Salida Colorado - Playground on the Arkansas River

Salida, a small 'artsy' town that centers around the river activities. 

We went for a bit of shopping and lunch on the river.

(it was great!)

Something for everyone-

 young 

and old.

Surfing is the main thing, fun to watch.

They either get tired and go over the edge, or they get swept over.

Then it's the next persons turn.

Cute little surfer guy in the rocks.

ART DISTRICT

There are many artisan shops here.

Lots of creative ideas for the driftwood.

What a neat idea for a jewelry store.

They have people help you fashion your own jewelry

after you pick your materials.

One of these takes 30 minutes (supposedly).

 People were busy fashioning their jewelry 

(with the help of the artisans on hand.)

A fun day with unique works of art.

This old piano was just sitting outside next to the sidewalk, 

just weathering away.

Delights of small mountain towns in Colorado

Buena Vista 

One of our favorites-- Cottonwood Hot Springs

 Natural stone pools of various temperatures-

a bit of a 'hippi' atmosphere.

Kinda rustic!

They offer a "Cold Plunge"

but we will just enjoy the river from here!

Buena Vista Rock and Gem Show

This one is the largest outdoor show in Colorado.

Lots of interesting things.

He was very proud of this Dragon Scale Calcite stone.

I guess this is the latest craze for unique rocks.

He said this would be about $3500

(I looked on Etsy and they have one for $10,000)

One of my current favorite stone is the Labradorite.

We found some nice pieces for a necklace.

Tomorrow we head to the small town of Salida.