July 5, 2017 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck Visit Grand Lake, Colorado and Quacker Gift Shop

Did we mention that we love our home state of Colorado. Well, we do. We even have a special gift shop here. Grand Lake, Colorado is a lake and a town, located at the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park, west entrance

Let’s visit a little of the park. We can drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, on the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Trail Ridge Road connects Grand Lake on the west with Estes Park on the east. But today, we just go a little way into the park. We want to see some elk. Here is one.

elk

Elk on the move. We really saw several elk today in several places in the park. Sitting on this fallen tree, we appreciate our Colorado scenery.

In Rocky Mountain National Park

We love our mountains, the meadow, the stream and the elk resting. But mom, what about our store? Back in the resort town of Grand Lake, we find The Quacker Gift Shop.

The Quacker Gift Shop.

While there are other items available, the main focus of this gift shop is us–rubber ducks! From the vantage point on the large duck’s bill, we can see much of the available merchandise.

View from a duck bill

And there is a lot! Let’s sit on the top shelf by duck caps and the Jumbo Ducks.

Sitting by duck caps and Jumbo Ducks

And still more.

Dreaming of wonderful jam

We enjoy this shelf, sitting by locally made jams. Yummy! And Celebrity Ducks.

Celebrity Ducks, and us

So many. Sitting by the pink flamingo, we are near ducks from The Wizard of Oz, a KISS duck and so many more.

Are we celebrity ducks?

Of course some new ducks came home to join our family.

The newest members of our duck family

The moms purchased fresh fudge also. After lunch at The Hub, the fudge was sampled and appreciated. Grand Lake is a town located on Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in Colorado.

Grand Lake

Isn’t the lake pretty? Grand Lake was formed by glaciation about 30,000 years ago.

Grand Lake

Glaciers are gone and we have a beautiful recreation area. On the beach some children built a sand castle.

Beach at Grand Lake

The swimming area is clearly separated from the boating area for everyone’s safety. And boats.

Boats available at Grand Lake

Boats can be rented by the hour. Maybe next time. We didn’t allow enough time to fully enjoy Grand Lake. Boat tours are also available. We will be back here. Grand Lake has long been known as the headwaters of the Colorado River. And the mighty Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon, one the top natural wonders of the world. Grand Lake is about 2 hours from our home near Denver. We can come for a day, a weekend or a week. But, we will be back here often. We ducks must revisit the gift shop dedicated to us and rubber ducks everywhere.

July 3, 2017 by coloradotravelingducks

The Vikings Come to Denver

The Vikings are here. The Museum of Nature and Science in Denver has a special exhibit on the The Vikings.

Let’s learn about the Vikings

Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck went to this exhibit. We learned and saw so much. We actually went twice. It really is good. Who are the Vikings? The people that lived across Scandinavia were not a unified group. There were warriors, explorers and merchants, but most were farmers. The word Viking was used for an activity. Someone was out on a “viking.” That could be a commercial trip or a raid. Much jewelry was on display.

Jewelry

Different styles seemed to be from different regions. Also many items were brought back from raids or commercial trips. These items are from afar.

From many places

The cross has Irish origins, the cowrie shells are from the Red Sea while the red and white beads are from the Black Sea area. The ladle was used during church ceremonies. As we mentioned most people were farmers and this pig, or boar, was a great source of meat.

Boar living on a farm

These people seemed to care about personal appearance, as these grooming items were found.

Grooming items

Many items were found in graves.

Buried with important items

A male was buried with these favorite items. The Scandinavia area has very cold winters. Early ice skates were functional, but much different than those we use today.

Early ice skates

Here is what was found in the tomb of a warrior in Birka.

Preparing for battle

Some people were buried with amulets.

Amulets

Amulets guaranteed the gods’ protection. Runes were iconic symbols from the Viking age.

Rune tells a story

This one tells a story.

The story

The Vikings expanded their world. Some wooden figures were brought back.

Brought home

There was much silver.

Silver

Some from raids and some was payment for traded goods. Much silver was melted for jewelry. Some was kept for local purchases. Many merchants had scales so pieces of silver were broken off bracelets or other jewelry for payment. This is a reconstruction of a small Viking boat.

Smaller Viking boat

After leaving this exhibit, this reproduction of another Viking ship caught our attention.

Viking ship

This exhibit will be at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science from March 10 through August 13, 2017. We hope you see it here or when it comes to your city.

February 21, 2017 by coloradotravelingducks

Breckenridge Snow Sculptures with Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck

400 tons of snow?? Really? And we are going to see it? Back to Breckenridge, Colorado we happily view these entries for the 27th annual International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Breckenridge, Colorado

We love this event. First place was awarded to Team China for Mermaid.

Team China

These mermaids look like they are underwater. Second place belongs to Team Sweden.

Team Sweden

Titled: 4 (Ever) Wheels Reflection. Team Sweden wrote “This sculpture is a reflection of the car as a cultural tool and an extension of our bodies. The car constitutes the duality of freedom and dependency.” OK, so how did all this snow get here? Breckenridge is a ski resort and they made the snow. The City of Breckenridge hauled snow, in dump trucks, to the sculpturing area. The snow, dumped into forms, is packed by humans jumping on it. Each block of snow is 10’x10’x12′. Each of the 16 blocks weighs 50,000 pounds. That is 400 tons of snow! Third place went to Team Mongolia for We are One Family.

Team Mongolia

This seems to be the front of the sculpture. But, the back and sides were a bit different, and Zeb and Soapy want you to see this view also.

Team Mongolia

Also awarded is People’s Choice award. Spectators vote by placing one dollar bills in the voting boxes in the Thaw Lounge. This year was the first time there was a tie vote. And, the two winners were Team Mongolia for We are One Family (also third place winner), and another Team Mongolia for Before It’s Too Late Protect Earth From Today!

Team Mongolia

Team Mongolia’s sign says “This lizard on a human palm represents the intertwindedness of humans with nature.” This was our favorite sculpture this year also. We really liked all 16 of these entries. Team Iceland’s, Ancestry In Ice was great.

Team Iceland

The Viking ship was perhaps the greatest technical and artistic achievement of its time, they say. Team Italy names this STOP!

Team Italy

They believe our worst enemies are within ourselves: They are our own fears. Team Breckenridge, the host city, entered Life Saver.

Team Breckenridge

This is a tribute to the National Ski Patrol, established in 1938. The National Ski Patrol provides eduction and emergency care and safety eduction. They also are the main Search and Rescue group for the mountains. We thank the over 28,000 members, serving over 650 patrols. But not all snow was entered in the competition. This one is for fun.

Just for fun

At first, kids could play and climb here, but then the weather got warmer, a little thawing, more freezing, and now it is covered with a layer of ice. Still climb inside, but outside is too slippery now. This year there is a new sponsor.

We Visit Denver’s First Church

Trinity United Methodist Church, organized in 1859 claims to be Denver’s First Church. I, Zeb the Duck, with Chanel the Bear, visited this beautiful church at 1820 Broadway in Denver, Colorado.

Trinity United Methodist Church

Known today as Trinity United Methodist Church, is was first known as Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church.

Originally Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church

We went inside. From the front this is the view looking toward the balcony.

Looking to balcony

We love stained glass windows, so we were happy. Isn’t this a great wooden Nativity display.

Nativity Scene with Zeb and Chanel

Chanel and I fit right into this scene. Climbing the stairs to the balcony, we had an impressive view of the organ.

From balcony to organ

Completed in 1888, under the supervision of Frank Roosevelt of the Roosevelt Organ Works of New York, this organ has been carefully maintained. In 1888 electricity was not dependable. A water wheel was connected to an artesian well in the sub-basement of the building. Thus in an emergency, there would be electricity to power the organ. This organ has 4,275 pipes. That is a lot! Looking around the balcony, there are a lot of seats in this church.

Inside Trinity United Methodist Church

We liked this sculpture.

He Shall Gather The Lambs

The inscription says “He Shall Gather the Lambs”. This church has many symbols of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). There are three arches over the Broadway Street entrance and three sections of the steeple.

Trinity United Methodist Church

Also within the proscenium arch above the organ’s pipes, there are 66 lights. Each light represents a book of the Bible.

From balcony toward organ

This Roosevelt organ is so large. Doesn’t the organist look small? When you are downtown Denver, we recommend that you visit this church. The church is beautiful and the organ is fantastic. Even when the weather is not perfect for outdoor activities, remember to visit special buildings, museums and other great indoor exhibits.

February 15, 2017 by coloradotravelingducks

A Winter Sleigh Ride with Zeb, Soapy Smith, and Stevie

We returned to Winter Park, Colorado, one of our favorite mountain towns and ski resorts. The humans, ducks, and Soapy’s dog, Stevie, drive to Dashing Thru The Snow office.

Dashing Thru the Snow

Here we are. Now, into this building to register for a Three Horse Open Sleigh ride.

Check in here

The humans ask if Soapy’s dog Stevie can go and they said yes!! There were not many humans on this trip, so Stevie could ride also. This is our sleigh with the three horses.

Horse drawn sleigh. Ducks on step ready to get in.

We ducks are on the step to get in the sleigh. Stevie is in.

Stevie is in the sleigh

Here we go.

Going for a sleigh ride.

Driving through the snow with the Rocky Mountains in the background is so much fun. Soapy’s mom seats next to Stevie so Stevie doesn’t get scared.

Stevie and Soapy’s mom

This is the first sleigh ride for ducks and for Stevie. The humans have taken sleigh rides before and they always have fun. Driving through the trees is fun.

Riding through the trees

It is below freezing today, but the bright Colorado sun shines while the gentle breeze tugs at our scarves. New snow sparkles in the sun and our blankets keep us cozy and warm. Stevie has her blanket tucked around her silky black fur. The Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains is so pretty today, with new snow on the mountains.

Colorado Rocky Mountains from our sleigh

This area is called Devil’s Thumb. Here we are, at the end of the sleigh ride.

Ready to get off the sleigh

Stevie is standing up and ready to get off. We were too slow. Stevie’s new friend, Chip, jumped on the sleigh to be with her.

Chip and Stevie in the sled

Chip lives here and her owners run Dashing Thru The Snow. Now everybody is off the sleigh and Stevie and Chip are having fun.

Chip and Stevie

The humans and ducks now get hot chocolate. The large container has cups and miniature marshmallows for the hot chocolate. Yum!

Cups, hot chocolate, and marshmallows are here.

The other container has regular marshmallows to roast over the fire. We ducks love roasting marshmallows.

Roasting marshmallows with empty horse drawn sleigh behind.

Our empty sleigh and horses are here also. We ducks are sitting by the fire. Chip is our friend also.

Colorado Traveling Ducks with Chip by the fire

Sleigh riding makes ducks hungry, so we stopped for a snack.

Snack while looking at the mountains

It is nice to look out the window and admire our mountains, covered with snow. Today the weather in Winter Park was nice, but below freezing. We small ducks are still a little chilled when we get back to our condo. The humans said we could sit by the fire to get warm, but not long enough for rubber ducks to melt.

Warm by the fire

We really had fun today in Winter Park.

February 13, 2017 by coloradotravelingducks

Colorado Traveling Ducks to Return to Winter Park in 2017

We are back and we love it. Our time share condo awaits us. Huge piles of snow here this winter.

Lot of snow here

From our deck, through really long icicles, we view the partially frozen Fraser River.

Icicles on our deck

Many winter activities are planned. However after the first one, more about that next time, daytime temperatures did not get above the mid teens, or -10C. Our human moms did not like the cold. They did not enjoy the wind blowing from the mountain peaks over the fresh snow, attacking their skin. Actually, we ducks did not like being cold either. Much of our time was inside admiring the sparkling now on the mountain peaks, and enjoying the fireplace. Occasional short walks with Stevie, Soapy Smith Duck’s black lab reminded us we don’t have fun shivering. One evening we went bowling.

Fun here!

It was a lot of fun. Soapy Smith Duck, and I, Zeb the Duck, can verify that our humans had not bowled for a long time. The scores, low and rather embarrassing. Gutter balls, too often. Strikes, a few, but too few. Laughter and smiles were there, also. Poor performances but a great deal of fun for everyone. The movie theater, located in the same building, sold popcorn. We bought some on the way out and were surprised to also see buckets of caramel corn. We returned to the condo with a bucket of each kind. A couple colder days, our only trips were to great restaurants. Winter Park and Fraser have so many. We’re returning to the Smokehouse.

Smoke House

One human enjoyed pulled pork.

Liftie sandwich on Texas Toast. Delicious pulled pork

Bucky’s mild sauce always tops her sandwich. Other humans enjoyed various sandwiches. Nearby, where humans do not walk, these icicles impressed us.

Huge and abundant icicles

The roof is rather clear, but so many icicles. One day we enjoyed Mexican food at Azteca.

The place for Mexican food

Another evening flavorful, fresh seafood was our choice.

Good food inside

Fontenot’s has great food and pretty great icicles also. Another favorite, Randi’s, prepares mom’s favorite broiled trout with almonds.

We return here every year.

Then our moms ordered these desserts.

Ice cream desserts. Cold and snowy outside

Behind the desserts, that is a window and real snow piled in the parking area. With so much snow, roofs of buildings need to be cleared. The weight of the snow can cause roof damage, or even roofs may collapse. Also, falling ice and snow can seriously injure anyone on the ground.

Cleaning the roof

At our condo, men clear the roof using electric tools. This tool, similar to a chisel breaks ice. Other tools, if necessary, are used to remove snow and the underlying ice. During this cold spell, we ducks and humans were often seen walking to this building.

More fun inside

Inside the hot tub was hot.

We are ducks and we love water

The sauna was also hot.

Rather hot in here

So warm and relaxing. The morning we left Winter Park, it was a couple degrees below 0, or about -20C. These are not unusual temperatures, but even with warm winter clothing, we did not enjoy going outdoors often. The next week temperatures were around freezing during the day. Perhaps we will go back for a day to enjoy some of the winter activities we missed. Maybe.

February 3, 2017 by coloradotravelingducks

Herd of Elk with Fog and Blue Colorado Sky

Photo taken northwest of Boulder, Colorado.

A herd of Colorado Elk about 30 miles from Denver

This photo was taken this week by Soapy Smith Duck’s mom. We thought it was beautiful.

January 17, 2017 by coloradotravelingducks

The Colorado Traveling Ducks Wake Up to Snow

We have three or four inches of new snow in our yard. Yesterday, Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck convinced mom to drive around town taking photos of our new snow. First we went to this lake.

Snow on frozen lake

The lake is frozen, but the ice is not deep enough to be safe for humans. There is snow on the ice and everything looks so fresh and clean. Looking to the west, the tops of the Rocky Mountains are concealed in clouds.

Mountains covered by clouds

There is new snow on the foothills. Foothills are the mountains, before they get tall enough to be the real Rocky Mountains. There was no school yesterday so the snow on this playground is still fresh and untouched.

Fresh snow on school play ground

There are thousands of Canadian Geese that spend the winter in Colorado. But in this yard, we saw this unusual pair. We normally just see the darker geese, but here is a rarer white goose.

Canadian geese

We thought they were beautiful, so mom just had to put two photos of them in here.

Canadian geese

The trees look so pretty with their new snow coats.

Snow clinging to tree

Next we drove to our city park.

Park in our town

We love to see the fresh snow and the creek flowing through the park.

A city park in our town

Some of the trees have already lost their new coats of snow. The Colorado ski areas are receiving several feet of new snow, but in town, we are happy with a few inches. We think it is pretty and we hope you like new snow also.

January 2, 2017 by coloradotravelingducks

Things are Happening at My House

It is exciting. Suitcases are showing up. Humans are packing. Dogs are arriving here. Human neighbors are coming to meet the dogs. I think we are going on a family vacation. I, Zeb the Duck, Soapy Smith Duck, and Bucket Duck, are all going with our humans. I am not sure if you know Bucket. His human is the son and grandson of the other humans. Bucket’s human parents like basketball a lot. His dad and friends shoot baskets, or buckets. That is how Bucket Duck got his name. Bucket’s two dogs and Soapy’s one dog will stay at my house while we are on vacation. This trip did not have an easy beginning. Our airport transportation was to get us at 3:00 a.m. When we got up,there was almost a foot of new snow here. Then at Denver International Airport, over 300 flights, including ours, were cancelled. Our rescheduled flight was delayed three times. The news for Denver was a little chilly.

-14 That is cold! And lots of snow on the ground also.

Then another airline and another flight scheduled. Soon we were in Philadelphia. They have a very nice airport. What is this?

Dogs in airports

Dogs come here? Well, if dogs are now traveling, this is a necessary area.

For dogs

We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks have never seen this before. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a very important city in the history of the United States. Among other things, the Liberty Bell is here. This is a replica of the Liberty Bell, crack included, made of Legos.

Liberty Bell of Legos

This airport has museum type exhibits. This is Transforming Glass by Justin Tyner.

By Justin Tyner

So many humans are now taking photographs, and many photos of themselves. This is a suggested location for a “selfie”.

Selfies here?

While waiting for our next flight, we relax on the armrests of a chair, by the Christmas tree, and look out at a wet, cold, Philadelphia.

Wet and cold outside

We left Philadelphia, flying south. Now we are in a warm place and the humans say, “ducks, we are going on a boat.” Oh good! Let’s try that sail boat.

Sail Boat or Cruise Ship?

But humans say “No. Let’s get on that cruise ship” Can you believe it?? All the times we talked to Santa, we asked to go on a cruise, and Santa said Yes! The humans have cruised before, but this is the first cruise for the Colorado Traveling Ducks. We have so much to show you. See you soon.

December 30, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Golden History Museum with Zeb the Duck

Today is not a sunny day, so we are going inside to explore. I, Zeb the Duck, arrive at the Golden (Colorado) History Museum.

Let’s visit the Golden History Museum

Golden is a town a little west of Denver, between Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Let’s go inside and learn more about the city and early residents of Golden, Colorado. First I wander around the section featuring innovators from Golden. Spyderco, a Golden based company produces knives in 5 countries.

Spyderco knives of Golden, Colorado

They produce 6,000 knives per month. All the US knives are made in Golden, Colorado. In 1970 Sal and Gail Glesser patented a triangular ceramic knife sharpener. Soon they were making knives. Their major innovations include, the trademark round hole, the pocket clip and a serrated folding blade. Epilog Laser has called Golden home since 1993. They are one of only 4 companies in the world to produce low wattage CO2 lasers. Epilog designed these skateboard decks.

Epilog Laser laser cut these snowboard decks

Boppy Pillow, since 1989 has manufactured this feeding and infant support pillow. American Baby magazine gave its “Best of the Year” award to Boppy Pillow.

Boppy Pillows and Kong pet toys

Kong, a pet toy company was founded in 1976 in Golden. Joe Markham was inspired by his dog when the dog chewed on a rubber hose from a car he was repairing. Joe noticed the dog enjoyed chewing on the strong rubber and Kong was started. Mountainsmith manufactures a Frostfire line of backpacks.

Mountainsmith

Patrick Smith, the founder, also produces a Kifaru line of outdoor equipment. Smith’s first commercial product, an Expedition Sled is still available through the Kifaru line.

Expedition Sled

In 1858, David K. Wall, bringing a wagon full of seed from Indiana, became Golden’s first permanent resident. Other Golden residents were those seeking their fortunes in mining camps. Within a week, David Wall, had plowed and planted 2 acres. David dug ditches to divert water from Clear Creek and used this hand held steel seed planter.

Hand held steel seed planter

Soon he was making his fortune selling fresh vegetables to the miners. However, when Golden, Colorado innovative companies are mentioned, Coors Brewery is a real leader. In the 1950s Coors knew beer cans needed to be redesigned. The steel cans gave the beer a metallic taste. The 3 piece cans tended to leak. Beer needed to be pasteurized to kill bacteria. And steel cans were too expensive. Beer cans were Coors biggest single expense. Soon Coors designed and produced a 2 piece aluminum can.

2 piece aluminum cans, developed by Coors

The new 2 piece aluminum can was lighter, sturdier, and recyclable. In 1970 Coors started “Cash for Cans” recycling program. Coors Porcelain, a division of Coors Brewery, produced pottery.

Coors Porcelain

From 1934-1942, they also produced the most popular dinnerware of the time, known as Cook N Serve.

Cook N Serve Dinnerware produced by Coors Porcelain

This large pink item was developed for the US Military.

Missile Cone by Coors Porcelain, now Coors Tek

It is a missile nose cone which carried complex electronic equipment that guided the missile to the target during the Cold War, after World War II. Coors also produced porcelain for body armor and items for the US Space Program. Coors Porcelain is now called Coors Tek. In 1916 Colorado banned the sale of alcoholic beverages, 4 years before the official Federal Prohibition Laws. To survive, the company produced a non alcoholic beer and also adjusted the brewing production lines to produce malted milk.

Malted Milk sold to Mars Candy Company

By 1925 Coors was the main supplier of malted milk to Mars Candy Company. Mars makes Milky Way, Snickers, and other candy bars. Another part of Golden History Museum showed me items previously used in Golden. J. J. Thomas Blvd honored a former Golden resident when he won a bronze medal for half pipe snowboarding during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Golden’s main street was renamed for his weekend homecoming.

Honoring J J Thomas and stove from Golden Waffle Inn

This Hotpoint electric stove was used at the Golden Waffle Inn, which opened in 1927. Golden Waffle Inn was famous for its fried chicken and waffles. In 1869, you could get a shave, a haircut and a hot bath at the barbershop.

Bath tub and quilt from late 1880s

Above the tub is a hand made quilt presented to Seth Lake, deacon of the First Baptist Church. Here is a Western Saddle, probably used by a child or teen in Golden in the 1890s.

Western saddle

This Rockwell Clay Mine Ore Cart was donated when the last clay mine closed in 1910.

Rockwell Clay Mine Ore Cart

There was so much more to see at the Golden History Museum. On an indoor day, we suggest that you visit a nearby museum. There is so much to see and so much to learn. We liked it a lot.

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