Salida, Colorado

After leaving Red River, New Mexico, we headed to Salida, Colorado.  Salida is a quaint  mountain town that sits in the middle of the state, literally in the "Heart of the Rockies," about 2 hours from Colorado Springs and 3 hours from Denver.  The Arkansas River runs right through town and is a kayaking destination for many brave souls (not us!).

Ancient Kayaks - Local Street Art

Flooded Arkansas River - Can you see the kayaker's helmet in the left middle part of the picture?

After a hard day of rock hounding on Ruby Mountain, we just happened to find ourselves in the Wallbangers Sports Bar across the street from our hotel (go figure!).  We ordered the "green chili cheese fries" and a beer.  That was when our lives changed forever!  Who would have guessed that we would find Nirvana disguised as a plate of gooey hatch chili goodness.....but we did! 



Wallbangers, Salida, Colorado

View of Salida from the top of a fire look-out point near town.