durango was a fun-filled stop with something for everyone. On to the Grand Canyon!

Very cool! I can’t believe how much you packed into 2 days!
We loved Durango-such beautiful country out there! So glad to hear everyone is having FUN!!!
Wow….whitewater rafting…..very cool. I just want to go tubing and can’t get anyone to do this with me. Oh well, bucket list, I guess. Sounds like you guys are having the time of your lives. Have a great time.
Wait, I changed my mind, its Maura on the bull or all of you in the raft……….