For my RV'ing Friends

If any of you are heading to southern Colorado this summer, and specifically Pagosa Springs, I have a few unsolicited recommendations:

- Consider the Cool Pines R.V. Park. Located on Hwy 160 one mile west of downtown, this park is owned and operated by the Robinson family (Harvey, Jean, Mike and Sharon). The name describes the park. This was our third year to use this campground, and wouldn't consider any other park in the area. The Robinsons will treat you like family. Try to spend at least one Wednesday night with them. That's the night of the weekly pot luck dinner when campers get to meet and eat with others in the park.

- In the morning have coffee and rolls at Farāgō. Located at 175 Pagosa St. at 2nd, you can enjoy breakfast al fresco while checking e-mail through their free wi-fi. Lunch is another experience. The staff offers a number of different soup and salad creations from around the world. I tried hummus on pita for the first time, and really enjoyed it.

- How many of you remember Red Ryder and Little Beaver? Fred Harman was a prolific oil artist and sculptor as well as the creator of those two western characters. For more than 25 years Fred offered his creative work to kids and adults alike. Who can forget Red and his faithful steed "Thunder?" When Fred died in 1982 his son, also named Fred, opened the Fred Harman Western Art Museum in Pagosa Springs. It is in the original Harman home and gallery. Fred (the son) is one of the most interesting people that I have had the pleasure to talk to in a number of years. The museum is located just west of the Cool Pines RV Park off Hwy 160 at 85 Harman Park Drive. Admission is a modest $3 for adults and children under 6 is fifty-cents.

There are many other places not to miss in Pagosa, including the hot sulphur springs, a walk along the San Juan River, or climb Chimney Rock. My wife and I climbed the Rock a couple of years ago. I was especially challenged by the guide who claimed to be close to 80 years old.

Click on the title link to visit the official website for Pagosa Springs.

Safe traveling!