Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Revisiting Ouray

I miss Ouray. Not only is the quaint southwestern Colorado town the inspiration for my books, it's become a part of me. Whenever I'm there, I'm rejuvenated. So, since I'm not able to go there right now, I'll have to visit vicariously. And the best part about that is that you get to go with me on my virtual journey.
Do you see this? This is why I love Ouray. The untouched beauty created by God alone. From the mountains to the wildflowers...
On our last trip the Columbines were out to greet us.
Along with some cute little creatures, like the chipmunks at Box Canyon.
This little fella likes to hangout at one of the area's many abandoned mines.
Can you see him there in the middle, atop the cinder block? That's a Pika. A little mountain creature that has no problem telling off those folks who dare intrude on his turf.

This secluded spot will make an appearance in an upcoming book.
And then there's the town itself.
Inviting. Historic. Unique. And unlike most places, it's virtually unchanging.
Of course, no trip to Ouray is complete without a visit or two to Mouse's Coffee and Chocolates.
Are you drooling yet?
 How about now?
There were so many wonderful things about Ouray. But the best thing of all is that it's chock full of story ideas. And I can't wait until the next trip to see what we uncover next. 

Now it's your turn. Where is your favorite place to travel and why? 
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Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus, lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children, two dogs and countless cattle. She's passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining and sometimes adventurous manner. When she's not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at mindyobenhaus.com

12 comments:

  1. Never mind the scenery -- those chocolates!! lol Just kidding...sort of. And it doesn't look like a big box store has taken over downtown Ouray which if lovely. Oh and while i have you here...how do you pronounce Ouray. Our -eh? or or -eh? or Our-aye or Or-aye or...help!

    I'm not a traveler but if I was I'd be over in Ireland in a nanosecond. Why? because as the song goes

    Sure a little bit o' heaven fell from out the sky one day
    and it nestled in the ocean in a place so far away
    and when the angels found it sure it looked so sweet and fair
    they said suppose we leave it for it looks so peaceful there.

    So they sprinkled it with stardust just to make the shamrocks grow
    it's the only place you'll find them no matter where you go
    then they darted it with silver just to make the lakes look grand
    and when they had it finished sure they called it Ireland.

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    1. I love that poem, Kav! And Ireland is on my wish list, too.

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    2. Trust me, Kav, it's worth going to Ouray just for those chocolates. They're that good.

      The name is pronounced You-ray. I know, weird, huh?

      And I had a feeling you would say Ireland. I would love to visit there, too. I imagine lots of green.

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    3. Seriously? You-ray???? Who'd have thunk?! I've been reding it wrong all this time. And yes...you haven't seen green until you've been in Ireland.

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  2. I love these virtual visits to Ouray, both here at the Cafe and through your books!

    And my favorite place to visit...I really don't think I can choose one. I love traveling to Wyoming, and the U.P. of Michigan holds a corner of my heart. And right here at home is pretty sweet.... But the one thing they all have in common is open country and sweet, clean air. And mountains. Even the Michigan has the Porcupine Mountains...

    Thanks for the virtual visit to the mountains of Colorado!

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Jan, and thanks for indulging me. I needed the boost as I put the finishing touches on this next proposal.

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  3. A nice tour of Ouray right here on Yankee Belle Cafe. Oh the smell of coffee and chocolate in the store.

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    1. Marilyn, it would divine if we were there right now, savoring one of their signature Scraps cookies. Yum!

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  4. First off I wonder if this could be made into a weekend trip soon?! The photos are beautiful! I will have to research camp grounds!!

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    1. Ok just looked it up and my husband might kill me if I asked for a weekend trip there!! However if he agreed to split the driving maybe a 4 day weekend could do it! I better start sweetening him up with brownies now!

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    2. Katie, it would be worth it. However, you might find yourself wishing you could stay longer.

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  5. I'm late! I love those columbines! And you know how much I love that chocolate!

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