October 17, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Pope Farms Pumpkin Patch in Wiggins, Colorado

It is October and we have many pumpkin patches to visit. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, went to eastern Colorado. We stopped at Pope Farms in Wiggins, Colorado.

Pope Farms in Wiggins, Colorado with Zeb and Soapy

There is a pumpkin patch here. This is also a real farm. They sell fresh vegetables here. But in October things are ready for Halloween. Look at all these bales of hay and so many pumpkins.

WOW Hay and pumpkins

This smaller tractor pulls these cars, painted like cows, and small humans can ride in them.

Small humans can have so much fun here

So much fun. You can see that the corn is real tall.

Tall corn back there

Just perfect for a corn maize. The bigger tractor pulls this wagon,

Humans can have a hay ride

usually lined with hay, for a ride around the farm. These pumpkins are still growing.

Orange and white pumpkins still on the vines

It is a good thing that they are big and bright colors. Humans can easily find and pick them. Look at these bales of hay.

Zeb and Soapy are on the ground in front of this hay.

Just to show you how big they are, the yellow spots on the ground are us, Zeb and Soapy. Hope they do not fall.

We hope you visit a pumpkin patch this October. This is a nice one, but if you don’t live here, visit one near you. They are fun!

Autumn fun!

October 15, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Colors of Autumn near Denver 2014

Today, Tuesday, was a beautiful fall day in Colorado. I, Zeb the Duck, was in the car with mom as she drove around town doing errands.

Fall colors with mountains behind

We stopped to take some pictures, but I did not get in any photos.

Spectacular view today. New snow on Continental Divide.

Just scenery shots today. These photos are northwest of Denver, and probably within 5 miles of downtown Denver.

We love to see this every day

We like to show you the beauty of Colorado.

Street in Denver suburb. We love the snow capped mountains.

These trees are turning colors and as you can see, most of the leaves are still on the trees.

Looking up

The fall mums add more color for the season.

Bright mum planted on a street corner.

A few more photos near Indian Tree Golf Club in Arvada. JB Duck’s dad and his friends have golfed here.

Indian Tree Golf Club

Pond and fountain near Indian Tree Golf Club

The sky is so blue.

Golf courses are pretty

Leaves turning and blue sky

We have not had a hard freeze or heavy snow yet, so the leaves have not been damaged. So far, the snow and freezing temperatures have been limited to the mountains. Tuesday was sunny and 70 degrees. Wednesday, as you read this, we expect to reach 80 degrees with sun again. We encourage you to look for fall colors and enjoy the colors of autumn everywhere.

October 13, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Columbus Day 2014

Today, Monday, is the official holiday of Columbus Day. The traditional holiday is October 12. Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria ships in the New World.

Sailing toward new lands

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, and our humans, wish you a very good day!

October 11, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Elk Fest 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado

It is Elk Fest time. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck with our moms and Soapy’s dog Steve, went to Estes Park, Colorado.

We love Estes Park, Colorado

Elk Fest is a great time in Estes Park. The elk often come right into town. It is also mating season for elk, so sometimes we hear elk bugling. Estes Park has a couple entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park, so the setting is gorgeous and the wildlife plentiful.

Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, featured in the movie The Shining.

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

The hotel is very nice, but why so many cars here today?

Elk herd at the Stanley

Now we know. The elk herd is lounging and grazing at the grounds of the Stanley. This one huge bull elk guards the many cows, or girl elk.

This bull is in charge of the herd. Busy guy!

As you can see, Colorado Division of Wildlife has tagged some of the elk.

Elk are being monitored

We loved seeing so many elk in town today.

During Elk Fest there are booths and entertainment. These Indians were entertaining today.

Dancing and singing today

This is a sample of beadwork for sale.

Nice beadwork!

We expected to see elk and other animals, but this…

We loved this cow! Was near booths and entertainment.

We spotted the remains of a stone building on a hill, but this was at the beginning of the trail.

Must always be alert in mountains

With Steve on a leash, 2 ducks and 2 humans started up the mountain trail.

Over the bridge and up the mountain trail

The ruins were nice to see.

Very picturesque. Love the fireplace

The hike was fun.

Beautiful area

Several other humans and dogs were visiting the area also. Heading back to the car to leave, Steve stops to look at the river.

Stevie is such a good girl!

Even though Elk Fest was last weekend, the elk still come into Estes Park and many shops are open. If you can, visit Estes Park soon. The elk will probably be in town and the scenery is spectacular.

Plenty of wild elk in the area. Come see them soon.

October 10, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Dachshunds wear party hats

We had a birthday this week. JB Duck’s dad had a birthday Wednesday. His two wiener dogs (or dachshunds) wore party hats for the celebration.

Frank with her party hat

Hickory with his party hat

The moon also celebrated the birthday. Early in the morning, just before sunrise we saw the blood moon. We were outside at 4:45 a.m. looking at the Blood Moon. But, mom’s photos were terrible.

Blood Moon photo from internet

This photo was on the internet, but it is what we saw early Wednesday morning. Blood Moon is the name for the lunar eclipse where the light and shadows caused the moon to look red. Then Wednesday night, we admired the full moon.

Full moon for birthday evening

This was all a celebration for JB Duck’s dad’s birthday.

October 8, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

The Mask Project

Denver Hospice’s major fundraiser is The Mask Project displayed at Cherry Creek Shopping Mall. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck went with our moms to see the masks.

About 580 masks were displayed

These masks are made and donated by celebrities, sports figures, politicians, artists and recognized members of the community. This charity art auction was conducted online. The bidding ended Sunday, October 5, 2014. Some of the masks may still be viewed at www.TheMaskProject.org

Soapy with a few masks

We, Zeb and Soapy, want to show you a few of our favorites. Some of the photos were taken at the display at Cherry Creek Mall and some were from the Internet. This mask of the elephant is by Carlie Wagner.

By Carlie Wagner

Carlie is a grief counselor and art therapist at Denver Hospice. Carlie works with children and adults who are grieving.

Charo donated this mask. Charo is one of a few people in show business to be recognized by one name. She is a musician, singer, comedienne, stage and screen performer. Charo is an integral proponent of contemporary Latin music. Charo’s complete name is Charo Espana.

Donated by Charo

We really like this bright mask.

This friendly dog mask was created by Darrell Swink. Darrell is a graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art with a degree in Graphic Art/Design.

Donated by Darrell Swink

The mask highlights the dog’s spirit of play and happiness.

Pauline Savage created and donated this mask. We like the feather on the hat and the glasses.

One of 4 masks donated by Pauline Savage

Pauline brought her business, Savage Design Studio to Littleton, Colorado. Pauline created and donated 4 masks.

Dennis Leczinski, a fulltime interior designer in Denver has been painting with stamp collage concepts since 1967. This mask, created and donated, by Dennis Leczinski comes with an additional premium.

One of 3 donated by Dennis Leczinski

The winning bidder also receives a travel certificate for a 6 night South African Safari at a Zulu Nyala Lodge in South Africa.

This mask, Digital Forensics, was created and donated by Mitchell Morrissey, Denver’s District Attorney.

Digital Forensics donated by Mitchell Morrissey

Mr. Morrissey is known for his expertise in DNA technology. Digital forensics is the forensic science, which enables the recovery and analysis of material found in digital devices. This science helps to unmask perpetrators and expose criminal behavior.

Dr. Ted Parks, the creator of this mask, is an orthopedic surgeon and inventor in Denver.

Donated by Dr. Ted Parks

This mask shows beneath surface beauty there are complex and fascinating systems at work.

We liked seeing all the masks, about 580 of them. This event is held every two years, so we hope to see you at The Mask Project in 2016.

Join Soapy and Zeb in 2016

October 6, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Central City for Lunch

I, Zeb the Duck, love to go out to lunch. I went back to Central City, Colorado with Soapy Smith Duck, Soapy’s dog Steve, and our moms. Look at this train engine.

Train engine in Central City

It was built in 1896 and ran between Golden, Colorado and Central City. The tracks were along Clear Creek, near highway 6 today. The last run was April 10, 1941. Central City, Colorado now owns this engine.

Near the train engine is the Reserve Hotel and Casino.

Historic building hosting Reserve Hotel and Casino

When gambling was legalized in Central City, the casinos could not build new buildings or change the outside of any existing structure. The casinos are in these great old historic buildings. Here, at the Reserve, we ate lunch. The casino includes the Guitar Bar.

65 foot Guitar Bar

The web site says this is largest themed guitar bar in Colorado, maybe everywhere? The 65 foot long bar is shaped like a guitar, has 14 slot machines and autographed guitars. Also there are big screen TVs and a state of the art sound system. Keeping with the theme, we saw this picture of Jimi Hendrix.

Jimi

We did not sit at the bar, but our moms did try, or should we say, donate, to this slot machine.

Slot machine at Reserve Casino

It was fun, but not profitable. We enjoyed the buffet at the Reserve Casino’s Chef’s Kitchen. There was so much food, but we did have to try these desserts.

We like pie

The pies look so good (and they were), but look at this chocolate fountain.

Chocolate fountain with marshmallows, strawberries and more

Chocolate fountain with marshmallows, strawberries, pineapple and more

Humans and ducks love chocolate fountains. As we left the casino, we learned that they would miss us.

We will come back

We will miss them also and we will come back soon.

Next was Central City’s Coeur d’Alene Mine Shaft House.

Tours available in summer. Closed now.

Remember Central City was a mining town. They have tours here in the summer, but not now. Steve was happy to explore the area.

Steve loves to explore but stays with the humans

Here we are with Steve. She is expecting a treat from Soapy’s mom. Steve is a good girl, so she did get a treat.

We watch Steve anticipate a treat

We like Central City and know you would like it also. You can enjoy the scenery, hike, gamble, shop or eat. Central City is great.

October 4, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Making Snow in Colorado

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, went to Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) ski resort today.

Back o Arapahoe Basin Ski resort

We were here June 20 for the last weekend of skiing for last season. Today they have the snow guns going. A-Basin is making snow now in preparation for the opening of another ski season. Last year A-Basin was the first ski resort to open in North America. A-Basin was established in 1946 and is really high. The base or bottom of the ski runs is 10,780 feet above sea level. The top of the ski run is 13,050 feet. That’s more than 2 miles high! Usually about 2 weeks of snowmaking is needed to make the 18-inch base necessary to open the resort.

This is a working snow gun.

Snow gun at work

Making snow that is similar to natural snow and good for skiing is happening now. The area has received up to 7 inches of natural snow this week and the temperatures are cold enough to make snow. It was 36 degrees this morning when we visited. This photo shows snow guns.

Snow guns making snow today

These are not skiers. Soapy and I sat in natural snow on these tables.

They had some natural snow also and it is cold

We do not know how to ski or snowboard, so we would need to rent equipment and take lessons here.

Everything the beginner needs

Another ski resort, Copper Mountain, is also making snow. When we arrived this afternoon, the guns were off. Snow is usually made at night when it is colder. This is a photo of Dillon Reservoir, between the two ski resorts.

Beginning to look like winter

The snow on the mountains was not there a couple weeks ago.

Then we went to Loveland Basin ski resort.

We have a lot of ski resorts

The snow guns had been working when we passed the resort this morning, but were off in the afternoon. This shows some man made snow on the lower part of the ski runs and natural snow at the top. These ski lifts are ready for ski season.

Getting ready to ski at Loveland Basin

October 3, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Red Aspen

Autumn in the Rockies means gold aspen leaves.

Golden aspen along the road

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck saw these red aspen trees this week.

Combination of red, gold, green and evergreen trees

We don’t usually see so many red leaves, so we were so excited. Mom took these photos but she did not put us in the trees.

Colors of fall with mountains behind

Thanks mom. We don’t like to be in trees, just to look at them.

Red aspen

We hope you see the fall colors. Don’t wait too long.

We loved this fence by the aspen trees

If you are in Colorado you will love our aspen, evergreens, oak bushes and others.

More red aspen

If you get a day with the bright blue Colorado sky and some mountains in the background, it will be perfect.

A mix of Colorado fall colors

We had some clouds for these photos, but we still love them. We were on Highway 119 not far from Black Hawk going to Nederland, Colorado. Some areas of our Rockies have a new dusting of snow. We hope you enjoy this season. We do!

October 1, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Julia Blackbird’s New Mexican Cafe

I, Zeb the Duck, love to go out for lunch. I went to Julia Blackbird’s in Denver.

Julia Blackbird’s New Mexican Cafe for lunch

We met two of mom’s friends and my friend, Channel. Remember Chanel, the cute little bear. I met her in Cuba last winter. She ate at the restaurant with us.

Julia Blackbird’s is set back from the street. This patio is so nice. Channel and I, Zeb the Duck, are at a table on the right.

Nice patio

There is a small bar out here also. Perfect for a summer evening. If you are finished eating and wish to relax with a margarita, this looks like the spot.

Zeb and Channel waiting for an after meal drink

Entering the café this lobby is decorated with items from New Mexico.

Nice lobby

We entered the restaurant and chose a table near another fireplace.

We liked the decorations

It was a warm day so there were no fires burning, as we admired the decorations. Julia told us about trips to New Mexico purchasing the decorations. Yes, the Julia that owns this café. I like it when we talk to the owners because that indicates they really care about customers. Julia has owned and managed Julia Blackbird’s New Mexican Café for 15 years.

The bar looks very cheerful,

Bar for humans

but Channel and I did not order a margarita. Near the entrance to the café, we watched this lady cook our food.

Our food was freshly cooked right here as we watched

Very fresh! Here is our food. It looks great. Two ladies ordered Tres Hermanas, which were 3 blue corn enchiladas: One chicken with green chili, 1 beef with red chili, one cheese with chili Caribe with beans, posole and a warm tortilla. One lady ordered tacos that were 2 flash fried blue corn tortillas with beef and topped with lettuce, pico and queso.

Looks and tastes fabulous

Two ladies drank peach flavored ice tea and one had a diet coke.

We liked Julia and her Julia Blackbird’s New Mexican Café. We think you will enjoy your meal there also. The café is located at 3434 W 32^nd Avenue in Denver, Colorado.

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