Month: September 2014

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Denver’s Oktoberfest

I, Zeb the Duck, Soapy Smith Duck, our moms and Soapy’s dog Stevie went to Denver’s Oktoberfest.

Welcome to Denver Oktoberfest

Welcome to Denver Oktoberfest

A really great festival!   We watched the keg bowling.

We like keg bowling

We like keg bowling

This man pushes the keg with wheels down the road trying to knock down the empty kegs at the end. He did pretty well, too.   Look at these great signs put up especially for this festival.

New signs for Oktoberfest.

New signs for Oktoberfest.

Now we can find things. There were a lot of people here and everybody seemed to enjoy this accordion music.

Accordions have a different sound--we like them

Accordions have a different sound–we like them

After 2 weekends of festivities, Sunday was the last day of Denver’s Oktoberfest.   And the day featured the German wiener dogs.   There was the Long Dog Derby.  This is a wiener dog race.  The dogs were divided into categories based on age and also a category for those with disabilities, such a cart for legs.   One owner holds the dog at the starting gate.

Getting ready

Getting ready

Then the countdown and the dogs begin to race.

Well, some of them race

Well, some of them race

This guy is running to the finish line,

Adorable

Adorable

but watching the crowd also. Another human is at the finish line urging the dogs to run faster and reach the finish line quickly.

Finish fast

Finish fast

Many of the dogs wore costumes.   Here are just a few of the many adorable dogs we saw.  Click on any photo to enlarge it.

In bikinis. Let's go to the beach

In bikinis. Let’s go to the beach

Lounging at the information booth

Lounging at the information booth

Dressed to go out for the day

Dressed to go out for the day

Patriotic dog with cart

Patriotic dog with cart

So cute

So cute

His hat slide. Fantastic dog

His hat slid. Fantastic dog

Cute girl

Cute girl

Proud with his green hat

Proud with his green hat

The winner of the costume contest

The winner of the costume contest

This dog, with a jockey on his back, won the costume contest. This guy was just too tired to walk further.

How about a ride

How about a ride

They do have short legs.

We saw, and smelled, wonderful food. There were trays of strudel, hundreds of brats, hot dogs, schnitzel, and those wonderful large soft German pretzels. Look at this pizza and those huge pieces of Rice Krispie candy.

We are hungry

We are hungry

This food is ready to eat!  Our moms took us to the Ginn Mill.

We like the Ginn Mill

We like the Ginn Mill

We could take our street food inside, order drinks and eat inside. We went to their covered patio to enjoy food and drink.

Great patio

Great patio

And, they let Soapy’s dog Stevie come in with us. She ate some of our food and had her own bowl of cold water. This was a great day for us. Don’t wait too long to attend a festival near you.

Refreshments anyone?

Refreshments anyone?

Summer is over and soon we may see snow and cold weather. We enjoy being outside when we can and hope you do too.

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Redstone, Colorado

Western Colorado is beautiful.   Mom, Soapy Smith Duck and I, Zeb the Duck, drove to Redstone, Colorado.  Redstone is on the Crystal River.  Yesterday we showed you the coke ovens and today we will show you the town.

The Ruby of the Rockies

The Ruby of the Rockies

We went into town and had to stop at the Redstone Art Gallery.

The art gallery looks so inviting

The art gallery looks so inviting

Look at these items of wood.

Natural Top Tamarish Burl with turquoise by Richard Fitzgerald

Natural Top Tamarish Burl with turquoise by Richard Fitzgerald

This is Natural Top Tamarisk Burl with some turquoise.  Richard Fitzgerald created them.   We love wood.  This oil painting, Fall River Refuge, was my favorite.

Fall River Refuge by Cecy Turner

Fall River Refuge by Cecy Turner

Cecy Turner painted this one.

Redstone is a great town for tourists and residents. We saw hotels and this house was available.

Can we mom??

Can we mom??

The back yard reaches to the Crystal River.   What a great place to live. Then we saw the company store.

The Company Store in Redstone, Colorado

The Company Store in Redstone, Colorado

This store looks more like a large home.

This looks like a friendly place. Come on in

This looks like a friendly place. Come on in

We like Redstone.   Walking through town, the windows in the Church at Redstone sure got our attention.

Great windows in the Church at Redstone

Great windows in the Church at Redstone

White Stallion, by Vicki Branson, is sculpted from beautiful Colorado marble.

White Stallion of Colorado marble by Vicki Branson

White Stallion of Colorado marble by Vicki Branson

This marble is from the nearby Yule Marble mine in Marble, Colorado.

Redstone, Colorado is a little south of Glenwood Springs, in the once isolated Crystal Valley, on the Crystal River. The mountains are spectacular. This road through town is leaving the area of the art gallery, hotels and company store.

Isn't this a pretty town?

Isn’t this a pretty town?

We think you would like Redstone. We did and we want to return soon. For more information on the Redstone Art Gallery visit www.redstoneart.com

 

 

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Coke Ovens in Redstone, Colorado

Soapy Smith Duck and I, Zeb the Duck, saw beehive coke ovens at Redstone, Colorado.

Redstone, Colorado. The Ruby of the Rockies

Redstone, Colorado. The Ruby of the Rockies

Coal of premium quality was mined in the mountains at an elevation of 10,000 feet and higher.

Coal was baked in these coke ovens to produce coke, a more efficient fuel.

Coke ovens at Redstone, Colorado

Coke ovens at Redstone, Colorado

These coke ovens, a few miles from Aspen, Colorado, were built about 1899 and used for 10 years, until the mines closed. At their peak, the 200 ovens were producing almost 6 million tons a year.

The idle coke ovens donated their support steel during the scrap metal drives of World War II. According to Wikipedia, later hippies who moved into Redstone used the ovens as living space.

Used as hippie housing? We know how Redstone got its name.

Used as hippie housing? We know how Redstone got its name.

By the coke ovens we saw this monument. The first paragraph reads: This monument stands in tribute to the miners of Coal Basin, who confronted adversity and proved themselves resourceful, innovative and intrepid. We honor their achievements and their sacrifices, remembering in particular those brave, good men whose lives were lost in the mines.

Monument to the miners. A tribute from Mid-Continent Resources, Inc.

Monument to the miners. A tribute from Mid-Continent Resources, Inc.

The plaque explains Colorado Fuel and Iron Company mined approximately 1 million tons of coal from 1900-1909. Then Mid-Continent Resources, Inc. mined approximately 28 million tons of coal between 1956 and 1991. The premium quality and unique properties of the coal were the inducement to mining under difficult conditions, including the high elevation, steep terrain, heavy snows and avalanching on the surface. The monument consists of mine roof support shields designed to withstand the massive overburden pressures and mine fan pedestals. This monument was placed here with gratitude and respect by the Mid-Continent Companies.

Coal mining in these mountains

Coal mining in these mountains

I, Zeb the Duck, did not know about coal in Redstone and I did not know about coke ovens. Perhaps you would enjoy visiting this area also and learn more about the coal mining in Redstone.

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A Glimpse of Vail

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck went to Vail. This fantastic ski resort is about 100 miles west of Denver on I-70. We go there for festivals and sometimes just for lunch. We want to show you a few things that make Vail a great destination. You will find great shopping, including this nice jewelry store.

Our moms love jewelry stores

Our moms love jewelry stores

There are many statues in Vail. We love these bears.

Happy bears. Safe for tourists

Happy bears. Safe for tourists

This bear with a fish is also nice.

Successful fishing trip

Successful fishing trip

Of course, the Rocky Mountains require a statue of a moose.

Moose certainly are big

Moose certainly are big

The flowers are beautiful in Vail.

Flower carts are so cheerful

Flower carts are so cheerful

The higher altitude and many daily hours of sunshine enhance the vivid colors. These skiers seem to be having fun.

Skiing fun

Skiing fun

The ram is nice also.

We look good on the ram's head

We look good on the ram’s head

Many of Vail’s streets are pedestrian only, so these Pedi cabs are very convenient.

Great taxis

Great taxis

This statue is unique and we like it.

Look at this sculpture

Look at this sculpture

This area is for kids to play ball.

Soccer anyone

Soccer anyone

A very nice addition to the town. Another way to get around town is the free downtown buses.

Free bus

Free bus

You will want to visit both Vail Village and Lionshead. After so much walking and shopping, it may be time for a drink and light snack. Yeti’s Grind looks like just the spot to visit.

Have a snack and enjoy the view

Have a snack and enjoy the view

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Celtic Harvest Festival in Edgewater, Colorado

Soapy Smith Duck and I, Zeb the Duck, went to a Celtic Festival.

A Celtic Harvest Festival

A Celtic Harvest Festival

Many of the Celtic clans had booths at this festival.

Many clans have their own booths

Many clans have their own booths

There was so much information!   This booth showed weapons used many years ago.

Old weapons

Old weapons

There are rifles, knives and amour. Humans could learn and practice sword fighting.   These people demonstrated how to correctly sword fight.

This is how it is done

This is how it is done

These humans are practicing.

Takes a lot of practice

Takes a lot of practice

One stage had a sailor dance accompanied by a bagpipe.

Sailor dancing to bagpipe music

Sailor dancing to bagpipe music

We felt so Celtic!  The puppet show was fun.

A puppet show!

A puppet show!

We like Celtic festivals. Soon another group of bagpipe players and dancers were ready to perform.

Dancing around swords before battle

Dancing around swords before battle

The entertainers are very good.   Walking around the festival grounds,

Mom said we cannot buy everything

Mom said we cannot buy everything

we admired the merchandise for sale.

Then we found this American Bald Eagle and a barn owl from HawkQuest Raptor group.

An American Bald Eagle--so close to us

An American Bald Eagle–so close to us

These raptors, or birds of prey, are beautiful birds and fabulous hunters.   We were fortunate to see them so close.  Zeb and Soapy were fortunate not to be prey for the raptors.

We hope you visit a Celtic Festival near you.  The bagpipes have a distinctive sound and the dancers are so agile and energetic.   There was also a kid’s corner with inflatable entertainment.  And, mom had another funnel cake.  We hope to see you at a Celtic festival in the future.

Dancers can jump and kick

Dancers can jump and kick

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Hiking in Roxborough State Park

I, Zeb the Duck, went hiking with Soapy Smith Duck and mom.  Roxborough State Park is 25 miles south of Denver and we loved it!

Here we are at Roxborough State Park

Here we are at Roxborough State Park

Mom picked a trail and we started down the path.

Heading down the trail

Heading down the trail

Then we saw this sign warning us about poison ivy.

Poison Ivy?? Be careful!!

Poison Ivy?? Be careful!!

Be careful mom.  We don’t want to spend a few days itching.   We looked back at the Visitor’s Center.

Last view of the Visitor's Center

Last view of the Visitor’s Center

Great view of rock formations don’t you think?  Our trail led us through a wooded area with many wild flowers.  Of course we ducks think yellow flowers are the best color.

Peaceful with yellow flowers

Peaceful with yellow flowers

An employee told us the wild flowers lasted longer this season because we had more rain this year.  They are so pretty—we saw yellow, white, blue and purple flowers.  At a break in the trees these rock formations came into view.

Beautiful rock formations

Beautiful rock formations

WOW!!  Roxborough State Park also has lighter colored rock formations.

Lighter rock formations add contrast to the park

Lighter rock formations add contrast to the park

We could not pick a favorite.  The trail had this bridge to cross the creek.

We like bridges

We like bridges

When we were driving away from the trails, this male was watching us.

We were being watched

We were being watched

This lady has a young deer by her side.

Mom is protecting her young.

Mom is protecting her young.

We all loved Roxborough State Park and we will be back for more hiking while admiring the beautiful scenery.  We would like to meet you on a trail here.

We will be looking for you

We will be looking for you

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Mineral, Fossil, and Gem Show

Fossils are cool. I, Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck went to the Mineral, Fossil and Gem Show at the Denver Coliseum.

Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry Show

Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry Show

Before we entered the coliseum, we examined the offerings from Mineralphil Madagascar.

This stuff is great!

This stuff is great!

These are fantastic.  And look at the blue hues in the stones.

We love the blue here

We love the blue here

The blue matches Soapy’s tie.  From Uruguay Amethyst we admired these trees and other sculptures.

From Uruguay Amethyst

From Uruguay Amethyst

Just look at these fossils.

Huge fossils

Huge fossils

They are simply amazing.

Entering the Denver Coliseum, we spotted these fossils from Fossilien Galerie.

Fossils come in many sizes.

Fossils come in many sizes.

Next mom admired some jewelry.  She really loves the green malachite.

Mom really likes jewelry

Mom really likes jewelry

The orange carnelian is beautiful.  These were from GLG Gemstone Jewelry.  Next we saw a ship.  This ship is carved from jade.

A ship of jade

A ship of jade

It is really big!  Remember I told you mom really likes malachite?

Malachite figures!

Malachite figures!

Here are malachite animals.  As we wandered toward the exit, we discovered this septarian from Madagascar.  Some septarian is also found in Southern Utah.

Septarian from Madagascar

Septarian from Madagascar

The geodes and the turtles were both incredible.  We really enjoyed seeing so much at the mineral, fossil and gem show.  We went just to look.  This is what came home with us.

Pendants and malachite animals now live at our house

Pendants and malachite animals now live at our house

The two pendants without boxes are Botswana agates.  Mom had never seen these before.  There is always something new at these shows.  We hope you visit a mineral, fossil and gem show soon.

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Festival Italiano

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck went to Belmar in Lakewood, Colorado for the 11th annual Festival Italiano.

So many people. A popular festival

So many people. A popular festival

There was so much Italian stuff. This booth had art.

Villa Reale in Lucca, Italy by Emi Kanan

Villa Reale in Lucca, Italy by Emi Kanan

I really liked this painting of Villa Reale in Lucca, Italy by Emi Kanan.  There were two stages with live performances.   The Torino Stage featured Don D’Angelo with a tribute to Frank Sinatra.

Don D'Angelo singing Frank Sinatra songs

Don D’Angelo singing Frank Sinatra songs

Don sang several songs made popular by Frank Sinatra.  We liked him!  At the other end of the street we found Milano Stage.

Rumble Seat group performing

Rumble Seat group performing

The featured group was Rumble Seat.  They were excellent.  Mom liked the old songs and so did we ducks.

Walking through these balloons,

Balloons the colors of the Italian flag

Balloons the colors of the Italian flag

we discovered the children’s area.   Our favorite there was the Children’s Grape Stomp.

Such fun!

Such fun!

Young humans, with clean feet, get in the area with grapes and stomp to juice the grapes.

Stomping grapes

Stomping grapes

When the young ones are finished, they wash their feet here.

Clean up station

Clean up station

This event is sponsored by Balistreri Vineyards,

Balistreri Vineyards sponsored this event

Balistreri Vineyards sponsored this event

a local, family owned winery.

This display was great.  These are real people.

These people are alive

These people are alive

The people stayed here while the flag throwers from Florence, Italy performed.  This area was really crowded.  Like all festivals, there were many venders.  Lots of really good Italian food and gelato.  Mouth watering aromas were everywhere.  Also we browsed in the craft area.  We liked this pottery from Tesori Italian Pottery.

Tesori Italian Pottery available here.

Tesori Italian Pottery available here.

We watched some of the Bocce tournament.

Our first Bocce tournament

Our first Bocce tournament

You roll the Bocce, a 4 ½ inch ball weighing 3 pounds as close as possible to the pallino, a 1 ¾ inch ball which is rolled down the alley first.   The bocce closest to the pallino wins.

This chalk art was good.

We like chalk art

We like chalk art

We watched some of it being created.  This was a great festival.  For more information visit http://www.balistrerivineyards.com

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Duck Soap

I, Zeb the Duck, received this photo of some duck cousins.  The Duck Soap was in Maryland at Takoma Park folk festival.  The 37th annual Takoma Park folk festival has live music on 6 stages.  Some stages are inside and some are outside.  Crafts and food are also plentiful.

I love these guys and love the popularity of my duck relatives.  I have not seen duck soap in Colorado yet, but maybe I will soon.  Thanks to my friend for sending this photo!

Takoma Park, Maryland

Takoma Park, Maryland

This must be a great festival!

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Vail Oktoberfest

Our moms, Soapy Smith Duck and I, Zeb the Duck went to Vail, Colorado for Oktoberfest.

Vail Oktoberfest

Vail Oktoberfest

Soapy’s dog Steve went too.  It was wonderful.  But, why is Oktoberfest in September?  Moms said it’s a German thing???  Many places are having Oktoberfest now, but we decided to visit Vail.  In addition to the beer tents and live music, Vail had extra events.  Let’s begin with the adult keg-bowling contest.  Another first for the ducks.  Contestants must be at least 21 years old.

Keg Bowling

Keg Bowling

Bowler hurls a keg on wheels down the lane at a pyramid of empty kegs with the intention of bringing down the pile.

And they fall

And they fall

Almost like regular bowling??

Keg on wheels. Use as bowling ball

Keg on wheels. Use as bowling ball

Also Vail had Klement’s Bratwurst Eating Contests.  Eat as many brats as you can in 3 minutes.  The moms decided not to watch that.  We wandered around and the rascal Soapy grabbed a mug of beer and posed here.

That rascal Soapy with a mug of beer

That rascal Soapy with a mug of beer

That duck!  We walked by the gondola, on the bike paths so Steve could play too.  Coming back down the mountain, this sign made us laugh.

Caution people!!

Caution people!!

It is telling bikers to slow down as they enter Lionshead area.

We ate brats.  Soapy and Zeb sat on the table watching a bowl of sauerkraut.

Our first bowl of sauerkraut

Our first bowl of sauerkraut

Lots of typical German food here.  Also had big pretzels and schnitzel.  And strudel!   Of course, lots of German beer is available at Oktoberfest.

German beer for Oktoberfest

German beer for Oktoberfest

The last contest we watched was Stein Lifting.  The ladies competed first.  The steins, with a pint of beer, are on the platform. When somebody yells start, the ladies pick up a mug and must hold the full stein at shoulder level.

Ladies, lift your steins

Ladies, lift your steins

Other hand must be at side.  These are heavy.

Still holding steady...

Still holding steady…

The winning time for the ladies was 2 minutes and 45 seconds.  Then the men competed.

Men Stein Lifting

Men Stein Lifting

This man won.

The champ

The champ

Strong arms are needed for this contest.

USA Today says Vail is one of the top ten greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States.  There was also square dancing, Bavarian music and dancing, yodeling, alpenhorn blowing and a costume contest.   To buy food and beverages, money was not accepted.  We needed das token.

Zeb and Soapy with Das Token

Zeb and Soapy with Das Token

We had a great time at Vail Oktoberfest.  Oktoberfest will be celebrated again this weekend in Vail.  We hope you visit Vail sometime during September 12-14, 2014.  For more information visit www.vailoktoberfest.com