More Alamosa Trails

The souvenir map of Alamosa we got from the Colorado Welcome Center indicated an extensive trail system branching off from Cole Park, with names like "Crestone Peak Trail" and wildlife viewing areas called out.

We were unfortunately unable to find most of the trails listed, and what we did find was largely along city streets. The only wildlife we saw were squirrels and mockingbirds. However, we still enjoyed the walk. We came upon a sign designating a large area as "Grazing Area & Open Space." We can vouch for the open space part, but didn't spot any grazing animals.

One interesting historical note: Amelia Earhart landed in a field here after losing her way over the dustbowl of eastern Colorado.

Here's a transcription of the sign:

In Memory
of
Amelia Mary Earhart
1897 - 1937
First Woman Aviator
to Fly Solo over the Atlantic Ocean
Amelia Earhart was lost in flight--somewhere over eastern Colorado and western Kansas--during the dustbowl days of
1932. She was flying a transcontinental route in preparation
for her ill-fated round-the-world-flight. America's most
famous woman aviator adjusted her course 180° and returned
to the San Luis Valley, which she remembered flying over
earlier during clear visibility.
Amelia Earhart landed in this meadow and was met first by
Lloyd E. Jones, who lived in the closest house. In addition
to making accommodations and other arrangements for her
during her stay in Alamosa (including guarding her airplane),
Mr. Jones autographed Amelia's aircraft with his name and
"Alamosa, Colorado."
Monument Donated By:
Lloyd E. Jones & Michael M. Hackett

After lunch we did some trip planning and spent some time on chores. I did some light cleaning of the exterior while Ken aired up the truck tires. That's no easy job. It's complicated by the need to remove and reinstall the tire pressure monitor sensors and by the extremely awkward angle of the valves on the rear dually tires.