Salida, Colorado: My Driver was up early and out on his bicycle to explore Salida. He found the historic downtown (they are all starting to look a little alike), with gorgeous old brick buildings, cool neon signs, and the Arkansas River running through town. Salida was named by the wife of the Colorado Territorial Governor as the river "exits" the valley here (salida means exit in Spanish). The Arkansas River begins near Leadville (where we were yesterday) and continues southeast through Kansas, Oklahoma, and dumps into the Mississippi River in Arkansas. The Arkansas River is nearly 1500 miles long, and is famed for white water rafting and trout fishing.
After Dave had returned and we were ready to start our day, we put the RV back together again and drove into town, found a great parking place on the other side of the river at the shady city park and right in the old historical center.
The park was a cool refuge today. I noticed not only can/bottle recycling and trash containers, but also a spot for recycling pizza boxes. A first for me.
I need to get out more.
Since we are heading out for a few days in the wilds, we stopped to a grocer for fruits and veg, then went to a liquor store. We had bought a bottle of tequila in Longmont, but they didn't have our favorite, so relied on the kindness of strangers for a suggestion. She suggested Casamigo (once owned by/still associated with George Clooney). When I made margaritas last night, I could not for the life of me decipher what was IN that tequila. Caramel? Pineapple? Turns out it was vanilla. Why is vanilla in tequila? Just wrong. $44 wasted. It was just awful and I do not recommend this brand. The next time I run into George, I am going to demand he give me $44.
We found our preferred brand (Patron Silver) at a liquor store in Salida and all's right with the world. A margarita will be prefect with quesadillas with the roasted Hatch Chilies purchased in Longmont... that I didn't make last night as we were just too full from our pizza lunch.
with homemade pico de gallo.
By the time the quesadilla was ready (I cook it low and slow), the wind was crazy. We heard thunder (saw no lightening) and it was raining huge drops. A good night to be inside our cozy home-on-wheels.
We head south to New Mexico tomorrow - our 11th state of this trip!
Until my next update, I remain, your exiting correspondent.
CamCampsite Information: Salida RV Resort