After a hectic patch of changing deadlines and erratic workflow gave Greg more grief than either liked, we decided the best remedy would be a weekend near Salida, a bit of tranquility along the steady flow of the Arkansas. Unrushed, we left mid-morning, no breakfast, just the happy thought of food rewarding us upon our arrival.

East from Wilkerson Pass

Southwest

Then, after our turn at Wilkerson pass, for pictures and feeding our harrumphing pooch (you are one hour late!) we hit a slow serpentine of fellow travelers. A ten minute descent registered an hour, and I wondered aloud, if leaving the house was the actual remedy we needed.

Some very good sniffs…

and spectacular distant granite views answered, “Yes!”

Our 12:30 lunch turned to 2:00, but Salida, as ever, did not disappoint. Friendly servers and very yummy eats. We wandered about in a quick rain, gazed at many a landscape, and bought two small paintings.

We got Juniper’s wiggles out along the spur trail, a converted railroad track of lovely views, wagging tails, and friendly faces. We shopped for provisions, made some excellent choices.

A fifteen minute drive down the road found us at our assigned destination. It was not as we expected, crazy close to the highway. Deep sighs.

We unpacked the car, and while we did so, had Juniper tethered to a post for sniffs and wanderings. Legions of cars and trucks and tractor-trailers boomed along.

Relaxing was not the word. I wondered aloud if we should go home. Greg didn’t want more of a drive.

We settled in by the river, Juniper on another tether, the pair of us on Adirondack chairs. The river flowed. Juniper rolled and investigated. This is water! It is moving! I do not like it! Let me get closer to the pair of you. And so she did.

The geese meandered upstream before floating down again. They bobbed and weaved and heaved their fluffy white bottoms up to feed in the murky underwater.

Above us, the sky a perfect shade of blue. In front, grass and rock, water and Juniper, the geese. Behind us, the steady roar of engines and hiss of tires. Greg had a change of heart. We concurred. And so, without staying the night, we left.

The drive home a reward of stunning vistas, ice cream cones in Canon City, and a peaceful weekend at home, sometimes, it really is best to cut your losses.