Colorado

by

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed Exhibit

Sunday I, Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck visited the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

We can learn about the Maya culture.

We can learn about the Maya culture.

Sunday was the last day for the exhibit Maya:  Hidden Worlds Revealed, and our moms took us to see the exhibit. It was wonderful.

We liked this stela dedicated to the Quirigua’s most important king, K’ah’ Tiliw Chan Yo’at meaning, “Fire burning Celestial Lightning God.

Stela for most important Quirigua king

Stela for most important Quirigua king

By holding a jaguar headed throne made at the dawn of the universe, he aligns himself with the creative powers of the Maize God.  All the artifacts had signs explaining what we were seeing.  Quirigua is a Mayan site in southeast Guatemala.

This is a Mayan altar.

Mayan altar. Used for special occasions

Mayan altar. Used for special occasions

The altars commemorated important occasions and served as the settings for elaborate sacrifices, including human offerings, to the gods.

Another side of altar. Human sacrifices? Not duck sacrifices!

Another side of altar. Human sacrifices? Not duck sacrifices!

Throughout the exhibit, we watched short videos.  They were very interesting.

This artifact was displayed in a case.

Maya King

Maya King

The accompanying sign explains the importance of this statue.  Copan ruins are in western Honduras near the Guatemala border.

About king

About king from Copan

Did you know that the Mayan people invented the bouncing rubber ball?  They did. The Spaniards were so impressed with the bouncing ball and the games played that they took a ball team to Spain to perform for Spanish royalty.  The ball was made with liquid from the rubber tree.

Collecting latex from rubber tree

Collecting latex from rubber tree

To make a bouncing rubber ball, the Maya cooked latex from the rubber trees with juice from the morning glory vine.   Experts shaped the elastic mixture into spheres or pulled it into strips that they wound into balls.

This rubber ball is very heavy.  It weighs 8 pounds.

8 pound rubber ball

8 pound rubber ball

We also saw clothing, cooking utensils, knife blades, tombs and jewelry.  The Mayan exhibit has left Denver now and is going to Boston.  If this exhibit comes to your area, you would like to see it.  This was on the front of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Promo for Maya exhibit

Promo for Maya exhibit

Please go to any exhibit that comes to your town.  We see many of them and they are all very interesting.  You will enjoy visiting these exhibits.

Museum exhibits are wonderful

Museum exhibits are wonderful

by

Bert the Hippopotamus has a Birthday

I, Zeb the Duck, visited the Denver Zoo Friday.

Back to the Denver Zoo

Back to the Denver Zoo

Bert the hippopotamus celebrated his 58th birthday Thursday, August 21.  In the wild, hippos live 30-40 years and in captivity, they live about 10 years longer.  Bert is way past that.

First mom and I went to the Pachyderm Habitat.

Bert and other hippos live here

Bert and other hippos live here

Bert was there, eating.

Happy Birthday Bert

Happy Birthday Bert

He sure is big. This sign explains much of Bert’s life.

This is Bert's story

This is Bert’s story

Bert is the oldest hippo in North America and perhaps in the entire world.  That is amazing!

Bert is watching me!

Bert is watching me!

Bert has some geriatric problems, including arthritis, stiffness and dental issues.

Bert spends much of his time in the water.

Bert has his own pool

Bert has his own pool

The water helps alleviate the pressure of carrying his 5,000 pounds.

After leaving Bert’s home, we spotted this statue.

Zeb's first time on a hippo

Zeb’s first time on a hippo

I think I look good with the hippopotamus.

I hope you visit the Denver Zoo soon.  If you visit Denver Zoo this weekend and your name has Bert in it, you get in free.  That’s for RoBERTa, RoBERT, and so many more names.  If not, visit a zoo near you.  Other zoos may not have Bert, but zoos are wonderful places and so much fun.  You will have a great day at a zoo.

Bert is eating while watching me watch him

Bert is eating while watching me watch him

by

Wheat Ridge Art Festival

An art show with all original paintings. At the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival we followed the signs and went to the art show.

Festivals are fun

Festivals are fun

This group creates in oil, acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil and pen and ink. We liked it all.

Wheat Ridge Art League

Wheat Ridge Art League

This watercolor painting received first place.

First place winner

First place winner

Such bright colors. This picture received second place.

2nd place winner

2nd place winner

These oil paintings of cats made mom smile.

Playful cats

Playful cats

We especially liked the cat painting a lion. An abstract in watercolor received honorable mention.

Honorable mention abstract

Honorable mention abstract

Very colorful! Isn’t this watercolor giraffe adorable?

Giraffes are adorable

Giraffes are adorable

This lady is great. That is a real white feather on her hat and a real earing.

Just beautiful

Just beautiful

Very creative and effective!

Last year’s first place winner created this wolf, labeled “Alpha”

Alpha by Michael Veldkamp

Alpha by Michael Veltkamp

.

Michael also created the lion, named “Watching Over”.  Michael uses colored pencils.

Watching by Michael Veltkamp

Watching Over by Michael Veltkamp

There were a great variety of subjects for the art work.

So much to see and admire

So much to see and admire

I, Zeb the Duck, was fascinated by and appreciated it all. I hope you visit an art show near you and see work by local artists.

by

Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival

Wheat Ridge, Colorado held the Carnation Festival last weekend.

Carnation Festival

Carnation Festival

It was in two locations this year. Saturday morning was the parade. Mom and I went to the festival near the end of the parade. There was music

Music necessary for festivals

Music necessary for festivals

and the popular face-painting booth.

Maybe some day for me?

Maybe some day for me?

This free bubble fun area was new to this duck.

Bubbles!

Bubbles!

Free fun!

Free fun!

I think it was nice for the young humans. Also, humans and ducks, could jump on this hopscotch area.

Zeb's first hopscotch

Zeb’s first hopscotch

In the evening we went to the second festival area at Anderson Park in Wheat Ridge. There was a circus tent, an area for the spaghetti dinner and several other booths. Here the small humans picked a duck with a number on the bottom.

Pick a duck. Win a prize.

So many of my cousins

The number determined the prize. Kids rode bikes through this cone area.

Practice biking skills

Practice biking skills

The children also had a play area.

Human kids have so much fun

Human kids have so much fun

This girl sits on a chair while others through a ball at the target. If they hit the target, the girl falls in the water.

Dunking boot and she just got dunked

Dunking boot and she just got dunked

She just got dunked and is now back on the chair—very wet. I, Zeb the Duck, like the kettle corn.

YUM!!

YUM!!

I also like festivals. Next time I will show you original artwork from the Wheat Ridge art exhibition. Don’t miss it!

by

Woof Fest 2014

Woof Fest 2014 was yesterday, August 17, 2014.

We loved Woof Fest 2014

We loved Woof Fest 2014

This event for dogs and humans, and two of the Colorado Traveling Ducks, was held at Denver’s Civic Center Park. I, Zeb the Duck, went with Soapy Smith Duck and our moms. Soapy’s dog, Steve, went also. Bands were performing in the Greek Theater.

Music everywhere

Music everywhere

Several dogs were here also.  Here are two of them.

Lounging and happy

Lounging and happy

This is dog is her baby

This is dog is her baby

Steve and Soapy’s mom went shopping here. Steve (she is a girl) got a pink fluffy collar with pearls and another collar with a pink bandana. There is so much stuff for dogs at Woof Fest. This, Joyful Bling Dog Gear, was our favorite store.

Steve shopping at Joyful Bling Dog Gear

Steve shopping at Joyful Bling Dog Gear

The storeowner, Connie, said the store is on Facebook. Check them out! Your dog will love you for it.

Next stop was a tattoo for Steve. She is not sure about this during the process,

What are you doing????

What are you doing????

but here she is, very happy with her new heart tattoo.

Steve strutting her stuff!

Steve strutting her stuff!

Woof Fest is a benefit concert for underprivileged pets. Live music was performed on two stages. Here was the merchandise for Woof Fest.

Help PetAid Colorado

Help PetAid Colorado

Steve has so many things already, so we did not purchase more, but each of the moms gave a donation for pets.

Ducks want to help pets also

Ducks want to help pets also

Soapy and I were happy they did—we like dogs and all pets.

Steve is in the off leash pet area now.

No leashes here, but many frisbees and tennis balls

No leashes here, but many frisbees and tennis balls

We saw this Dalmatian Duck.

Dalmatian Duck

Dalmatian Duck

He is so cute, but he already has an owner. We just took this photo. This is a great idea and booth.

Ask the vet and help your pet!

Ask the vet and help your pet!

Pet owners can Ask a Veterinarian questions about pets here. There were several dishes with cold water, some with ice, for the dogs.

Several dishes with ice water for dogs at Woof Fest

Several dishes with ice water for dogs at Woof Fest

Ducks were not allowed in the water bowls.

We had great food from this Manna from Heaven Food Truck.

Yum!

Yum!

One mom had a sandwich and one mom had a wrap. Steve had a little grilled pork and grilled chicken.

Denver’s Civic Center Park is between the Capitol building and the City and County Building. It is very nice. Here are a couple statues.

Bucking horse

Bucking horse

Denver's Civic Center Park

Denver’s Civic Center Park

We hope you come to Woof Fest next year. If there is one in your city, visit and you will have a good time. For more information, visit www.wooffest.org

by

Gold Rush Days

I, Zeb the Duck went to Buena Vista, Colorado for Gold Rush Days.  It was great!  We went Sunday, August 10, 2014.  First the burros were blessed.  After they started the race, we all went to the Lariat Saloon.

Lariat Saloon since 1885

Lariat Saloon established in 1885

A fight started at the bar and soon there was a shooting.

And the fight starts

And the fight starts

One man was arrested and hand cuffed.

Caught in the act

Caught in the act

The other man was dead on the floor.

Dead on the floor

Dead on the floor

We all went to the jail for a hanging.  At the jail, the sheriff decided not to hang the killer, but gave us a history lesson.  Only one hanging occurred in Buena Vista.  Usually the guilty were run out of town.  Of course, this was all an act and here are the main characters:

Cast in the Buena Vista shootout

Cast in the Buena Vista shootout

The sheriff, the killer, the killed, and the ladies of the evening.  Wow!  This was great.

While we waited for the winning burros to return, I saw something new. We watched the toilet seat races!!   The toilet seats have 3 wheels on the bottom.

Racers toilet seat

Racers toilet seat

Humans kneel, sit or any position, use 2 toilet plungers like ski poles, feet never touching the ground, and race to the finish line. The races are by age groups. Here are young humans ready to race.

Ready to go!

Ready to go!

This guy is doing great!

Doing great. Hard to keep balance

Doing great. Hard to keep balance

The last race was for adults. This is a new racing position.

Large man racing

Large man racing

Remember– feet cannot touch ground. Here I, Zeb the Duck, am with several toilet seats.

I never sat on so many toilet seats

I never sat on so many toilet seats

The winner of each race receives a prize. This young lady won a golden plunger.

Girl in pink hat wins golden plunger

Girl in pink hat wins golden plunger

Here come the burros.

First two burros to finish race

First two burros to finish race

These two are so close. The winner, on the right wearing a red shirt, is Justin from Conifer, Colorado. His burro is Yukon Jack. The burros have microchips on the halter, so we know the winning time was 1 hour, 35 minutes and 56 seconds. A fraction of second behind was Patrick from California, on the left with a number 4.  Patrick was the winner last year.   Look at the shoes.

Look at the shoes on the racers

Look at the shoes on the racers

Justin from Conifer has running shoes and Patrick from California wears running sandals!

This was a festival, so we visited vender’s booths, ate funnel cake, and watched kids play. Buena Vista is on the Arkansas River and is a great town.

Love the river

Love the river

We will visit again and hope you visit here also.

by

Art in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is an old western town, a great ski town, and has many activities on the Yampa River. But, Steamboat Springs has several wonderful art galleries also.  You will enjoy the Avenue Gallery.

Avenue Gallery. Very nice

Avenue Gallery. Very nice

The Steamboat Art Company is another good choice.

Another great establishment

Another great establishment

Or, don’t make a choice—visit them all.

Mom and I enjoyed these statues by the benches.

Great statue

Great statue

I, Zeb the Duck, really like the main street of Steamboat Springs.

Sit down and let's talk

Sit down and let’s talk

Mom and I entered the Wild Horse Gallery.  We met Shirley Stocks, an owner and one of the artists.  She said we could take a few photos.  For more information on the Wild Horse Gallery visit http://www.wildhorsegallery.com

Local artists are supported. Name of artist on wall

Local artists are supported. Name of artist on wall

Love the bronze figures

Love the bronze figures

As we prepare to leave Steamboat Springs, I gaze at these historic buildings, but I also want you to see some new buildings.

New additional to Steamboat Springs

New additional to Steamboat Springs

And, I particularly liked this crow guarding the neighborhood.

Crow on watch

Crow on watch

When I saw this dinosaur I was a little confused.  Mom said many years ago, some Sinclair gas stations had them.  Dino was new to this duck, but I like Dino.

Dinosaur from Sinclair service stations

Dinosaur from Sinclair service stations

He makes the gas station seem friendly.  Visit Steamboat Springs when you can.  You will like it here.  We did.

by

More of Steamboat Springs

Yesterday mom and I, Zeb the Duck, arrived in Steamboat Springs.  Today we explored a little more.  Let’s go to the Yampa River.

Colorado's Yampa River

Colorado’s Yampa River

A block from main street the Yampa surges down the mountain.  It is so powerful and so refreshing.

From the river I saw these jumps.  Almost wish we had snow today.

Fun in the mountains

Fun in the mountains

The lower part of this photo shows the ramps for skate boarders.  We watched them and they are talented and having fun.  Of course, the Yampa River calls to adventurers.  So, the Back Door Sports shop offers many options for everyone. I love this store.

Back Door Sports

Back Door Sports

It really does operate from the back door of the building.  And it is really right on the river.

When not on the river or skateboarding, you may want to ride a bicycle.

I like this

I like this

Steamboat Springs has so many options for fun.

The mighty Yampa

The mighty Yampa

But, all that activity could increase appetites in humans and ducks.  Here is one opportunity for a break from activities.

This looks very inviting

This looks very inviting

Or you can relax inside the Cantina,

Food smelled so good

Food smelled so good

or sit outside while you enjoy a snack and beverage.

Eating outside is always fun

Eating outside is always fun

I will tell you more about this town next time. Steamboat Springs is great!

by

Going to Steamboat Springs

I, Zeb the Duck, am going to Steamboat Springs today. Steamboat Springs is a great mountain town and ski resort in northwest Colorado. Driving west on I-70, we go through the tunnel,

Driving west, under the Continental Divide

Driving west, under the Continental Divide

exit I-70 and head northwest. Our mountains are beautiful, but here we have mountains, rivers

Enjoying the river

Enjoying the river

and pasture land.

Fenced pasture

Fenced pasture

Just perfect!

Colorado is beautiful

Colorado is beautiful

Steamboat Springs is on the west side of the Continental Divide. Up and over Rabbit Ears pass

Crossing the Continental Divide again

Crossing the Continental Divide again

and on to Steamboat Springs. Approaching town, we encountered Old Town Hot Springs.

Hot Springs are welcome any time

Hot Springs are welcome any time

We love the hot springs in our mountains. Warm water for swimming or lounging all year. Ducks and humans love water!

Sitting on the horse in front of the famous F.M. Light and Sons store, I appreciate the old west style buildings.

I think I like riding this horse.

I think I like riding this horse.

F. M. Light and Sons store was established in Steamboat Springs in 1905. They have been serving the town for more than 100 years and 5 generations. Steamboat Springs feels like a real western town with skiers and cowboys. I like it! Looking down the street, we see ski runs.

Skiing so close to town

Skiing so close to town

Of course there is no snow in the summer, but lots of biking, hiking and river activities.

The names of these stores are fun. Here is Moose Mountain Trading Company.

A great name for this establishment

A great name for this establishment

These flowers are wonderful, but the addition of this yellow duck makes them perfect.

I think I brighten these flowers.

I think I brighten these flowers.

Tomorrow we will see more of Steamboat Springs. This is a great town.

by

Summer Afternoon in Aspen

Another reason to love Colorado!  We can go to Aspen for a few hours.  No need to buy an airline ticket, reserve a hotel, or even plan ahead.  Today I, Zeb the Duck, Soapy Smith Duck and mom spent the afternoon enjoying Aspen.

Lift to ski the famous Aspen Mountain

Lift to ski the famous Aspen Mountain

We could stay longer if we want to, but this was just an afternoon as we were exploring our Colorado Mountains.

The shopping in Aspen is wonderful.  This was mom’s first stop.

Nothing beats a great jewelry store

Nothing beats a great jewelry store

A couple blocks down the street is Aspen Mountain.  After all, Aspen is a first class ski destination.  Always be prepared when going to the top of a mountain.  As you approach the gondola, you can learn the barometric pressure, summit wind speed, summit temperature, and the time at Aspen Mountain.

Love the information

Love the information

Information and knowledge is always good.  Near Aspen Mountain we loved this statue of a 10th Mountain Division soldier.

So proud of the 10th Mountain Division

So proud of the 10th Mountain Division

We learned about the 10th Mountain Division in Leadville.  A proud American unit.

Many people ride bicycles in Aspen.  If you didn’t bring yours, rent bicycles here.

Bicycle friendly city

Bicycle friendly city

Maybe you will pedal to the famous hotel, The St Regis.

The St Regis is beautiful inside

The St Regis is beautiful inside

Aspen is very friendly for pedestrian and bicyclists.

Peaceful pedestrian area

Peaceful pedestrian area

Exploring the area required a snack for us.  So, we stopped at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  This is one of our favorite places.

Yum!

Yum!

Remember to drink plenty of water in the mountains.

Aspen has fountains where children can cool down.  Looks like fun!

Can ducks play?

Can ducks play?

This restaurant is opening and ready for diners.

Time to eat?

Time to eat?

Such a nice setting.  You know Aspen is a world class ski resort; enjoy this summer view of some ski runs.

Summer in Aspen

Summer in Aspen

Visit Aspen soon.  It is breathtaking in any season.  You will like Aspen, we do.

Visit http://www.ColoradoTravelingDucks.com/2014/07/18/heritage-museum-and-gallery-in-leadville-colorado/  to learn more about the 10th Mountain Division.