Random Photo Sunday

So, I am always snapping pictures of something, whether it be on a road trip or any of the gorgeous Colorado views that I get to see on a daily basis. I thought I would spend a little time on Sundays showing off some of my favorite Colorado photos.

 

Buena Vista, CO

 Kinda grainy zoomed in cell phone pic of a bear in a tree: Buena Vista, CO

Columbine, Colorado State Flower: Cottonwood Pass

Kayakers at FIBArk River Festival: Salida, CO

A Hawk enjoying summer, Four Mile Recreation Area

Lilac (one of my favorite flowers): Snowy Peak RV Park

Colorado Sunset: Buena Vista, CO

Mountain Wild Flowers: Cottonwood Pass

Cottonwood Hot Springs

Cottonwood Hot Springs is one of my favorites! As the other half only has one day off a week, I thought I'd surprise him with an evening of relaxation one night at Cottonwood Hot Springs. Cottonwood Hot Springs is 6(ish) miles west of Buena Vista. From town you just go west on Main Street and the Hot Springs are on the right about 6 miles past the one stop light.

It had been far too long since I had made a trip up there (it is after all only about 10 miles from our house). Of course I have already mentioned in previous posts that I prefer more relaxing soaking pools than larger swimming pools.

Cottonwood Hot Springs has 5 different natural stone soaking pools (which are all different temperatures) and a sauna that are all included in the cost. The cost also covers the full day (8am - midnight) so you can come and go as you please during the day (the pools are also open all night to anyone staying there).

The hotel rooms have recently been renovated (there was a fire in the lodge building last year); there are rooms and a dormitory (hostel type lodging) in the lodge, several cabins, a 'guest house' and tent camp sites.

Newly remodeled common area at Cottonwood Hot Springs

Fish ponds at Cottonwood Hot Springs

Sunset at Cottonwood Hot Springs

While children are allowed at Cottonwood Hot Springs, it isn't the most child friendly Hot Springs. They do ask that the pool area is quiet:

"Please respect our relaxing environment by keeping it a quiet area around the pools." -http://cottonwoodhotsprings.com/

And we all know kids aren't always quiet while swimming, additionally, no one under the age of 16 is permitted after 6pm. As a local of the area, it's pretty common knowledge that Cottonwood Hot Springs is better for adults and Mount Princeton Hot Springs is better for families.

Cottonwood Hot Springs is located near lots of hiking and mountain biking trails and is a great place to relax after a day of activities.

Buena Vista Depot Transportation Museum

"This Depot was built on East Main, approximately where the current elementary school playground is now. The first railroad in Buena Vista was the Denver, South Park and Pacific in March of 1880. By the time this depot was built in 1890-91, the railroad had changed owners and was renamed the Denver, Leadville and Gunnison RR. The railroad closed in the 1920s. 

In 1927, the depot was purchased and moved to the Woodland Brook cabins. It became the residence and office. Apparently, for a while, it may even have been the local birthing house. 

In 2002, the kitchen caught fire, damaging the structure. Rather than tear it down, the owners offered it to Buena Vista Heritage. They included half the money needed to move it, and local businesses and individuals contributed the remainder. The Town of Buena Vista offered space in McPhelemy Park. The Depot now sits almost due west of its original location." - http://www.buenavistaheritage.org/Depot

While walking my dog around McPhelemy Park and the Buena Vista Town Lake I stopped at the Buena Vista Depot Transportation Museum, although it wasn't open and seems to have pretty 'hit or miss' hours, their website says 'call for hours'. 

Even though I drive past the Depot pretty much every day, it still surprises me how much it has changed since they first moved it to this location, so I thought I'd share a few pictures of the day that they moved it.

You can find the Buena Vista Depot Transportation Museum at the Northwest corner of Highway 24 and Main St. in Buena Vista, you'll know you're at the right place if you are at a stoplight in Buena Vista as there is just one.

The Only Buena Vista, CO Stop Light

And what is a walk around the park without my little partner in crime, Sigmund AKA The Siggers...

Finally, Congratulations Kim Johnston, you have been chosen as the winner of the $25 Gas Card Giveaway! An email has been sent to the email address given when you entered.