January 26, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Rocky Mountain National Park is 101 Years Old Today

The most visited of Colorado’s four National Parks is 101 years old today. Rocky Mountain National Park came to exist January 26, 1915 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill creating our National Park.

We love Rocky Mountain National Park

This park has many attractions; the most notable is Trail Ridge Road. This road, connecting the towns of Grand Lake on the west and Estes Park on the east, reaches 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide. The road, US 34 is the highest continuous highway in the United States. Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter, due to snow. Rocky Mountain National Park has much wildlife, including large elk herds, prompting Estes Park to hold Elk Fest every fall. Hiking, mountain climbing and camping are just a few activities enjoyed by park visitors.

When in Colorado we hope you visit all of our National Parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park.

January 25, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Lake Granby in Arapaho National Recreation Area with Zeb, Soapy Smith and JB Duck

After stopping at the Visitor Information Center in Granby, Colorado we follow suggestions and take US 34 to County Road 6 to Arapaho National Recreation Area. We pass this tractor, on a sign post.

Great sign

Soon we arrive at Arapaho National Recreation Area. Lake Granby is frozen and there are some snowmobiles on the snow covered frozen lake.

Lake Granby with snowmobile

Many people love to ice fish and this is a great place. These humans are setting up to ice fish.

Getting ready to ice fish

Often humans set up shelters while ice fishing. Here we have three shelters.

Ice fishing shelters

There are several on the lake today. Some people do not use a shelter.

Ice fishing

It is easier for us to see the fishing process without shelters. This weekend there will be 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest. Many humans will fish and compete for cash prizes. For information about this contest visit http://www.Colorado.com Scroll down a little to the Calendar of Events and click on 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest in Granby. There is a lot of snow here. We three ducks are on a snow bank by Lake Granby.

Zeb, Soapy Smith, and JB Duck on cold snow

It was about 10 degrees here when we visited Friday. We did not sit on this snow very long. Near the end of Lake Granby is Arapaho Bay Campground. The section with cabins is closed for the winter.

This camping area closed for winter

There are other campgrounds and picnic areas along the lake also. We want to come back here in the summer. We are on the bridge over the waterway connecting Lake Granby with Lake Monarch.

Bridge over waterway between Lake Granby and Lake Monarch

We hope you visit this very pretty area some time this year. Maybe even this weekend for the 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest.

January 24, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Broncos Host Patriots January 24 2016

Our Denver Broncos will welcome and hopefully defeat the New England Patriots today. The Patriots, from the Boston area, arrived in Denver Friday. Colorado is “United in Orange” to support our Denver Broncos. This Colorado Elk is on the lawn of Winter Park, Colorado Chamber of Commerce building.

Winter Park, Colorado supports the Denver Broncos

The winner of this game will go to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California in two weeks. Go Broncos!

The Colorado Traveling Ducks and Friends Love the Denver Broncos

January 23, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Granby, Colorado with Zeb, Soapy Smith and JB Duck

We love Colorado. From federal buildings to top ski resorts; from prairies to small frontier towns, the variety is wonderful. Granby, Colorado is an old feeling small town located in the mountains of northern Colorado. This sign welcomes us to Granby, a city in Grand County.

Welcome to Granby, Colorado

The tourist office recommended we browse here, but the store was not open yet.

Corner Mall in Granby. This store has a little of everything

Main street in Granby highlights the mountainous geography and the wooden buildings.

Granby’s main street. New snow in mountains and Colorado blue sky.

Los Amigos restaurant was highly recommended, but we arrived here too early in the day.

Zeb, Soapy Smith, and JB Duck on bench waiting at Los Amigos restaurant

A few miles from downtown Granby we visited Granby Ranch.

Granby Ranch

This newer development provides homeowners and visitors with outdoor activities, including skiing, fishing, and golfing or biking when weather permits. Several ski lifts cross the terrain for all levels of ski ability.

Ski lifts and runs for all skill level

You can practically ski to your condo.

Ski to condo

The homes and amenities are great, but the natural beauty of Colorado makes Granby Ranch special.

Beautiful scenery at Granby Ranch

Next time will we take you to another scenic area near Granby. We hope you enjoy Colorado soon.

January 22, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Ms. Ducky Goes to Normandy, France

Ms. Ducky, like many Americans, wanted to visit Normandy to see where many of our ancestors fought to help Europe end World War II. She and her humans are taking the train to Normandy.

On the train to Normandy

She stops at the American Cemetery to pay her respects to her relatives and so many others.

American Cemetery in Normandy, France

This is a view of the famous Omaha Beach.

Omaha Beach

So much happened here 70 years ago. Ms. Ducky and her humans visited this German Bunker.

German Bunker at Normandy

Guns were mounted here on the bunker during World War II.

Gun in German Bunker

Ms. Ducky is on the sand of Utah Beach.

On the sand Utah Beach

She wanted to sit higher so she could get a better view of Utah Beach in Normandy, France.

Utah Beach, Normandy, France

She liked the memorial to all the troops from so many nations.

Honoring the veterans

Ms. Ducky said this was a serious end to her European vacation. She was glad to visit Normandy and see where freedom was won. She really appreciates and thanks everyone for the effort and sacrifice. Europe is now a wonderful place to visit and Ms. Ducky and her humans had a fabulous vacation. Remember that Ms. Ducky is a very friendly duck. She is bringing some European duck friends to Colorado.

Ms. Ducky brought some friends home to Colorado

Great Ms. Ducky. We know we will like all your new friends. She hopes you all visit Europe soon. Ms. Ducky says she will visit Ireland soon. Wow! We want to hear about that trip, too. Thank you, Ms. Ducky, for sharing your vacation with the Colorado Traveling Ducks.

January 20, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

France with Ms. Ducky

From Monaco, Ms. Ducky heads to France. She goes directly to the beach in Nice.

Beach at Nice, France

Very pretty, but a bit rocky. Here she finds more new friends.

Always good to see so many ducky friends

A huge box of friends. Time for a different type of fun.

Carousel in France

Everyone loves a carousel. And I, Ms. Ducky, ride again.

Carousel in France

That was so much fun. But it did make me a little hungry. I see exactly what I want for a French breakfast.

Ms. Ducky has breakfast

That does look delicious, Ms. Ducky. Ms. Ducky and her humans, want to see the Palace of Versailles.

Palace of Versailles

Let’s go inside! This place is huge and beautiful. So many doors with gold.

Inside Palace of Versailles

And look at this.

Inside Palace of Versailles

Mom, can we live in this palace? OK, I really do love living in Colorado anyway. Now to the Eiffel Tower. I was there. I did go to the top. But it is so big, when taking a photo of the entire Eiffel Tower, you cannot see me. Here I am, looking down.

Looking down from Eiffel Tower

This is scary. Remember, I am a little duck. I am on a strut that support the Eiffel Tower.

On struts of Eiffel Tower

This is great. Well, this little Ms. Ducky thinks it is time to rest. But I am not finished in Europe, so keep reading our blog to see where I visit next.

January 18, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Colorado Beauty with Colorado Traveling Ducks

Rivers, canyons, tunnels and incredible sunsets. Colorado shouts beauty. Three Colorado Traveling Ducks loved a short scenic drive. Leaving Denver we traveled north to Fort Collins. Turning west, we followed highway 14, La Cache Poudre Canyon Scenic Byway. This byway follows La Cache Poudre River, wandering through mountains.

JB Duck, Soapy Smith Duck and Zeb the Duck in the snow by the river

The name, La Cache Poudre is French for The Powder’s Hiding Place. This name is from the French Fur Trappers that once thrived here. Scenery like this tunnel is reason to love Colorado.

Great tunnel through the mountain

We have admired stalactites in caves, but these icicles inside the tunnel are beautiful.

Icicles on ceiling of tunnel

We really enjoy rivers that are snow covered and partially frozen.

JB Duck, Soapy Smith Duck and Zeb the Duck by the Poudre River

Look at the surrounding mountains.

Colorado Mountains

Continuing on our westward journey, we entered North Park.

Welcome to North Park

North Park is a bowl shaped basin.

North Park

We want to clarify that Colorado really has geographic features named North Park, Middle Park and the more famous South Park. But Kenny and his friends do not really live in our South Park. Entering Walden, Colorado, we noted that the sign proclaims Walden as “the moose viewing capital of Colorado”

Walden is the moose viewing capital of Colorado

A farmer entertained all with this statue.

Great Rooster

Driving back to Denver, the sunset was a culmination of a beautiful Colorado day.

Colorado Sunset

We hope you explore and enjoy the area where you live. Take time to appreciate and visit your town. We love to explore Colorado.

January 16, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Ms. Ducky Shows us Italy and Monaco

Ms. Ducky, our friend, continues traveling through Italy.

Ms. Ducky and Zeb

I, Ms. Ducky, decided to visit the Adriatic Sea and test the waters. Here I am, on the beach.

Adriatic Sea

Here is some really clear water.

Clear water

I am on the Isle of Capri, now.

Isle of Capri

This a rocky island, but look at the view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Isle of Capri. Very blue Mediterranean Sea

This water is so blue. I love it. The houses really are on the side of the cliffs here.

Isle of Capri. Homes built on cliffs

Look at this!

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa really is leaning. And, it is not falling down. Don’t you think I need something big? And, of course, yellow to match me. How about this for a shock.

Yellow submarine in Italy

A yellow submarine. Now I, Ms. Ducky, am off to Monaco. Here is the Royal Palace.

Monaco’s Royal Palace

Very nice place. There are many beautiful fountains here.

Beautiful fountain

The yachts of the rich and famous are very attractive.

Yachts in Monaco’s harbor

Monaco is a very pretty country.

Monaco

No photos, but we did ride on the Grand Prix race track. I am having a great time touring Europe. And, I am not done yet.

January 15, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Ms. Ducky Goes to Switzerland, Austria and Venice

Our friend, Ms. Ducky will tell us about her time in Switzerland today. As you know Zeb, I, Ms. Duck, am very friendly. Here I am with a new friend.

Ms. Ducky and friend

You will notice that we are near the beverage mugs. These are some other new Swiss friends.

Swiss friends

Aren’t they adorable? I believe this white swan, swimming on Lake Lucerne want to visit with us for a while, but she was a little shy.

Swan on Lake Lucerne

Nice bridge here in Lucerne, also.

Bridge in Lucerne

Our tour bus took us to a farm in Switzerland.

Touring Switzerland

This one is so cute.

So cute

We took a carriage ride here.

Ready for carriage ride

It was so much fun! Later I made more friends.

Ms. Ducky and friend

Love her glasses. This guy appears ready for anything.

Ms. Ducky and friend

Of course, European chocolates are also popular with ducks.

Mozart Duck and chocolate

No trip to Europe would be complete without a visit to Swarovski.

So pretty here

Lots of pretty stuff here. Europe has great shopping. So many ornaments.

Friends and ornaments

And chocolate.

Love chocolate

And fountains.

Typical Europe

And food.

Yum!

Beautiful presentation of this meal. The statues in Europe are very ornate and very old. This one is great.

Old Statue

But not all statues are old and stone or marble. I really like this big green rabbit.

Love the green rabbit. Another bright spot in Vienna

Adds great color to the city. In Vienna, my friend and I felt so European, sitting here by the Danube River.

Danube River in Vienna

I loved the canals of Venice.

Canal in Venice

And the gondola. . .This man can help us float through Venice.

Gondola in Venice

Just perfect. I really like these water taxis, also.

Water taxi in Venice

Remember, I live in Colorado and I love it, but we don’t have this much water. Venice is wonderful. Thanks, Ms. Ducky, for sharing this with The Colorado Traveling Ducks.

January 13, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Ms. Ducky Goes to Europe

I, Zeb the Duck, want you to meet my friend, Ms. Ducky.

Ms. Ducky, our friend

Her mom and my mom are friends, so Ms. Ducky and I, Zeb the Duck, are also friends. Ms. Ducky and her humans flew to London, England and began sightseeing immediately.

Ms. Ducky taking in London

She is seeing so many new and interesting things. She visits the American Embassy and admires this statue. She is sitting at the feet of General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Statue of Pres. and Gen. Eisenhower in London

He was a very important American Army General during World War II, and later General Eisenhower was elected President of the United States, twice. This is an exciting place at the London train station. This is Platform 9 3/4.

Platform 9 3/4 for Harry Potter in London

Platform 9 3/4 is very important to Harry Potter. While in London, Ms. Ducky and her humans visit many of the famous places. They even saw the Royal Jewels. Many places she loved but she told me it was difficult to get photos of places and Ms. Ducky. So this is about Ms. Ducky, not just Europe. Next she and her humans boarded the Eurostar Train heading for Brussels, Belgium.

Eurostar Train heading for Brussels

The train ride was fun, but shortly after their arrival, Ms. Ducky’s mom fell. And she fell hard. They they rode in the ambulance, sirens blaring and paramedics helping her mom.

In Belgium’s ambulance

It was very scary and also very exciting. She sat on the stretcher after her mom was allowed to sit up.

Ms. Ducky in ambulance

This paramedic is her friend.

Ms. Ducky with paramedic

He helped her mom. When they arrived at the hospital and after they said her mom could leave the hospital, Ms. Ducky relaxed for a moment on a bed in the emergency room.

Ms. Ducky in emergency room

They then went to Holland. You know Holland–they are famous for tulips.

Ms. Ducky and Holland tulips

Beautiful tulips! Here is Ms. Ducky touring the canals of Amsterdam.

Ms. Ducky touring canal

Ms. Ducky is a very friendly duck. Here she is with new friends, enjoying the canals in the evening.

Ms. Ducky and friends. Evening on canal in Amsterdam. Be careful there!

Now Ms. Ducky and her friend from Holland are visiting Rhine Falls.

Ms. Ducky and friend at Rhine Falls

Wow! Really beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us, Ms. Ducky. We look forward to more about your trip to Europe.

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