Sept 11 to Oct 1 …
First night in Shawnee at Grand Casino.
Night two in Amarillo at Comfort Inn and suites … stopped in Hinton at the Oklahoma Casino for play and lunch. I won a bit on the Leo machine … my horoscope sign. Patti is usually the lucky one but not this time. Dinner at Red Robin across from our hotel … we split a rack of tasty ribs.
Head for Santa Fe and went directly to the Railyard, an arts district with restaurants, shops, galleries theater and awesome blended mixture of new and historic architectural styles.
Had lunch at Tomasitas in the Railroad district. Wow. This place was hopping and delicious. One of the best Mexican meals I’ve ever had. Need this in LR.
Today bfast at the Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino where we spent the night. I’m mindful of the day ,.. my dad’s birthday.
Lunch at Oscar’s in Alamosa then stopped at the oldest church in Colorado.
Then on to Salida where we checked into an older Comfort Inn … older but fastidiously maintained by the owner and his Staff. Mick was so friendly and helpful… nice big room as well. Dinner at a local success story … an awesome burger in an old Burger King building. Also had a delicious vanilla malt.
Walk Sunday morning 46 degrees.
Went downtown and had lunch at Boathouse on the Arkansas river. Patti’s birthday
Salida’s riverside park continues to expand and beautify. I sang happy birthday to Patti from the amphitheater stage. LOL
Later, went for dinner at a first class Sushi Thai restaurant. Chris brought a dessert with a candle for the special occasion.
Monday morning I had a nice cool walk and then we went to Buena Vista … one of our favorite places and had lunch at Crave a superb Italian restaurant. Shopped and watched as the city was preparing for a Community dinner for Three thousand locals in honor of a local hero who died in a rock slide. What a special treat for us and a meaningful way for a community to share history, the meaning of citizenship and love of neighbor.
We head for Edward’s tomorrow for four days Sept 17-21.
I’ve enjoyed our time in Salida… it’s charming history, architecture and beauty on our Arkansas River.
In route to Edward’s, we stopped in Leadville at Casa Blanca, a small 4th generation Mexican Restaurant.
Patti and I have eaten here many times over the past 30 or 40’years and it is consistently delicious and hospitable. Mother and daughter run it now and when asked about the future, it’s unsure …. a lot of work. The enchiladas, tacos, beans. Rice etc were amazing,,, but our mouths were still watering for the sopapias… wow.
Patti had the cinnamon version. I had the plain one slathered with honey. I hope we have a few more years to enjoy this stop in the highest elevation city in colorado… Leadville, with the backdrop of 14.000 foot mountains reaching for the sky from the headwaters of the Arkansas River Valley.
Arrived in Edward’s during a chilly light afternoon shower, checked into a nice room at THE INN at Riverwalk, went for dinner at the Mainstreet Grill where we shared coconut shrimp and Chicken Piccata,,; delicious and finally with a leisurely stroll in and out of retail shops.
The skies cleared and we had a cool restful open window night …slept like a rock.
Missed the partial lunar eclipse but did see the super moon this morning setting in the West.
Spent four nights in Edwards. Went for walks along the river and along the commercial district.
Went to Minturn one day, had lunch and walked the shops. When we were coming up from Leadville we drove Tennessee pass by Ski Cooper. In our snow skiing days we came here when slopes in Summit County were too crowded. Local resort for sure … I once asked a young adolescent girl where she lived. She “gave me her address”… sooo local. I was expecting an answer like Leadville, Buena or Salida … not her home address!
OWE LEFT EDWARDS AFTER FOUR DAYS AND HEADED FOR SILVERTHORNE WHERE WE JOINED DAUGHTER DONNA AND SON IN LAW JOHN.
The aspen trees were gorgeous. John and I did a number of stunning hikes. We hit the peak!Take a look!!
Even had snow in the higher elevations.
Another incredible trip out West but now it’s time to start home.
Of course we stopped at a few more casinos on the way home. Buffalo Thunder and Hinton and Shawnee Grand. Patti won this time. What a great trip and a great way to end our vacation.
GOOD TO BE HOME.
THANK YOU GOD!!
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Jim Dailey 