November 7, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Rainbow Arch Bridge in Fort Morgan, Colorado

This is a great bridge.

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, crossed the Rainbow Arch Bridge over the South Platte River in Fort Morgan. This bridge was built in 1922 and 1923.

Looking through to South Platte River

The bridge was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1984. A few years later, in 1992, Rainbow Arch Bride was designated as a Colorado Civil Engineering Landmark.

One of eleven arches

The eleven arches on this bridge are great. In 1911 James Barney Marsh, an engineer and bridge designer, received the patent for reinforced concrete arch bridges. This bridge is 1100 feet long and 90 feet wide.

You can see all eleven arches here

Rainbow Arch Bridge survived several floods, and now the bridge is open for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Looking through an arch and over the newer road for motorized traffic, to the South Platte River

Another road has been built for automobile and regular traffic.

The Rainbow Arch Bridge in Fort Morgan is the only bridge of this type in Colorado and one of the longest in the country. This bridge, crossing the South Platt River, is on Colorado Highway 52, less than one mile north of I-76 at exit 80. You should see this bridge. It is really an architectural masterpiece.

Great bridge and love the street lights

November 5, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Heritage Museum in Limon, Colorado

I, Zeb the Duck, Soapy Smith Duck and little Pumpkin Duck, traveled about 90 miles east of Denver to Limon, Colorado.

Limon on the eastern plains of Colorado

We visited a nice museum. The Heritage Museum is really two museums in one.

Heritage Museum in Limon

The museum is open only during the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We were there this fall, so it was closed, but still interesting. Many outside exhibits seemed permanent.

This stuff is great!

We started at the Limon Heritage Museum where we found old farm equipment. Limon’s local history includes farms and ranches, Native American Indians and the railroad. These tractors show changes over the years.

Tractors through the years

We liked this garden cultivator,

We ducks cannot push this garden cultivator

Walking along the farm and ranch equipment, within a couple blocks we are at the Limon Depot Museum.

Trains are fun

This was a real train depot. Here is the car that rides the train rails,

Moves on train tracks

often used by employees. This train has the snowplow.

Can plow through snow drifts

The Pullman,

Would be fun to sleep on the train

or sleeper car, is probably open in the summer. This picnic or rest area would be great on a warm day. We liked sitting here.

Have a picnic or just relax here.

If you are in or near Limon, stop here to relax and enjoy this museum. Near the museum we saw this mural.

Very large mural

Limon’s history is portrayed here, including farming, Native American Indians and the railroad. Limon is at the junction of US 40 and I-70. Limon is a nice place for a stop of a few hours or a few days. We liked our visit.

November 3, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Whale of a Used Book Sale

I, Zeb the Duck, went to my first used book sale. Our county library has a huge used book sale twice a year.

Whale of a Used Book Sale

We went to the Fall Whale of a Used Book Sale. This is a three-day event. But, Sunday is the bargain day. All the books etc that you can put in a grocery size bag costs only $6. Mom and I went on Sunday.

The sale is held at the County Fairgrounds in the Exhibit Hall.

Entering the County Fairgrounds

This is a hall big enough to display over 100,000 books, CDs, DVDs and more. Entering the exhibit hall,

Entering my first used book sale

I saw the encyclopedias and lots of other stuff. Looking to my right, I observed people shopping in the history area.

There are books and buyers everywhere

At the end of this area is the fiction section. These books are divided between paperback and hardback books.

I did not see children’s books.

Additional area needed for all the books and more for children

They are located downstairs in the exhibit hall.

Special room for children

They have a room for books, puzzles and movies. I don’t think I have ever seen so many books! The money from this sale is used by our library to promote literacy. With all the people buying books, I think we live in a very literate county. There are also sealed boxes of paperback books. You can buy a box for $5, but you are not sure what is inside. Mom always buys a box of these books.

Being polite is important

We like this sign thanking people for coming here and buying books.

These are the books that came home with us.

Lots of reading for this winter

After this photo, the books were removed from our patio and are now downstairs, in our book area. And, when mom is finished with the books, she gives some to friends, but most will be donated to the library for the Spring Whale of a Used Book Sale. This was fun looking at so many books. I hope you go to a library sale near you. You will like it and you will have many new books to read.

November 1, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Day of the Dead

I, Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck, visited the Mexican Cultural Center on Leetsdale Drive in Denver. We saw ofrentas.

A large ofrenta

This weekend is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. People in Mexico and other parts of the world, welcome the returning spirits of deceased family members and friends.

Preparing for the spirit’s return, many people go to the cemeteries to be sure things are tidy there. At home, the ofrenta is set up.

Preparing for returning spirits

This is a tribute to the deceased. The ofrenta features the four elements of water, fire, wind and earth. Water is often placed in clay pitchers. Fire is represented by candles. The papel picado signifies the wind. Earth is shown through food, usually bread called pan de muerto.

The ofrenta also has things that the deceased enjoyed during their life on earth.

Ofrenta for returning spirits

Other food, other beverages, toys, cigars, tobacco, or cards are usually on the ofrenta. Sometimes photogaphs are displayed. There are bright flowers.

Ofrenta with skeleton person and flowers

The cempasuchitl, a type of marigold that is native to Mexico is the dominant flower of this celebration. This tradition has been carried on for over 2500 years. Some sources say almost 4000 years. This is a very important holiday for many people.

We, Zeb and Soapy, really liked seeing the ofrentas.

Celebrating Day of the Dead

The people are shown as skeletons. The people do not fear death. It is a part of the cycle of life.

Decorations

Typical decorations for this holiday include skeletons, particularly skulls. They make sugar skulls, often with a person’s name on the skull. This is a very festival holiday.

Day of the Dead is very festive time

I hope you can see some events or decorations this weekend for the Day of the Dead holiday.

October 31, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Happy Halloween 2014

The Colorado Traveling Ducks and their humans wish you all a very Happy Halloween. We are all here with lots of candy to give to the trick or treaters. We like the young ones. the teenage trick or treaters, and the parents, too. Everybody that comes here is offered candy.

The Colorado Traveling Ducks wish you a Sweet Halloween

As you can see, there are a lot of ducks in our family. We thank everyone that brought new relatives to us. Have a sweet time today.

October 30, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

This Animal has Three sets of Eyelids

Yesterday we went to US Bank. They usually have a sign with quiz for the day. This one was new to us. What animal has three sets of eyelids? The correct answer, according to the teller, is a camel. They have 2 sets with eyelashes to help protect their eyes from sand. The third set is very thin and acts as a “windshield wiper” to clean the eyes. This thin eyelid opens and closes from side to side, not up and down. This eyelid is thin enough that the camel can somewhat see through it. During sandstorms or high winds, the camels often close this thin lid to protect the eyes, but still able to see where they are going. Wow! I am so glad we went to the bank and learned this. I never knew about three sets of eyelids.

A camel

October 29, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

The White Fence Farm of Colorado

You have to eat at this restaurant! I, Zeb the Duck, went to the White Fence Farm for dinner.

White Fence Farm for dinner in Lakewood, Colorado

The food was great, but even if it wasn’t, this place has so much to see.

I went with Soapy Smith Duck, little Pumpkin Duck and our moms. The front yard of this farm style restaurant has a gazebo,

Looking from the gazebo to play area in front yard

a play area, statues of many animals and

Ducks! Our kind swimming

a stream and pond with ducks. There are also peacocks in an enclosed area.

Peacock is bright blue

We really liked this delivery truck for White Fence Farm.

Great truck

This restaurant opened in 1973, as “Wilson’s Good Eating” and was an immediate success. They added a Country Cottage to give diners an opportunity to shop before and after dinner. Country Cottage is still there and so is Giggleblossom Cottage.

Giggleblossom Cottage is a great place to shop

In 1981, Wilson’s Good Eating made an agreement with the White Fence Farm Restaurant near Joliet, Illinois. The menu was simplified, the award winning chicken recipe was served and the OK Corral was built. Denver’s White Fence Farm was created. At the OK Corral, we fed and touched the animals.

This goat likes Soapy’s mom

We love these animals.

Small cow looking for food or humans to touch him

After all the animal contact, the humans needed to wash their hands.

Always wash your hands.

Around the farm we found a 1925 Ford Model T one ton truck.

1925 Ford Model T Truck

This truck cost $1,300 when it was new. It did not have a gas gauge. A stick inserted in the gas tank showed how much fuel you had. We liked this old farm equipment. This Rest Haven was Out of Order.

Have to use indoor plumbing.

Inside the farmhouse, or restaurant, we found many dining rooms. Each was friendly, cozy and very nice. While waiting to be seated, some people sat in this area.

Enjoy this cozy room while waiting for your table

We had the famous country fried chicken. Yum. The chicken dinner has 4 pieces, or ½ a chicken. The waitress placed a big plate with 8 pieces of fried chicken on the table. Everything was delicious.

After dinner, we visited the Americana Barn. The barn is huge and attached to the restaurant. There is an indoor play area for small children. The Carriage House has the Hen House Five entertaining.

Entertainment for young and older humans

You will love them. There is also an indoor stage, called the Front Porch Stage, featuring live entertainment.

Enjoy the inside Front Porch Stage

Tables are here and you can purchase snacks and beverages while you are entertained. There is so much to see and do at The White Fence Farm that you will want to return often. And, the food is excellent. For more information visit www.whitefencefarm-co.com

October 27, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

My Friend was in England

Zeb the Duck here. You remember my friend, Channel the Bear. She was in England for over a week. Channel sent this photo looking at the English yard and garden. She was at a friend’s house in Brenchley, Kent in England.

Channel in Brenchley, Kent in England

Thanks for the photo Channel.

And, Channel brought me a present. A new cousin! This is Clive, he is an English Bobby.

Meet Clive. He is an English Bobby.

The policemen in England are called Bobbies after Sir Robert Peel. He set up the first organized police service in London in 1829. Clive is a very welcome addition to our duck family. Thanks Channel. I bet you had a great time in England. But we are all happy that you are back home now.

October 25, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

The Pumpkin Patch at Rock Creek Farm

We went to the Pumpkin Patch.

The Pumpkin Patch

We walked around the field. We picked up pumpkins and brought them home. I, Zeb the Duck, Soapy Smith Duck, Pumpkin Duck and our moms visited the pumpkin patch in Broomfield, Colorado, just a little northwest of Denver.

Rock Creek Farm has over 100 acres of pumpkins for you to choose pumpkins.

One of many pumpkin fields to enjoy

There are several different fields. Soapy’s dog, Steve, went with us.

Steve is busy exploring in pumpkin fields

Steve is heading for the pumpkins. Many of the pumpkins are still growing on the vine. When we came to the farm, we were given this pumpkin saw. We ducks are sitting here guarding the pumpkin saw.

Ducks on pumpkin with pumpkin saw. Some call it a plastic knife

After the pumpkins were picked and put in the trunk, we visited the corn maize. There are different corn maizes of different lengths. Zeb and Soapy want this longer one of 4.5 miles. Pumpkin Duck wants a shorter one, 1.7 miles.

Entrance to corn maize

This farm is really kid friendly. Human kids 5 years and younger can go in the maize for free. These picnic tables are near the entrance to the maize.

Hay and straw everywhere

There are bales of hay and straw everywhere.

Next we went to the kids play area. We like this wagon with hay and pumpkins.

Looks like autumn here

This tractor is also great.

Ducks on a tractor

Then we saw the farm animals. These pigs really liked Steve.

Our first pig sighting

Cows are just so cute.

The humans touched this cow

The cows like Steve also.

Let’s be friends

While we walk around, mom puts us in a small brown bag.

Ducks travel in a paper bag

But, while looking at the goats, the goat wanted to eat us!

Hey mom. We need a little help here

That was not so much fun for us. The moms thought it was really funny. The human kids can play here

Little humans have so many places for fun

on the slide and in the bouncy house. Before leaving, we go to the booths to pay for our pumpkins. We also bought pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles on top. Water was also purchased. Steve was thirsty after the pumpkin patch, so she drank most of the water we brought. Look at all the different types of gourds and stuff they grow here.

So much to see and purchase if you want

This is a great place. We hope you visit the pumpkin patch this week. There are still hundred of pumpkins, but they are going fast. Visit www.RockCreekFarm.com for more information.

October 24, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Eastern Colorado Prepares for Autumn

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, went to eastern Colorado recently. Please welcome our newest member of the Duck family.

Pumpkin Duck joins the Duck family

Pumpkin Duck was recently hatched.

We love the mountains in the west, but the east has farms. We found these bales of hay near the road.

Ducks on hay

The bales are scattered in the field with wind turbines in the background. The eastern plains of Colorado are often windy, so wind turbines are a common sight.

A little further down the road we saw these machines. Mom is not sure what they are doing, but the green machine works in the field.

Working on the farm

The green machine keeps something from the field and empties it into these trucks.

Pouring stuff into truck

Farming requires a lot of hard work.

Ready to begin work

Here there were several men nearby getting ready to start work early one morning.

Many crops are already harvested. Now the hay is being prepared for winter. Some bales are stacked in the fields.

For winter

Some are stacked in a shelter.

Stored under shelter

Farms often have animals in addition to crops.

Love the cows

These cows are happily grazing.

Irrigation system

Eastern Colorado does not usually receive enough rain, so irrigation is necessary for crops to thrive.

This farmer might be a Denver Broncos football team fan.

Colorado loves the Denver Broncos

Love the orange and blue! Viewing acres of cared for farmland is beautiful.

Eastern Colorado farm

But, we ducks love the cows the most.

Love this cow

When we see farms, we appreciate the hard work done here to bring food to all of us.

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