Inspiration

Mark's Story: My dad drove the mail, milk, bread, ice cream, and newspapers from Montrose to Silverton over Red Mountain Pass for 30 years. My siblings and I worked for Dad delivering mail and supplies into the mountain town each summer when the population boomed from 500 to 5,000. The postal service said this was the most hazardous route in the nation.

A few miles north of Silverton is a view of Golden Horn, a beautiful peak that looks rugged and challenging. When I was around eight years old, I made it my goal to climb this peak and anything near it.

I grew up seeing world class views of the most amazing San Juan Mountains every day during summer months. Dad made sure I would never take these views for granted. At 15, Dad had me driving Red Mountain and in Silverton as we made deliveries. I remember asking Dad if it ever bothered him how many tourists just walk out in front of traffic as they gawked at the surrounding peaks. He replied, "No, they don't bother me at all. For many folks, this might be the most beautiful day of their life. They can't keep their eyes on humans."

I looked at our mountains with new eyes after that conversation. It's stayed with me 50 years.