Buena Vista, pronounced Byoona like beautiful, is just North of Salida. It has grown since we were last here and has a cute touristy downtown. River rafting is the huge draw here, but there is also a good little trail network right at the base of town.
We put together a 23 mile loop encompassing the most trails we could. The ride started from the giant river park just past downtown. Django and Fist Full of Dollars were my favorite trails in the network. Part of the loop was on a trail that used to be the Colorado Midland Railway line. We passed a sign that noted the April Fools Day accident back in 1908. Apparently one of the trestles was on fire and when two locomotives rounded the curve, they plummeted into the dry creek.
Fourth of July
For the Fourth of July we went to downtown Salida for the festivities. In Riverside Park there were bands, food trucks and of course a beer garden. Our Xscapers group was in the parade! We marched at the end, behind a semi truck cab towing a 5th wheel, towing a Jeep, towing a little Casita trailer. Good fun. We sat in the bleachers at the fairgrounds later that night and watched the firework display.
I feel pretty free.
“Free as a bird”