September 28, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Devils Tower Legend

We visited Devils Tower in northeastern Wyoming.

Devils Tower, Wyoming

Yesterday I told you about our time there. When we entered the national monument area, we were given literature from the national park service.

This legend was included from the national park service. I love this legend. So, I told mom that I wanted to tell all of you about this. You may or may not have already known this, but I wanted to tell you.

The national park service brochure says: “Eight children were there at play, seven sisters and their brother. Suddenly the boy was struck dumb; he trembled and began to run upon his hands and feet. His fingers became claws, and his body was covered with fur. Directly there was a bear where the boy had been.

The bear

The sisters were terrified; they ran, and the bear after them. They came to the stump of a great tree, and the tree spoke to them. It bade them climb upon it, and as they did so it began to rise into the air. The bear came to kill them, but they were just beyond its reach. It reared against the tree and scored the bark all around with its claws.

Devils Tower Legend

The seven sisters were borne into the sky, and they became the stars of the Big Dipper.”

Sisters form Big Dipper

WOW! I know I will remember this legend every time I see the Big Dipper or see a bear. So, now you know why Devils Tower has those lines. If only the geologists would agree.

Go to Devils Tower and experience the tranquility of the area. You will love it there.

September 27, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Devils Tower Wyoming

Northeast Wyoming is home to the nations first national monument. In 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower the first national monument.

Devils Tower, Wyoming

In 1872 Yellowstone had become the country’s first national park. Some of Wyoming’s incredible landscape was saved for all to enjoy.

About 50 million years ago, molten lava was forced into sedimentary rocks and devils tower and the little Missouri Buttes were begun. The geology is fascinating, but today, I just want to show you what I saw and experienced.

Getting to Devils Tower, we crossed the Belle Fourche River several times. It is a beautiful river. You would enjoy looking at it, camping by it, hiking along it, and fishing in it. As we approached Devils Tower, the landscape changed.

Approaching Devils Tower

We were back in the Black Hills. Just love the hills, Ponderosa pines and unusual rock formations. The landscape is always changing.

We pulled off the road at the designated place and took pictures of Devils Tower.

Devils Tower

It is just there. Sticking up out of the ground. The tower is 867 feet high and stands 1,267 feet above the river. The diameter of the base is 1,000 feet. This is one big rock, or as they say, one big columnar monolith. Again, these places make me feel so small and humble.

Mom and I walked around the base of Devils Tower. On one side, we could see the green plains. This was once buffalo country, but now it is cattle country. The valley is green, with trees and hills in the background.

Cattle country behind Devils Tower

Very relaxing. I like being here.

We took lots of pictures of Devils Tower and were fascinated by this rock formation. Circling above the tower were turkey vultures. The vultures use the rising warm air to circle, play and look for food.

Turkey vultures around Devils Tower

They were fun to watch.

Shortly after entering the park grounds, we saw the black tailed prairie dogs. While there are still many black tailed prairie dogs, their overall population is about 2% of what Lewis and Clark described as “infinite” 200 years ago. Much of their natural habitat has been lost. They were cute,

Black tail prairie dog.
Looks so cute

but they jumped a little and barked. I stayed in the car while mom took photos. The park information said they could bite. The car was safer for me. I like being safe.

They really have black tails

We went to the visitor’s center. Lots of good stuff in there. Mom just bought the hatpins. She buys those almost every place we go. No food or drinks are sold in the park. There is a water fountain, but that is all. Keeps things cleaner, and I think that humans sometimes eat too much. We had drinks in the car, if we got thirsty. The visitor’s center is a log building.

Visitor’s Center at Devils Tower

Just seems to fit in the Black Hills. The roads, camping and picnicking facilities and museum (now visitor’s center) were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. We saw more of their work in Colorado at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

I hope you visit Devils Tower. It is in northeastern Wyoming, 33 miles northeast of Moorcroft, Wyoming. I think it is very interesting and very peaceful. I know you would enjoy your visit to Devils Tower.

One more photo of Devils Tower

I hope we can come back again. Tomorrow I will tell you the legend of Devils Tower. Be sure to read it and let me know what you think.

Our national park system is great. Visit www.nps.gov for more information.

September 25, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Little Bighorn Battlefield

Zeb was on a battlefield. And I survived! Mom and I stopped at Little Bighorn Battlefield in Garryowen, Montana.

Little Bighorn Battlefield

The battlefield is just off I-90 in southern Montana. This battlefield is on the Little Bighorn River and is a national monument. Some describe this battle as a clash of cultures. General George A. Custer, 36 years old and a Civil War hero, led 263 soldiers in a battle to defeat the Indians. The battle did not go well for General Custer. He and his men were defeated and killed by over 3,000 Indian warriors. Unfortunately for Custer, this defeat overshadowed his military career, and all many Americans remember about him was that he was defeated and killed here. He initiated the battle against the Indians, even though he was greatly out numbered. (I believe that is an understatement) Many believe that his defeat was the result of his ego.

We first stopped at the Visitor’s Center

Wall of Visitor’s Center

and watched a movie about the battle. Then we walked to Last Stand Hill.

Last Stand Hill with memorial

Here is a small cemetery where General Custer, his brother Tom and 39 other soldiers have stone markers. General Custer’s grave marker is the black one, left of me.

Markers on Last Stand Hill

There is a memorial on this hill. Some U.S. soldiers are buried under the memorial.

Base of memorial on Last Stand Hill

Their names are carved on the memorial. Near Last Stand Hill there is a marker for the horses that were killed here. I love when humans give credit to the animals!

Tribute to lost horses

All around the battlefield I saw white stone markers. The markers are where the bodies were found. There are also red granite markers

Marker for Lakota warrior

showing where Cheyenne and Lakota warriors died. There are many more white markers than red ones. Near Last Stand Hill an Indian memorial is being built. It is not finished so we were not allowed inside the area. However, the wire sculpture was partially visible.

Partial finishing memorial to Indians

The memorial will be very nice when completed. I hope I can come back to see the finished project. A park volunteer told us that this was the last battle won by the Indians. We walked along trails through the battlefield.

Path through battlefield

It was strange to see so many markers and know that soldiers and warriors died here. This land has open fields, hills and valleys with many place to attack without being seen and areas of trees by the Little Bighorn River. Lots of places where you cannot easily be seen. Next we drove along a 5-mile road. This road took us to various sections where the battle raged. We saw lots of grave markers. We saw the river, the hills and valleys, the steep ravines and much more. This land is important to all people. Many remember the soldiers that died here in June 1876 and many remember the Indians that died here. For many Indian tribes, this is sacred land. This battlefield is located on the Crow Reservation. Also located on the Little Bighorn Battlefield ground is a National Cemetery.

National cemetery at Little Bighorn Battlefield

The rows of grave markers look just the cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Grave markers

The cemetery has veterans of American Indian wars, the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II and the Korean war. This is a sacred place for many people. You will love visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield. There is so much to see and learn. This is a spiritual place for many. Relax and you will feel the power of this land. While you are here, walk around the fields and really feel this place. For more information visit http://www.nps.gov/libi

September 14, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Nederland, Colorado with Zeb

Zeb visits a mountain town

Quaint and quirky describe Nederland. Now adored by tourists, humans and ducks, Nederland was just a tiny mountain mining town; then in the ‘60s it became popular with the hippies. Now Nederland is a popular mountain town near Boulder, Colorado.

We visited the Nederland Visitors Center, located across from the Blue Moon Bakery, one of my favorite stops. We didn’t enter the souvenir shops today, but we have other times. I like the shops. We entered the pedestrian bridge,

View of river from bridge

crossed the river and continued to the Carousel of Happiness.

Entrance to Carousel of Happiness

It was a lot of work restoring the antique carousel. All the animals were hand-carved by Nederland resident Scott Harrison.

A rabbit on carousel sign

Everyone has fun here. Ducks, too.

We had mini donuts at Buffalo Bill’s Coffee and Confections.

Up ramp to train car and a snack

This snack shop is in train cars that have been adapted for customers. My first time in a train car. Other train cars are also used. The donuts were very tasty. We had the ones with cinnamon and sugar. Yum!! Is all food from train cars this good? While eating we chatted with a few people. Everyone seemed happy. Definitely not a complaining group. We enjoyed the stop.

Other side of Buffalo Bill’s Coffee and Confections

When we left it was raining. With a longing look at the Alpaca store, we headed back to our car. I love the rain, but mom prefers dry days to wander around towns. Back through the pedestrian bridge, which really is a covered bridge over the creek.

Covered bridge over Boulder Creek in Nederland

Nederland has several festivals, including High Peaks Arts Festival the last weekend of June, Miner’s Days the third weekend of July, Nedfest Music & Art Festival the last weekend of August and Holiday Mountain Market the first weekend of December. But the most famous is Frozen Dead Guy Days the second weekend of March. I’m looking forward to this one, but only with mom’s protection. I don’t want to be frozen or dead. You will enjoy the many activities and festivals of Nederland.

I like Nederland and you will too. It is in a beautiful location in the Rocky Mountains, has shops, a variety of restaurants, even a few featuring food from the Himalayas and outdoor activities for all seasons.

We visited Nederland last week, before the flooding arrived in the area. We went on a road trip this week, so I will tell you about it on Monday. Nederland is a wonderful town and you will enjoy your time here. Please check the road conditions before you go. It is still raining as mom types this, so all damage is not yet known. Go in a few weeks and you will have a great time. Look for me Monday and see where we went.

September 13, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Boulder Canyon, Colorado with Zeb the Duck

Boulder canyon is beautiful.

Boulder Canyon

We just returned from a drive today. We live near Denver, but within a short time we are vacationing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Today we drove through Boulder, Colorado, took highway 119 and enjoyed Boulder Canyon.

The mountains are tall, rugged and majestic.

Road cut through steep mountain in Boulder Canyon

Boulder Creek flows through the canyon. Traffic was light; it was a Thursday afternoon, so we pulled over often to admire the mountains. A walking or bike path was separate from the road in many places. Much safer for all. We often looked from the road, saw Boulder Creek and bikers pedaling. Many riding uphill. I never will understand humans.

We came to Boulder Falls.

Welcome to Boulder Falls

Like many others, we parked, took pictures,

Boulder Falls

and headed to the hiking trail. The water, falls and tumbles, over rocks for 70 feet.

Ready to hike Boulder Falls

And there is no entrance fee. Unfortunately the trail was closed. The sign said too many rocks falling. That seemed like a good reason to close the trail. Back into the car we went. Continued driving through the canyon and eventually back home. Ducks love these trips and humans seem relaxed and energized after the drive. Hope you try it soon.

Hi Zeb again. We were in Boulder Canyon a couple weeks ago, before the rains and flooding. If you go, wait a few days, and be sure to check on road conditions. It is beautiful and will be again soon. We were on a road trip this week and this was set to post while we were gone. Loved the canyon!

September 11, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado

Best Place to see the Stars

Morrison, Colorado, about 20 minutes southwest of Denver, is home to one of the best concert venues and parks anywhere. More than 6,400 feet above sea level and comprising 868 acres of open spaces, wildlife and geological wonders, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world.

Red Rocks, Morrison,, Colorado

Zeb, your Colorado traveling duck, visited this place with mom. Just a short drive from Denver, this place is wonderful. We started at the top of the theater.

Top of theater looking down to stage

It is a long way to the bottom with many rows of seats. The stage is easily visible from every seat. Again, an observation on human behavior. Several people, men and women were running along the rows of seats, while others climbed to the next higher row, did a couple push ups, climbed to the next row, more push ups.

Humans get exercise at Red Rocks

Wow! What a work out!

The rock formations (red rock, of course) are breath taking. Or maybe I was also out of breath watching so much exertion—climbing, push-ups and altitude. The views are beautiful. Through the rock formations, the Denver skyline is visible.

Denver skyline over top of Red Rocks stage

This park has many hiking and biking trails also. Hiking is fun, but I will leave the running up stairs and benches to the humans.

We went to the Visitor Center and the Performers Hall of Fame. They had concerts here more than 100 years ago. Each year the season begins with Easter Sunday sunrise service. So many famous people have performed here. I am sitting on a guitar with schedules of performers, one schedule per year

Zeb on guitar at Red Rocks

. Also there I am with posters for some of the performances.

Zeb with the music greats

This sure is a popular place for everybody, even for Zeb the duck.

The Ship Rock Grille is the official restaurant of Red Rocks.

Ship Rock Grille

They are open for lunch and open for dinner on concert evenings. Great sandwiches. Sunday brunch is also served at Ship Rock Grille. Maybe we can go some Sunday.

Entering and leaving the amphitheater we drove through a tunnel in the rock.

Drive through Red Rock tunnel to visit theater

Great entrance! Although the amphitheater is natural, the seats are not. From 1936 to 1941 the Civilian Conservation Corps

Honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps

worked at Red Rocks making the amphitheater the perfect venue we have today.

I love this place.

Ship Rock on one side of amphitheater

Concerts, food, trails and beautiful rock formations make a perfect day trip for us. I hope to return here often. I would love to see you here too. For more information visit www.redrocksonline.com

September 9, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb visits Central City, Colorado

Today we are going to Central City. The town is about 35 miles west of Denver. When gold was discovered in 1859, this was ”The richest square mile on earth.” Rich! And I, Zeb the duck, am going there.

Central City Parkway

Mom tells me to calm down, the mining has stopped now and Central City is on the historic registry. That means the buildings built after the fire of 1874, rebuilt with stone and brick, are still standing. About that brick—this was a gold mining area, so the bricks have gold dust in them. WOW! The city looks like an old mining town with shops and restaurants for us to explore.

Central City main street

We visited a few shops selling a variety of items—not regular tourist T-shirts, but glassware, books, clothes, old jewelry and even stuff I did not recognize.

We went to the visitor’s center. The lady there was very helpful. Upstairs the Gilpin County Arts Association has a very interesting art gallery. We saw photographs that looked better than life. We saw beautiful paintings also. My favorite was wood with zippers.

By Paul Stafford. A wood turner

Yep, zippers on wooden vases and bowls. My favorite was Walnut Vase by Paul Stafford. View more of Paul Stafford’s art at www.woodturner-gallery.com

That art gallery was great and then we went to the old courthouse, which has another art gallery, also featuring artists from Gilpin County Arts Association. This building has several rooms of art displays. We were in the courtroom, the first district courtroom in the territory of Colorado. Art was displayed on the judge’s bench, the witness platform and the jury platform. All original wood items from over 100 years ago. The art was beautiful. My favorite things were cards made from original photographs. What a great way to share your treasures. From one room of art, we went outside to the Sculpture Garden.

Love this fountain in sculpture garden

This was a nice retreat and I loved the fountain by Richard Emmert.

Leaving the former courthouse and present art gallery, we went to the museum. We were just in time for the tour to the Opera House. The grand opening of the Opera House was held in 1878. Plays are held here in Central City at the famous Opera House during the summer. The season is over for this year. We could only see the inside on a tour. When you go, notice the horse sculptures on the sides near the stage.

Inside Central City Opera House

They are not sculptures—they are paintings! Really. On the wall on either side of stage. Paintings! Walk over to them and look. This duck was fooled.

Next time we go to Central City we will take a tour of an abandoned mine,

An abandoned mine by Central City

probably the Hidee Mine, or explore the three cemeteries. Maybe even go to the casinos. The casino profits help preserve Central City. There are a couple ways to get to Central City from Denver. We took I-70 to the Central City Parkway. This is about 20-25 minutes west of Denver. The Central City Parkway goes directly into Central City. Very easy drive. We were there in less than 45 minutes. We drove home through Clear Creek Canyon, on US 6 which goes into Golden and then to Denver. What a great Colorado road. US 6 goes through a canyon and follows Clear Creek. River and mountains–everything I love. This duck is so proud to live in Colorado. See you soon.

September 7, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Hiking at Echo Lake, Colorado

Zeb had a great time at Echo Lake. This lake is calm and beautiful.

Ready to hike at Echo Lake

Located near the road to Mt. Evans, Echo Lake was perfect for Zeb, his mom, Soapy’s mom and Steve, Soapy’s dog. We hiked, talked and laughed, ate, shopped, and hiked some more.

I have to say, that this was the best hiking ever. I, Zeb, rode on the back of Steve.

Zeb riding Steve at Echo Lake

From this picture, you can see that I had a real ride and a wonderful time. Although Steve is fast, she was careful with me and I stayed on her, never even close to falling off her back. Fantastic!

We started at Echo Lake Lodge parking lot. We hiked on trails that felt spongy from all the pine needles. A few other people, no ducks like me and a few dogs were on our trail. Everybody was very kind and having a good time in the mountain sunshine. The trail led us around the lake and back to the road. Before the road, we found the picnic area with many tables and a shelter in case of too much wind or rain. Also restrooms are available. This seems important to humans.

In the lake, we saw live ducks swimming, people fishing and dogs having fun. My Steve put paws in the lake and enjoyed a big, cool drink.

Steve having a drink from Echo Lake

Hiking makes humans hungry.

Lunch was good at Echo Lake Lodge. Mom had a big, tasty hamburger. Soapy’s mom had chicken quesadillas. Lots of smiles and eating here. While eating, we watched hummingbirds at the feeders. They are a lot smaller than me, but those wings sure move fast!

Hummingbird with wings in action

Soon the humans, saying how full they were, ordered dessert. Dessert??? Echo Lake Lodge has wonderful home made pies. Mom had blueberry pie with ice cream. Soapy’s mom had chocolate peanut butter pie, topped with whipped cream and miniature chocolate chips, and a scoop of ice cream.

The pie is perfect!

As you can see, I enjoyed it also.

It rained while we were eating, but we took a short hike after lunch

Steve, wait for me

and then home. This was a fantastic day. You will love Echo Lake and maybe even some pie from the restaurant. Echo Lake is about 1 hour from Denver. From I-70 take the second exit in Idaho Springs. Then drive 14 miles to Echo Lake Lodge and the entrance to Mt. Evans. The drive is beautiful and Echo Lake is worth the trip. The Echo Lake Lodge website was not completed today, but check www.mountevans.com. This is another great day trip from Denver. Hope to see you there soon.

September 6, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

An Afternoon at the Movies

Zeb the duck had a great afternoon at the movies. Today we went to Flatirons Mall, between Denver and Boulder. The AMC theaters there have the best seats! We sat in red leather power recliners. So comfy and we watched a really funny movie. My mom and Soapy’s mom laughed a lot. We saw The Heat.

I’m on top of the movie ad at AMC Theaters Flatirons Mall

That’s the movie with the lady FBI officer and the local lady police officer. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should and would probably enjoy the movie and laugh a lot.

During the movie our moms ate a lot of popcorn and drank pop and slurpees.

Zeb with movie snacks

Lots of eating, drinking and laughing occurred this afternoon. After the movie, we went into the mall and they did a little shopping. Purchases were made at Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and Sephora. These seemed like chick stores, but some men shopping, maybe for themselves, or for ladies in their lives. Our moms wandered through several other stores, admiring several things, but kept the credit cards in their purses. We also sampled wonderful tea at the Tevana store.

After hours of shopping and lots of talking, our moms left the mall and stopped at McDonald’s for a little ice cream and lots more talking and laughing. We ducks like happy human ladies. Everybody was home before dark to do a few things and end the day with a relaxing evening. I recommend movies. They are fun and the popcorn is wonderful.

Red Leather Power Recliners. I love them

My favorite theater is this AMC theater outside Flatirons Mall. It is on the Boulder Turnpike or US 36 between Denver and Boulder. The red leather power recliners are the best movie seats ever. Try them soon.

September 4, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Colorado Duck in Rocky Mountain National Park with Zeb in the summer snow

Living near Denver, a day in the mountains is very common and very enjoyable. My human calls it a mini vacation. Since she is retired, we have lots of mini vacations. We drove to Grand Lake, the western entrance to the national park. Before entering the park, we visited Quackers Gifts.

Quacker Gift Shop Grand Lake, Colorado

This is a small gift shop dedicated to my kind. The shop features many rubber ducks, several smaller than I am, but very cute ducks. Holiday ducks, specialty ducks and even celebrity ducks. There is a second store in Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs. Definitely go to Quackers Gifts if possible, or visit www.quackergiftshop.com

Entering Rocky Mountain National Park at Grand Lake, we followed Trail Ridge Road to Trail Ridge Store and Café at 11,796 feet above sea level.

Trail Ridge Store in Rocky Mountain National Park

This is the visitor center, but not the highest point on this road. Trail Ridge is the highest continuous highway in the United States. You should drive it, in the summer. Lots of snow falls here in the winter.

I’m in a 5 foot snow bank in Rocky Mountain National Park

My human put me in this snowdrift. Snow is cold!

Leaving the visitor center, we saw herds of elk lounging on the Alpine landscape.

Herd of elk lounging at 11,000 feet in Rocky Mt National Park

We are above tree line here. Elk like cooler temperatures in summer, so they go to higher elevations.

Beautiful Elk

Cooler it was. We needed jackets. Silly elk, I like warm summer days.

There are many hiking trails in the park. Some are even paved to accommodate many people, and wheel chairs. The park has lakes, streams, trails, mountain climbing and camping. There are hiking trails through the Alpine tundra area. Normally tundra is found in northern Alaska and areas with similar climates. The scenery and wild animals are picture perfect.

One more majestic elk

This park is wonderful for one-day trips or several weeks camping, hiking, fishing and climbing. We only spent a few hours here, but it is beautiful. I, Zeb, will return.

Trail Ridge Road took us to Estes Park where my human rushed to the Taffy Shop.

Pulling Taffy in Estes Park, Colorado

The shop has this machine to pull taffy. There are many flavors and the humans love it. My mom’s favorite is Texas Pecan.

Rocky Mountain National Park is about 2 hours from Denver. You can enter from either Estes Park or Grand Lake. Both are beautiful mountain towns. Each town has shopping, motels, restaurants, hiking trails, rafting, horse rides and each town has a lake. I love them both and I think you would also. Visit in summer or winter, but Trail Ridge Road connecting the two towns is closed in the winter. Way too much snow. See you in the park soon.

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Colorado Traveling Ducks

Uncategorized

Devils Tower Legend

Devils Tower Wyoming

Little Bighorn Battlefield

Nederland, Colorado with Zeb

Boulder Canyon, Colorado with Zeb the Duck

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado

Zeb visits Central City, Colorado

Hiking at Echo Lake, Colorado

An Afternoon at the Movies

Colorado Duck in Rocky Mountain National Park with Zeb in the summer snow