December 28, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb the Duck and Chanel the Bear Enjoy Lunch at the Ship Tavern

I, Zeb the Duck, and Chanel the Bear, took our moms to lunch. We went to the Ship Tavern at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel.

Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel

The statue in front is dedicated to the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, held in Denver every January. During the Christmas Season the Brown Palace has elegant decorations.

Elegant and festive

High tea is being held now. The Brown Palace has several dining options.

Ellyngton’s looks good, but not for us today.

Ellyngton’s was tempting, but it was not our main reason for coming today. The Brown Palace, built in 1892, is Denver’s second oldest hotel. The Oxford Hotel, completed a year earlier, is the oldest. The Brown Palace was one of America’s first fireproof structures. That is impressive, but we were not here because of fires either. We wanted to eat at Ship Tavern.

Here it is!

We, a duck and a bear, did not know humans made reservations for lunch. We did not make reservations. The lady said we could make a reservation for less than an hour from now. The extra time allowed us to explore. Outside we saw this sky bridge.

A sky bridge

The bridge connects the Brown Palace to what was built in 1959, as the Brown Palace West. It is now the Holiday Inn Express. Chanel and I wanted to walk through the sky bridge. We entered from the Holiday Inn Express side.

Walking in sky bridge

This is a pretty walk. There is a service tunnel under the street, but we could not go there. Entering the Brown Palace, we liked overlooking the high tea.

Overlooking high tea

The stairway has many red poinsettias. These flowers, from Mexico, are very festive. Why did Chanel and I want to go to the Ship Tavern? In 1935 when prohibition ended in the United States, Charles Boettcher, the hotel owner at that time, decided to celebrate and had the Ship Tavern built. Mr. Boettcher had a large collection of model ships. His wife said he had too many. So, many of the ships are now on display in Ship Tavern. It is time and we are ready to enter Ship Tavern.

Let’s go inside Ship Tavern

We must stop to admire this ship at the entrance.

Ship at entrance

The restaurant is not large, but it is famous for the best prime rib in Denver. But, we just want sandwiches for lunch. Ships are displayed on the walls.

Ships displayed on walls

We love these ships. Our moms liked their lunch and we all liked Ship Tavern. So many ships.

We like ships

Each is perfect and we enjoyed Charles’ ship collection. If you are in Denver and want to have a great meal, remember Ship Tavern at the Brown Palace Hotel. We might see you there.

December 25, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Merry Christmas 2016

We the Colorado Traveling Ducks and their humans wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Today is the day Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Bull elk in the snow at Rocky Mountain National Park

We wish you all a Very Merry Colorado Christmas.

December 23, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Denver’s Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

I, Zeb the Duck, went inside the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. This is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Denver of the Roman Catholic Church. And it is beautiful! Mom did not take this first photo. It was a free download from the internet.

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Colorado

This is the only photo she did not take and later you will see why this is not hers. This cathedral opened in 1911. It is beautiful. It is 195 feet by 116 feet with a 68 foot vaulted ceiling.

Beautiful inside

In the vestibule we admired the baptismal font, which has the original communion rail around it.

Baptismal Font

Entering the cathedral, there are confessionals on each side.

Confessional

We loved this Christmas tree.

Christmas is coming soon.

Along the side are the Stations of the Cross.

VIII Station of the Cross

The craftsmanship is wonderful.

IX Station of the Cross

The foundation is of Gunnison granite (from Gunnison, Colorado). The finest Carrara marble from Italy was used for altars, pedestals, pulpit and other items. However, much of the interior structural marble is from Marble, Colorado. The pride of this building, however, must be the 75 windows. According to the website for the Basilica, this is more windows than any other church of any denomination in the United States. These are considered some of the finest windows in the world. They were crafted in Munich, Germany at the Royal Bavarian Art Institute. Just look at these windows.

The Calming of a Storm at Sea

The Visitation Luke 1:39-45

The Immaculate Conception, West Transept Window

The choir loft features a massive pipe organ, but the loft is only open to the performing musicians.

Choir loft with pipe organ and a beautiful window

Outside in the garden area, these statues are also beautiful.

Statues in the garden. Through renovation fence

Statue in the garden. Through construction fence

When Pope John Paul II visited the United States in August, 1993, he celebrated Mass at the Cathedral as part of the World Youth Day celebration in Denver. We showed you the photo of the exterior of the Cathedral. However, restoration is now taking place, so these are our photos.

This side still looks good

I, Zeb the Duck, was inside, but often in churches mom keeps me in my travel bag. People were arriving for the 12:15 Mass. This is the other side of the Basilica, showing construction and restoration in progress.

Under restoration now

You can see, the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is just a couple blocks from Denver’s capitol building. If you are in the area, we think you would love to see this beautiful building and the fabulous windows.

December 21, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Colorado Traveling Ducks Remember and Enjoy Christmas Decorations

Today we want to show you great Christmas decorations. Some are from this year, some for previous years, and some are repeated every year. Denver’s train station, Union Station, has a great tree this year.

Beautiful tree inside Denver’s Union Station

While we were there, a group of employees came here posing for mannequin photos.

Humans being mannequins

These humans posed, in a frozen position, for several seconds. It was interesting to see. Outside, in front of Union Station, I liked this star.

Star outside Union Station

I, Zeb the Duck, really need to talk to Santa. I have a Christmas request. Chanel and I will wait for him.

Zen the Duck and Chanel the Bear waiting for Santa

Zeb the Duck and Chanel the Bear waiting for Santa

At the Colorado governor’s residence, the staircase is very festive.

Great staircase

Our shopping malls have a Santa Claus and a decorated area. Here Santa is enjoying a moment of calm before the next children arrive.

Santa sees us!

Of course, I, Zeb the Duck, wear my Christmas hat to show my Christmas spirit.

Christmas is fun

We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, liked this display.

Our first time riding reindeer

We are riding reindeer. Denver, and many cities, have outdoor ice skating rinks during the holidays.

Big Christmas tree with ice skater

Santa has a village and toy shop in Colorado Springs, on the way to the summit of Pikes Peak.

At the North Pole with Santa

At a restaurant, the Buckhorn Exchange, even the animals dress for Christmas.

Merry Christmas. Buckhorn Exchange in Denver

We remember this wagon full, of presents, at Torres Mazatlán, in Mazatlán, Mexico.

Presents everywhere

A favorite is the lighting display at Denver’s City and County Building.

City and County Building of Denver, Colorado

Remembering, as the saying goes, “don’t forget the reason for the season”.

Remember Jesus is the reason for this Christmas season

There are so many beautiful decorations and displays of lights and we appreciate and love them all.

December 19, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Christkindl Market in Denver 2016

One of my favorite places at Christmas is Denver’s German Christmas market.

Christkindl Market in Denver

This is the 16th annual Christkindl Market and it is right downtown, on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall. Gifts are available from Old German Christmas booth.

So much to see

I, Zeb the Duck, love to see these things. If you are cold, visit Serenity.

No reason to be cold today

The lady working there was trying to find a hat for me. None in my size, but I was not cold. These warm items from baby alpaca wool are so soft.

Soft, warm alpaca wool

The friendly lady said they are from Peru and Ecuador. This is an international market, not just German. Cinnamon Roasted Nuts smell so good.

Smells good. Tastes great

And they taste even better! Don’t these Danish style European pastries look tempting?

Tempting

Yum! There are several food booths and I wanted to try them all. But the humans said, “not everything, Zeb.” Look at these.

Beautiful paper stars

Paper stars are wonderful. Christmas ornaments from this stand are beautiful.

Beautiful

The nesting dolls, or Matryoshka nesting dolls, from Russia and the Ukraine are wonderful.

Matryoshka nesting dolls

We could buy an entire village here.

Add to your Christmas village

Stop here and you will be ready for Christmas.

Ready for Christmas

Isn’t this nice.

Bear Mountain Metal Art

Bear Mountain Metal Art has a great display. If you get cold or want to sit for awhile, head here to the Beer Garden.

Let’s go inside

We were there about 2:30 in the afternoon so the musicians had not arrived yet. This tent is heated, large, and has many refreshment choices.

Plenty of room inside

Christkindl Market is open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. most days. They are open until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. After visiting the Christmas Market, go across 16th street to visit Southwest Airlines skating rink.

Free ice skating

Skating is free, if you have your own ice skates. No skates? No problem. You can rent skates for $2.00. Some of the skaters know how to skate and some are getting a little help.

Ice skating in downtown Denver

But everybody is having fun. This is so great to ice skate in downtown Denver. We hope you visit the Christkindl Market and then enjoy a little ice skating. The market is open through December 23, so you still have time to experience more Christmas activities in Denver.

December 9, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Christmas Train in Georgetown, Colorado with Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, are going on the Christmas train. We love trains and we love Christmas and we love Georgetown.

Georgetown, Colorado

A perfect time for us. Arriving early, while still daylight, we find the path to the warming hut and our train.

Path to train station and white warming hut

But first we see Jeremy roasting chestnuts.

Jeremy is roasting chestnuts

Of course we try some. Very nice. Our first time eating roasted chestnuts. Jeff shows us some knives he recently made. He is a blacksmith and also carves the handles for his knives.

Jeff makes and sells great knives

Some of the handles are bone, some are antlers or animal horns. All the knives he makes are one of a kind and personally crafted by Jeff. Heading to the train station, we love these guys in the canoe.

Canoe with friends in Clear Creek

They are floating on the partially frozen Clear Creek. This creek also winds through downtown Denver. Looking the other direction on Clear Creek, we see the train crossing Devil’s Gate High Bridge.

Train on Devil’s Gate High Bridge

The train will cross Clear Creek 4 times on this loop ride. This narrow gauge train was completed in 1884 to connect the two mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. Now it is primarily a tourist train. It is rather chilly here in the mountains, so we head to the warming hut. Inside we admire the decorations.

Inside warming hut

Our train has not arrived yet, but this one is here. Freight cars decorated for the Christmas season.

Decorated train cars

There are lights everywhere. Inside our train, there are more lights.

Inside night train

It is dark outside now, and we pass so many displays of lights. Some lighting displays are synchronized with music. Since this is a Christmas train, Santa is here.

Santa in train

We ducks tell Santa what we want for Christmas. Maybe we will get it? Maybe not? But, we love Santa and we love this train ride. The towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume are only 2 miles (3.2 km) apart, but climbing the mountain, we ride 4.5 miles (7.2 km) on this train. Returning to the Georgetown train station, we enjoy hot chocolate and sugar cookies from Steph.

Hot chocolate and sugar cookies here

Looking back, we love the lights leading to the train. If you visit Colorado this month, we hope you ride the Georgetown Christmas train. We think you will love it as much as we did.

December 7, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Georgetown Christmas Market with Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck

One of our favorite nearby mountain towns is Georgetown, Colorado.

You will enjoy visiting Georgetown, Colorado.

We are going to the Christmas market. Georgetown has a special Christmas market the first two weekends of December.

Entering Christmas market

We went last weekend. We hope you visit this weekend. The area is small, but you will find things here that you do not see everywhere else. We bought some jewelry. The favorite items for our moms were eye masks. They are filled with cherry pits.

Eye mask filled with cherry pits

Our moms put them in the freezer and use them in the morning. They say their eyes are tired in the morning and a little swollen. The cold, but not frigid, mask makes eyes feel better and reduces the slight swelling. The lady that makes and sells them also has larger ones. They can also be put in the freezer, but usually a put in a microwave for no more than 2 minutes. The pad with cherry pits will stay warm, not hot, for 1-2 hours. We ducks are wondering if our moms will be saving and using cherry pits this summer? We saw several people here, but it was not overly crowded.

Comfortable amount of humans

That large barrel is for roasting chestnuts and cooking other food. Several types of hats were also available.

Soapy’s mom had to help us. We fell off the hats. Several times!

Shopping always makes humans, and ducks, hungry. Pretzels and other snacks were available here.

Pretzels and snacks

Other food choices were also sold on the street and at Georgetown’s many restaurants.

Georgetown’s tourist and business street

It does get cold in the mountains, especially when the sun goes behind the mountains, so this fire pit was a welcome and popular spot.

Love the warmth of fire pits

We love the lights on live trees in Georgetown. There are many beautiful trees growing in town, so they do not need to cut a special Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas!

This is not the largest Christmas market, but it is very nice and fun to visit. After, or before, visiting this market, you may wish to ride the Georgetown Loop narrow gauge train. The lighting for Christmas is very festive. We will show you photos of the train next time. Visit Georgetown soon and you will have a good time. We did.

December 5, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb Goes to Women’s Bean Project Open House in Denver

I, Zeb the Duck, love to visit during an Open House. Saturday we went to Women’s Bean Project in Denver.

Open House at Women’s Bean Project

I like this already. Humans, let’s go!

Let’s go inside, humans

We met some human friends here. Now we are all going inside. What is Women’s Bean Project? According to their website, “the mission of Women’s Bean Project is to change women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.” Women in the program learn gourmet food and handmade jewelry manufacturing. During this open house, we meet employees and program participants. Also on display are items made in Denver and available to purchase. Here is some of the jewelry made here and offered for purchase today.

Jewelry

The women also provide and package ingredients for making cookies at home.

Yum! Cookie mixes.

I, Zeb the Duck, love cookies, so we purchased a couple bags of cookie mix. The tree makes the room very festive. Here are baskets, ready for you to give to friends this Christmas.

Gift baskets

We did not purchase a basket, but the Malaysian spice rub caught our attention, so one of those did come home. A rather large selection of spices for rubs and dips tempted everyone.

Individual packages for rubs and dips

In addition to preparing the food mixes and making jewelry, the program participants have classes in interpersonal and life skills needed for employment. In Denver, Women’s Bean Project is known for delicious soups.

So many kinds of soup mixes

This is a sample of what was available for us at the Open House. And, even more choices, including dog biscuits.

More mixes, gifts, and dog biscuits

You could complete most of your Christmas shopping today at Women’s Bean Project. Even if you are not hungry, or not tempted by the food choices, perhaps a shirt or reusable, cloth shopping bag?

Not hungry? Shirts and shopping bags available

Christmas will be here in a few weeks, so I, Zeb the Duck, stopped to chat with Santa.

I like Santa

Perhaps he will answer this duck’s Christmas request? The Women’s Bean Project started in 1989, when Jossy Eyre was working with women in a shelter. Purchasing $500 worth of beans, she put homeless women to work making bean soup. That was just the beginning of a successful program that has helped thousands of women. During the open house, I was happy to see my friend, Marta.

My friend, Marta

She is a program participant. The cookie mix we purchased was made by Marta. The women put their name on the packages they made, so we know we have Marta’s cookie mix. Every time we eat snickerdoodle cookies, or chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, we will think of Marta and how proud we are of her success. For more information visit http://www.womensbeanproject.com You may also purchase their products at this website. At the open house, we sampled several food items, and they all were delicious. Get some and give your taste buds a treat.

November 26, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Scenic Hiking in the City

I, Zeb the Duck, hiked around the lake. I saw migratory birds. I enjoyed the mountain backdrop, and I was in the middle of the city. Jefferson County, our home and just west of Denver, has an Open Space Program, which is similar to a park system. Today we went to Crown Hill Park in Jefferson County Open Space.

Crown Hill Park. Jefferson County Open Space Program

Within minutes we found this protected picnic area.

Sheltered picnic area

I love the lake and the mountain views. Humans come here for many reasons. This human is walking a dog.

Dogs like this park also

Dogs must be on a leash here and of course, humans clean up after their dog. These humans are fishing and enjoying the lake.

Fishing and relaxing at Crown Hill Lake

The clouds coming over the mountain verifying the weather forecast. A storm is moving in and we may receive snow tomorrow. There is a 1.2 mile paved trail around the lake.

Paved trail around Crown Hill Lake

Paving makes it wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy this space. Some humans come here to skateboard.

Skateboarding around the lake

Some humans come for exercise.

Running and jogging around the lake

This man is jogging around the lake. He passed me three times. For those that want a little more wilderness feeling, these miles of dirt paths are available.

Unpaved through wilderness areas

Some humans and ducks come to walk and view quiet scenes like this.

Secluded view

Here a human threw a stick in the lake and his dog is enjoying a swim to bring it back.

Fun for dogs also

Humans are not allowed to swim or wade in Crown Hill Lake. The northwest corner of this area is a Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wildlife Sanctuary within Crown Hill Park

We eagerly go through the gate and watch many migrating birds on Kestrel Pond, the wetlands.

Kestrel Pond in wetlands area

Following the many paths, we remember that this area is also certified as a National Urban Wildlife Refuge. Kestrel Pond area earned that designation for its value to a variety of migrating waterfowl. There are always so many birds here. The Wildlife Sanctuary is only open to the pubic from July 1 through February 28. It is closed during the mating season to protect the wildlife. We liked all the birds, but the colors here grabbed our attention.

Feeding while feeling protected

Dogs, skateboarders, and bikes are never allowed in this area. These 242 acres contain 10.1 miles of trails and are located between two major streets. But the feeling of peace and serenity is strong. Directly east of Crown Hill Lake, is another huge area of peacefulness. Across the lake, we see the Tower of Memories from Crown Hill Cemetery.

Looking across lake to Tower of Memories in Crown Hill Cemetery

Crown Hill Open Space is a short drive for us, yet it seems so far from the busy lives we all have. We hope you visit Crown Hill Open Space, or enjoy some pretty parks near you, soon and often.

November 23, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Back to Nederland and The Carousel of Happiness

I, Zeb the Duck, went with mom and a friend to The Carousel of Happiness. I love this place. The Carousel of Happiness is in Nederland, Colorado.

Carousel of Happiness in Nederland Colorado

A couple years ago I told you about this and showed you photos, but it is so great, I want to do it again. It was a snowy day and the roads had more ice under the snow than we expected, but everything was fine and we had fun. Let’s go inside! Tickets to ride are only $1.

Donations are gratefully accepted

But donations are gratefully accepted. We love this carousel, so we donate. Entering the carousel area, we are greeted with a guest book.

Have you ever seen a moose on a carousel? Or a flying pink pig?

I am on the moose, near a pink flying pig.

Here they are. When Scott Harrison was a young US Marine in Viet Nam, he received a music box from a friend. Listening to the music, he visualized a carousel in the mountains. He moved to Nederland, Colorado, a small town in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He learned how to carve, and look what he carved.

My first dolphin ride

I, Zeb the Duck, am riding a dolphin, next to a mermaid. Scott carved all of these animals. The main carousel animals, the small birds and other animals, the carvings decorating the carousel, and this room, all carved by Scott. The carousel came from Utah. Here I am on a lion.

Riding on a lion

Don’t you love the rooster with pearls? That giraffe has a snake riding on him. Puff the Magic Dragon is also here. The rides cost only $1 so all can ride. See this gorilla?

Gorilla, waiting for a friend

The chair next to him can be removed. Under the chair a ramp can be pulled out to allow wheelchairs on the carousel. Anyone in a wheelchair can sit and ride next to the gorilla. This carousel is suspended from the ceiling, it is not sitting on the floor. When the animals were placed on the carousel, weight and balance factors were important. Scott is still carving.

Scott keeps carving and we are happy!

These animals are just for fun. And I, Zeb the Duck, think they are all fun. While riding the carousel, we enjoy the music from a fully restored 1913 Wurlitzer Organ. This is the first kangaroo I have ever seen on a carousel.

Kangaroo and joey

And she has a baby, a joey, in her pouch. The kangaroo is holding the world in her front feet, and she is showing her home, Australia, to us. Every animal is my favorite.

Frog playing with a ball

A frog with a ball, a zebra and a cow are all together here. This Carousel of Happiness is fabulous, but there is more. John has been telling us about this carousel, and now he says we can see more. We go upstairs. On the stairs we are reminder of normal carousel horses.

Traditional carousel horse

I like the horse, but the other animals have my ducky heart. Wow!

Puppet stage

A puppet theater. And inside is a place for human kids to play.

Play area behind the puppet stage

Humans can reserve this area for kids parties. For more information visit http://www.CarouselOfHappiness.org And, visit Nederland and The Carousel of Happiness, take a ride and have a marvelous time.

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