OH, BURY ME ON THE LONE PRAIRIE

THE WILD WEST ISN'T NEARLY AS WILD AS THE EAST, CURRENTLY...... A
BIG TREE IS LYING ACROSS OUR YARD IN LOUISVILLE. THE CRITTERS ARE FINE, BUT MY PRECIOUS PLANTS ARE CRUSHED.

After leaving blustery Kansas,we arrived in Las Animas, CO...Commanche Country. We drove along the rim of the John Martin Reservoir just as the sun was setting in the west and the full, ripe moon was rising in the east. Orange, gold and a shade of blue not on the color wheel lit up the sky......This is the kind of sunset you can only see in the mountains or by the sea. WE drove along the top of the dam, stopping to take in the beauty of it all. We couldn't linger, we had to make it to the base of the dam before the sky darkened. The campground was one of the coolest we've ever been fortunate enough to find. WFS immediately began to set up camp, while I went to search for campfire wood. I found more than enough wood for a crackling fire. We even left wood for the next lucky campers. I, however, had to go over 1/3 of a mile to scratch up wood.
I made a cheese and chile omelet for dinner~~~~~~~~~fire warmed tortillas and ultimate salsa(thanks to some teenagers in the Dodge City market). While WFS heated the water and cleaned the dishes, I sipped hot chamomile tea by the roaring fire. We slept the sleep of the blessed and awakened to a brilliant blue sky.

We drove about thirty miles to Lamar,Colorado. A brightly colored little building on a side street was the only signal we needed to stop and go inside. What a siren song for me! The smell of chiles and beans filled the entrance. The posole was to die for. A thick stew of pork, hominy and chiles, too mouth watering to believe. The pinto beans reminded me of Cebah's. This brings me to a point, simple food, perfectly prepared, is nourishment fit for kings or queens. Hands down, you can't beat it! A sopaipilla with local honey finished our meal. It was time to hit the dusty trail. We drove through La Veta Pass, elevation, 14,480. The last time I came through the pass, snow was up to my knees.
We are off to La Garita tonight with Ruth and Jim. It should be fun reporting the food prepared by two Dutton girls at the woodstove, small drink of wine at 9200 feet above sea level..