May 20, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb Meets Linda at the Denver Art Museum

I, Zeb the Duck, am going to the Denver Art Museum today. This is a great museum. The building is rather unusual also.

Let’s go to the Denver Art Museum

The main entrance is in the Hamilton Building. Mom says I will meet Linda. This is a temporary exhibit of John DeAndrea’s three sculptures.

Let’s see Linda

One of the Art Museum employees is holding me. Mom is not allowed to put me on anything near these sculptures.

Here we are!

This was a very nice man. Linda looks so real. How did John DeAndrea do this?

How Linda was created

Well, this sign explains the process. Very involved, I think.

Is Linda just sleeping?

Doesn’t Linda look like she will wake up and talk to us any minute?

The second sculpture is a nude with a black drape.

So life like

She also looks alive. This exhibit is amazing. How does he do it?

Cast in bronze?

I really like this lady.

She looks alive

The last sculpture is a little different.

Two people here

There are two people here. Again, they look so alive and I feel they may talk to me today.

You have to see these

We hope you will visit the Denver Art Museum and see this exhibit. These sculptures will be on display until June 21, 2015. The last time they were displayed was 2009, so don’t wait too long. Visit http://www.denverartmuseum.org for more information.

May 16, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

African Art at the Denver Art Museum with Zeb and Soapy

We went to the Denver Art Museum. Our Art Museum has so much stuff. We have a membership here, so we can go for just a short time and then do other things mom needs to do. We, Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck, want to show you some of what we saw in the African Art exhibit.

Welcome to the African Art Exhibit

This exhibit is on the 4^th floor of the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building.

This mask of wood, paint and metal is from the Nafana Culture of the Ivory Coast and Ghana.

From the Ivory Coast and Ghana in Africa

From the Ivory Coast and Ghana’s Nafana culture

Once a year dancers wear these giant masks, representing Bedu, an animal spirit that lives in the wilderness. They perform acrobatic dances, model ideal conduct and chide villagers who have misbehaved during the year. These masks feature large round faces and geometric patterns. This harp is from Ethiopia; the drum is from the Senufo culture of the Ivory Coast.

A harp, a drum and a pot

The ceramic pot represents the Mandingo culture of Mali. The intricate wooden door panels

Beautifully carved door panels

are from the Yoruba culture of Nigeria. This mask

What a great mask

represents the Farig culture of Gabon. This Housepost was carved by Olowe, the most important artist for the royal court in the late 1920s.

A housepost

The housepost comes from the Yoruba culture in Nigeria. Olowe’s energetic forms create the illusion of movement. This housepost, a warrior on horseback, supported by several women, highlights the complementary relationship between ordinary people and those in power. Here is a Spiritual Messenger,

A spiritual messenger

created by Francis Nnaggenda, a native of Uganda. We think the African Art exhibit is great! And there is more to see.

These figures

Carved figures

are from Yoruba culture of Nigeria. The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Look at this mask

is represented by this mask. The wood and bone pipe is also from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Pipe from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

There is much to see at the Art Museum’s African Art display, but we will end with Moyo Ogundipe’s Life’s Fragile Fictions, representative of Nigeria’s Yoruba culture.

Vivid colors!

We hope you visit the Denver Art Museum or an art museum near you soon.

May 15, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Furry Scurry in Denver with Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck

Every May, the Dumb Friends League sponsors a 2-mile walk for humans and dogs. This is the biggest fundraiser for the Dumb Friends League. This year there were over 12,000 humans, over 5,000 dogs and two Colorado Traveling Ducks. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m.

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.

As you can see, there are a lot of humans and dogs here.

What a great turn out for the Furry Scurry

The walk is held at Denver’s Washington Park. The paths go around the lake. The finish line is a welcome sight for dogs and humans.

After 2 miles we have finished

We thought these white dogs were beautiful.

Mom really likes white dogs.

This vehicle reminds us that we are raising money for the Dumb Friends League.

Dumb Friends League sponsors this event

Sheltering homeless pets is a great cause. After the finish line, there were many booths. A portion of all profits goes to the Dumb Friends League. This is the first time we saw this Mobile Dog Wash.

The Pooch Mobile

Isn’t this great?

Even a toy dog inside

What a great idea. Often humans complain about pet hair. Here is the solution.

Be Forever Furless

All humans should know CPR for humans and now they can learn first aid and CPR for dogs.

Sometimes dogs need help

You can see this was a nice morning and so many walkers stayed to shop, eat and enjoy the day.

Lots of shoppers and lookers

Dogs need clothes, too. The baseball cap can shade the eyes, or the bill can be flipped up.

This dog is a Bronco fan!

The dog scarf is a fashion statement. Large areas of Washington Park were designated play areas for dogs. This obstacle course was fun to see. This dog is not sure about going through the tunnel.

Why would I want to go inside that tunnel???

Another dog had no problem going up and down the ramp.

Up the ramp and then back down. OK

This dog is catching a Frisbee.

Catching a Frisbee is fun

It was a full and busy day for the dogs. These two seem happy and slightly exhausted.

A festival for dogs!! Very tiring

We hope you visit a furry scurry, or similar event near you. We want to go again next year.

May 13, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck Go to Deckers, Colorado

After Sedalia, we drove to Deckers, Colorado. This is a scenic drive and we love it.

Beautiful Colorado

There are not many homes here, but the mountains, trees and river are so peaceful and beautiful. This area is home to the Upper South Platt Forest Restoration Program.

Upper South Platte Forest Restoration Project

Aren’t the trees pretty?

Love the pine trees

This is a great area for fishing.

An afternoon fishing

These men seem to be having a good time in the river. The area southwest of Denver has many old trees.

Old Trees

This is the story of the Old Trees. **Like many stories, all was not happy.

Showing fire scars

This shows a 300-year-old pine tree with fire scars. We love our Colorado mountains and rivers with the bright blue Colorado sky.

Beautiful river and mountains

But all humans have a responsibility to be careful and keep our state beautiful. A minute of carelessness can result in scenes like this.

Terrible devastation

Even years later, with new growth emerging, the devastation caused by fires is very visible.

At least 3 years after fire

But, on a happier side, this is the Colorado we all love and try to preserve.

Much better

Let’s keep Colorado and all states looking like this.

May 11, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck Visit Sedalia, Colorado

Sedalia, community of about 200 people, south of Denver, is an old railroad town. Today many of the old historic buildings are still there. This museum is very nice.

The museum opened soon

It was closed when we arrived, but did open before we left town. The museum also hosts the Girl Scout project, the Caboose Library.

Red Caboose Library is a great project

This is a free library. The sign says to take a book and leave a book. Next to the museum is a Douglas County Historical Landmark, the Sedalia Fire Station.

Fire Stations are very important in these towns

This fire station was completed in 1933.

Horses are important in Sedalia

Zeb and Soapy really like this fire alarm.

Turn handle in case of fire

Isn’t this great? We love it! The red container held fire retardant, used to help put out fires.

To the fire

Humans, animals or vehicles could pull this cart. Any way to get it to the fire. The Different Drummer antique store is really nice. The grounds are so neat and we love these tulips.

Different Drummer Antiques

This part of the lawn has so much stuff.

So many interesting things here

We admired the cow, goose and hay wagon, but our favorite was the man with a red scarf leaning against the post with the bell.

Wandering down the main street, we noticed the Community Market.

Love logs

Great bench in front of the building. Bud’s Bar is a favorite hangout.

Welcome to Bud’s

Great hamburgers are served in here. A fine dining establishment, Gabriel’s, has a beautiful patio.

When you want Italian food, try Gabriel’s

Diners can sit here and enjoy the beautiful mountains, while enjoying wonderful food. Around the corner, we discovered the General Store.

Love the roof decoration

We love this place. Sedalia is a friendly, historic town and we enjoyed walking around. But, mountain sunshine and fresh air, often requires a snack. Comadres looked inviting, and was recommended by the lady at the museum, so we entered.

Let’s go to Comadres!

So many flavors of ice cream. We wanted to try them all, but we bought black cherry and Hawaiian ice cream. The black cherry was fabulous!

YUM!!

The Hawaiian ice cream had bits of coconut and bits of macadamia nuts. We ate at a table outside enjoying the wonderful weather and the great ice cream. I think Hawaiian ice cream is my new favorite!

May 6, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Goodbye to Bert the Hippo

I, Zeb the Duck, went to the Denver Zoo last August. Bert, the hippo had a birthday August 21. Bert, 58 years old, was the oldest living hippo in North America and the longest resident of the Denver Zoo.

Happy Birthday Bert

My friend, Bert, died Monday, May 3, 2015 at the zoo. We will miss him whenever we go to the zoo. Bert’s son, Mahali, is now the oldest hippo at the Denver Zoo.

Bert, born at New York City’s Central Pak Zoo, arrived in Denver on December 16, 1958. Bert was the first hippo to ever live at Denver’s zoo.

Bert has his own pool

Bert became one of the most loved and visited residents at the Denver Zoo. Here are some photos from Bert’s birthday last August.

Bert is watching me!

Bert is eating while watching me watch him

Bert, I will miss you. You were the best hippo I ever met!

April 29, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb and Eider Duck in Glenwood Springs, Colorado

After Rifle, Colorado, we got back on I-70 returning to Denver. We stopped at Glenwood Springs, Colorado. You might remember that Doc Holliday was with the three Earp Brothers during the shoot out at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Shortly after the shoot out in Arizona, Doc Holliday moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. That was a great place for treatment if you had consumption, or tuberculosis at that time. We went to Doc Holliday’s saloon.

We like Doc Holliday

Good painting on the window here. This guy invites us in, so in we go.

Come in!

Friendly place. This is the sign from Doc Holliday’s office.

John Holliday, Dentist

Remember, he was a dentist. There are some great photos on this wall.

Old photos from Doc’s past

This one is labeled Gunfight at OK Coral Aftermath, October 26, 1881.

From the OK Corral…Aftermath???

On the left is Gunfighter Doc Holliday with U.S. Marshall Wyatt Earp. In the center are U.S. Marshall Virgil Earp and Mrs. Allie Earp. On the right, we see U.S. Marshall Morgan Earp and Mrs. Lou Earp. This photo is from Tombstone, Arizona Territory. This is a later photo of Wyatt Earp.

Wyatt Earp in 1926

The caption says Wyatt Earp as he appeared in 1926. The Budweiser Beer Wagon at KD Hughes Wholesale Liquor at 824 Grand Avenue, here in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a favorite of ours.

Budweiser Beer Wagon

The saloon is great and so are the food and beverages. We think you would like this place and hope you will stop in when you are in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Hope you visit Doc Holliday’s Saloon, but don’t argue

April 27, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb and Eider Duck in Rifle, Colorado

We did go to Rifle, Colorado to eat at Shooters Grill,

Shooters Grill is awesome!

but we really liked the town. The people were so friendly. This street reminded us of the old west from countless movies we have watched.

Could be a movie set with the blue Colorado sky

Zeb and Eider really thought this horse was great.

A horse ducks can love

Ducks can sit on the feet of a horse and not be afraid. The Big Kids Corner Bar also looked inviting.

Maybe another time we will visit the Big Kids Corner Bar

We drove out of town to visit one of the many parks. The lake is so refreshing. Just like you would expect to see in the Rocky Mountains.

Love the lake

The name, Walleye Parking Lot, made us smile. The humans used to fish for walleyes in northern Wisconsin when they were kids. The blue color of this mountain lake is just beautiful.

Incredible blue lake

We love our Colorado lakes. Some of our distant relatives are swimming out there.

Swimming ducks

We tame ducks like our water a little warmer for swimming. Isn’t this some of the clearest water you have ever seen?

Clear Rocky Mountain water

We can see all the rocks and smaller pebbles on the bottom of the lake. As we left this park heading back to I-70, this mailbox caught our attention.

Great mailbox!

We loved it! You should visit Colorado soon. It is a great state.

April 25, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Shooters Grill in Rifle, Colorado with Zeb, Eider and pistols

Shooters Grill in Rifle, Colorado

is a friendly restaurant, but it is a little different than most restaurants we have visited. The waitresses all carry guns on their hip. Really! Let’s go inside. Everybody here was so nice and so friendly. We admired this welcome sign.

Welcome to Shooters Grill

Jessica took our drink order. Jessie is our new friend.

Our new friend Jessica

They do not serve alcohol at Shooters, but our soft drinks were big and ice cold. We wandered around this restaurant. This picture of a man taking a bath in a tub is so typical of the early west.

We love this picture

Isn’t it great? Zeb and Eider believe them when they say No Trespassing.

We believe

These signs are serious! Zeb and Eider like this sign saying guns are welcome.

Guns are welcome. But, be responsible

Shooters is a friendly restaurant, not a rowdy, crazy place. Signs indicate a belief in the Second Amendment rights and a strong Christian belief. If you want great food in a peaceful environment, served by friendly waitresses, this is your place. Brooke is another new friend and waitress.

Brooke is another new friend

And, look at this food.

Yum!

The portions are big and the taste was perfect. Whenever you are near Rifle, Colorado, stop at Shooters.

Come in for great food and a great experience

Take exit 90 from I-70 and you are almost there. For more information visit http://www.shootersgrillofrifle.com You will be glad you stopped for a meal.

April 24, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Snow at Vail Pass Summit with Zeb and Eider Duck

Leaving Nederland and unseasonably warm temperatures, we west drove on I-70 to Vail Pass. We stopped at the rest area and look at this snow. This sign is buried in snow.

Sign is about buried in snow

This shows the bright blue Colorado sky that we love.

You can almost see the sign between the snow and bright blue sky

Isn’t this beautiful? Even the stairway and path are closed due to snow.

Stairway closed due to snow

In the summer we hike up this hill and the view is spectacular. We love this sign.

Great sign and snow as tall as the building

They need to tell us not to take skis and snowmobiles inside the rest area building. That is great! We went inside the building, but we could hardly see out the window.

This is the view through the window

The snow is piled almost as high as the building. Here we are, Zeb and Eider Duck, sitting in a snow bank.

Zeb and Eider back in the snow

Hey mom, this snow is cold.

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