From Rivers to Springs

June 8-10, 2016
Cotapaxi - Manitou Springs, CO

Last year's largest "deposit" from upriver - they named it Nautilus :-)

A gaggle of Canada geese hang out on the other side of the rapid river (walking bridge to the tent camping area hanging above)

It is lovely waking up to the river just out our door. Bill is on the small dock with his fly rod and a cup of coffee while I just enjoy the beautiful setting from our picnic table. Tessa is keeping an eye on things.

Making sure the sticks are all on land like they're supposed to be

In case the big metal ring does something exciting

The town of Salida is 30 miles west with several creeks and a fish hatchery - let's go check it out.

The drive through Big Horn Canyon is very pretty. There are numerous locations with access to the river. While the signs all indicate there's fishing, they are mostly used for rafting company buses to off-load and pick-up their adventurous customers while the river is so high.

Prickly Pear in bloom along a small bridge

Interesting new build on the hill

I'm surprised how big Salida is - not only a Walmart, but a Home Depot. Wow! We find a nice pond near the hatchery where I drop Bill then head to the historic district.

While I have no desire to spend any time in a mall or large department store, I do still like small town shops and galleries. Downtown Salida has several of each, plus wonderful old architecture.

There are several people enjoying the sidewalk eateries and making purchases in various specialty stores, but it is not crowded. Tessa and I take our time. I do find a handmade Christmas ornament and something for Ezra :-)

I pick Bill up and we head back to Cotapaxi where we return some phone calls before going home.

When we arrived on Tuesday we were greeted by the camp hosts who also have a Thor Tuscany. This evening we stop by their site and spend some time getting to know Rebecca and Michael, and their darling pup Brutus. Great people from Olympia, WA. Not only do they have a Tuscany, albeit theirs is 45', but they bought it the same day we bought ours, and they went fulltime just a couple months after we did. 

Unfortunately they have had several issues with their coach and less than great experience with getting them resolved - our discussion does make us feel like ours have been minor by comparison. They still very much like their home, and are mostly happy with it :-)

We agree to stay in touch, and look forward to seeing them down the road. Of course I don't remember to take a photo :-(

Thursday morning we move north on CO-115 to Manitou Springs, CO. Bill lived in the area 35 years ago, and I'm looking forward to seeing his old stomping grounds.

Pikes Peak RV Park is a tiny and tight little place enthusiastically maintained and monitored by very nice owners. Two things to note should you decide to stay here: 1) GPS tells you it's on the left side of the street, but it's on the right. 2) When you arrive the owner will guide you into your spot - don't argue. He does a very good job. Reasonably priced for this expensive area (most of Colorado), free shuttle into Manitou Springs, immaculate facilities, very quiet.

The Jeep has been running rough off and on for a while, but when we start using higher octane gas it seems to clear it up. Not the case here. We go into Colorado Springs in the afternoon and can't run the A/C without it cutting out. We have an appointment for service in Longmont (our next stop), but there's lots we want to do in this area.

Friday morning we drive the couple miles to Garden of the Gods, hoping the Jeep will cooperate.  I shouldn't be surprised anymore by the incredible beauty that Mother Nature has provided, and yet I am. 

Even at 10 AM the park is crowded so we drive through a couple of times, grabbing the rare parking spot at a few turn outs. Not smooth, but the Jeep is running. The VC is huge and very well done - we enjoy the exhibits but bypass the movie this time. 

Pike's Peak in the background adds even more Wow.

The Garden

Joining the tourist caravan

Kissing Critters rock

The natural fauna display is both lovely and disconcerting

The Land of Many Colors

The original 200 acres was a Christmas gift to the city from the family who had owned it for decades. Since then, the city of Colorado Springs has purchased an additional 1100 acres for protection and enjoyment within the park's limits. 

Bill's nieces want a photo of their childhood home in Colorado Springs so we take a drive into town. There are hundreds of beautiful homes from small bungalows to sprawling Victorians. 100 year old school buildings still house active elementary and middle school classes in tree-lined neighborhoods. 

We find their home on Royer Street and send the requested photo with their uncle among the Irises.

Hi girls!

It is very hot and humid, and with no A/C and an iffy-running vehicle, we're ready for a couple cold brews close to home. Bill finds Manitou Brewing Company and I find a place to park (a huge deal in this little tourist town).

Manitou Common and Apricot Strong Ale

The house porter doesn't do much for him, but the house red ale - Manitou Common - is a winner for Bill. I stick with the delicious apricot ale. While we share a yummy plate of nachos the rains come again. It's a light, but steady, rain that doesn't keep us from taking a stroll along the main street. Packed with small boutiques and specialty stores, it is a shoppers' paradise. By the prices you'd think you were in Aspen ....ouch! Bill and Tessa find a spot under a narrow eave while I peruse a few colorful offerings. Thunder rolls over us and now the rain seems a bit more serious so we return to the Jeep and then home.

We still have lots to see here in the next few days.