Salida, CO

This is an amazing place! It’s full of history and charm, and is dog friendly. I would like to move here, I think. The thing that pushes me over besides the friendliness of the small town is the pizza. You can tell a lot about a place based on its pizza. Moonlight Pizza and Brewery is excellent. You can buy beer to go, and the pizza is out-of-this – world delicious: http://www.moonlightpizza.com.

We hiked in San Isabel National Forest, up a steep slope that winded back into the woods and then along a meadow. We had to cross a creek a few times, too. We started just after 5:00 pm and saw the sun get low over the mountains as we made our way back.

The trail is part of the Colorado Trail–469 miles. The only thing I didn’t like was cyclists are allowed on the trails, too, and that steep trail up the side of the hill was narrow with no passing room. It would be one rough, fall down the side of that hill.

I’d really like to put more time into hiking these trails. Great feel all around in this area. There is a small – looking home for sale on F Street. Turns out it’s larger than it looks from the front and goes for $340,000. Colorado is like, I guess.

We walked in San Juan National Forest, too. More amazing nature. We started at the Silverthread Trail, but cut it short when it started to rain and thunder. Signs are posted regarding flash flooding.

So, we moved on to the Rainbow Trail. How appropriate is that?

We were lucky to see a Bald Eagle leave it’s nest. Too bad I  only photographed the nest. Seriously, you are missing all the best stuff. I can’t help it. I get caught up in the moment, am awed by what I’m lucky to see, and the moment is gone. I made direct eye contact with a beautiful doe. We stood still in a stare – down for several minutes. It was wondering derful–felt as if she was as curious about us as we were about her.

This trail winds through private property which takes a little away from the experience–a lot of exclamatory signs about keeping out. Once you reach the Nat’l Forezt, things relax and become even more lovely. We walked through a swampy area where purple and yellow flowers were as tall as I am. It took us a good five minutes, or so, to get past them. Wow.