I stand corrected (sort of). And, Historic Salida.

September 21, 2014: BLM vs. State Park Camping & Salida, CO.

A sneak peek at Historic Salida.  The "F" Street Five & Dime.  What are the chances of finding anything in there today for 10 cents?

First off, I stand corrected (sort of).

Yesterday we were told by a local that the camping area we are currently staying in is BLM land, so that’s what I relayed in my post.  Well, it is BLM – and it’s a state park.  After a stop at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center (AHRA) in Salida we learned some significant information from a very personable and knowledgeable, bouncy, long and curly-haired, redheaded, young customer service woman named Jamie.  (Note: We could use more young people like Jamie.)  Anyway, Jamie told us that this particular BLM land lies within the boundaries of the Arkansas Headwaters State Park (a.k.a. the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area since it spans such a long distance – 152 miles – along the Arkansas River); therefore, is part of the Colorado State Parks system.  Although it is BLM land it’s managed by Colorado State Parks.  So, we’re good.  We are technically on free BLM land even though we’re in the park system.  No one’s going to track us down for unpaid camping fees.

Within the park/recreation area designated campgrounds (fee based) and dispersed camping (free) line the river.  Now this is interesting, so pay attention.

Designated State Park Campground : $23/night ($16/night for campsite + $7/vehicle per night since we don’t have an annual state park pass)

~No hookups

~Picnic tables

~Fire ring

~Vault toilets 

~No potable water

~Check out time: Noon

Dispersed BLM Campground: $0 – NADA – FREE 

~ No hookups 

~Picnic table

~Fire ring

~Vault toilets

~No potable water

~Check out time: 14 Days

Now, we’re not always the sharpest rocks in the river, but we’ve got this one figured out!   

Miss Jamie at AHRA is a wealth of information. 

 Another Salida teaser.  Back door to a bike shop.

“Did you know that the stretch of the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon WSA (south of Buena Vista) has the highest number of river rafters and kayakers in the entire US?”  An interesting bit of trivia.  The pictures of the canyon are beautiful so I ask about hiking in Browns Canyon.

Jamie scampers across the room and points at a map and describes the 2 points of access into the canyon.  “You can park here and blaze a trail up through the canyon,” she exclaims with zest.

I respond with a giggle, “BLAZE a trail?  We’re sort of beyond our trailblazing years, if you know what I mean.”

“Well, these trails haven’t been maintained for the last 30 years, so you really do have to find your own way up through the canyon,” she remarks.

Not to miss a beat, Jamie smiles and is instantly back on a very upbeat track discussing the great “backcountry-feel” camping experience available (with NO services but a vault toilet) for only $23/night.  Gotta love her!  She’s a great salesperson.  I’ll bet they’re not paying this lovely young woman nearly what she’s worth.  She’s a goldmine for Colorado State Parks!   

Onward to the Historic District of downtown Salida.

This is a beautiful and well-maintained historic district.  I took lots of fun pictures that give you the flavor of this "Colorful Colorado" town.  Enjoy.

We start off with lunch at the Boathouse.  Unfortunately, this is not a picture of us heading to the restaurant.  Those would be some very slender, fit, beautiful people who entered when we were leaving.  I think we both looked like that about 40 years ago.

A glance across the bar area at the Boathouse.  Folks watching Sunday football, of course.

Jack enjoying the fresh air next to the “garage door style window” with the Arkansas River in the background.  Great food.  Great atmosphere.

Dandilion Ranch.  Best gift shop in town.  Maybe the best gift shop in Colorado.  Unique and fun.  I could have spent $500 here in a matter of minutes.  I take the owner’s business card just in case I have to get in touch at a later date about some items I just can't live without.  Yeah, right!  In our tiny little 25 feet?  I'll have to get rid of something in order to buy anything new.  The Mini-Moose will certainly put the kibash on future frivolous purchases.

Coke and Brick.

Enjoy Salida.  Easy.

Kayak Alley.

We get a 2-fer on this one.  I’m taking a picture of the river rafters in the beer cans on the brick wall as this young couple gets off their bike.

But get a kiss thrown in for good measure.

Homeward bound for our free BLM campsite, we stop along an old set of railroad tracks.

They run on the opposite side of the river from our camp.  Thankfully, the tracks are no longer in use.  The thought of trains all night bring back memories of Benson, AZ.  
"I hear the train a coming.  It's rollin' round the bend ……”  Don’t get me started!

Settled into our campsite along the Arkansas River, Jack can’t resist casting his fly line in the river for a couple of hours. 

Jack is using the rod gifted to him by one of two wonderful gentleman fishermen, Cecil and Paul, we met at Caballo Lake in New Mexico back in April.  Thanks Cecil.  Jack’s having a great time fishing with it.

An interesting piece of driftwood I found along the riverbank.  Do you see the heart?  Until next time – be safe.