Day 47 Hartsel CO to Salida CO

It rained last night so very thankful for the cabin. First light, I stuck my head outside to check my surroundings & discovered I was at the edge of a huge basin that stretched for miles, surrounded by mountains & large lake. Every half mile or so, hunting cabins were scattered. No community here, Matt told me. People use them 2 months each year.

By 7am Matt was up & sitting trying to get mobile. A military veteran with war wounds & body stressed beyond its limits & is in need of help. Unfortunately, it would seem, Colorado does not take care of its veterans &, thinking back on David in Whitefish, not that unusual. Also, without health insurance, treatment available is limited waiting time is long.

Matt & Jon are both keen hunters and the area offers them Bears, elk, moose, etc. Today they were after coyotes, a lucrative sport at $50 per pelt.

Jon, Matt & Carrie outside the cabin

Whilst Matt & Jon off to hunt in there full combat regalia, Carrie drove us back to Hartsel for a good breakfast & farewells.

Hartsel Bar/ cafe – place rarely closes

Thanks guys for taking good care of me!!

I’m famous in South Park! – check out the Fairplay Flume newspaper – available on line (allow a couple of weeks). I was riding off when a journalist approached for an interview & picture.