Durango Diner

Colorado in July
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​Don and I opted out of our hotel's complimentary breakfast, to have a meal at an iconic diner on Main Street. The Durango Diner no longer has its fabulous old sign, but there was a happy plate with egg-y eyes, smiling in the window!

​The Window Table
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If there'd been more than 2 of us, we would have opted for the sunny spot in the window. 

We were happy just to get a seat at all. The narrow diner was pretty packed at 8 am. The window table was full, a moment after I took the photo.

Debbie
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Debbie was our cheery server. She asked if we'd eaten at the diner before and then warned us about the large servings.  
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She was the only server on duty when we first arrived and luckily others came on duty soon after... or Debbie wouldn't have had time for this photo.

​Feast

Don ordered the corned beef hash with fried eggs, hash browns and sourdough toast. My giant blueberry pancake was jammed with juicy berries. I smothered it in warm syrup and even with Don's help couldn't eat half. 
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Wood
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I was curious about the whole diner, starting with our funny table, built right into the  wooden wall.

I like a little curious woodwork in my diner. 

Stools at the Counter
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After working on my pancakes a while, I just had to get up and have a look around. I think I counted 20 stools.

Every stool was taken, as well as a couple of small tables in the back. I wandered behind the stools and studied the wall, filled with framed photos and articles... and a little booster seat. I'll bet there are adult customers who once sat on that blue seat.

 
Griddle View
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I told the man that it looked like he had the best stool in the house, with a good view of the griddle. He laughed and said he'd been eating at that counter for 40 years and was getting some good cooking lessons. He pointed to the owner on the right and made some playful remarks.

​Gary 
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Gary, the owner heard us gabbing and turned to chime in. I asked if I could take a picture of him and he answered with a firm, "No."  I played along and apologized, until he laughed and posed. "You can tell I hate pictures..." he said as he gestured towards the wall of photos. There were quite a few John Waynes on that wall!

Good Bye Diner
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When I returned to the table, Don was having a conversation with Debbie and another server, about the fires and mudslides that have harmed the town's economy. We chatted a bit longer then said good-bye before hitting the road.

We headed off feeling pretty delighted with our breakfast and with the people we'd met. Not all local diners welcome travelers as openly.

We hadn't gotten out of town before I realized I'd left my sweater. We turned and headed back to the diner. Debbie had rescued my sweater and hung it on a hook, right beneath the classic booster seat. "I was hoping you'd be back." She said.

That somehow made my day!