Although it will not be official until early in the morning on June 20, summer is here in Durango. We can tell by observing the traditional signs.
Students can barely sit still at their desks, knowing Thursday is the last day of school on the Durango School District 9-R academic calendar.
Lumbering recreational vehicles and fifth-wheel trailers, many with Texas license plates, can be spotted along Main Avenue and Camino del Rio. They are also becoming a familiar sight on the highways, holding up traffic bound for Mesa Verde or the mountains. Seen increasingly at local gas stations, their numbers are a positive sign that whole herds should be arriving through the summer season in response to affordable gasoline prices.
Area hotels and motels are spruced up and painted, another sign of the season. And at both ends of town, on the east-west corridor, two new hotels are nearing completion to offer more lodging for visitors.
The Animas River has apparently peaked for the runoff season, and is running a more familiar and clearing color through town. Though a fall in flows might be disappointing to some of the rafters, kayakers and paddle boarders seen on the river in the past few weeks, it is a welcome summer sign for anglers. It is time to tie a supply of nymph patterns and dry flies, check the old waders for new leaks and – don’t forget – visit a sporting goods store to get that new fishing license reviewed because the old one expired on March 31.
Of course, the surest sign of summer’s arrival took place over the holiday weekend with the running of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Event organizers and volunteers deserve praise not just for a successful event, but for once again – perhaps through massed prayer – persuading the fickle weather spirits of the San Juan Mountains to bless the weekend with sunshine and dry roads and trails.
It also deserves note that Iron Horse organizers and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad remained true to Memorial Day by honoring wounded warriors, Blue and Gold Star mothers, and all area veterans of military service with a special ride on the train and a memorial ceremony in Silverton. Well done.
One more traditional sign of summer will likely be seen in town as well, now that June is here. After the Iron Horse, Durango often sees a bit of a slowdown, a drop in visitors and business that can be worrisome to many. It is to be expected after three solid days of the two-wheeled party that is one of Durango’s biggest celebrations of the year. Like all hangovers, it will pass as summer ramps up to the Fourth of July.
But for those who want to keep the good times rolling, take heart. Animas River Days, the official kick-off of summer for the water-based crowd, arrives Saturday. The revamped rapids at Santa Rita Park will be the focus of a full day of canoe and kayak slalom races, freestyle competitions and stand-up paddleboard and wave surfing events. As always, the ever-popular river parade will highlight a day that will supply plenty of spills and (literal) chills. If you plan on getting in the water, dress appropriately. Despite what the calendar says, the Animas River, true to its snowmelt origins, is always cold.
