Month: September 2013

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Boulder Canyon, Colorado with Zeb the Duck

Boulder canyon is beautiful.

Boulder Canyon

Boulder Canyon

We just returned from a drive today.  We live near Denver, but within a short time we are vacationing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.  Today we drove through Boulder, Colorado, took highway 119 and enjoyed Boulder Canyon.

The mountains are tall, rugged and majestic.

Road cut through steep mountain in Boulder Canyon

Road cut through steep mountain in Boulder Canyon

Boulder Creek flows through the canyon.  Traffic was light; it was a Thursday afternoon, so we pulled over often to admire the mountains.  A walking or bike path was separate from the road in many places.  Much safer for all.  We often looked from the road, saw Boulder Creek and bikers pedaling.  Many riding uphill.  I never will understand humans.

We came to Boulder Falls.

Welcome to Boulder Falls

Welcome to Boulder Falls

Like many others, we parked, took pictures,

Boulder Falls

Boulder Falls

and headed to the hiking trail.    The water, falls and tumbles, over rocks for 70 feet.

Ready to hike Boulder Falls

Ready to hike Boulder Falls

And there is no entrance fee.  Unfortunately the trail was closed.  The sign said too many rocks falling.  That seemed like a good reason to close the trail.  Back into the car we went.  Continued driving through the canyon and eventually back home.  Ducks love these trips and humans seem relaxed and energized after the drive.  Hope you try it soon.

Hi  Zeb again.  We were in Boulder Canyon a couple weeks ago, before the rains and flooding.  If you go,  wait a few days, and be sure to check on road conditions.   It is beautiful and will be again soon.  We were on a road trip this week and this was set to post while we were gone.   Loved the canyon!

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Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado

Best Place to see the Stars

 Morrison, Colorado, about 20 minutes southwest of Denver, is home to one of the best concert venues and parks anywhere.  More than 6,400 feet above sea level and comprising 868 acres of open spaces, wildlife and geological wonders, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world.

Red Rocks, Morrison,, Colorado

Red Rocks, Morrison,, Colorado

Zeb, your Colorado traveling duck, visited this place with mom.  Just a short drive from Denver, this place is wonderful.  We started at the top of the theater.

Top of theater looking down to stage

Top of theater looking down to stage

It is a long way to the bottom with many rows of seats.  The stage is easily visible from every seat.  Again, an observation on human behavior.  Several people, men and women were running along the rows of seats, while others climbed to the next higher row, did a couple push ups, climbed to the next row, more push ups.

Humans get exercise at Red Rocks

Humans get exercise at Red Rocks

Wow!  What a work out!

The rock formations (red rock, of course) are breath taking.  Or maybe I was also out of breath watching so much exertion—climbing, push-ups and altitude.  The views are beautiful.  Through the rock formations, the Denver skyline is visible.

Denver skyline over top of Red Rocks stage

Denver skyline over top of Red Rocks stage

This park has many hiking and biking trails also.  Hiking is fun, but I will leave the running up stairs and benches to the humans.

We went to the Visitor Center and the Performers Hall of Fame.  They had concerts here more than 100 years ago.  Each year the season begins with Easter Sunday sunrise service.   So many famous people have performed here.  I am sitting on a guitar with schedules of performers, one schedule per year

Zeb on guitar at Red Rocks

Zeb on guitar at Red Rocks

.  Also there I am with posters for some of the performances.

Zeb with the music greats

Zeb with the music greats

This sure is a popular place for everybody, even for Zeb the duck.

The Ship Rock Grille is the official restaurant of Red Rocks.

Ship Rock Grille

Ship Rock Grille

They are open for lunch and open for dinner on concert evenings.  Great sandwiches.  Sunday brunch is also served at Ship Rock Grille.  Maybe we can go some Sunday.

Entering and leaving the amphitheater we drove through a tunnel in the rock.

Drive through Red Rock tunnel to visit theater

Drive through Red Rock tunnel to visit theater

Great entrance!  Although the amphitheater is natural, the seats are not.  From 1936 to 1941 the Civilian Conservation Corps

Honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps

Honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps

worked at Red Rocks making the amphitheater the perfect venue we have today.

I love this place.

Ship Rock on one side of amphitheater

Ship Rock on one side of amphitheater

Concerts, food, trails and beautiful rock formations make a perfect day trip for us.  I hope to return here often.  I would love to see you here too.  For more information visit www.redrocksonline.com

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Zeb visits Central City, Colorado

Today we are going to Central City.  The town is about 35 miles west of Denver.   When gold was discovered in 1859, this was ”The richest square mile on earth.”  Rich!  And I, Zeb the duck, am going there.

Central City Parkway

Central City Parkway

Mom tells me to calm down, the mining has stopped now and Central City is on the historic registry.  That means the buildings built after the fire of 1874, rebuilt with stone and brick, are still standing.  About that brick—this was a gold mining area, so the bricks have gold dust in them.  WOW!  The city looks like an old mining town with shops and restaurants for us to explore.

Central City main street

Central City main street

We visited a few shops selling a variety of items—not regular tourist T-shirts, but glassware, books, clothes, old jewelry and even stuff I did not recognize.

We went to the visitor’s center.  The lady there was very helpful.  Upstairs the Gilpin County Arts Association has a very interesting art gallery.  We saw photographs that looked better than life.  We saw beautiful paintings also.  My favorite was wood with zippers.

By Paul Stafford. A wood turner

By Paul Stafford. A wood turner

Yep, zippers on wooden vases and bowls.  My favorite was Walnut Vase by Paul Stafford.  View more of Paul Stafford’s art at www.woodturner-gallery.com

That art gallery was great and then we went to the old courthouse, which has another art gallery, also featuring artists from Gilpin County Arts Association.  This building has several rooms of art displays.  We were in the courtroom, the first district courtroom in the territory of Colorado.  Art was displayed on the judge’s bench, the witness platform and the jury platform.  All original wood items from over 100 years ago.  The art was beautiful.  My favorite things were cards made from original photographs.  What a great way to share your treasures.   From one room of art, we went outside to the Sculpture Garden.

Love this fountain in sculpture garden

Love this fountain in sculpture garden

This was a nice retreat and I loved the fountain by Richard Emmert.

Leaving the former courthouse and present art gallery, we went to the museum.  We were just in time for the tour to the Opera House.  The grand opening of the Opera House was held in 1878.  Plays are held here in Central City at the famous Opera House during the summer.  The season is over for this year.  We could only see the inside on a tour.  When you go, notice the horse sculptures on the sides near the stage.

Inside Central City Opera House

Inside Central City Opera House

They are not sculptures—they are paintings!  Really.  On the wall on either side of stage.  Paintings!  Walk over to them and look.  This duck was fooled.

Next time we go to Central City we will take a tour of an abandoned mine,

An abandoned mine by Central City

An abandoned mine by Central City

probably the Hidee Mine, or explore the three cemeteries.    Maybe even go to the casinos.  The casino profits help preserve Central City.  There are a couple ways to get to Central City from Denver.  We took I-70 to the Central City Parkway.  This is about 20-25 minutes west of Denver.  The Central City Parkway goes directly into Central City.  Very easy drive.  We were there in less than 45 minutes.  We drove home through Clear Creek Canyon, on US 6 which goes into Golden and then to Denver.   What a great Colorado road.  US 6 goes through a canyon and follows Clear Creek.  River and mountains–everything I love.   This duck is so proud to live in Colorado.  See you soon.

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Hiking at Echo Lake, Colorado

Zeb had a great time at Echo Lake.  This lake is calm and beautiful.

Ready to hike at Echo Lake

Ready to hike at Echo Lake

Located near the road to Mt. Evans, Echo Lake was perfect for Zeb, his mom, Soapy’s mom and Steve, Soapy’s dog.  We hiked, talked and laughed, ate, shopped, and hiked some more.

I have to say, that this was the best hiking ever.  I, Zeb, rode on the back of Steve.

Zeb riding Steve at Echo Lake

Zeb riding Steve at Echo Lake

From this picture, you can see that I had a real ride and a wonderful time.  Although Steve is fast, she was careful with me and I stayed on her, never even close to falling off her back.  Fantastic!

We started at Echo Lake Lodge parking lot.  We hiked on trails that felt spongy from all the pine needles.  A few other people, no ducks like me and a few dogs were on our trail.  Everybody was very kind and having a good time in the mountain sunshine.  The trail led us around the lake and back to the road.  Before the road, we found the picnic area with many tables and a shelter in case of too much wind or rain.  Also restrooms are available.  This seems important to humans.

In the lake, we saw live ducks swimming, people fishing and dogs having fun.  My Steve put paws in the lake and enjoyed a big, cool drink.

Steve having a drink from Echo Lake

Steve having a drink from Echo Lake

Hiking makes humans hungry.

Lunch was good at Echo Lake Lodge.  Mom had a big, tasty hamburger.  Soapy’s mom had chicken quesadillas.  Lots of smiles and eating here.  While eating, we watched hummingbirds at the feeders.  They are a lot smaller than me, but those wings sure move fast!

Hummingbird with wings in action

Hummingbird with wings in action

Soon the humans, saying how full they were, ordered dessert.  Dessert???  Echo Lake Lodge has wonderful home made pies.  Mom had blueberry pie with ice cream.  Soapy’s mom had chocolate peanut butter pie, topped with whipped cream and miniature chocolate chips, and a scoop of ice cream.

The pie is perfect!

The pie is perfect!

As you can see, I enjoyed it also.

It rained while we were eating, but we took a short hike after lunch

Steve, wait for me

Steve, wait for me

and then home.   This was a fantastic day.  You will love Echo Lake and maybe even some pie from the restaurant.   Echo Lake is about 1 hour from Denver.  From I-70 take the second exit in Idaho Springs.  Then drive 14 miles to Echo Lake Lodge and the entrance to Mt. Evans.  The drive is beautiful and Echo Lake is worth the trip.  The Echo Lake Lodge website was not completed today, but check www.mountevans.com.   This is another great day trip from Denver.  Hope to see you there soon.

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An Afternoon at the Movies

Zeb the duck had a great afternoon at the movies.  Today we went to Flatirons Mall, between Denver and Boulder.  The AMC theaters there have the best seats!  We sat in red leather power recliners.  So comfy and we watched a really funny movie.  My mom and Soapy’s mom laughed a lot.  We saw The Heat.

I'm on top of the movie ad at AMC Theaters Flatirons Mall

I’m on top of the movie ad at AMC Theaters Flatirons Mall

That’s the movie with the lady FBI officer and the local lady police officer.  If you haven’t seen it yet, you should and would probably enjoy the movie and laugh a lot.

During the movie our moms ate a lot of popcorn and drank pop and slurpees.

Zeb with movie snacks

Zeb with movie snacks

Lots of eating, drinking and laughing occurred this afternoon.  After the movie, we went into the mall and they did a little shopping.  Purchases were made at Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and Sephora.  These seemed like chick stores, but some men shopping, maybe for themselves, or for ladies in their lives.   Our moms wandered through several other stores, admiring several things, but kept the credit cards in their purses.  We also sampled wonderful tea at the Tevana store.

After hours of shopping and lots of talking, our moms left the mall and stopped at McDonald’s for a little ice cream and lots more talking and laughing.  We ducks like happy human ladies.  Everybody was home before dark to do a few things and end the day with a relaxing evening.   I recommend movies.  They are fun and the popcorn is wonderful.

Red Leather Power Recliners. I love them

Red Leather Power Recliners. I love them

My favorite theater is this AMC theater outside Flatirons Mall.  It is on the Boulder Turnpike or US 36 between Denver and Boulder.  The red leather power recliners are the best movie seats ever.  Try them soon.

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Colorado Duck in Rocky Mountain National Park with Zeb in the summer snow

Living near Denver, a day in the mountains is very common and very enjoyable.   My human calls it a mini vacation.  Since she is retired, we have lots of mini vacations.  We drove to Grand Lake, the western entrance to the national park.  Before entering the park, we visited Quackers Gifts.

Quacker Gift Shop Grand Lake, Colorado

Quacker Gift Shop Grand Lake, Colorado

This is a small gift shop dedicated to my kind.  The shop features many rubber ducks, several smaller than I am, but very cute ducks.  Holiday ducks, specialty ducks and even celebrity ducks.  There is a second store in Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs.  Definitely go to Quackers Gifts if possible, or visit www.quackergiftshop.com

Entering Rocky Mountain National Park at Grand Lake, we followed Trail Ridge Road to Trail Ridge Store and Café at 11,796 feet above sea level.

Trail Ridge Store in Rocky Mountain National Park

Trail Ridge Store in Rocky Mountain National Park

This is the visitor center, but not the highest point on this road.  Trail Ridge is the highest continuous highway in the United States.  You should drive it, in the summer.  Lots of snow falls here in the winter.

I'm in a 5 foot snow bank in Rocky Mountain National Park

I’m in a 5 foot snow bank in Rocky Mountain National Park

My human put me in this snowdrift.  Snow is cold!

Leaving the visitor center, we saw herds of elk lounging on the Alpine landscape.

Herd of elk lounging at 11,000 feet in Rocky Mt National Park

Herd of elk lounging at 11,000 feet in Rocky Mt National Park

We are above tree line here.  Elk like cooler temperatures in summer, so they go to higher elevations.

Beautiful Elk

Beautiful Elk

Cooler it was.  We needed jackets.  Silly elk, I like warm summer days.

There are many hiking trails in the park.  Some are even paved to accommodate many people, and wheel chairs.  The park has lakes, streams, trails, mountain climbing and camping.  There are hiking trails through the Alpine tundra area.  Normally tundra is found in northern Alaska and areas with similar climates.  The scenery and wild animals are picture perfect.

One more majestic elk

One more majestic elk

This park is wonderful for one-day trips or several weeks camping, hiking, fishing and climbing.  We only spent a few hours here, but it is beautiful.  I, Zeb, will return.

Trail Ridge Road took us to Estes Park where my human rushed to the Taffy Shop.

Pulling Taffy in Estes Park, Colorado

Pulling Taffy in Estes Park, Colorado

The shop has this machine to pull taffy.  There are many flavors and the humans love it.  My mom’s favorite is Texas Pecan.

Rocky Mountain National Park is about 2 hours from Denver.  You can enter from either Estes Park or Grand Lake.  Both are beautiful mountain towns.  Each town has shopping, motels, restaurants, hiking trails, rafting, horse rides and each town has a lake.  I love them both and I think you would also.  Visit in summer or winter, but Trail Ridge Road connecting the two towns is closed in the winter.  Way too much snow.  See you in the park soon.

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Duck Races in Breckenridge, Colorado

Zeb and mom went to Breckenridge, Colorado the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend.  Love that town.  They have lots of festivals in Breckenridge.  This was my favorite.  The rubber duck races!!  Festivals honoring my kind.  This was the 26th year for these races.   That is great.

Duck Mascot ready to transport

Duck Mascot ready to transport

Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty Two, that’s 7,962 rubber ducks, all smaller than me, raced down the Blue River.  Around the bends and over the rapids, it was fantastic.  The winning duck completed the race in 8 minutes.  People sponsor the ducks and 62 wining ducks earned prizes for their humans.  Even the last place duck received a prize.  I never saw so many ducks at one time.

The duck races support the Summit Foundation.  Lots of fun and benefits a good cause.  Humans like that combination.  Mom took pictures of the ducks navigating the Blue River.   I was not allowed in the river to swim.  There were so many people there that she didn’t set me down for photos very often.  I could have been lost.

Ducks racing in Blue River

Ducks racing in Blue River

The duck races were the main event, but there were booths selling little ducks.

Lots of ducks for sale

Lots of ducks for sale

Zeb and new friend

Zeb and new friend

We bought a winter penguin duck.  There were venders selling a variety of items.  The kids had fun jumping in inflated bounce houses,

Jumping for humans, not ducks

Jumping for humans, not ducks

provided by http://www.airboundcolorado.com.

We walked around town, but the horse carriage was another option.  Maybe next time.  I don’t believe many ducks get to ride in horse carriages.

Horse Carriage

Horse Carriage

Breckenridge is a great town, any time of year.  I hope we go back there for more festivals, or just for lunch.  For more information about the duck races visit http://www.summitfoundation.org.  See you in Breckenridge next time.