Hot springs, Rhodimer research
July 31, 2009

This morning, I was determined that we get to the hot springs before the rain came it as it has every afternoon. It seemed that plan would be dashed because storm clouds had amassed even before we were up and about. Even so, with temps in the very low 60s, we trundled on in there and were pleased to see what looked like imminent storm dissipate. For the whole morning and half the afternoon, we lolled, soaked, ate, sunburned, read, soaked, relaxed and in general had a dandy of a time.

Perhaps I should add here that while I read the paper via internet, Chris put breakfast on the table, washed the dishes, packed our lunch, gathered our swim gear and just generally got us ready to depart. Thanks, Chris!

Last night, I had emailed cousin Jerry as soon as I remembered that his great grandfather, brother to my g.grandfather Charles Bradner Rhodimer, had lived in Pagosa Springs. Although Jerry allowed as how there was nothing in particular he wanted us to research, I, as usual, lacked control when it comes to genealogy, so I determined that it would be the greatest fun if we could find Jerry’s g.g.grandparents’ farm here. And besides, that was enough lolling, etc. for one day.

We walked the half-block to the courthouse and did indeed find information about his Rhodimers, Browns and Walkers, all of which we have not assimilated as yet. We located an entire block of property owned by his g.g.grandmother Alice Mariah (Brown) Walker. The property has been cleared and is now the town sports complex, all with frontage on the San Juan.

We (Chris, really) also found the farm of his g.g. grandparents (Alice and her husband William Henry Walker), now a golf course, lake and condominiums. We looked for his g.grandfather’s residence, but because of a new bridge and a new highway, it was impossible to determine for sure if his house still stands, most likely not. On that particular street, there was only one really old looking log cabin (now the American Legion post) and it is probably not it. We could only judge by early 1900 lot progressions and so much has changed. Also, we saw a photo of a 1911 flood on that street that pretty much wiped out what was there, mostly crude log cabins.

By the time we finished with the courthouse foray and walked back to the springs, rain and lightning were starting so we went to the market and home. Question to self: Does it ever not rain here???

More birds today: Stellar’s jay, mountain chickadee, Bullock’s oriole, red-naped sapsucker, starlings, Brewer’s blackbird and a magnificent trumpeter swan (a life bird for us). Not wanting to be struck by lightning, therefore dashing back to the truck, I will try for a photo of the swan tomorrow. He swam right up to us - just gorgeous!