R: River
Like so very many communities, we have a river. It is the Cache la Poudre, as it became known in the 1820s when French explorers, overcome by a blizzard, had to bury some of their gunpowder along the banks. Most of us just call it the Poudre. It winds through town from west to east before joining the South Platte River 5 miles past Greeley, Colorado.
For hundreds of years, water from the Poudre River supported Native Americans, trappers, traders, soldiers, homesteaders, farmers, and ranchers. These days, the river is frequented by fly-fishermen (and women), rafters, kayakers, and anyone who just wants to splash around, which is my favorite thing to do. Ten miles of multi-use trails alongside offer many opportunities to enjoy the river without getting wet.
The river is different in every season. Because so much of its flow is determined by snow runoff coming from the mountains, it tends to run higher and faster in the spring and slower and mellower in the heat of the summer. Forty-five of its 126 miles are designated as a River Corridor National Heritage Area, the only one in Colorado.
The river is different in every season. Because so much of its flow is determined by snow runoff coming from the mountains, it tends to run higher and faster in the spring and slower and mellower in the heat of the summer. Forty-five of its 126 miles are designated as a River Corridor National Heritage Area, the only one in Colorado.
I hope you are able to enjoy some rest and relaxation tomorrow before we pick up with the letter S on Monday!
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