It is here! Happy New Year to everyone.
Happy 2017 to everyone!
We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, and the humans, wish you all a very Happy New Year. We wish you a safe, prosperous, and fun filled 2017.
Happy New Year 2017
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.
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.
Zeb the Duck Visits Colorado’s State Capitol Building
Walking on 16th Street Mall, I see our destination.
I see the Capitol Building
We are going into the state capitol building in Denver, Colorado. Mom says we will be on that observation area just below the dome. Outside? Way up there? We walk around to the east side and see this statue of an Indian and a buffalo.
East entrance. Native American with buffalo
Buffalos used to roam through the American west. You can see that restoration of the capitol building is in progress. I see our outside observation ledge again, just below the dome. Back to the west entrance, there is a memorial for the American Civil War, complete with canons on each side.
West entrance with Civil War monument
And more renovation work being done here. The stairs to the capitol building are a little different than most stairways. I am sitting on the step that was dedicated to being exactly One Mile Above Sea Level.
Capitol steps. Exactly one mile above sea level
It is even engraved on the step. But, recent findings say the step with the gold circular plaque may really be exactly one mile above sea level. That is one of the reasons that Denver is the Mile High City. Inside the capitol building, in the rotunda, we find many paintings, emphasizing the importance of water to Colorado.
Remembering the importance of water to Colorado
We have much agriculture and many cattle ranches; yet Colorado is a semi arid climate. Water conservation is very important. Most of our water is from snowmelt in our Rocky Mountains. The Colorado legislature is not in session now. The desks in the Senate chambers are covered, waiting for the return of our state senators.
State Senate not in session in December
Continuing through the capitol, we see a ceremony taking place here.
Ceremony honoring Sergeant Godsey and Corporal Lopez
This is a presentation ceremony awarding the French Legion of Honor Medal to two US Army veterans. During World War II, while stationed in France, Sergeant Dallas I. Godsey, US Army and Corporal David E. Lopez, US Army aided the French military. This ceremony, in Denver, Colorado, is for them to receive the French Legion of Honor Medal. This was a private ceremony for the veterans, so we did not go into the room. I, Zeb the Duck, was honored to be here to see these brave men. During our free tour, we walked up stairs to the third level.
Three levels inside the capitol building
We think our capitol building is beautiful. Many Colorado resources were used in the construction. The granite is from Gunnison, Colorado. The marble is from Marble, Colorado. The pink stone is rose onyx. This stone is rare and all known sources were used in the capitol’s construction. The rose onyx was quarried in Beulah, Colorado. The gold on the dome has been reapplied 4 times. The latest was 65 ounces of .999 pure gold, mined in Colorado, hammered into gold leaf in Florence, Italy, and applied to the capitol’s dome in 2013. Humans can come this far without a tour, but we wanted more. We want to get closer to the dome.
Three floors and 99 more steps to go
So, 99 more steps to climb. Our guide leads the way. Reaching the 99th step, we are now able to go outside.
Looking west from observation area just under the dome
We are looking west toward Denver’s City and County Building. Civic Center Park is between the two government buildings. We see some more monuments. We will show you a couple of them when we are back on the ground. After walking completely around the capitol dome, we go back inside, down the same 99 steps and once again admire the interior of the capitol building. The stained glass window across from me honors Emily Griffith.
Three levels. Window across from Zeb honors Emily Griffith
Emily Griffith moved to Denver in 1894. She believed that everyone had the right to an education She founded The Emily Griffith Opportunity School, which helped make this possible for many people in Denver. The Denver capitol also honors various Colorado people. This honors Peter H. Dominick, 1915-1981.
Peter H. Dominick
Mr. Dominick was an aviator, lawyer, legislator, and statesman. He served in the Colorado House of Representatives 1957-1961. Then in the US House of Representatives 1961-1963. He was a US Senator 1963-1975. Mr. Dominick served as US Ambassador to Switzerland in 1975. Leaving the capitol building, we went to Civic Center Park to show you two monuments. This one you saw from above and outside, while standing under the capitol dome, honors all US Veterans.
Monument to all those that served in the US Armed Forces
This monument looks so much taller from the ground. Here is a statue dedicated to Private Joe Martinez, Colorado’s first Congressional Medal of Honor recipient of World War II.
A Colorado recipient of Congressional Medal of Honor
I, Zeb the Duck, love walking around downtown Denver. We just walked into the capitol and took a tour and then walked around Civic Center Park. We hope you enjoy walking around Denver or any other city you visit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ms. Ducky Goes to Grand Teton National Park
Here she is. Still traveling in Wyoming, Ms. Ducky is entering Grand Teton National Park.
Grand Teton National Park
Heading toward Jackson Lake Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, she and her humans take in the beautiful mountain view.
Beautiful
Onward to Jackson Lake Dam and Reservoir.
Jackson Lake Dam and Reservoir
A great place.
Jackson Lake Dam and Reservoir
The river cuts through the land.
River
These are absolutely beautiful photos, Ms. Ducky.
Wow
We love them.
Beautiful
Breathtaking
Wow
Beauty everywhere
Driving through the Rocky Mountains, the humans and Ms. Ducky crossed the Continental Divide several times.
Crossing the Continental Divide
Wow, Ms. Ducky, Grand Teton National Park is a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing these pictures. It looks like you arrived back home in Colorado. Your human US Marine, Joe, shows us Joe the Marine Duck.
Joe the US Marine with Joe the Marine Duck
This seems like a great family vacation.
Yellowstone National Park Has Geysers
Today Ms. Ducky will show you pictures of some geysers at Yellowstone National Park. According to National Geographic’s Guide to the National Parks, Yellowstone is a “geological smoking gun”. Here is Ms. Ducky at Mud Geyser.
Mud Geyser
Don’t get in that water, Ms. Ducky.
Mud Geyer
Humans do go to National Parks to see wild animals. Be careful, Ms. Ducky
Ms. Ducky. There is a buffalo behind you.
Of course, this is the Rocky Mountains, so let’s see a mountain lake.
Yellowstone Lake
Possibly the best known geyser in Yellowstone National Park is Old Faithful.
Old Faithful Geyser
This geyser’s eruptions are predictable, so many humans gather here waiting for the next eruption.
Old Faithful
Isn’t it beautiful at Yellowstone?
A closer look
Let’s go to Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace for a different landscape.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace
The steaming terraces are made of travertine, calcium carbonate, which the hot water brings to the surface from beds of limestone.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace
A whole new look for geyser landscape. Isn’t this interesting? We love to see this stuff.
Very unusual
But, what is this?
Dormant hot spring cone
This is a dormant hot spring cone. This is something new. We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks have never seen anything like it. This is great Ms. Ducky. Thanks for sharing all these great pictures with us. We will have from Ms. Ducky next time. We still think you are very photogenic.
Colorado Traveling Ducks 