Naked Southwest

Arrived in Denver’s still new Denver International Airport, filled to bursting with sunshine entering through the circus tent-like ceilings. There had been a shift… Gone were the hurly-burly of New York City, the drawn faces and terse comments of Newark International Airport. The mood was casual and upbeat. People were friendly. Baggage recovery was calm and easy. Our attendant at the Hertz pickup counter was so chatty and amicable it seemed like she wanted to come along for the ride. Within thirty minutes of touchdown, we were sailing across the toasted plains on Peña Boulevard toward Denver where we rendezvoused with a friend for lunch. We enjoyed a delicious, wholesome meal in the sunlight before getting a driving tour of the ever-gentrifying city and suburbs before heading back to his airy but cozy, minimalist condo for a catch-up and a first meeting with his charming girlfriend. Verdict? She’s cool and attractive. High marks from both of us. Then, in the late afternoon, we headed south.

Out of Denver and down I-25 past Colorado Springs toward the New Mexico border. I was feeling the pull of the open road, but MHD’s more pragmatic mind had narrowed down a couple of B&B’s relatively near the border, and when we arrived in Walsenburg, she directed us onto Route 160 to Alamosa, Colorado where she had arranged for us to spend the night. Since our arrival would be late, the owner had left a key at the entrance with directions to our rooms and to the kitchen where we could find a late-night snack. My kind of place.

This last leg of the drive was dazzling. We flew through the night beneath a black, star-filled sky watching lightning throwing tantrums along the horizon. At last I was persuaded that it would be prudent to put the convertible roof up, but it never did rain and the lightning had all but ceased by the time we arrived in Alamosa. After fumbling around town a bit, we finally pulled up in front of the Cottonwood Inn B&B. After installing our bags into the cute carriage house to the rear of the main house we made our way into the kitchen for fresh chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. Quiet as two happy mice we nibbled away until sleep won over and called us off to bed. Cool, comfortable and exhausted, we quickly slipped into dreams of the adventures in store.

Morning arrived quietly. Since the carriage house has only the one room and no second story, there were no footsteps, opening and closing doors or showers running to awaken us. We awoke late, but not too late for a sumptuous breakfast in the dining room. Homemade waffles overflowing with fresh fruit, bacon, muffins and a collection of delicious preserves. Hot tea and orange juice. A full belly after a hearty breakfast followed by a pleasant chat with Deborah Donaldson, the owner, about what had drawn her to this sleepy town to buy and run a charming, historic inn. We received a tour of the surprisingly large inn, including the five rooms in the main house and the apartments in the house behind. We decided to forego a soak in the hot tub, and visits to some of the other cool attractions nearby. I promised my patient companion that we would visit Sand Dunes National Monument, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and either the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool or the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa on our next trip to the Southwest. She agreed, but reminded me that four years had accumulated since my last visit!

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