Beautiful Colorado! Warm during the day and still a bit frosty at night and we expect to see frost probably through May and maybe longer. The lingering nighttime temperatures are what prevent us from hanging the lovely flower baskets and the profusion of color in our decorative pots. By the time it is safe to spend the night outside, we drive down to town downvalley and find that the majority of the beautiful flowers are already bought and planted and happily enjoying the summer breezes in all the yards down valley. Yes, I am whining, but it is for fun only. We are successful growing tomatoes at this altitude if we purchase plants that have bloomed and we can see the fruit coming on. Am I boring you? How did I get on this subject anyway.
We have seen an occasional April shower cumulus cloud drifting overhead this week, but no action. So, no precipitation since our snow/rain storm some time ago.
With anticipation, we are awaiting the day that the ridges on the mountain across the river will slowly begin to turn green.
Peggy and Billy Cox our Rico U.S.F.S Information Center hosts will be arriving at the end of May and the Center and museum will reopen the first couple of days in June. There will two other couples arriving to complete the staff for the summer. I believe that one of the volunteers is a retired Forest Service ranger.
The Green Snow Oasis down below Rico about seven miles survived a fire that took part of the peak of the roof and chimney area a few days ago. Quick response by passers-by who noticed flames and smoke alerted the Dolores Fire department and our fire crew rushed down as a back-up force. Some water damage,but Fred Mariz was fortunate that the building wasn’t a total loss. We expect the business to be open for the summer and also the nice cabins that they rent out.
Our fire department also received a call-out last weekend. A motorcyclist skidded as the driver entered the “S” curves above Rico and the rider had to “lay it down.” He was transported down to Cortez by the Southwest Memorial ambulance with some scrapes, etc., but could have been much worse. Also, his bike suffered some damage, but the gentleman must have done a splendid job of saving the day by his actions. Once again, we thank our devoted firemen and women for what they do in our community.
Marlene Hazen has lived in Rico for two decades. An active member of the community, she participates in organizations such as the Rico Women’s Club and Rico Historical Society.