Yankee Boy Basin, CO - July 4, 2005 (Re-run)

 In mountain geography, a basin is a low, circular area in the midst of surrounding mountains.  In Colorado, basins were quite often where mining operations were located since minerals would naturally settle in lower areas as mountains were uplifted.  Near Ouray, one such basin took on the name of the Yankee Boy Mine.  The mines there are now inactive, but Yankee Boy Basin is very popular as a 4WD destination due to its natural beauty, including an abundance of wildflowers.  Numerous TV commercials have been filmed here, but the one for Irish Spring soap is the one I remember.

Telluride, CO - July 3, 2005 (Re-run)

While starting like many other Colorado mining towns, Telluride has morphed into a much ritzier place than many of the others.  Oh, it still has that well-preserved Victorian charm, but the elite have claimed it for their own.  Despite the obvious cachet of wealth, Telluride is a beautiful and fun place to visit.

Located in a "box" canyon surrounded by gorgeous San Miguel Mountains, and with Colorado's tallest waterfall as a backdrop, starting the San Miguel River, the town enjoys unrivaled splendor.  That beauty is what attracts the rich and famous to live and play here.  Not that it's important, But Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank here in June, 1889.

The local Ute tribe sends  ceremonial dancers occasionally to demonstrate their customs while entertaining tourists.