Peace in a small town-July 4th

July 4^th

The town stirred awake well before sunrise. Actually, being at the bottom of a valley with cliffs 5-7000 feet above us, not seeing the sun until 8:15 is the norm here, let’s just say whenever the rest of the world was having a sunrise, many of the locals were up and prepping for their Grand Lady’s big show.

Two Ouray city trucks were out putting the final cleaning prep on Main. One, changing out all the trash can bags, tying off the bags and throwing them into the back of his pick up, the other following behind, watering all the flower pots that lined the street and the moss filled hanging baskets from each street sign and light post.

Frank, the owner of Maggie’s Kitchen and the author of one of the best burgers ever eaten in the free world, was sleeping next to his smoker, parked in the street. He stayed with it all night, tending to the fire box with pieces of hickory while the pork shoulder and brisket slowly cooked since about 5 yesterday afternoon. Hickory smoke has been wafting into our room all night. Its like we’re camping only on a sleep number bed.

At the other end of town the BPOE Lodge is prepping for the big barbecue after the 10am parade. The Elks will be serving ribs, burgers, and hot dogs. Is there really anything else anyone should be eating today? Oh, wait, Frank’s slow cooked pork.Cardiologists are all on vacation today-or here.

Early this morning, starting about now, is the Ouray Volunteer Rescue Team’s fund raising breakfast, just before the start of the 10K. The Ouray team saves people from themselves every year. The pass between Ouray and Silverton is very susceptible to death. You drive off the road, you don’t hit anything but air for about 700 to 1000 feet. Its straight up and down and the one time in your life you probably want to not wear a seat belt, hoping to jump or do something circus-like on your way down. These guys repel down and pull you out, at least enough of you so your family can have a funeral. They are all volunteers and live off the donations of everyone. Their breakfast is a mainstay for the 4^th. Most of the team are up a good portion of the night cooking-with the help of cold beer and Jack Daniels. Their blood shot eyes and slight whiff of stale whiskey breath greets you in line why you get your eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes, toast, fruit, juice, and coffee you can stand a spoon up in. The food is okay but the cause is just. It’s a good time to buy another shirt that talks about bringing a GPS so you don’t have to eat your friends.

At 10 today, the parade starts. At its point is the color guard made up of four old war horses from another era. They usually give the younger of the four the American flag, he would be the stronger and can hold it for the whole length of road, about three hundred yards. The four wear their uniforms from another time. They try to march in unison but have a tendency to slide out of step every so many yards. That doesn’t bother anyone and the entire length of this small town people stand on their feet and clap. Some salute, wave flags, and cheer.

Its been so for well over 230 years.

Enjoy.