Week at Pagosa

There were so many memorable moments on this trip! We really enjoyed the balloon ride with Capt. Mike: from helping to unpack, the view from above, the camaraderie, to the champagne toast when we were through. The tour of Chimney Rock was one of the most educational and scenic parts of the trip, as well as being a challenge for this afraid-of-open-heights gal!

We did not take advantage of the springs in Pagosa Springs, although I heard good things about them also.

One must-do highlight is a trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway (see my entry under attractions). It was an all day affair, but the scenery was breathtaking. We made reservations for that online several months in advance, but Pagosa has a package also.

One of the most relaxing (and inexpensive) things that we enjoyed was the hot tub. After being active all day, and having had a nice dinner, we waited until after dark when it cooled down outside. Then we would soak in the hot tub until we were lobster-like, then go sit on the porch until we were chilled, then repeat the whole process. Maybe I’m just easily amused!

Quick Tips:

If you want to fish, either bring your own pole, or be prepared to go buy one, since Pagosa does not rent them onsite. We bought the telescoping-pack-it-in-your-suitcase poles at the shopping center on Villages Dr., so we can take them along next time. Bait is pricey, but fishing is one of the least expensive activities, and there are plenty of fish to bite!

Best Way To Get Around:

If you like to walk, shopping, fast food, etc. all all within walking distance. We did that... some. Mostly you will need a car, but everything is pretty conveniently located. Attractions and some of the must-see activities are an hour or more away.

Best Things Nearby:
Grocery store, mailing, restaurants, activities

Best Things About the Resort:
scenic, relaxing, proximity to many places of interest

Resort Experience:
We arrived weary from travel. The check-in staff was most courteous and helpful, and we were assigned someone to help us at any time while we were there. The timeshare (in the Peregrine section) was clean, spacious and attractive, with all the amenities. The hot tub was wonderful. Everything about the unit and service was excellent, and I would highly recommend Fairfield Pagosa.

Also, anything we needed (groceries, bait, mail packages) was within 1 mile...VERY handy. The Sunday night Intro-to-Activities was helpful, and we actually won a free pass to the chuckwagon BBQ! The resort was a little short on free/inexpensive organized activities, but featured some out-of-the-ordinary great stuff. I would have enjoyed an outdoor pool, but we spent several afternoons fishing at the lakes (no pole rental) but complete with awesome scenery and weather. We made day trips to Durango, Chimney Rock, and Pagosa Springs. All in all, a great vacation if you wanted to keep busy...or just wanted to get away and relax!

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

When we arrived at Pagosa, the representative that checked us in and gave us our welcoming supplies also gave us some of her personal favorites off of the list of restaurants (which we really appreciated). One of them was Ramon’s, a nice little Mexican place just around the corner. We were impressed by the simple, tasteful Southwestern décor when we walked in. We went there twice in the week that we stayed, and both times we were seated and had drink orders taken within seconds. This is a family owned business, and the service was first class. The menu was authentic Mexican, and extensive. I asked the waiter for his recommendations, and I was not disappointed either time. They even have burgers and steaks, for those who can’t handle Mexican food. With the ambiance, reasonable prices, and a good variety of tasty items, you can’t go wrong at Ramon’s.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway is a MUST-SEE if you are within driving distance. Built to haul gold and silver ore out of the San Juan mountains, it has been in continuous operation for over 120 years. The station in Durango boasts a museum that I would recommend seeing before (not after) the train ride. We had assigned seating, and it was pretty close quarters. The rock-and-roll motion of the train was interesting, as we wound our way up and through the San Juan National Forest. Refreshments were available in the club car, which you got to by going through the other cars. The views and scenery were absolutely breathtaking,and a camera is a definite must!

When we got to Silverton, we had about 1 1/2 hours to eat or see the sights. We ate at The Pickle Barrel, a nice, little family-owned pub. While we were eating it started to pour, and I heard that the weather in Silverton is routinely unpredictable. I was glad that I had taken a BUNCH of pictures on the way up, because the weather was uncooperative on the trip back to Durango.

If you want to get back sooner, they offer a shuttle bus (advance reservations required.) I was content to just spend the day on the train. All in all, it was a memorable day.

This is one of those must-do things if you have the opportunity.

I had done some research online before we traveled, and Chimney Rock (17 miles west of Pagosa) was on the list of sights to see. We were so glad we knew about this place, because it's a combination of natural wonder/archaelogical treasure that is well worth visiting.

We drove up to the small visitor's center, which had a multitude of hummingbirds buzzing about! We waited for the next group tour to start while we chatted with the volunteers that staff the place. For $6 each we had a guided group tour that was very educational, interesting, and the views were awesome.

Our guide was quite knowledgeable, and the hike began on a concrete pathway with handrails. That was the first segment. The next segment though, was pretty steep, and it involved some scrambling over rocks. This was narrow and a little scary in places. It was a hike not for young children or anyone with breathing/heart problems, although the ranger center where you start is interesting enough for those not able to make the climb. I'm afraid of open heights, so it was a struggle for me in particular. I'm glad I went, though, because the views from the fire tower, plus the ancestral pueblo ruins, were worth the trip.

We knew that we were in for a down-home good time at the Chuckwagon BBQ when we attended the activities preview on Sunday night and Gary Bramwell (our host) got up to make his pitch. His credentials (his being a 4th generation native to the area and owner of Astraddle-A-Saddle) coupled with the fact that he is quite a character were enough to sell us on this activity. The fact that we won a free ticket in the door prize drawing made it sweeter!

We arrived at the parking area of the farm, and along with the other guests (there were about 60), climbed aboard two horse drawn wagons to make the short (about 5 minutes) trip up to the cabin/BBQ site. The food was almost ready, but when a sudden storm came, we waited until it passed.

Mrs. Bramwell did the cooking, and served up a mighty fine BBQ brisket, sausage, chicken, baked beans, corn, rolls, and apple cobbler for dessert. Needless to say, nobody went away hungry!

When we were done eating, we all gathered around the campfire to sing a lot of corny old songs. We were led by someone from the ranch who played guitar, and did a nice job of getting everyone involved, plus had a good sense of humor. Finally the kids--and some big kids--toasted marshmallows before we all piled back in the wagons to go home. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing way to spend an evening and get fed besides.

Hokey? You bet! Still worth it? Yep!

We really hesitated because of the price, but figured that we would probably not have the opportunity again, so... We showed up at 7 AM sharp to help set up. Captain Mike put us to work (if we wanted to), unloading the equipment, unpacking the balloon, and helping to inflate it. It was awesome to watch this huge thing take shape! Then, we climbed aboard and took off... eight passengers and Capt. Mike, with a chase vehicle on the ground.

Nope, it's not cold... just the opposite. Nope, it's not windy. You are moving at air speed, so it is perfectly calm. You can see for miles; where you go, and where you land, depends on the wind that day. When Capt. Mike picks a site for landing, then you help pack up, too. Then the chase vehicle takes you back to the rec center, where you celebrate with a champagne (or OJ) and toast. You get a flight certificate with your adventure, if you wish. The camaraderie, the novelty, and the spectacular views make this a worthwhile activity!