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Going to Steamboat Springs

I, Zeb the Duck, am going to Steamboat Springs today. Steamboat Springs is a great mountain town and ski resort in northwest Colorado. Driving west on I-70, we go through the tunnel,

Driving west, under the Continental Divide

Driving west, under the Continental Divide

exit I-70 and head northwest. Our mountains are beautiful, but here we have mountains, rivers

Enjoying the river

Enjoying the river

and pasture land.

Fenced pasture

Fenced pasture

Just perfect!

Colorado is beautiful

Colorado is beautiful

Steamboat Springs is on the west side of the Continental Divide. Up and over Rabbit Ears pass

Crossing the Continental Divide again

Crossing the Continental Divide again

and on to Steamboat Springs. Approaching town, we encountered Old Town Hot Springs.

Hot Springs are welcome any time

Hot Springs are welcome any time

We love the hot springs in our mountains. Warm water for swimming or lounging all year. Ducks and humans love water!

Sitting on the horse in front of the famous F.M. Light and Sons store, I appreciate the old west style buildings.

I think I like riding this horse.

I think I like riding this horse.

F. M. Light and Sons store was established in Steamboat Springs in 1905. They have been serving the town for more than 100 years and 5 generations. Steamboat Springs feels like a real western town with skiers and cowboys. I like it! Looking down the street, we see ski runs.

Skiing so close to town

Skiing so close to town

Of course there is no snow in the summer, but lots of biking, hiking and river activities.

The names of these stores are fun. Here is Moose Mountain Trading Company.

A great name for this establishment

A great name for this establishment

These flowers are wonderful, but the addition of this yellow duck makes them perfect.

I think I brighten these flowers.

I think I brighten these flowers.

Tomorrow we will see more of Steamboat Springs. This is a great town.

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Denver Bronco Football Time

The temperature is in the upper 80’s during the day and tonight football is back in Denver.

You may remember last year the Denver Broncos were soundly defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.  Well, tonight there is another game between these teams, right here in the mile high city.  Yes, football is back and Denver hosts its first preseason game tonight.

We ducks hope for a different outcome tonight!  Go Broncos!

 

WOW! Broncos

WOW! Broncos

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Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

I, Zeb the Duck, must leave Baltimore in an hour. Mom and I spotted this sculpture near the Inner Harbor area.

Looks good to me

Looks good to me

So pretty.

You will want to spend at least a full day at the Inner Harbor. The body of water here is the Chesapeake Bay. The shops and restaurants are welcoming. The National Aquarium is near. There are four ships to board and tour.

Many people enjoying the Inner Harbor

Many people enjoying the Inner Harbor

Don’t miss any of this!

I love water taxis.

I love the water, but I am a duck. You will love water taxis also.

I love the water, but I am a duck. You will love water taxis also.

So convenient and so much fun to travel by water.   This ship, the USS Constellation served our country, in various capacities, for almost 100 years.

USS Constellation

USS Constellation

Take a tour and learn of her time in the Mediterranean. Before the Civil War, the USS Constellation was the flagship of the US African Squadron. The USS Constellation sailed near Africa to capture slave ships and free the Africans headed to North America for slavery. Later, this ship took food and supplies to Ireland during that famine. The USS Constellation transported items across the Atlantic for world fairs.

A great ship

A great ship

The end of her career was spent training future Navy leaders.

We had less than one hour before our airport pickup, so we just wandered along the dock. Please, spend some time there and enjoy this great place! We want to return to board the ships and visit the National Aquarium.

Visit Baltimore's Inner Harbor soon.

Visit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor soon.

And so much more!

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Historic Buildings with Modern Businesses

I, Zeb the Duck, loved the old, historic buildings in Baltimore.  And, I thought it was great that the modern businesses used these buildings without changing the exterior.

The Walgreens by my house in Colorado certainly does not look like this one.

Walgreens in Baltimore

Walgreens in Baltimore

Mine is easy to recognize, but this one has history. And look at this 7-11.

7-11 in Baltimore

7-11 in Baltimore

These buildings are so great.

Preserving historic buildings

Preserving historic buildings

Another Baltimore 7-11.

How about this CVS?  Impressive to this duck.

Everybody needs CVS

Everybody needs CVS

This is one of my favorite places.  Love Dunkin’ Donuts.

Love Dunkin' Donuts

Love Dunkin’ Donuts

Fed Ex is looking good also.

FedEx is everywhere!

FedEx is everywhere!

Baltimore is trying to keep the city clean and save energy.  These solar compactors were on many streets.

Everybody can do their part

Everybody can do their part

I am glad mom and I went to Baltimore.  You will enjoy so many things here.  Let me know about your Baltimore experiences.

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Remembering Baltimore’s Heroes

Zeb the Duck here in Baltimore.   Skipping dinner, we walked in a different direction. First we encountered Battle Monument. Honoring those who died in the War of 1812, this 39-foot monument was built in 1815-1825.

Battle Monument with Zeb

Battle Monument with Zeb

Designed by J. Maximilian M. Godefroy notice the Egyptian Revival cenotaph base and Carrara marble statue of a female figure on the top.   The lady, wearing a crown of victory and holding a wreath in one hand and ship’s rudder in the other, represents the City of Baltimore. This monument, often called Lady Baltimore, is on the seal and the flag of the City of Baltimore.

Fountains to soothe

Fountains to soothe

Fountains add tranquility near the statue to the Negro Heroes.

Honoring Negro Heroes

Honoring Negro Heroes

I am proud to sit on the boot of an American hero.

Monument to heroes

Monument to heroes

Across the park is the War Memorial.

Baltimore's War Memorial

Baltimore’s War Memorial

This is a “place of meeting for all veteran, patriotic and civic organizations, a depository for trophies of wars in which our country has engaged, and a tribute to those citizens of Maryland who gave their lives and services to their country in World War I.” On the terrace in front of the War Memorial we saw the two sculptured sea horses. These sea horses represent the “Might of America crossing the seas to aid our allies.” One horse represents the Navy

Sea horse with osprey for Navy

Sea horse with osprey for Navy

and the other represents the army.

Sea horse with eagle representing the army

Sea horse with eagle representing the army

Looking ahead, I spotted the Phoenix Shot Tower, sometimes called the Old Baltimore Shot Tower. It is 215 feet tall and used about 1.1 million bricks (manufactured by Burns and Russell Company of Baltimore.) The Shot Tower was built in 1828.

Phoenix Shot Tower in Baltimore

Phoenix Shot Tower in Baltimore

Molten led was dropped from a platform at the top of the tower, through a sieve-like device, into a vat of cold water at the bottom of the tower. Both “drop shot” for pistols and rifles and “moulded shot” for larger weapons such as cannons were produced. Production stopped in 1892 when new methods of shot production were introduced. This information is from www.carrollmuseums.org and from Wikipedia.  Again, mom and I had no more time.  Next session of our conference starts soon.  You will enjoy your visit to Baltimore. Summer is a great time to explore the area.

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Wandering in Baltimore

I, Zeb the Duck, love Baltimore.  Mom and I were here for a weekend conference so we didn’t have much time to explore.   However, this what we found.  The former headquarters of the B & O Railroad is now the Hotel Monaco Baltimore.

Historic building and great hotel

Historic building and great hotel

Also, the hotel hosting our conference. Love the red carpet for this white limo.

Long limo

Long limo

A bridal party arrived here Friday evening. The ladies were beautiful!

Ducks are very curious animals and I love to learn.  John Hopkins University was a great place for this duck.

I could learn a lot here.

I could learn a lot here.

Fountains and water are important to ducks also.

We love fountains

We love fountains

North Charles Street provided me with much to see.

In front of Baltimore City Circuit Courthouse I saw Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr.,

Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr.

Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr.

large and metal, greeting all visitors.

Further along the street, the New Unity Church Ministries caught my eye.

New Unity Church Ministries. Appealing building.

New Unity Church Ministries. Appealing building.

Beyond the Baltimore Basilica (see previous post),

Visit the Baltimore Basilica soon.

Visit the Baltimore Basilica soon.

I saw a very ornate steeple.  This steeple is on the Mt. Vernon Place Methodist Church.

Steeple of Mt. Vernon Place Methodist Church

Steeple of Mt. Vernon Place Methodist Church

This church, designed by Thomas Dixon, a Baltimore architect, has been here since 1872.  We were out of time, so did not enter the church.  I hope you can.

The banners for the Baltimore Orioles are very colorful.

Second only to Colorado Rockies for this duck

Second only to Colorado Rockies for this duck

I think Baltimore will be my favorite baseball team, unless they play our Colorado Rockies.

Flowers are so cheerful.  I just loved these flowers in the sidewalk of Baltimore.

Flowers are so beautiful and cheerful

Flowers are so beautiful and cheerful

You will love visiting Baltimore.  There is something interesting everywhere.  Next time I will tell you about Saturday’s short walk.  We took an outside break for dinner, before Saturday’s last session.

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Baltimore Basilica

I, Zeb the Duck, visited the first Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States.

First in the USA

First in the USA

Mom and I were in Baltimore for a conference, but did some exploring of the city.  Benjamin Henry Latrobe, America’s first professionally trained architect, designed this Basilica.

Huge cathedral

Huge cathedral

The exterior is impressive. I liked this statue of James Cardinal Gibbons, the ninth Archbishop of Baltimore.

Ninth Archbishop

Ninth Archbishop

The back of the basilica features Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden.

Pope John Paul II was here

Pope John Paul II was here

The garden commemorates Pope John Paul II’s visit to Baltimore in October 1995.

Inside, the basilica is elegant. Upon entering, busts of two cardinals greeted me.

Cardinal William H. Keeler

Cardinal William H. Keeler

Cardinal Lawrence J. Shehan

Cardinal Lawrence J. Shehan

Looking up, we admired this ceiling painting.

Painted on the ceiling

Painted on the ceiling

Looking ahead the altar was beautiful.

Looking forward to the altar

Looking forward to the altar

I love circular stairs.

Love these stairs

Love these stairs.

The inside of the dome is stunning.

Isn't this beautiful??

Isn’t this beautiful??

This statue with candles is so serene.

Magnificent yet so peaceful.

Magnificent yet so peaceful.

The basilica was constructed between 1806 and 1821. It was consecrated May 31, 1821.

When you visit Baltimore, be sure to enter the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Visit the Baltimore Basilica soon.

Visit the Baltimore Basilica soon.

However, it is usually called the Baltimore Basilica.  You will enjoy spending time here.

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Summer Afternoon in Aspen

Another reason to love Colorado!  We can go to Aspen for a few hours.  No need to buy an airline ticket, reserve a hotel, or even plan ahead.  Today I, Zeb the Duck, Soapy Smith Duck and mom spent the afternoon enjoying Aspen.

Lift to ski the famous Aspen Mountain

Lift to ski the famous Aspen Mountain

We could stay longer if we want to, but this was just an afternoon as we were exploring our Colorado Mountains.

The shopping in Aspen is wonderful.  This was mom’s first stop.

Nothing beats a great jewelry store

Nothing beats a great jewelry store

A couple blocks down the street is Aspen Mountain.  After all, Aspen is a first class ski destination.  Always be prepared when going to the top of a mountain.  As you approach the gondola, you can learn the barometric pressure, summit wind speed, summit temperature, and the time at Aspen Mountain.

Love the information

Love the information

Information and knowledge is always good.  Near Aspen Mountain we loved this statue of a 10th Mountain Division soldier.

So proud of the 10th Mountain Division

So proud of the 10th Mountain Division

We learned about the 10th Mountain Division in Leadville.  A proud American unit.

Many people ride bicycles in Aspen.  If you didn’t bring yours, rent bicycles here.

Bicycle friendly city

Bicycle friendly city

Maybe you will pedal to the famous hotel, The St Regis.

The St Regis is beautiful inside

The St Regis is beautiful inside

Aspen is very friendly for pedestrian and bicyclists.

Peaceful pedestrian area

Peaceful pedestrian area

Exploring the area required a snack for us.  So, we stopped at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  This is one of our favorite places.

Yum!

Yum!

Remember to drink plenty of water in the mountains.

Aspen has fountains where children can cool down.  Looks like fun!

Can ducks play?

Can ducks play?

This restaurant is opening and ready for diners.

Time to eat?

Time to eat?

Such a nice setting.  You know Aspen is a world class ski resort; enjoy this summer view of some ski runs.

Summer in Aspen

Summer in Aspen

Visit Aspen soon.  It is breathtaking in any season.  You will like Aspen, we do.

Visit http://www.ColoradoTravelingDucks.com/2014/07/18/heritage-museum-and-gallery-in-leadville-colorado/  to learn more about the 10th Mountain Division.

 

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Steve Helfant of Natural Turnings

I, Zeb the Duck, went to the Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery.

We love arts and crafts

We love arts and crafts

Steve Helfant had an exhibit there. Mom and I learned about him in Denver’s magazine 5280.

Here are examples of Steve’s work.

Great work Steve

Great work Steve

Steve, a high school English teacher, began turning in the school’s woodshop. With the help of the shop teacher, he was soon addicted.

Steve often uses pine from trees that have been killed by the beetles. This pine vase, made from beetle kill pine is really nice.

Beetle kill pine vase and juniper vase with turquoise

Beetle kill pine vase and juniper vase with turquoise

In this juniper vase Steve added turquoise. We like it, Steve.

This Juniper vase is made from local wood

This Juniper vase is made from local wood

Steve’s style of wood turning is a fluid, spontaneous process. Once a raw piece of wood is mounted on the lathe, the piece itself takes over, evolving and taking on a life of its own. These pieces by Steve show his style.

Nice variety

Nice variety

The accompanying page tells about using beetle kill pine in his artwork.

This sculpture, made from beetle kill pine and bocote wood is one of my favorites.

Great piece

Great piece

We really enjoyed our visit to Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery and we think you would like it, too. For more information visit www.boulderartsandcrafts.com You will see works from many artists in this gallery. To learn more about Steve Helfant’s wood pieces visit  http://naturalturnings.tripod.com We hope to see you there soon.

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Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith II

Zeb the Duck here to tell you about Leadville, Colorado in the 1800’s.  Silver mines were profitable, and everybody was looking for fast money.  Prostitutes were plentiful, street merchants and entertainers were everywhere.  Even Doc Holiday was in Leadville; arrested twice in three days for attempted murder.  Con men were also very common on the streets of Leadville.

One of the con men was Jefferson Randolph Smith II.  He began selling soap.  He wrapped a $100 bill around a bar of soap, re-wrapping it with his own label, and placed it in a box with other bars of his “Sapolion” soap.  Walking into a saloon with the soap, his silent partner purchased a bar of soap and opened it in front of the saloon patrons.  What a surprise.  There was a crisp one hundred dollar bill under the wrapping! Needless to say soap sales escalated at a phenomenal rate for “Soapy”.

Soapy soon left town, (a necessary move) relocating in Creede, Colorado and then to Alaska where he was killed in a gunfight on July 8, 1898.  Leadville will always remember “Soapy” Smith.

Now you know why JB Duck, Eider Duck, myself (Zeb the Duck) and the little ducks always have to watch our “Soapy” Smith Duck.  He is quite the scoundrel.

No sapolion soap for our Soapy Smith Duck

No sapolion soap for our Soapy Smith Duck

This information was from http://www.leadville.com/history/soapy.htm