"How many beers in Durango? " a Durango Travel Page by caffeine_induced78

"It's always worried me how many Oregonians have lost their lives fighting forest fires in Colorado." In the summer months crews of forest firefighters are shifted from state to state depending on where the worst fires are. In recent years an oddly high number of deaths fighting fires in Colorado were Oregonians.
"It's because in Colorado the fires behave differently. In Oregon they burn slower and hotter and in Colorado they move up the slopes in a hurry," replied Travis - my drinking buddy for the day.
If you are from the Western States of America you can discuss one of two topics in any small town bar and draw a look of concern and understanding - droughts and wildfires. Durango fit the bill nicely.
This town is a great place for spending three or four nights. Take in the historic buildings, ride the narrow-guage railroad, or visit nearby Mesa Verde National Park. Don't forget to strike up a conversation with the locals.