Salida CO. and The TAT

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Riding the rail in Salida CO.
        Our trail ride back off Medano pass was pretty spectacular as we enjoyed the ever-changing landscape, through Buffalo territory even though we did not see a hide nor hair of the supposed Buffalo.  Jumping back on the TAT right outside of Coaldale CO., we traversed Burned Timber MTN. EL.10,070 ft up and around Waugh MTN. EL. 11,718 ft.  We had our hands full as we entered Salida CO. from the north. The trail  did not disappoint. Trixie's altitude challenges eased off as we entered lower landscapes.
Along the rail road Salida CO.
Rolling into Salida CO. felt great as we came off the TAT after 5 days dry camping.  We needed a shower, internet connection, and laundry. It all came with a king size bed. We stayed two nights.  Bike ride for me and a aquatic center for Trixie. Taking full advantage of having modern conveniences was high on the list.


       Salida CO. is very picturesque with the Isabella National Forest as its back drop. The town feels young with a thriving tourist trade- skiing in the winter and trail riding back country, bike or 4x4. My bike ride captured me as I cruised the down town area where the river carves out the edge of town. Crossing a short bridge I spotted gravel along the old rail road tracks. I grinned and dropped a gear (front),  heading east along the tracks. The ride was very good but a little short as I back tracked I headed west then onto the Monarch Bike Trail loop. Making my way around the town of Salida CO. the weather was moving in and my front tire felt low... Dang!,..... I headed back to the hotel and kicked back with a book as the weather flew by and the tire grew flat!  Trixie was due back from the aquatic center where she spent her afternoon.
on the bridge outside of Salida CO.
A quick hail storm out of no where dumped hail (whole peanut size) riddling our rig.  I thought some one was throwing stuff at us, why you!!!!! Waiting it out was the only thing to do while laundry was turning in the drum.

 After two nights, we loaded up and headed out, but before we got back on the TAT we took a side trip to Poncha Springs heading north to 162. Turning west we arrived at a so-called ghost town- St. Elmo, not so ghostly. Hoards of tourists spirited any and all ghosts. Quick spin around and we headed  back on the TAT.
St Elmo, CO. Ghostly Building


    This is the part where the WeOverlander team was looking forward to experiencing as the TAT took us to Marshall Pass, EL 10,842 ft. one of the most scenic and dramatic trails. This road changed several  times with great views and vistas on a  narrow steep winding pass..
St Elmo Ghost Town, Tin Cup Trail
We drove and drove winding through Sargents, Waunita Hot Springs, crossing interstate 50 at Doyleville CO. The valley trail was beautiful with many scenic turns.  We dropped into the little rocky mountain town of Lake City CO. After getting some grub, with all hook-up camping full we took a short ride out of town to dry camp by the river.  Trixie was relieved as
the night was absent of any bear
rumblings!

On the road Dropping into Salida CO.
Tomorrow on the TAT, we tackle two major passes.

See you on the Trail!....

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