Little Warm Spring Creek

Population 971, elevation 6946 feet, and pronounced “do-BOYS.” Though it is obvious the town’s business relies heavily on summer tourists and fall hunters, it feels genuine and lived in and we had more than the normal interactions with the residents. There were the two gentlemen hiking on the scenic trail just outside of town where we took all the photos of the painted hills.

There was the proprietor of the local wine store who managed to fill his postage stamp sized establishment with 2 of everything, and I’m not kidding. We walked out with three regional brews for Gordon, a lovely Chianti for me, and an explanation why he is able to stock Buffalo Trace bourbon when we have such a hard time finding it in populous Jacksonville, Florida.

There was the woman at the convenience store advertising the largest Jackalope exhibit anywhere.

We especially enjoyed conversing with Monty who owned the jewelry store and art gallery where Gordon bought Heather a gorgeous pendant of Navaho silver with gaspeite. Monte was an artist and photographer, a businessman, a gemologist, a ragtime pianist (if it’s by Scott Joplin he plays it, and a single action pistol shooter. He regaled Gordon with stories of competitions he’d been at where they had to do instant slo-mo relays so people could see what they saw. He also gave Gordon tips on where he should go to get a nice custom- made bowler hat like his. When I snapped a picture of him and then asked permission, he said sure, it happens all day long.Read more