Even with a chance of afternoon showers in the area, three cars met in Montrose for the Andrews Lake drive.  The group decided to drive to Ridgway, the next scheduled meeting place, and check the weather.   

In Ridgway, heavy clouds were far to the south so we voted to go on to Ouray.  After stopping for coffee in Ouray we decided to continue to Red Mountain Pass.  After a quick stop at Red Mountain Pass, and still no rain, it was on to Silverton.

A few miles north of Silverton a light rain forced everyone to pull over and put their convertible tops up.  The rain only lasted for a few miles and the rest of the drive to Andrews Lake was dry.

After our picnic lunch, we drove down to parking area to see Andrews Lake and take a few photos.  From there, we all said our good-byes, parted company and headed home.  A few miles south of Silverton we pulled off at a scenic overlook to watch the Durango & Silverton narrow gauge train leave for Durango.  

In spite of the clouds and a few light showers, the drive was very enjoyable.  And, perhaps due to the weather, the Saturday-in-July traffic was much lighter than expected.  We're already looking forward to the next Andrews Lake drive!

Route:  South from Grand Junction on Highway 50 to Montrose; south from Montrose on Highway 550 through Ouray to Silverton.  Continue south on Highway 550 (toward Durango) for about 8 miles.  Andrews Lake is on the east about 1.5 miles south of Molas Pass.
  
Distance:  Grand Junction to Andrews Lake - approximately 130 miles

Driving time:  2:45 (without stops / at posted speeds)