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The Bucksnort

I, Zeb the Duck, had lunch at the historic Bucksnort Saloon in Sphinx Park, Colorado.

Connie (left), Barb (right) and Zeb (top)

Connie (left), Barb (right) and Zeb (top)

Mom and her friends took me to Pine, Colorado and then to the Bucksnort.   A former stage stop and general store in the 1890’s, now is a very popular summer stop.   Let’s go inside.

Entrance to BuckSnort with my friend K-rad

Entrance to BuckSnort with my friend K-rad

The first room has a pool table and this buffalo.

Buffalo watches over pool table

Buffalo keeps his mouth shut

Also old photos and money are on the walls.

Great old photo

Great old photo

People sign dollars and tape the money to the wall.  Proof they were here.  And it is fun.  Look at this poster.  Trying to hire young men to work for Pony Express.

This is not a job for Zeb the Duck

This is not a job for Zeb the Duck

Orphans preferred??   Sounds dangerous to this duck.

Next is the main dining area. Even this elk has signed dollars on him.

Hard to see with money for glasses

Hard to see with money for glasses

And the bar.

Bar with a money backdrop

Bar with a money backdrop

So many signed dollars everywhere. This is a great place. Mom had the featured Buck Burger. It was real good. Sharon had a taco salad.

So good

So good

There was a lot of eating, drinking and talking here.

People could eat outside.

Nice to eat out here

Nice to eat out here

This saloon is nestled in the forested mountains.  Love the rock formation behind the house.

What a view while eating and drinking

What a view while eating and drinking

The Bucksnort is located on Elk Creek.

Elk Creek

Elk Creek

This is popular with everyone, and especially motorcycle riders.  This biker came for lunch also and posed for mom to take his picture.

We like this biker

We like this biker

This place is so pretty and everybody is so nice.  You will love the Bucksnort Saloon.  For more information visit www.thebucksnortsaloon.com Try to go there for lunch this summer.  It is about an hour drive southwest of Denver.

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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.

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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.

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Supermoon tonight August 10, 2014

Don’t miss the biggest and brightest moon of 2014.  The National Weather Channel says that tonight, Sunday August 10 will be the best moon of the year.  The moon is called a perigee moon, meaning it is closer to the earth.  There are three perigee or super moons in 2014.  The first was July 12, then tonight, August 10 and the last September 9.

Tonight is the biggest and brightest, so join us and thousands of other humans enjoying this great moon.

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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!

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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.

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Denver Bronco Football Time

The temperature is in the upper 80’s during the day and tonight football is back in Denver.

You may remember last year the Denver Broncos were soundly defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.  Well, tonight there is another game between these teams, right here in the mile high city.  Yes, football is back and Denver hosts its first preseason game tonight.

We ducks hope for a different outcome tonight!  Go Broncos!

 

WOW! Broncos

WOW! Broncos

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Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

I, Zeb the Duck, must leave Baltimore in an hour. Mom and I spotted this sculpture near the Inner Harbor area.

Looks good to me

Looks good to me

So pretty.

You will want to spend at least a full day at the Inner Harbor. The body of water here is the Chesapeake Bay. The shops and restaurants are welcoming. The National Aquarium is near. There are four ships to board and tour.

Many people enjoying the Inner Harbor

Many people enjoying the Inner Harbor

Don’t miss any of this!

I love water taxis.

I love the water, but I am a duck. You will love water taxis also.

I love the water, but I am a duck. You will love water taxis also.

So convenient and so much fun to travel by water.   This ship, the USS Constellation served our country, in various capacities, for almost 100 years.

USS Constellation

USS Constellation

Take a tour and learn of her time in the Mediterranean. Before the Civil War, the USS Constellation was the flagship of the US African Squadron. The USS Constellation sailed near Africa to capture slave ships and free the Africans headed to North America for slavery. Later, this ship took food and supplies to Ireland during that famine. The USS Constellation transported items across the Atlantic for world fairs.

A great ship

A great ship

The end of her career was spent training future Navy leaders.

We had less than one hour before our airport pickup, so we just wandered along the dock. Please, spend some time there and enjoy this great place! We want to return to board the ships and visit the National Aquarium.

Visit Baltimore's Inner Harbor soon.

Visit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor soon.

And so much more!

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Historic Buildings with Modern Businesses

I, Zeb the Duck, loved the old, historic buildings in Baltimore.  And, I thought it was great that the modern businesses used these buildings without changing the exterior.

The Walgreens by my house in Colorado certainly does not look like this one.

Walgreens in Baltimore

Walgreens in Baltimore

Mine is easy to recognize, but this one has history. And look at this 7-11.

7-11 in Baltimore

7-11 in Baltimore

These buildings are so great.

Preserving historic buildings

Preserving historic buildings

Another Baltimore 7-11.

How about this CVS?  Impressive to this duck.

Everybody needs CVS

Everybody needs CVS

This is one of my favorite places.  Love Dunkin’ Donuts.

Love Dunkin' Donuts

Love Dunkin’ Donuts

Fed Ex is looking good also.

FedEx is everywhere!

FedEx is everywhere!

Baltimore is trying to keep the city clean and save energy.  These solar compactors were on many streets.

Everybody can do their part

Everybody can do their part

I am glad mom and I went to Baltimore.  You will enjoy so many things here.  Let me know about your Baltimore experiences.

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Remembering Baltimore’s Heroes

Zeb the Duck here in Baltimore.   Skipping dinner, we walked in a different direction. First we encountered Battle Monument. Honoring those who died in the War of 1812, this 39-foot monument was built in 1815-1825.

Battle Monument with Zeb

Battle Monument with Zeb

Designed by J. Maximilian M. Godefroy notice the Egyptian Revival cenotaph base and Carrara marble statue of a female figure on the top.   The lady, wearing a crown of victory and holding a wreath in one hand and ship’s rudder in the other, represents the City of Baltimore. This monument, often called Lady Baltimore, is on the seal and the flag of the City of Baltimore.

Fountains to soothe

Fountains to soothe

Fountains add tranquility near the statue to the Negro Heroes.

Honoring Negro Heroes

Honoring Negro Heroes

I am proud to sit on the boot of an American hero.

Monument to heroes

Monument to heroes

Across the park is the War Memorial.

Baltimore's War Memorial

Baltimore’s War Memorial

This is a “place of meeting for all veteran, patriotic and civic organizations, a depository for trophies of wars in which our country has engaged, and a tribute to those citizens of Maryland who gave their lives and services to their country in World War I.” On the terrace in front of the War Memorial we saw the two sculptured sea horses. These sea horses represent the “Might of America crossing the seas to aid our allies.” One horse represents the Navy

Sea horse with osprey for Navy

Sea horse with osprey for Navy

and the other represents the army.

Sea horse with eagle representing the army

Sea horse with eagle representing the army

Looking ahead, I spotted the Phoenix Shot Tower, sometimes called the Old Baltimore Shot Tower. It is 215 feet tall and used about 1.1 million bricks (manufactured by Burns and Russell Company of Baltimore.) The Shot Tower was built in 1828.

Phoenix Shot Tower in Baltimore

Phoenix Shot Tower in Baltimore

Molten led was dropped from a platform at the top of the tower, through a sieve-like device, into a vat of cold water at the bottom of the tower. Both “drop shot” for pistols and rifles and “moulded shot” for larger weapons such as cannons were produced. Production stopped in 1892 when new methods of shot production were introduced. This information is from www.carrollmuseums.org and from Wikipedia.  Again, mom and I had no more time.  Next session of our conference starts soon.  You will enjoy your visit to Baltimore. Summer is a great time to explore the area.