The Flight of the Saltire

**Riverkilt** · 24th May 10, 09:59 PM

Last Friday the Saltire took off on a long, very windy, journey across the Navajo Nation in Arizona (Kaibeto, Inscription House, Shonto, Mesa View, Black Mesa, Kayenta, Baby Rocks, Dinnehotso, and Teec Nos Pos, Arizona - then past the Four Corners National Monument (sadly closed for construction) on on across the Ute Reservation in Colorado - through Cortez, Dolores, Rico, and on into Ridgeway Colorado where she docked at Orvis Hot Springs.

(no inside pics due to owner policy but you can get a feel for this luxurious place at www.orvishotsprings.com) while Riverkilt wallowed in the hot black silky lithium waters of Orvis, the wee ship explored the San Juans, here heading up to Mt. Sneffels

After such a long flight and some high altitude work the Saltire landed in the city park to wallow in dandelions and recharge.

Next morning the wee ship headed over to the True Grit Cafe in Ridgeway for some chow

And to meet the Duke, whom the cafe honors.

**Riverkilt** · 25th May 10, 01:52 PM

Saturday Sailing

The Dimminutive Dirigible started with a stop at the Colorado Boy Pub and Brewery in Ridgeway. They fly the Saltire outside - no clue why. The owner said he owns a kilt. Gave him this website so he could see the pic when I got it posted. His is www.coloradoboy.com Anyone who flys the Saltire flag has to be okay.

Then the Saltire headed north to Montrose, Colorado and on over to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison for some dramatic sailing.

Out of the high winds and inside the visitor's center the bantam balloon took a liking to a long dead falcon mounted on the ceiling. Had to restrain it from getting too close to the talons.

**BoldHighlander** · 25th May 10, 01:57 PM

Wonderful photos Ron, thanks for posting

I haven't been to Arizona since I was a kid, but I still remember the rugged & beautiful canyons

**Riverkilt** · 25th May 10, 02:57 PM

Sunday Soaring

The teeny airship headed for the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine for an underground mine tour. http://bachelorsyracusemine.com/

While waiting for the mantrip the ship stopped at the historic restroom.

She took a look at the bear warning sign.

Then decided to cruise up to Uncompahgre Peak

When the underground mantrip was ready she sailed on in 1800 feet into Gold Hill. A power outage in town meant the trip was done in the authentic way - by the light of a headlamp. No string of lights strung to keep the tourists at ease - this was dark - and rightly so. Here she's checking out a jackhammer used to drill dynamite holes into the hardrock to blast out the gold ore.

**Riverkilt** · 25th May 10, 03:20 PM

After a couple hours underground the Lilliputian Zeppelin emerged from Gold Hill and headed over to Box Canyon Falls - a thundering waterfall in a slot canyon - to check out the action.

After escaping the cold thundering water and dark canyon the Saltire rested a while and played with the chipmuks at Box Canyon Falls Park

And a romance developed...

**Riverkilt** · 25th May 10, 04:31 PM

Monday morning the Saltire woke to snow with THREE passes to cross to get home.

First a stop at the Miner's Memorial - a sacred place and a very authentic statue of how it was when Riverkilt worked underground. Right down to the rocks representing the stope the miner is standing on.

Then a stop at O'Brien's Pub. Plans for fish and chips there yesterday died with the power outage. The "Closed for power outage" sign was still up despite the power being restored in early afternoon yesterday. Go figure.

Then it was time to head up the Millon Dollar Highway, over the passes towards home. The high winds and heavy snow made travel "interesting" since Colorado doesn't waste any money on guard rails. Certainly improves one's focus on the road.

Stopped at the old Idarado Mine where Riverkilt worked underground as a lad of 18 back in 1963. The historic mine is now an environmental hazard but locals say there are plans to clean her up and open her up again.

Another quick and VERY COLD stop in Silverton for a pic of one of the engines that pulls the Denver & Rio Grande RR Narrow Guage up from Durango and back.

Then on through Durango, Mancos, Cortez and back across the Ute and Navajo reservations. Stopped in Kayenta for gas and took the baby blimp over to see a female hogaan. That's the east face of Black Mesa in the background.

On across the rezlands, through Tsegi Canyon, Black Mesa, Mesa View, Shonto, Inscription House, and Kaibeto. Nearing home the Saltire soared ahead towards Navajo Mountain and home.

How ironic that the Saltire arrived just as Riverkilt was headed out on vacation so she still has to explore the canyonlands.

**cessna152towser** · 26th May 10, 03:10 PM

I am SO envious of you Ron and of the wee Saltire when I see that pic, the Silverton and Durango is high on my wish list of places to visit.

toadinakilt · 27th May 10, 01:21 PM

This little ship gets around! Amazing shots, amazing scenery.

How does one go about getting on the Saltire's itinerary? I've got a few places around here she should visit...