It's a parade!

The 60th FIBArk Whitewater Festival took place here in Salida this past weekend. There was food, rides, great music, and lots and lots o'people! Ohh yeah, and a parade!!

"S" mountain overlooks the city. They have an annual race, up and back down. Those spots are people running. I think its much more enjoyable to observe from down below.

My favorite event was the "Hooligan Race", this is where anyone can build a craft that is not worthy of being on the water and float downstream to their certain demise : )

Hiking Day!

Yesterday (Sunday) I got a chance to hit the trails and go hiking. It was fantastic!
Since we weren't sure about the weather conditions we stuck with a close and easily accessible trail. Greens Creek Trail is located about 13 miles from town. It turned out to be a beautiful day, it was great to be outside. The only snag was finding 4 ticks on my clothes. Afterwards we ran home and did a thorough inspection of our clothes, and selves. Happy to report, all were tick free, whew!

After hiking, tick inspection and lunch, we decided to take a drive to Buena Vista. Along the way we stopped at St. Elmo a historic "ghost" town. Lots of beautiful scenery along the way.

Things have been going well, I have my first paying gig on Friday June 27th, at a gallery as part of Salida Art Walk. I'm also awaiting word on a possible job, I've had a couple of interviews, keeping my fingers crossed! Lastly, a funny story. Apparently when my mother was asked what my blog was called, her response sounded like " Optimistic Bitch" to the person asking. Too funny!

Rushing water...

Over the last couple of days I've stopped down by the river (the Arkansas River),which flows through town here. The locals tell me they haven't seen the water so high or fast in quite some time. Boaters seem to love it. In a couple of weeks is the start of FIBArk, the nation's oldest whitewater festival and Salida's signature event. Since 1949, every June during the Spring snow run off, Salida has hosted FIBArk, "First in Boating on the Arkansas".
Lots of great events planned and music, I plan on soaking up as much as I can.