March 12, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Dinner at The Fort near Denver

Zeb the Duck here and I am very happy. My Alaska cousin, Eider and his dad, are flying to Denver today. Mom and I picked them up at Denver International Airport. This is a very big airport. The design is to represent the high mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Blue horse at Denver International Airport

The blue horse at the airport is an original and well known to travelers using Denver’s airport.

Eider and I and our humans visited The Fort restaurant in nearby Morrison, Colorado for dinner. They specialize in Colorado beef, wild game and fish. We started with warm bread and pumpkin nut rolls.

Let’s get started!

The salads were large, fresh and crisp and very tasty. The humans ordered a featured meal consisting of a buffalo medallion, an elk chop, and quail breast, served with Montana huckleberry sauce.

So much food

It was very tasty and we were all pleasantly full.

After dinner, we explored the restaurant. The bartender was very friendly and invited us to pose on the bar.

Ducks at the bar

Adjoining the bar was an additional lounge. The smaller tables had colorful cloths

Cozy area

where humans, and ducks, can sit, chat and enjoy a beverage and snack. The lounge had a wooden model of Noah’s Ark.

Noah’s Ark at The Fort

Over the door leaving this lounge we saw this jackalope.

What’s a jackalope?

They humans just laughed as we asked where jackalopes live. Must be a human joke. In another room we saw this buffalo mount on a wall.

Buffalo at The Fort

Buffalo sure are big! These are huge horns over the grill.

Huge horns. We feel so small.

It was dark when we left the restaurant. We liked this fire pit.

Fire pit on outdoor patio

Contained fires are very warm and inviting. They even had a statue of a polar bear.

A polar bear in Colorado

After seeing this, Eider and I decided to be good.

We promise to be good!

We liked The Fort and we think you would also. Visit http://www.thefort.com for more information. The food, decor and views are wonderful.

The Fort Restaurant

March 10, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Alaska: At home and beginning The Quest

Last time we saw photos of Eider, my Alaska duck cousin and my human cousin at Chatanika Lodge in Alaska. Today we have photos of Eider at home in North Pole, Alaska. I think there is a gas grill under there.

No cooking outside today

Eider, that is quite a snow hat on the tree behind you.

Snow hat on tree behind Eider

Eider’s dad shoveled snow so the people could deliver propane-heating oil to their house.

Clear a path so heating oil can be delivered

Eider is sitting on a snow bank. Cold duck feathers!!

Snow, snow, snow

Somebody or something is looking in the window at Eider.

He is watching you!

Wow! Eider has a moose in the back yard. Now the moose is enjoying a snack in Eider’s yard.

A moose has to eat

In Alaska there are many dog racing teams. Many people have heard about the Iditarod dog sled race. There is a second famous dog race. Eider and dad went to the beginning of the Quest dog race. They sent these pictures to me and I want to share them with you.

Starting the Quest

The dogs wear boots to protect their feet. The orange boots are easy to see.

Ready to race

Allen Moore. This team won the Quest

Ready to run

This race began in Fairbanks, Alaska and ended in Whitehorse. Whitehorse is in the Yukon Territory of Canada. This is a 1,000 mile international sled dog race. Next year the race will begin in Whitehorse and end in Fairbanks.

We love getting pictures from Eider. Many of the activities in Eider’s life and in Alaska are very different from our life and interesting to us.

Can we have a moose?

March 7, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Chatanika Lodge, Alaska

Hi. Zeb the Duck here and I am so surprised and embarrassed. You all know my Alaska uncle and my Alaska cousin. Today I got a letter and pictures from them and I learned my Alaska cousin has a name. I never knew that. The name is Eider and Eider is also a large sea duck that live and breeds in the Arctic. Eiders can fly at speeds up to 70 mph. I learned that from Wikipedia. My cousin, Eider, is a true Alaskan!

Eider and family went to Chatanika Lodge, about 28 miles from Fairbanks. These are some of the photos we received. The entrance to the lodge has real moose antlers and much natural fur.

Entrance to Chatanika Lodge

The eagles are carved from wood. Here Eider is sitting on a rail made of spruce.

Eider on spruce rail with bumps

The bumps on the cedar are all natural. These carved wooden bears are inviting on this winter day.

Eider on snowy bears

Eider is sitting on a snow bank and looks cold.

Eider on snow bank. Brrr

Take him inside Alaska uncle!

Inside the lodge is a small restaurant.

Eider on lamp shade near bear skin

There are a lot of old Alaskan art and artifacts. Here is Eider on a doll.

Eider on antique doll

Eider is sitting on old sewing machine by a Harley Davidson motorcycle lamp.

Eider on sewing machine by Harley lamp

They visited Chatanika Lodge during Christmas, so we can see some decorations.

Looking at snowy outdoors

This time Eider is sitting on a bear trap.

Eider. You are on a bear trap!

Be careful cousin! This is my cousin Cindy holding Eider by a dall sheep.

Cindy holding Eider near dall sheep

Dall sheep are known for their curled horns. The horns grow in the spring and summer and then in fall and winter the growth slows and stops. The growth pattern forms rings, called annuli, and the age of the dall sheep is determined from the horns.

In March Chatanika Lodge holds Chatanika Days festival. One of the events is outhouse races. Teams build outhouses, a person must be in outhouse and the teams race down a course. This is the original outhouse entered by the lodge for the outhouse races.

Ready for outhouse races

Be careful Eider.

This looks like a great place. To see more visit www.chatanikalodgeak.com Thanks for sending pictures Eider.

March 5, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Today is Ash Wednesday

The Colorado Traveling Ducks and their humans wish you all a very happy Ash Wednesday.

There are 46 days until Easter.

March 3, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Reflections of Cuba by Zeb the Duck

I, Zeb the Duck, am back at the airport in Havana, Cuba.

We are in Havana, Cuba

As I wait for my plane to Miami, I pause to reflect on my Cuban adventure. I met many very nice people. I liked my group of human travelers. As expected they were all very experienced travelers eager to explore a new place and adaptable if the planned schedule was changed. I also met very nice, friendly people living in Cuba.

I remember narrow streets with old buildings.

Narrow streets with wonderful old buildings

Many horse carts,

Horse with cart

many bicycles, many people walking, some classic American cars

Classic cars as taxis

and some new,

New smaller taxis

small taxis.

The school children were wearing uniforms.

Their uniforms look nice

We stopped at a ballet school and saw them practice.

Wow!

While we brought gifts to the senior center, we enjoyed the dancing and music and the people gave us a gift also.

Zeb with new hat

I think I look pretty good in my hat.

As a yellow rubber duck, people were curious about me and many became my friends.

Zeb’s new best friend

These decorated cakes are examples of art and attention to detail.

Look so yummy

Bet they taste good too.

Cuba has many statues; some large and some smaller bronze statues.

Statue of friar near Havana’s Plaza Vieja

It appears that they remember and honor many people.

This man was so nice and I was fascinated as he made sugar cane juice.

Made fresh sugar cane juice

I remember shopping in the market in Havana.

Indoor market in Havana

I remember music everywhere.

Musicians playing in Trinidad

After dinner one evening, many in our human group learned some Cuban dance steps

After dinner dance lessons

and many danced after the lesson.

I remember and admire the art, the color, the talent and most of all, the smiles and

Our new friends

friendliness of the Cuban people. Our governments may have differences, but the friendly people of Cuba and the United States get along well.

Such colorful dresses

I am so glad that we visited Cuba. If you want to see Cuba, check out http://www.friendlyplanet.com and see what they offer. There are other tour companies that offer people to people tours. We decided to travel with Friendly Planet and enjoyed it. I hope you will visit Cuba soon.

Alejandro, our local guide, enjoying a Cuban cigar.

Connie our Friendly Planet guide and Santos our driver with Zeb the Duck

It is time to board the plane and return to Miami. I have more adventures planned with Soapy Smith Duck, my Alaska cousin will send Alaska updates and JB Duck is also traveling. Please check here to see what we do and tell us about your adventures, away from home and in your home town.

February 28, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

John Lennon Park in Havana

John Lennon, the Beatles and their music were banned in Cuba during Lennon’s lifetime. John Lennon is in Havana now and sits in a park named for him.

Bronze of John Lennon in Havana, Cuba

Fidel Castro dedicated the statue of the former Beatle December 8, 2000, 20 years after Lennon’s murder.

A security guard watches the statue of Lennon sitting on a bench. Lennon’s distinctive glasses were previously stolen, so now the guard holds the glasses and will put them on Lennon if asked.

John Lennon’s security guard is my new friend

When I, Zeb the Duck, visited this statue, there was a line of tourists waiting to have their pictures taken with Lennon. As you can see, I waited for my turn.

WOW! I am sitting with John Lennon

Near the monument to Lennon is a cultural center and club, appropriately named the Yellow Submarine.

Too bad we didn’t have time to go inside. Looks fun.

The Yellow Submarine in Havana, Cuba

I, Zeb the Duck, like the statue and I liked this park. I think you would like this park, too. The John Lennon Park is located near the corner of streets 17^th and 6^th in the Vedado area of Havana. When you go, smile at the friendly gentleman that keeps John’s glasses.

February 26, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Callejon de Hamel

Central Havana, Cuba is home to Callejon de Hamel; a short street lined with murals and unusual artwork. The focus is on Santeria, the combining of Yoruba religion from Africa with Catholicism.

Callejon de Hamel in Havana, Cuba

When the African slave was forced to accept Catholicism he blended the spirits of his religion with the saints of the catholic religion.

Visit video.nationalgeographic.com for an example of this blending. In the search on the site type santeria. St. Lazarus, a healer of the sick is blended with Babalu Aye, the spirit of good health. Santeria does involve sacrifices of healthy animals to keep the spirits happy and fed. Santeria uses natural healing using herbs and divination through rituals including animal sacrifice, offerings, and altar building; music, dance and possession trance.

We visited Callejon de Hamel and want to show you the artwork there, much of it done by Salvador Gonzales.

Callejon de Hamel

chapel

Zeb on a grashopper??

Callejon de Hamel

Mural at Callejon de Hamel

You can purchase items from this lady.

Santeria store at Callejon de Hamel

Mom and I used national geographic and wikipedia to verify facts. You may appreciate the information there also. Many times you will experience dance performances at Callejon de Hamel. We did not, but you may. This is a very colorful street and Cuban experience you won’t want to miss. Go and enjoy it all.

February 22, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Hotel Nacional de Cuba–Military Museum

This hotel, Hotel Nacional de Cuba, is in the Vedado district of Havana. The hotel is on the north coast of Cuba, overlooking the Malecon and the Caribbean Sea. Havana is 90 miles south of Key West, Florida. I, Zeb the Duck, am reminding you of these facts, to partially explain the small museum here and the historical importance. In October 1962 the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States reached what is often considered the worst moment.

: Missile crisis??

In the United States we call it the Cuban Missile Crisis and in Cuba it is referred to as the Missile Crisis.

This is part of what I saw in the lawn of my hotel.

: Entrance to underground bunker

The Cueva Taganana is the underground bunker on the grounds of the Hotel National de Cuba.

: Cueva Taganana

Our last morning at the hotel, the cave was open while sweeping out excess rain. The gentleman said we could go inside.

: Inside Cueva Taganana. Map and posters

: The Soviet position

: Fidel Castro’s position

This is serious stuff. Even ducks know this. This Cueva Taganana is now a museum and here is another reminder of past trouble between Cuba and the United States.

: Bay of Pigs

: Near the underground bunker

This cave has been an important symbol to Cuba since the 16^th century when it served as a refuge for an Indian named Taganana. The cave has been changed to tunnels for the defense of Havana. In 1885 15 cannons were placed on the grounds as part of a Spanish artillery regiment. This is a big cannon!

: Wow! This is big especially for a small duck

: Still tension between the United States and Cuba

Our hotel is near the Hotel Havana Libre.

: Hotel Habana Libre, former Hilton Hotel

This was a new Hilton hotel but in 1959 it was taken over by Fidel Castro, nine months after opening. Fidel Castro renamed the hotel and ruled Cuba from the 24th floor for a few months.

There has been many problems between the United States and Cuba and several still exist. Ducks don’t best involved in politics, but the people I met in Cuba were very nice to me and I was very nice to them. The people and ducks can get along; maybe the governments will one day.

Let’s all sit down and talk about peaceful relations

The hotel offers tours of the hotel and grounds daily. We were on other tours during the scheduled time, but I would recommend taking the tour of Hotel Nacional de Cuba if you have the time. This is a fascinating place and the amount of history is astonishing.

February 21, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Hotel Nacional de Cuba Havana Cuba

I, Zeb the Duck and my group of humans are staying at the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana.

This hotel opened in 1930 when Cuba was a prime tourist destination from the United States. The location and the manicured lawns of the hotel are stunning.

Many famous people have stayed here and many pictures adorn the walls in the bar and other areas of the hotel. This jukebox is part of a tribute to Nat King Cole (according to Wikipedia).

In our hotel bar area

Here is a statue honoring a musician,

Musician and Zeb in Hotel Nacional de Cuba

and maybe me, Zeb the Duck?

Here I am with another friend, Bif.

Zeb and Bif overlooking the Caribbean Sea

We are in the bar area overlooking the Caribbean Sea. One day in the bar area, mom and her friend put me on the bar with these colorful drinks. The bartender saw me, smiled and said “Ducks are welcome here.”

Ducks welcome here!

I feel so happy at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.

The Hotel Nacional de Cuba has the Parisien nightclub.

This club and show are in our hotel. Let’s go!

One evening we saw the cabaret show. These photos just don’t do justice to the show,

The show

but view these and use your imagination.

We liked this show

The show was very nice and we enjoyed it completely.

The manicured lawn and location of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba make it a popular location for weddings. This is a happy couple.

Wedding at Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Here I am on a table overlooking the water.

Zeb waiting for refreshments

As we walked around the grounds, I met this peacock.

This peacock is my new friend.

He has beautiful colors and is friendly. Next time I want to show the military museum at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.

February 19, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Hamlet in Denver

Soapy Smith Duck and his mom invited my mom and me, Zeb the Duck, to see Hamlet. I was so excited. Our moms love plays and love the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, but Soapy and Zeb have never been here before.

We went to a matinee. Before the performance Soapy and Zeb posed for photos.

Soapy and Zeb on foot of tall dancers

These dancers are really tall!! Zeb and Soapy are standing on a foot—the foot on the left side of this photo. We look like yellow dots. Here we are, Soapy on the foot and Zeb on the ground.

Really big feet!

This is one entrance to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. We ducks love the roof.

One entrance to Denver Center for the Performing Arts

This center has multiple theaters and artwork. Here is one statue in the complex.

Statue at Denver Center for the Performing Arts

We like this place.

Inside the building near the entrance we saw these small tables.

Near theater showing Hamlet. First performed in 1600.

Little known facts about Hamlet are here. It is very nice to learn unusual facts about our show. We really like Lion King, so we think we will like Hamlet also.

Time to enter the theater, but mom said no photos during the performance. We loved this performance. Maybe our moms will bring us here again. They are talking about seeing another performance.

After the show, some of the actors and other people instrumental in this production talked to the audience.

Some actors and staff talking to audience

They were very interesting and informative.

Here we are, by the statue of King Hamlet, the very King that was murdered in this play.

Soapy and Zeb with King Hamlet

This was an exciting day for ducks and moms. We hope you will see Hamlet, or some other live performance. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is beautiful, but if you don’t live in Denver, see a live performance in your area of the world. You will like it!

Announcing Hamlet. Soapy and Zeb in lower left.

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