Colorado

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Lamar, Colorado’s Visitor’s Center with Zeb, Soapy Smith and JB Duck

Sometimes we just get in the car, and mom starts driving.   There is always something interesting to see in Colorado, and everywhere.   We are entering Lamar, Colorado now.

Lamar, Colorado

Lamar, Colorado

We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, love Visitor’s Centers.   So much information is available and the people are so friendly and so knowledgeable.   Lamar, Colorado’s was great.

Visitor's Center, Lamar, Colorado

Visitor’s Center, Lamar, Colorado

Before entering, we had to see this engine.   Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1909, it weighs 322,775 pounds.

Locomotive engine

Locomotive engine

This locomotive engine was retired from service October 1953.   A huge statue, Madonna of the Trail, certainly got our attention.

Madonna of the Trail

Madonna of the Trail

It is honoring the women of the trail.   Remember, the Santa Fe Trail passed through Lamar.  On another side of the Visitor’s Center, we found the Enchanted Forest.

Enchanted Forest

Enchanted Forest

What a great location for picnics.   There is even a stage for live entertainment.

Ready for entertainment

Ready for entertainment

This is a great place for visitors and local residents also.   Going in the Visitor’s Center we talked to the humans and found so many places to explore in the area.   However, even though it was an unusual 70 degrees, it is winter, so many locations had limited hours for visitors.  We did visit one location, but this is definitely a place to return when we have more time.   Tomorrow we will show you what we did see.   You might want to plan a trip to Lamar soon.

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Loveland Fire and Ice Festival with Zeb in Loveland, Colorado

Fire and Ice Festival in a town named Loveland.

Loveland Fire and Ice Festival.

Loveland Fire and Ice Festival.

Romance and fun is in the air.   Smile and laughter from carousel riders add to the festival.

Such fun

Such fun

Let’s see some of the ice.   An ice heart symbolizes Loveland.

Ice Heart in Loveland

Ice Heart in Loveland

Loveland even collects Valentine cards from drop off locations in the Denver area, and adds their unique Valentine postmark.   Ice being in the name of this festival, let’s watch the carvers.   Ice flying into the group of spectators is certainly noticed.

Ice shavings fly

Ice shavings fly

More details, still with power tools.

More details created

More details created

This sculpture consists of many layers of ice.

Ice sculpture in levels

Ice sculpture in levels

Loveland Fire and Ice Festival was this past weekend, so Valentine’s Day was a theme.   A bench with Happy Valentine’s Day, even a heart and arrow.

Happy Valentine's Day Ice bench

Happy Valentine’s Day Ice bench

Humans won’t sit on ice very long, but we love it.   One of the many booths highlighted Larimer County Search and Rescue.   This working dog was so well trained.

Larimer County Search and Rescue Dog

Larimer County Search and Rescue Dog

Tolerant of humans and a great asset to the rescue team, he was an instant hit with the humans.   Search and Rescue teams are vital everywhere; this group receives many requests for mountain and wilderness rescues.   Let’s see the fire for the festival.

Fire

Fire

Metal and fire produce this great sculpture.   We like this one also.

Fire

Fire

For additional fire to the festival, there was a fireworks display each evening.   This bronze work, Lovers, is a great addition to Loveland.

Lovers in bronze

Lovers in bronze

The artist is Robin Starkey.   The Loveland Sculpture Group donated Lovers to the City of Loveland in 1998.    Several food booths and souvenirs were available for festival visitors.   We came home with Kettle Corn again.   Horse drawn carriage ride were also available.

Carriage ride

Carriage ride

This was  great festival and we enjoyed mild weather.   We want to go next year, also.

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Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site with the Colorado Traveling Ducks

Flat grasslands, open prairies, few people; eastern Colorado appears similar to the days of wagons driving here on the Santa Fe Trail.   Driving on US 287 near the Kansas border in southeast Colorado, thinking of life as it was 150 years ago, we saw a sign for Sand Creek Massacre.   With no clear destination in mind, we turned east on Hwy 96 near Eads, Colorado.   The site of the Sand Creek Massacre looked no different than the rest of the landscape.

Sand Creek Massacre

Sand Creek Massacre

This chapter of history is not a good one for the US Calvary.   In November 1864 our country was fighting the Civil War in the east.   The central and west parts of our country engaged in the Indian Wars.   Our US flag had 33 stars.

US Flag of 1864 with 33 stars

US Flag of 1864 with 33 stars

Colorado would not become a state for 12 more years.   Some of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians had surrendered and were camped along the Sand Creek.

From Visitor's Center toward battlefield. Camp was behind trees

From Visitor’s Center toward battlefield. Camp was behind trees

This group, mostly the elderly, women, and children, lived here in safety.   Many young men did not surrender and were engaging in the Indian Wars with the US Calvary.   On the morning of November 29, 1864 Col John Chivington arrived with the artillery and gave the order to attack.   Assessing the situation, Captain Soule and Lieutenant Cramer, of the First Regiment refused to fire, remained standing down and in formation with their units.   The Colorado 3rd Regiment, a group of 100-day US Volunteers lost all unit integrity.  The fighting continued all day.   The second day, the camps and bodies were ransacked and burned.   This is a very sad day in US history.   This massacre contributed to more raids and attacks on white settlers and was yet another reason for lack of trust in peace talks.   From the Visitor’s Center, we gazed across the prairie to the massacre site.   Driving or hiking, visitors arrive at this small monument.

Monument

Monument

Gazing down on the landscape, we visualize the terror and confusion of November 29, 1864.   Humans may walk on a path or sit on a bench to honor the memory of those lost that day and quietly reflect on events.

Open prairie of camp and battlefield

Open prairie of camp and battlefield

Leaving, we are grateful for not only for signs leading us to this Historic Site, but also signs leading us back to Hwy 96.

Grateful for this sign leading us back to Hwy 96

Grateful for this sign leading us back to Hwy 96

Turn on Hwy 287 to Lamar and visit Big Timbers Museum.   A photographer, Chuck, spent several years on the battlefield with a geiger counter recovering many metal artifacts.   Here you can see and learn about the cannon balls that were shot, see the small timing devices used and see metal utensils and more.   We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, hope you discover some of the historic remains of southeast Colorado.

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Ice Racing on Lake Georgetown with Zeb the Duck

Racing Jeeps on frozen lakes is a winter sport.   I, Zeb the Duck, did not race.   I did not drive on frozen lakes, but some humans do.    Georgetown, Colorado located 44 miles from my house, is a great destination.

Georgetown, Colorado

Georgetown, Colorado

We shop there, eat there, view autumn leaves there, ride a scenic train there, but now we have watched Jeeps racing on ice there.   Last Sunday morning we watched Bare Rubber Ice Racing.   Humans and vehicles were on the ice already.

On the ice

On the ice

First stop for humans is the registration area.

Must register to race

Must register to race

To race, you must have a Tech Inspection.    This inspection can be done here early the morning of a race and is good for the season.   You also need a Driver’s waiver, Driver’s License, Proof of Insurance, and cash to pay your entry fee.   This red Jeep is racing.

Racing

Racing

When driving, snow was spraying, Jeep was accelerating and sliding in turns.   This blue Jeep was also racing.

Racing

Racing

Of course, with action, you need to see it; no action in still photos.   After racing, the Jeeps return to the registration area.

Returning to registration area

Returning to registration area

For more information about Ice Racing in Georgetown, Colorado, visit   http://www.OurGangIceRacing.com    It was windy and cold Sunday morning and at times visibility for spectators was hampered by blowing snow.   Dress appropriately and you will have fun.   In a different area of Lake Georgetown, some were ice fishing.

Ice fishing

Ice fishing

Whether you want to race, ice fish, or observe, this is a beautiful location.

Beautiful location

Beautiful location

We always have fun in Georgetown.

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Zeb finds A Place in the Sun at The Denver Art Museum

A group of foreign students in an art class in Munich.   Years later, two of them find fame in Taos, New Mexico.   Walter Ufer and E. Martin Hennings developed their own styles in Taos.  Ufer found fame first.   As his popularity fades, Hennings’ rises.   The Denver Art Museum exhibit, A Place in the Sun, displays paintings by Ufer and Hennings and it is worth seeing.

A Place in the Sun at the Denver Art Museum

A Place in the Sun at the Denver Art Museum

This exhibit will be available until April 24, 2016.   I, Zeb the Duck, have been here twice and it is great.   This is one of my favorites by Walter Ufer.   Ufer named it Plaza de Taos.

Plaza de Taos by Ufer

Plaza de Taos by Ufer

This is an oil on canvass painted in 1916 0r 1917.   Also a Taos painting, this is from E. Martin Hennings, Taos Indian Chanters with Drum.

Taos Indian Chanters with Drum by Hennnings

Taos Indian Chanters with Drum by Hennnings

This oil on canvass was completed in 1935.   As an introduction, a sign in the exhibit, explains a little about the artists.

A little about the artists

A little about the artists

All of the paintings we show you are oil on canvass paintings.   Now let’s admire a few of Walter Ufer’s paintings.   Here is Oferta in Chimayó, New Mexico.   This was completed in 1916.

Oferta para San Esquipula. This is the sanctuary at Chimayó near Taos

Oferta para San Esquipula.  This is the sanctuary at Chimayó near Taos

Making Ready is another of our favorites.

Making Ready by Ufer

Making Ready by Ufer

Ufer completed Making Ready in 1917.   Of course, Fiddler of Taos, from 1921, must also be included.

The Fiddler of Taos by Ufer

The Fiddler of Taos by Ufer

Luncheon at Lone Locust, 1923, also held our attention.

Lunchion at Lone Locust by Ufer

Lunchion at Lone Locust by Ufer

As Ufer’s popularity began to fade, he completed this painting in 1935, which was well received by the public.

Bob Abbott and His Assistant by Walter Ufer

Bob Abbott and His Assistant by Walter Ufer

Bob Abbott and His Assistant was an artistic success.    Several additional paintings by E. Martin Hennings are also displayed.   Beneath Clouded Skies, 1922, is a favorite.

Beneath Clouded Skies by Hennings

Beneath Clouded Skies by Hennings

We love The Twins.

The Twins by Hennings

The Twins by Hennings

Mom has always been fascinated by twins, so she really liked this painting from 1923.   Isn’t The Prospectors Cabin great?

Prospectors Cabin by Hennings

Prospectors Cabin by Hennings.   Painted in 1922

Seems like we could walk through the trees to the cabin now.    And a Goat Herder.

The Goat Herder by Hennings

The Goat Herder by Hennings

Painted in 1925-1927.   We love it.   Hennings’ Pueblo Indians, 1923, seem alive and right here with us.

Pueblo Indians by Hennings

Pueblo Indians by Hennings

Remember these two young men studied together in Munich, and apparently traveled a little.   This is Ufer and Hennings in Paris in 1913.

Ufer on the left and Hennings on the right in Paris, 1913

Ufer on the left and Hennings on the right in Paris, 1913.   Smoking used to be a sign of sophistication.

I, Zeb the Duck, am in the picture also.   I just did not get to Paris.   We love having the Denver Art Museum bring special exhibits to us.   You would enjoy this exhibit and it is included in your general admission.   Visit the Denver Art Museum soon.   It has so much to see.

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Today is a Day for Celebrations February 9, 2016

Let’s celebrate!   Everyone loves a celebration, and today we have two reasons to celebrate.   First, today is Mardi Gras, the last day of feasting before Ash Wednesday, which is tomorrow.   New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro will be hosting crazy parties.

Here, in Colorado, we will be celebrating the victory of our Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.   Last Sunday, the Broncos defeated a very good team, the Carolina Panthers, in California.   We recognize the talent and hard work of the Carolina Panthers.    Today in Denver, the celebrating will continue.   The welcome home, victory parade begins at noon.   We hope you will be there cheering our Broncos.

WOW! Broncos

WOW! Broncos

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A Chocolate Affair in Arvada, Colorado with Zeb the Duck

We love chocolate.   We eat chocolate.   Now we can have a Chocolate Affair.   Olde Town Arvada’s 15th annual Chocolate Affair was delicious.   You buy tickets for $1.00.   Each ticket lets you purchase a taste of chocolate from a local business.   This is where we bought tickets.

Tickets for $1 per sample sold here

Tickets for $1 per sample sold here

Also on sale are souvenirs.   How about the shirt with I love OTA.

Olde Town Arvada

Olde Town Arvada

That’s Olde Town Arvada.   Crossing the street we found Dove Chocolate Discoveries at School House Kitchen and Libations, a favorite restaurant.

School House Kitchen and Libations

School House Kitchen and Libations

The little tasters are mint flavored (white ones) and chocolate flavored (brown).

Dove Chocolate Discoveries beverages

Dove Chocolate Discoveries beverages

The mint was our choice and a perfect choice for us.   Whiskey was available to further flavor the beverage, but we declined.    Next stop was Arvada Public Library.   We tried Haystacks, a peanut butter flavored delight and then white chocolate with cranberries.

Looce's chocolate candy samples

Looce’s chocolate candy samples

Samples were from Looce’s.  Both were delicious and could become addictive.   Their sign says Little Bits of Heaven.   These are handmade chocolates.  Looce’s is a local company based in Littleton, Colorado.   Visit them at  www.mslooceys.com   Also in the library samples of chocolate milk from Longmont Dairy were available.   Small humans were enjoying face painting and balloons.   Next we headed to Rheinlander Bakery.

Rheinlander Bakery. Smells so good here

Rheinlander Bakery. Smells so good here

The German bakery was very crowded and smelled heavenly.   With our tickets, we purchased a German Chocolate Brownie.

Love this German Chocolate brownie.

Love this German Chocolate brownie.

Mom sort of smashed it a little, but the flavor was so satisfying.   Makes me want more.   Visit them at   http://www.Rheinlanderbakery.com   This event is a fundraiser for Ralston House.   They provide help for children; victims of abuse or neglect.   In addition to purchasing tickets for samples, (all samples are donated by the individual chocolate businesses), paper hearts are placed on street poles.

Buy a heart. Support Ralston House

Buy a heart. Support Ralston House

Humans and businesses purchase these hearts, another donation to Ralston House.   This one was purchased by Arvada Historical Society, but others were Valentine messages for that someone special.    Now to the Rising Church Gym.   Several businesses offered samples, but these are some of our favorites.   La Patisserie Francaisie offered multi layer cake tastes.   A perfect blend of flavors and textures.   Even a mousse layer.

Arvada's La Patisserie Francaise Yum

Arvada’s La Patisserie Francaise Yum

This is a locally owned Arvada business.   Visit them at http://www.lapatbakery.com   We will be visiting them at 7885 N Wadsworth in Arvada.   Next was creamy, dark fudge from Satchi Fudge.   Chocolate Kissed Cherries with almonds was our favorite.

Satchi Fudge Smooth, creamy and delicious

Satchi Fudge Smooth, creamy and delicious

Satchi Fudge is locally owned in Broomfield, Colorado.   They ship all over the continental United States.   See them at  www.SatchiFudge.com    Enstrom’s Candies, made in Grand Junction, Colorado was our last stop for samples.

Enstrom's Candies. Love the toffee

Enstrom’s Candies.  Love the toffee

We used all of our tickets and mom said we had enough chocolate.    Silly mom, never enough chocolate!   The almond toffee from Enstrom’s is one of our favorites.   So we used all our tickets to taste more toffee.   It is so good.   See more at  www.enstrom.com  Walking toward our car, we could not pass the Kettle Corn booth.

Must have Kettle Corn

Must have Kettle Corn

Using money now, we purchased kettle corn.   A Chocolate Affair in Arvada, Colorado is fun and delicious.   The Ralston House is such a great help to abused children.   This festival benefits everyone and it is fun!   We hope to see you there next year.

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Winter Park with the Colorado Traveling Ducks

Winter week in the mountains for Zeb, Soapy Smith and JB Duck.   It is after Christmas so the Colorado Traveling Ducks hurry to Winter Park, Colorado for a week.   Back to Twin Rivers Condos, we check out this snow pile.

Snow pile and swirling clouds

Snow pile and swirling clouds

The clouds swirling in the sky are interesting to us.   Let’s head to Winter Park Resort.

We are here!

We are here!

The skiers and snowboarders test their skills.

Skiers and Snowboarders

Skiers and Snowboarders

We enjoy their fire pit.

To warm your feathers, or hands

To warm your feathers, or hands

Getting warm is always a good idea.   Winter Park Resort is a highlight of our week here, but let’s return to town and visit one of our favorite restaurants.   Today it is the Smokehouse BBQ for us.

SmokeHouse BBQ

SmokeHouse BBQ

This small locally owned restaurant specializes in smoked meat sandwiches, platters and baskets.   Featuring pork shoulder, chopped chicken thighs, homemade hot links, turkey breast, brisket and burnt ends, our taste buds begin to dance.   We decided on the Liftie, a sandwich of smoked, pulled pork shoulder, with cole slaw and french fries.

Liftie sandwich on Texas Toast. Delicious pulled pork

Liftie sandwich on Texas Toast. Delicious pulled pork

On the table we see the six sauces.   We try a few, all good, but Bucky’s Mild is the preferred today.   This is a really big sandwich.   This is one of the best pulled pork sandwiches we ever had.   Great pork flavor, mild sauce, warm and fresh.   Half of the sandwich comes home with us and our waitress, Bethany, also includes some Bucky’s Mild sauce.   Thanks Bethany.   Smokehouse, we will return.

Smoke House

Smoke House

Another day we enjoyed dinner at Randi’s.   Randi’s served us fresh trout with almonds.   Delicious.   We also had a turkey sandwich; also delicious.   At Twin Rivers Condos, the icicles are removed from the roof as is a couple feet of snow from the edge.   Thank you maintenance crew.   If the snow or icicles fell on us, it would hurt.   Here, in town, people are not usually walking along this building, so the icicles are not removed.

Huge and abundant icicles

Huge and abundant icicles

There are so many!   Beautiful to see and not a danger.   We love them.   Returning to our condo, we stop at the tubing hill.   Here come some people tubing.

Here they come!

Here they come!

This is a group of humans, each with individual tubes, but they hold hands to keep together.

Group of tubing humans

Group of tubing humans

Now Zeb and Soapy Smith try a tube.

Our first tubing experience

We love tubing

Every year we return to Winter Park for a week.   Every year we do many of the same things.   Every year we love it!   We hope you have favorite places which draw you back every year.   Familiar and fun are great!

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Snow Sculptures: Finished and Judged

Freezing my rubber duck feathers with a temperature of only 4 degrees, the snow sculptures in Breckenridge, Colorado were the focus of our trip.   I, Zeb the Duck, showed you sculpting in process last week.   Now you will see the winners.   First place to USA Team Vermont with Rhonda and her Recycling Robo-Octopus.

Team Vermont: Rhonda and her Recycling Robo-Octopus

Team Vermont: Rhonda and her Recycling Robo-Octopus

My friend, Tom, is holding me.   Team Switzerland captured second place with Converse.   However, after Saturday’s judging, half of the sculpture fell off.

Team Switzerland: Converse After the fall

Team Switzerland: Converse After the fall

Fortunately, it was after the judging.   My friend, Tom, is holding me so I don’t become part of a snow sculpture.   USA Team Loveland received the third place ribbon with Bolting From Extinction.

Team Loveland: Bolting from Extinction

Team Loveland: Bolting from Extinction

The elements of nature can destroy the best efforts.   Unfortunately Team Germany fell victim this week.     The creation, Metanoia, was progressing nicely last week,

Team Germany: Metanoia

Team Germany: Metanoia

but this week, just a pile of snow.

Team Germany: Metanoia after the crash

Team Germany: Metanoia, after the crash

That is so sad.    We want to show you more snow sculptures.   Team Ukraine presents Love Wins.

Team Ukraine: Love Wins

Team Ukraine: Love Wins

Depicting a fist symbolizing brute force, violence and war, that is stopped by an open palm.     The open palm is a metaphor of peace and love.   The artists hope that peace and love, with negotiations and compromise, will return peace to Ukraine.   Team Breckenridge shows The Widow Maker, referring to the pneumatic drill once used to mine gold.

Team Breckenridge: The Widow Maker

Team Breckenridge: The Widow Maker

My friend, Tom, is holding me again.   Team Great Britain created Tale of Two Dragons.

Team Great Britain: Tale of Two Dragons

Team Great Britain: Tale of Two Dragons

Team Mongolia, Bayanmunkh, sculpted the Lion and Butterfly.

Team Mongolia Bayanmunkh: Lion and Butterfly

Team Mongolia Bayanmunkh: Lion and Butterfly

Thanks again, Tom.   The slide and tunnel in this snow sculpture is great for small humans to play and have fun.

This one is for fun and sliding

This one is for fun and sliding

Remember Budweiser is the sponsor of this competition.   This is by Budweiser, not for competition, just for fun.

Busdweiser, the sponsor, presents this mug

Busdweiser, the sponsor, presents this beer stein.

Mom, I hope you know that I, Zeb the Duck, fell in the cold snow.   Don’t forget me!   Now you know why I am so grateful to my friend Tom.   The snow is cold  and I could get lost in all this white stuff.   All of these are wonderful works of art by very talented artists.    And, the Artists’ Choice Award goes to Team Wisconsin for their representation of Dia de Muertos.

Team Wisconsin: Dia de Muertos

Team Wisconsin: Dia de Muertos

The Colorado Traveling Ducks appreciate all the talented artists, and we will eagerly await next year’s creations.   These are great!   These snow sculptures will be destroyed Saturday evening, so if you have not seen them yet, please hurry!