Stay for a Lifestyle

Saturday Aug. 16 was the second annual picnic for Pioneers (those with lot reservations) at Friend Ranch.  Located in Poncha Springs, the community and 18-hole private golf club is minutes from Monarch Ski area and historic Salida.  Over 500 homes are planned on about as many acres.  People came from Denver, Texas, local residents and more.  The on and off rain storms scared lots of folks away.  The rest of us huddled under the tent and later zipped away for a tour in the golf cart.  My favorite part was driving like a mad woman!  The development has been approved by the town and covenants have been reviewed.  I like the idea that some townhomes will offer fractional ownership.  In a second home community like ours, it's nicer to have the houses filled.  Well-known golf champion Dow Finsterwald was a fellow picnicker and checked out the par 71 course.  Some guests fished the South Arkansas River, others teed off.  Dale and I reserved a lot which oversees hole 5 and backs up to open space.  I can't wait for smooth-surfaced tennis courts!   Sunday was a hike along Pass Creek, which is just down the road.  We passed on Pass Creek.  Leslie Walker, Salida Realty, Broker Owner.

People here say, "I hope Salida never turns into an Aspen."  Having just returned from a two-day getaway, I'd say "no chance."  That's for a few reasons:  our ski slope doesn't dump out right in town, the wealth in Pitkin County is astronomical (a one-bedroom in-town condo starts at $1 million), and there is culture galore.

My husband Dale and I bicycled around town - viewing multi-million houses on the Roaring Fork, visiting the Aspen Institute (where John McCain was speaking about the economy in a free lecture!), enjoying a free concert at the Aspen Music Festival, putting away numerous delicious dinners.  Even with a "no-growth" policy, a lot of construction is underway.  The people are beautiful and co-mingle with dogs in and out of the fountains, young musicians on street corners, runners, bicyclists, free transportation, spectacular mountain views, wild flowers, sculpture in the park.  Prices and parking were the only downsides.  Leslie Walker, Salida Realty, broker/owner