Monte Vista is home to a small Amish enclave, about 30 families.  As we drive through the area there are similarities to the PA and IN Amish.  One big difference, they farm with tractors.  I see only a couple Half-Lingers in a paddock along with lots of buggy horses.  We are excited about one great constant, bakeries.  We stop at” Worth the Drive” bakery and walk away with a free glazed yeast donut (nice touch), 3 fried pies, and a loaf of white bread. Pie rating: a tie between strawberry rhubarb and blueberry then pecan.

We roll through the 2 ½ mile drive at Monte Vista NWR and find lots of blackbirds and the usual collection of ducks. Nothing spectacular.  I do find it amazing to move through this lush landscape in such an overall arid environment.  Thankyou snow melt!

We make a stop at Bontrager Variety Store, just because.  Product ranges from the everyday like shoes, hats, toys and mixing bowls to some spectacular chiming clocks.  There is a section for solar panels and lithium batteries too.

We head back to camp for the afternoon but must squeeze in one more stop in Alamosa, Frosty acres Rolled Ice Cream.  We watch as they prepare our choices, a Jitterbug and an El Rancho.  The Jitterbug: coffee flavored cream with slivered almonds then whipped cream and caramel drizzle.  The El Rancho: cream with graham cracker, chocolate and caramel drizzle topped with whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow.  The process: cream is poured onto a subzero steel plate, stir-ins quickly added then all smoothed out to flash freeze.  Wielding a narrow bench scraper, the artist rolls sections into a tight jellyroll shape and stacks them in your cup.  Toppings are added.  Voila, rolled ice cream.  Great to watch and beautiful to behold.  We enjoy the eating part too!