RIDGWAY, CO

On our way back down from Telluride to get back on the 550 to head south - we were happy to pass through Ridgway - again.

We were so impressed with the look and feel of this town on our way up, we promised ourselves a lengthier visit upon our return.

The first stop - the very popular park and playground.

And the next stop……the Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery. We had been by the day before but they are closed on Mondays. 

LOVE LOVE LOVE the artwork. Turns out that the logo was inspired by the National Parks artwork - that's why we like it so much - we are big fans of the NP logos as well.

While waiting for our pizza, Cassia got some crust making practice in.

Definitely one of the best pizzas we have eaten - and that's really saying something!

So, what's a kid to do in a brewery?

Or her dad for that matter. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Colorado Boy - the beer and food were great - and very affordable, the service was excellent (Thanks again Sue!) and it had a very communal atmosphere. You can tell that it is one of the area's favourite hang outs.

A tour of some of the downtown buildings….

Hey - a family photo!

It's just out of the picture but there is a bar called True Grit - after the movie that was filmed here - the original.

In the morning we headed over to the library for some wifi and electricity.

One of the best libraries we have been in for kids - a super area with lots of books and toys.

While Cas and I were in the library for the morning, Derek and Rufus had found this trail system along the river. So - after lunch we made a family walk out of it.

The rest of the afternoon included a return visit to the library and the park. 

We sure spent a lot of time in this playground. We also met many families who had stopped here on their way through - new friends for Cassia.

A shot of the setting sun on the hills to the east.

Yikes! Tomorrow we were on our way through the Red Mountain Pass!

I walked to the town boundary to take pictures of the very nice sunset.

The next morning we watched as this hot air balloon appeared in the distance. Derek went out to take this picture ….

and this one of the Heron looking for his breakfast.

Just after that we received a surprise visitor. Well, not really a surprise - a police officer. It seems that our two nights of stealth camping in Ridgway did not go unnoticed - even though we changed locations and were now on a gravel parking lot away from the downtown. Boy, these towns are sure keeping a close eye on things. Although we are camouflaged aren't we?

Which makes us wonder why. In five years of stealth camping we have never had such a problem stealth camping in towns like we have here on the west side of Colorado. Ok - sure - we can see it in the uppity town of Telluride but here in Ridgway - we just didn't expect it.

That's ok - we did push it with two nights - we were just enjoying the town so much. And yes, the officer could have been a real jerk about it but he was fairly nice….

So - visit Ridgway if you are passing by - it's a great town - just don't try to stealth camp there……

Sitting here at Pep Boys in Albuquerque for five hours now - totally unimpressed - I'll rant about that on another post!

Teresa

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