We are staying just outside Pueblo in Colorado which has an elevation of over 4,600 feet above sea level. The area has four distinct seasons, yet is a semi-arid desert land, with an annual rainfall of about 12 inches. Summers are hot and dry, winters are usually mild, and snowfall is light. Due to the high altitude and the accompanying stronger sun, snow rarely remains on the ground for long.

Pueblo and its metropolitan area is a sizeable town of over 200,000 people. The Arkansas River slices through Pueblo’s downtown area is a recreation rock star, offering everything from fly-fishing and rafting to world-class bird watching and fishing.

For nearly a century, the main industry and the largest employer in Pueblo, was the Colorado Fuel and Iron Steel Mill. It attracted large numbers of immigrant labourers and led to Pueblo becoming the most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Colorado and the West. At one point, more than 40 languages were spoken in the steel mill and more than two-dozen foreign language newspapers were published in the city.

Not only is the city culturally diverse, but for some unknown reason, it produces heroes! The Medal of Honor is America’s highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that recognizes US military service members who distinguish themselves by acts of valor. Pueblo is the hometown to four Medal of Honor recipients – more than any other city in the US. President Dwight D. Eisenhower on presenting Raymond G. Murphy with his medal in 1953 commented, “What is it… something in the water out there in Pueblo? All you guys turn out to be heroes!”

The view from our motor home camp site.

Pueblo’s river walk – a mile-long walk through the centre of downtown with shops, restaurants and bars lining the route.