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Thankful Thursday: Totalled our Car and We are All Safe

By
Real Estate Agent with Bradfield Ramsey Group

 

Thankful ThursdayThankful Thursday: Our Car was Totalled but we are all Fine

Viewing an event is often a matter of perspective. On the way to a family wedding my 26 year old son Taylor, Micheal and I ran into an "unavoidable road hazard", according to the state patrol who saw it happen. We crested a hill on the interstate, passing a semi and saw a semi truck tire, rim and all 100 yards ahead of us in our lane. Taylor had maybe a second to decide what to do and he decided correctly... go right over the top even though our little Honda Element could not clear it.

The semi wheel buckled the frame in two places, broke the axle, knocked off the joints that held the front tire on, smashed the gas tank and muffler and blew out both bumpers. Taylor guided the car off the road after the semi passed. As soon as we got out, a state trooper pulled up. He saw the wheel on the road while he was going the other way and tried to get to it... we beat him.

Victim perspective: OMG, how terrible. Now what? Thankful Thursday
Magician perspective: What a miracle! We are all fine, the state trooper took excellent care of us, we got top dollar for the Honda and are looking for a Mazda Cx-9, the car we have wanted for awhile.

Life is good. That is the perspective I want to hold.

Posted by

 

Paula Bradfield, PhD, GRI, EPro, CIAS, CDPE, Realtor
Phone: 719.221.6108 | Email: Paula@InSouthernColorado.com  
Website: SouthernColoradoHomesOnline.com

Keller Williams Performance

Your Salida Colorado Realtor Team

 

 

 

 

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Specializing in homes and land in the Colorado river towns of Salida, Howard, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Nathrop, Poncha Springs  and Buena Vista, I am here to work for you as you buy or sell your home or land. 

 

It is not just about buying in this area. it is a statement about lifestyle. Our residents generally are active people, whether it involves horses (my passion), white water rafting, cross county or downhill skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or Contra dancing. Some prefer quiet sunrises, strolls through town and time in one of our fabulous coffee shops or restaurants. Whatever the style, folks appreciate this area for its charm and beauty.

 

Want to get more information on available homes or condos in the Central Colorado River Valleys? Go to SouthernColoradoHomesonline to search the area listings by town, zip code or county.

 

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Our Colorado Mountain river communities: A Snapshot

 

Salida ColoradoSalida:  As quoted in the 2004 edition of Outside Magazine, Salida is “Sweetly unpretentious” as they ranked it as one of their “Dream Towns and Adventure Hideouts.” You might agree. Our community of 6,500 (9700 counting the surrounding homes) is surrounded by Forest Service and BLM lands, a haven for bicyclists, campers, folks who love to fish, hikers, skiers, nature photographers and hunters. It is a lovely natural setting with several converging mountain ranges  (We have15 peaks surrounding us that reach over 14,000 feet in elevation).

 We are known for being the Banana Belt of Colorado and this area is known as one of the Colorado River Towns. The Arkansas River winds its way through the Arkansas Valley, through downtown Salida and more; creating an invitation to rafters, kayakers, fishers, and “beach lovers” alike.

 Salida’s charming downtown area had the largest historical downtown district in Colorado. We have blocks and blocks of Victorian and other historic buildings. Because so many folks also come here to play, we have many of the advantages of a smaller resort town: great restaurants, 22 art galleries, fabulous boutiques, outdoor sportswear stores, and an array of shops for music, kitchen, sports, natural foods, children, books, knitters, and quilters.

 

 

 Real Estate in Salida CO

 

Poncha Springs COPoncha Springs: Poncha Springs is a small Salida “bedroom community” (population of 474 but a few thousand when you consider the outlying neighborhoods and ranches). Because it was surrounded  by hot springs (99 nearby) and had a strong early  influence of Spanish culture, the community became known as  Poncho (meaning cape and warmth) Springs. In 1924, the town officially became Poncha Springs.

 

Real Estate in Poncha Springs

 

 Howard ColoradoHoward: Howard, part of what is known as Pleasant Valley, is nestled along the Arkansas River as it snakes its way from Salida to Canon City. Some of the early settlers in the area were prospectors (some still pan for gold in the tributaries of the Arkansas).  Besides gold and silver, rhyolite, travertine, and limestone were sought after. Just a bit north of Howard is a tiny community of Wellsville where the locals used to soak on their time off in the natural hot pools. The area became more populated when the Rio Grande Railroad came through. Today, Howard is a charming, quiet ranch community and “bedroom Community” for folks who work in Salida. Many avid fly fishing folks have 2nd homes here. I love this valley.

 

Real Estate in Howard CO  

 

Coaldale Colorado

 

Coaldale: Coaldale, a tiny community just SE of Howard opens up into a lovely, meadow-like area with many horse properties, ranches, and folks who like the open meadows and surrounding mountains. It got its name from being called Charcoal Valley. In the early days, the Pinon Pines were burnt in beehive kilns to turn them into coals used for the silver smelters in Leadville Co and Pueblo CO. Some of the early kilns can still be seen. Every valley in Coaldale has a creek in it and with just a few minutes drive to the west, you can be on national forest trails. Absolutely lovely community.

 

 Real Estate in Coaldale CO

 

This image can be found at http://www.colorado.com/CotopaxiCotopaxi: Cotopaxi, named after an Ecuadorian Volcano, grew from being a “whistle stop” for the Rio Grande railroad. Now it is known for world class white water rafting and fly fishing. Folks who live around here can commute for work to either Canon City, further east or back to Salida..it is almost midway between the two. Cotopaxi is a great location for vacation/second home or your primary residence if you don’t mind the commute or can work from home.

 

 

 

Real Estate in Cotopaxi CO

 

This image can be found at http://www.sunset.com/travel/rockies/ways-to-warm-up-in-salidaNathrop:  Nathrop, a quiet community north of Salida has always been known as the access point to Mount Princeton Hot Springs. To this day, folks come to soak in the restorative waters. It is my personal favorite in hot springs because the 104-degree water not only comes into the soaking and lap pools but comes out in Chalk Creek, running alongside the pools. I can spend all day there with a book, adjusting the rocks so that the water is neither hot nor cold. Lovely. Many folks choose to live in the area because of access to the hot springs and national forest.

 

 

 

 

Real Estate in Nathrop CO

 

This image can be found at http://www.rockies.com/colorado/city-guides/buena-vista-colorado.htmlBuena Vista: Buena Vista was named after it’s stunning 360-degree views. Folks originally settled here because of the gold mining. Later, families began farming and ranching as they discovered the good soil in the area. The stagecoach and subsequent railroad brought more families to the area. With a population of about 2500 people, the town remains quiet and gracious. It is known as the best kept secret place to stay for folks skiing at the premier resorts near Denver and Aspen…because the town is so friendly and hotel rates are inexpensive. It is a few miles from Cottonwood Creek Hot Springs and Mt. Princeton.

 

Real Estate in Buena Vista Colorado

 

Crestone...beginning of the sunsetCrestone: Unique, magical and beautiful are words that tumble out of my mouth when I think of Crestone. The tiny town proper is 150 and the surrounding area is no more than 1500 when everyone is home. The magic of Crestone however, is its history. Early on, a rancher was instructed to bequeath parcels of his ranch to spiritual groups around the world which he did. It is now known for having the most diverse spiritual community in the world. Spiritual seekers in North America eventually hear about Crestone. And, it generally takes knowing a local or more than one visit for the fullness of the area to emerge…the 5 creeks heading up into the Sangre de Cristos, the temples hidden in the trees, the lovely residents and the “happening”. The local newspaper, the Crestone Eagle, has calendars of event for local happenings that rival a town 10 times its size. If you want a sanctuary, Crestone offers just that.

 

Real Estate around Crestone CO

 

Comments (9)

Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Good morning Paula,

The old saying "you replace a car but not a human" comes to mond and glad everyone came out ok.

Make yourself a great day and good luck with the car search.

Aug 30, 2012 12:51 AM
Daniel J. Brudnok, REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach, REALTORS - Exton - PA License #RS-225179-L / Delaware License #RS-0025038 - Downingtown, PA
SRES, e-PRO,ABR,GREEN,CSP

Paula,

WOW, happy to hear you are safe.....decisions of all kinds need to be made in split seconds.....your son made a good one

Aug 30, 2012 12:53 AM
Paula Bradfield
Bradfield Ramsey Group - Salida, CO
Your Salida Colorado area Realtor Team

Thanks Dan. Yep, the boy did it just right. Still get a bit teary with gratitude.

 

Aug 30, 2012 01:53 AM
Paula Bradfield
Bradfield Ramsey Group - Salida, CO
Your Salida Colorado area Realtor Team

Raymond... so true. The car was miniscule compared to our safety. Yahoo! Have a good one ok?

Aug 30, 2012 01:54 AM
Malcolm Johnston
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON
Trenton Real Estate

Phew, thank the Lord everyone is O.K. I bet your heart skipped a beat or two Paula. I'm glad to see that you are so positive about this. No one was hurt, that's the big thing.

Aug 30, 2012 08:25 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

WOW...I'm so glad to hear you are OK. Don't those type of events just leave you all shaking and wondering what if?

It also seems like you are making a fine batch of lemonade out of those lemons. Enjoy that new car smell.

Aug 30, 2012 10:36 PM
Paula Bradfield
Bradfield Ramsey Group - Salida, CO
Your Salida Colorado area Realtor Team

Malcolm, thanks. It is all a matter of perspective. If I focus on the worst of it, I believe that is what I will get more of and who wants that? Not me! My heart still flutters when I think of it.

 

Shaking and wonderin is exactly right, Debbie and I am still doing it. Man, I like lemonade!

Aug 30, 2012 11:46 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Paula, glad everyone was okay.  On Memorial weekend coming home from my brother's at 10:30 pm we hit a bear... totaled the car but the hit and noise stayed with me for a good two weeks.  My husband, our dog Zeke and me were okay...didn't realized til we stopped that the air bads had deployed.  

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend

Aug 31, 2012 11:31 PM
Paula Bradfield
Bradfield Ramsey Group - Salida, CO
Your Salida Colorado area Realtor Team

Rebecca, omg! a Bear! yes, it does stay with you for awhile doesn't it? I a glad you were ok and that the air bags deployed.

Sep 01, 2012 06:34 PM