Scribble World Travel Blog

Ice Cream Beer Float Salida, CO Beerfest

The beer connoisseurs of our party had a fun afternoon to themselves today at the 12th Annual Colorado Brewer’s Rendezvous Beer Festival in Salida Colorado.  There were representatives from 35 different Colorado Breweries (Boulder Beer, San Luis Valley Brewing Company of Alamosa, TBC Trinidad Brewing Company, Kannah Creek Brewing Company of Grand Junction, Carver Brewing Co of Durango, Rockyard American Grill & Brewing Company of Castle Rock, and Breckenridge Brewery just to name a few) and one from New Mexico.

The admission was $20/person which included a nice souvenir glass.  Once inside, the lines moved pretty quickly, and that even extended to the porta potty lines which had wait times of less than two minutes-that’s pretty darn good considering the crowd.

And the winner of the most unusual drink at the beer festival? Our connoisseurs felt that would have to be the Stout ice cream beer float-and the verdict? -”Not too bad.” This well organized event made for a loud and happy crowd.

Earlier in the day, we stopped at the Salida Farmer’s Market.  I treated myself to a 10 minute deep tissue chair massage for $10, which relieved my soreness from overdoing it yesterday in sports for several hours.  I also tried a piece of home made fresh organic spinach quiche that was quite good.  Chris bought some raw cheese to try.

The other day I was talking to a guy who said he’s a self employed writer.  He gets paid to write commercial appraisals.  Mom was saying there weren’t that many good writer’s out there and he agreed, but added that his daughter was a good writer and I was thinking, “here we go again,” in my head-there seems to be a “writer” in just about every family.  But few who do their own thing, he said, because you have to be incredibly talented, which he is not.  He said you have to find something you love or life sucks…but then he was also contradicting that because it also has to be something of value to others-so just doing what you love isn’t enough-you have to throw being a people pleaser into the mix.  Rules rules rules!!!

Fire Fire! 4th Of July Fire In Salida Colorado

A group of us drove to the Bonanza Ghost Town to look at historic log houses for a while, admiring an old outhouse and other still-standing log structures from the time before indoor plumbing.  Then we drove into Salida, reserved a motel for the night and picked up some beer growlers at Amica’s for the campground party later on.

We drove back to our campground near Villa Grove where friends and family were already gathering.  Steve, the family chef, worked his magic making unbelievably delicious hamburgers and brauts.

We’re getting a free history lesson now from Bruce-learning about how Britain used to send it’s convicts to the U.S. as indentured servants, but after the Revolutionary War, they needed a new place to send them.  So Britain basically founded Australia for the sake of having somewhere to send it’s convicts.  It was primarily just men at first, but then after a while, they realized they needed to get some women over there too- so they started sending their prostitutes.  Wow, problem solved!

I played lots of volleyball, badminton, more volleyball, and horseshoe too. That was fun, for a while we split our volleyball teams up-Mothers against Non-Mothers. Despite a few twisted ankles, it was a hoot.

Meanwhile, back at the canopy, Chris had just gotten up the courage to play some guitar in front of the group, which is funny, because just then we had a couple newcomers to our party-a religious couple from the countryside! The guy whipped out his acoustic guitar and began playing and singing gospel music with his lady singing along.  Chris was a good sport and played along for the fun of it, and also got the guy interested in trying out some of his stuff too (the guy only knew gospel and some of our group’s party weren’t too keen to listen to gospel all night long)…

A heated little political debate started among certain group members and the girls tried to diffuse it by singing songs… with limited success.

We drove back into town again just in time to catch the 4th of July Salida, CO fireworks show.  The show ended abruptly after accidentally setting Tenderfoot Hill on fire!  They ignored the fire for a while, but as it grew more, it was getting a little out of hand and the fire department showed up.  We suspect it was a defective firework that didn’t go out soon enough-so it fell to the ground in multiple spots, and the dry grass caught fire in few different places.  Fortunately, the Salida fire department was prepared and the fire was soon under control, but the fireworks were discontinued.  We waited around for a while, just to be sure that was all, since they kind of skipped the finale, and ended after a few minutes of lighting just one at a time.  But that’s all there was and we got up to leave before getting run over by one of the many cars now driving through the field.  No complaints though, it was an interesting experience. I’ve never seen a hill get set on fire during the 4th of July before! 

Groovy Clothing Optional Hot Spring in Colorado

We had a little delay this morning going to the Orient Land Trust to visit the Valley View Hot Springs.  Shortly after leaving the Bonanza Inn, we got a flat tire.  We put the donut on and took an out of the way detour into Salida.  We found a Big O Tires, but they were unable to repair the tire, which had a screw in it, and it took quite a while to get it replaced.

Finally arriving at the Valley View Hot Springs in the late afternoon, we paid our $13/person entrance fees and set out for the hot spring furthest up the mountain.  It was a good steep trek and it is probably a good thing we didn’t have any senior citizens with us.  We were passed up by a buck naked young couple-quite the voyeur’s paradise for some, as practically everyone preferred to experience the hot springs in the nude.

We made it to the top and it was a dream come true-sitting in a hot spring atop a mountain, peaceful and serene, with a beautiful valley below, cascading hot spring waterfalls, more mountains in the distance, the shade of a tree-it was perfection itself.  We took our time going back down the mountain-stopping at each and every hot spring. They would get progressively warmer the further down the mountain we went.  The top one was more luke warm as it mixes with the most rain water and snow from the top of the mountain.

We saw a friendly deer that stood nibbling shrubs bravely close to where the hot spring goers bathed.  At the bottom of the mountain there was a mineral water jacuzzi and 8′ deep swimming pool also filled with water from the hot spring. It was great to swim without chlorine.  We also used the sauna for a little while. As it began to get dark, a drum circle was heard through the trees of some nearby campers.  It was just the neatest place and the people there were friendly and refreshingly different.  They spoke of growing their own food, traveling, inner journeys, and the things they have found and the things they still seek.

Bonanza Inn, Raking Cacti, Colorado Thunderstorm

We had a very comfortable first night at the Bonanza Inn, though I would have stayed in bed much longer had it not been for the delicious breakfast waiting for us at 8 A.M-sure was good though-sausage patties, a home made quiche of some kind with veggies and sausage, a cake of some kind that reminded me of blueberry muffins and orange juice.  There were also individual sized boxes of cereal, but the hot breakfast was more than enough.

We followed Mom & Bruce to their property for a few hours of hard labor. We helped rake up cacti, shovel dirt and rocks, and did our best to help level a 12′x20′ section of land for their new shed.

We were treated to our first Colorado thunderstorm and called it quits on the work and got to take some nice pictures of the storm instead. We also breaked for lunch to munch on huge raspberries, blueberries, cherries, Snyder Beef Jerkey, cheese and crackers.

All in all a pretty good day. We also stopped at the Orient Land Trust Hot Springs to get some information-and when they say “clothing optional” let me tell ya, they mean clothing OPTIONAL   One elderly member of our party had quite the little shock as we toured the place when a fully naked man stood up as she came into view, followed by an equally nude middle aged woman.  She was very embarassed, but a good sport, and we all had fun teasing her about it the rest of the day.  Chris & I plan to go there tomorrow.

We had a luxurious 7 course meal for 9 people in an Itasca RV at the Bonanza Inn campground. It was quite the accomplishment, wish I had a picture to prove it!  We had fun listening to stories while nibbling fresh stream trout, rhubarb pie, and other goodies.  One woman, who would prefer to remain anonymous, was ratted out for a time when she was determined to complete a Sudoku puzzle that was supposed to be easy.  She traced the whole puzzle onto a sheet of paper using a pencil, hours went by and she was getting frazzled because she still had not solved this puzzle that was supposed to be “easy!” Finally, she looks at the original and realizes she’s been erasing the “given” numbers- who knows how many times-no wonder she hadn’t been able to solve it!  We had a good laugh at her expense, but her perseverence is admirable

It was also funny to hear a story of how one woman got her husband to do all the grocery shopping.  She went to the store armed with a pile of coupons and a list of all the sale items…but it somehow slipped her mind to give the coupons to the checkout girl. When she got home and her husband saw the receipt, he was horrified-it was so much more expensive because she had picked out all the odd sizes that were on sale.  Anyway, in the dispute that followed, she dared him to go do the grocery shopping himself then if he thought he could do it better-well he saw it as a challenge and from then on, that’s what he did!

Bonanza Inn Bed & Breakfast (Good Cookies)

We’re spending the next couple nights at the Bonanza Inn in Villa Grove, Colorado.  Located off highway 285 on county road LL 56, and not too far from the old Ghost Town of Bonanza, this small family operated bed and breakfast is sure to charm.  There are 6 cute country style rooms available- each with it’s own rustic, western or wilderness theme and individual outdoor entrance.  There are also 7 RV sites near Kerber Creek with hookups for water, sewer and electric.

Many people come for the 4-wheeling trails, whitewater rafting, and fishing, but we came to relax with friends and family.  I love it here, it is so secluded and beautiful with rolling hills all around.  The owners really spoil us rotton too-homemade chocolate chip cookies-mmm yummy.

Well, we’re getting ready to head over to a family friend’s RV near Kerber Creek for dinner.

Old Town Museum Burlington, CO

Spent the night at the Burlington Inn located at 450 South Lincoln St, Burlington, CO 80807 for $42. It’s off I-70 near the Colorado/Kansas border.

From the Burlington Inn, we walked downtown to the Old Town Museum in Burlington, CO.  It was about to close but the lady was nice enough to let us take a quick tour anyway. Tickets are normally $6 for adults, free for kids under 3. The Old Town Museum is 6 and a half acres of pure history and one could easily spend an afternoon or more exploring all the turn of the century relics which fill 21 buildings. Horse drawn carriage rides, old fashion soda fountain and the large gift shop may also be of interest to some folks.

South Park

We made a stop in the small rustic town of Fairplay, Colorado, which Chris knew to be the town depicted in the animated tv series, South Park, on Comedy Central. The town itself is less suburban than the one in the series. There are several buildings in the town that say “South Park.” And Chris says to tell you, “we killed Kenny.”

Alligators and Sand Dunes

We slept in a state park that was deserted on our way to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. There were hardly any other people around when we got to the sand dunes and it was great fun running around in it (out comes the inner child when no one is looking).

We also went to The Colorado Alligator Farm and were amazed just how neat an experience that was for just $12.50/person. We each got to hold a baby alligator and were given a certificate of bravery for our efforts. Then we walked around looking at baby alligators through full grown adult sized alligators. It was a blast watching the medium sized gators chasing after the fish we’d throw them.

The biggest gators were the laziest, which is probably a good thing because when we were there, the fence was open on one end because a tractor was going back and forth moving dirt around. But occasionally he would leave for a few minutes and the gate was still wide open and if one of those gators capable of moving 30 mph had wanted to get out, it certainly could have. But I suspect the gators were quite content, well fed, and happy right where they were at.

Why worry?

We have had a great time in Bonanza, CO getting to know Jack & Betty and getting spoiled with delicious country cooking.  I loved hearing stories and also Betty’s wisdom. She said she has learned not to worry, because in 20 minutes it will be something else.  I said that’s good advice, she said, “it’s been my experience,” with a laugh.

We told them our close encounter with skunks, and were told about a couple of their dogs getting sprayed once and how the smell got over everything.  Back then, their insurance company actually gave them money and sent oil to help repair the smell damage-new paint, needed to clean all their clothes, carpet, furniture, etc.  I can only imagine how undelightful it would’ve been had a skunk sprayed around our van that night, phew!

I was amused that despite living so close to Pagosa Springs, they had never gone to the hot springs. “What? Bath in the stinky waters?!”

We also toured some fascinating historic homes.

Attack of the Water Beetles Joyful Journey Hot Springs, Colorado

Joyful Journey Hot Springs, 28640 CR 58 EE, Moffat, CO 81143 (719) 256-5292

This was my 3rd hot spring soak in just 3 days, and I’m becoming a little more discerning now. Joyful Journey-about 30 miles from Salida, CO to be honest would not be my first choice if I could only go to one hot spring in Colorado-at least not if the water beetles are in full force (might want to call ahead?)

The staff at Joyful Journey is plenty nice and all,  they gave us a discount, and for good reason as it turns out-the hot spring’s were literally crawling with these annoying little black water beetles. I was thinking “I’m not squeamish, a few bugs aren’t going to keep me from enjoying a hot spring,” but as soon as I stepped in my mind was quickly changed as these water beetles swarmed in on us-it feels exactly like some little kid is pinching you-definitely not your everyday average “it’s more scared of you than you are of it” type of bug.

…So, my attempt to not be squeamish lasted all of 5 seconds and we then we were off to the next tub…which was 113 degrees and too hot for even us Arizonans.  It felt like being in the story of Goldilocks And The Three Bears- we finally got to the final 3rd hot spring pool, which fortunately was “just right,” thanks to the people using little nets to scoop out the bugs the moment they landed. So that was nice, we finally got the relaxing soak we had come for.  Afterwards, we saw there was a unisex dry sauna and used that for a few minutes too.

We took showers after our visit to Joyful Journey hot springs and are on our way up to Salida Colorado. Neither of our cell phones are getting a signal out here so we may have to find a pay phone soon to get directions to visit some family friends later on.

Treasure Falls Hike and Relax in Pagosa Springs, CO

Treasure Falls turned into a better workout than we anticipated when we decided to stray from the assigned trail and crawl up the rocky mountain, hoping to get a better view of the fall.  Then we made our way through a steep and perilous forest until we finally came to the icy cold stream, but we had overshot the waterfall.  Hoping to find a shortcut across the large stream, we crossed balancing on a fallen tree.  Somehow I managed to slip, falling into the coldest water I’ve ever had the misfortune of being in.  Sopping wet, but with a smile, I searched for a spot of sun through the thick trees to help dry my stiff icy clothes.

It was a long hike back down the mountain, but we made it, and that is always something to be happy about.  We drove back to Pagosa Springs to soak in a multitude of hot mineral spring baths of various temperatures located at The Springs on 165 Hot Springs Blvd, CO 81147.  For $17.25/person these relaxing waters had our spirits and sore muscles feeling much refreshed and ready to enjoy the conversation and comradery of other hot spring lovers.

A preacher from Chicago said he’d put us up for a night when we were in the area.  He told the group an amusing true story about a “frozen turkey” that was donated to the church.  He took it out of the freezer and was driving down the road when the box started to move..the turkey was still alive~!~

A kind faced vegetarian lady described how “ghee” was made: Put a pound of butter in skillet and then keep sifting off the fat until there’s just a yellow lump-let it burn on the bottom just slightly and it’s done.  No need to refrigerate and it’s healthier than regular butter.  I’ll have to try that someday.

Durango, CO

We parked at the visitor’s center in Durango, CO near Animas River. It was a nice day for a walk, so we explored the riverbank, went undeath a bridge and then walked across a pedestrian bridge to get to the other side of the riverbank.

There we spotted a quick moving little lizard, and Chris didn’t think I could catch him, so I had to prove him wrong, which is always fun to do

We walked around in old town Durango and stopped at a coffee shop for a treat. It’s a pretty setting with the mountains, Animas River, laid back atmosphere. Also nice just to explore a new town and get some fresh air.

Jacuzzi Suite

Since my last writing, two very pleasant days have passed.  We spent most of yesterday at the Grand Canyon, spent the night in the van parked on the side of the road…the night before we spent at a rest area right before the Grand Canyon.  Tonight, we’re spoiling ourselves to a nice jacuzzi suite at a Best Western in Cortez, CO.  We also used the hot lagoon-like pool.  We’ve had a good time taking advantage of the room’s amenities (fridge, microwave, flat screen tv, internet access…civilization’s little pleasures.)

We checked out a couple motels first, but they were all in the $50 range, so for a little more we got the jacuzzi suite.  Rough it- then splurge, I think the contrast keeps life more interesting and then I take less for granted.

We ate out at the Mainstreet Brewery (another indulgent experience).  We prepare now for cuddling and rest. G’night.