March 15, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland, Colorado

Zeb and Eider Duck here. We returned to Nederland, Colorado on Sunday for the last events of Frozen Dead Guy Days of 2014.

We did not go back Saturday, the main day due to human error. On the way down Friday, one human driver hit ice and slid into the side of the mountain. On Saturday the other human was sick and stuffed up. No injuries, but no Saturday festivities either.

We arrived at the park in Nederland as men were putting up the volleyball net. We watched the remote control trucks race over the snow. They almost fly and sometimes crash.

Remote control truck

We went to the frozen t-shirt contest. New t-shirts, still folded, are soaked in water and then frozen—really frozen! The men, without shirts, must put the new frozen t-shirts on as fast as possible. It required several minutes to unfold the frozen shirts. The shirts are bent, karate chopped, folded, pulled and anything they can think of to break ice and unfold shirts to put them on. We could not see very well, but took a few photos through the crowd.

Trying to unfold frozen t-shirt

We watched videos later on You Tube. This looks very cold.

Putting on a frozen t-shirt. Brrrrr

Then we watched frozen turkey bowling. This was easy to see and fun to watch. Unlike regular bowling, you throw the turkey at the pins.

Frozen turkey bowling

Children threw small game hens and adults had 2 sizes of frozen turkeys. As the bowling progressed, one of the turkeys became unwrapped.

Throwing frozen unwrapped turkey

There were a couple of beer tents with live music and heaters.

Inside warm tent

Next we watched snow volleyball. Some men had no shirts.

No shirt and a bikini top. What a guy!

This girl worn no shoes.

Where are her shoes?? Girl with yellow shirt is barefoot???

Finally she put shoes on. Cold snow and ice here. After the game Zeb and Eider met some volleyball players.

Our new friends are very nice!!

We enjoyed all at various times during the day. Near one of the tents a man had carved wooden animals and one ice sculpture.

Wooden turtle and ice turtle

Soon he had a new block of ice and began carving the ice with a small chain saw. The saw roared, the ice shavings flew and soon this sculpture was in front of us.

Carved from ice with a chainsaw

Beautiful work of art with only ice and a chain saw!

We liked the activities Sunday, so maybe we can see it all next year. You would enjoy Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland, Colorado. Oh yes…there really is a frozen dead guy in a Tuff Shed in the mountains of Nederland. For more information visit www.frozendeadguy.com or visit Nederland, Colorado the second weekend in March.

March 14, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Colorado

Last Friday Zeb and Eider Duck and two humans went to Nederland, Colorado. We wanted to see where the Frozen Dead Guy Days events would occur and look around this quaint mountain town.

There is a Carousel of Happiness in Nederland and we want to tell you about it.

Carousel of Happiness in Nederland Colorado

This carousel is open year round. The enclosed pavilion contains the carousel, a fully restored 1913 Wurlitzer Band Organ, a puppet theater and a gift shop.

There are a variety of animals on the Carousel of Happiness.

Riding on a peacock

All 58 of these animals were hand carved by Scott Harrison. Zeb and Eider rode on several.

Riding on an ostrich in Colorado

The carousel is a restored 1910 Looff carousel.

We can sit anywhere

There are also paintings of animals on the walls.

Painted pandas on the walls

You have to see this!

When Scott Harrison was a Marine serving in Viet Nam, he envisioned building a carousel in the mountains.

Zeb and Eider with a new friend

And he really did it!! He is still carving and each new addition is wonderful. This is one of the recent additions to the pavilion.

Polar bear and others on and through wall

We don’t know what will be next.

We talked to a nice man named John that explained everything to us and then started the carousel so we could ride.

Riding on a bear followed by a zebra and dog

The rides cost just $1 per person. If you can, give them a little extra to help meet expenses.

The Carousel of Happiness is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization dedicated to spreading joy to those who visit the carousel. Profits go to charities that benefit children and people with special needs. For more information and more photos visit www.carouselofhappiness.org This place is fantastic and fun!

Carousel of Happiness serves smiles

March 12, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Dinner at The Fort near Denver

Zeb the Duck here and I am very happy. My Alaska cousin, Eider and his dad, are flying to Denver today. Mom and I picked them up at Denver International Airport. This is a very big airport. The design is to represent the high mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Blue horse at Denver International Airport

The blue horse at the airport is an original and well known to travelers using Denver’s airport.

Eider and I and our humans visited The Fort restaurant in nearby Morrison, Colorado for dinner. They specialize in Colorado beef, wild game and fish. We started with warm bread and pumpkin nut rolls.

Let’s get started!

The salads were large, fresh and crisp and very tasty. The humans ordered a featured meal consisting of a buffalo medallion, an elk chop, and quail breast, served with Montana huckleberry sauce.

So much food

It was very tasty and we were all pleasantly full.

After dinner, we explored the restaurant. The bartender was very friendly and invited us to pose on the bar.

Ducks at the bar

Adjoining the bar was an additional lounge. The smaller tables had colorful cloths

Cozy area

where humans, and ducks, can sit, chat and enjoy a beverage and snack. The lounge had a wooden model of Noah’s Ark.

Noah’s Ark at The Fort

Over the door leaving this lounge we saw this jackalope.

What’s a jackalope?

They humans just laughed as we asked where jackalopes live. Must be a human joke. In another room we saw this buffalo mount on a wall.

Buffalo at The Fort

Buffalo sure are big! These are huge horns over the grill.

Huge horns. We feel so small.

It was dark when we left the restaurant. We liked this fire pit.

Fire pit on outdoor patio

Contained fires are very warm and inviting. They even had a statue of a polar bear.

A polar bear in Colorado

After seeing this, Eider and I decided to be good.

We promise to be good!

We liked The Fort and we think you would also. Visit http://www.thefort.com for more information. The food, decor and views are wonderful.

The Fort Restaurant

March 10, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Alaska: At home and beginning The Quest

Last time we saw photos of Eider, my Alaska duck cousin and my human cousin at Chatanika Lodge in Alaska. Today we have photos of Eider at home in North Pole, Alaska. I think there is a gas grill under there.

No cooking outside today

Eider, that is quite a snow hat on the tree behind you.

Snow hat on tree behind Eider

Eider’s dad shoveled snow so the people could deliver propane-heating oil to their house.

Clear a path so heating oil can be delivered

Eider is sitting on a snow bank. Cold duck feathers!!

Snow, snow, snow

Somebody or something is looking in the window at Eider.

He is watching you!

Wow! Eider has a moose in the back yard. Now the moose is enjoying a snack in Eider’s yard.

A moose has to eat

In Alaska there are many dog racing teams. Many people have heard about the Iditarod dog sled race. There is a second famous dog race. Eider and dad went to the beginning of the Quest dog race. They sent these pictures to me and I want to share them with you.

Starting the Quest

The dogs wear boots to protect their feet. The orange boots are easy to see.

Ready to race

Allen Moore. This team won the Quest

Ready to run

This race began in Fairbanks, Alaska and ended in Whitehorse. Whitehorse is in the Yukon Territory of Canada. This is a 1,000 mile international sled dog race. Next year the race will begin in Whitehorse and end in Fairbanks.

We love getting pictures from Eider. Many of the activities in Eider’s life and in Alaska are very different from our life and interesting to us.

Can we have a moose?

March 7, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Chatanika Lodge, Alaska

Hi. Zeb the Duck here and I am so surprised and embarrassed. You all know my Alaska uncle and my Alaska cousin. Today I got a letter and pictures from them and I learned my Alaska cousin has a name. I never knew that. The name is Eider and Eider is also a large sea duck that live and breeds in the Arctic. Eiders can fly at speeds up to 70 mph. I learned that from Wikipedia. My cousin, Eider, is a true Alaskan!

Eider and family went to Chatanika Lodge, about 28 miles from Fairbanks. These are some of the photos we received. The entrance to the lodge has real moose antlers and much natural fur.

Entrance to Chatanika Lodge

The eagles are carved from wood. Here Eider is sitting on a rail made of spruce.

Eider on spruce rail with bumps

The bumps on the cedar are all natural. These carved wooden bears are inviting on this winter day.

Eider on snowy bears

Eider is sitting on a snow bank and looks cold.

Eider on snow bank. Brrr

Take him inside Alaska uncle!

Inside the lodge is a small restaurant.

Eider on lamp shade near bear skin

There are a lot of old Alaskan art and artifacts. Here is Eider on a doll.

Eider on antique doll

Eider is sitting on old sewing machine by a Harley Davidson motorcycle lamp.

Eider on sewing machine by Harley lamp

They visited Chatanika Lodge during Christmas, so we can see some decorations.

Looking at snowy outdoors

This time Eider is sitting on a bear trap.

Eider. You are on a bear trap!

Be careful cousin! This is my cousin Cindy holding Eider by a dall sheep.

Cindy holding Eider near dall sheep

Dall sheep are known for their curled horns. The horns grow in the spring and summer and then in fall and winter the growth slows and stops. The growth pattern forms rings, called annuli, and the age of the dall sheep is determined from the horns.

In March Chatanika Lodge holds Chatanika Days festival. One of the events is outhouse races. Teams build outhouses, a person must be in outhouse and the teams race down a course. This is the original outhouse entered by the lodge for the outhouse races.

Ready for outhouse races

Be careful Eider.

This looks like a great place. To see more visit www.chatanikalodgeak.com Thanks for sending pictures Eider.

March 5, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Today is Ash Wednesday

The Colorado Traveling Ducks and their humans wish you all a very happy Ash Wednesday.

There are 46 days until Easter.

March 3, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Reflections of Cuba by Zeb the Duck

I, Zeb the Duck, am back at the airport in Havana, Cuba.

We are in Havana, Cuba

As I wait for my plane to Miami, I pause to reflect on my Cuban adventure. I met many very nice people. I liked my group of human travelers. As expected they were all very experienced travelers eager to explore a new place and adaptable if the planned schedule was changed. I also met very nice, friendly people living in Cuba.

I remember narrow streets with old buildings.

Narrow streets with wonderful old buildings

Many horse carts,

Horse with cart

many bicycles, many people walking, some classic American cars

Classic cars as taxis

and some new,

New smaller taxis

small taxis.

The school children were wearing uniforms.

Their uniforms look nice

We stopped at a ballet school and saw them practice.

Wow!

While we brought gifts to the senior center, we enjoyed the dancing and music and the people gave us a gift also.

Zeb with new hat

I think I look pretty good in my hat.

As a yellow rubber duck, people were curious about me and many became my friends.

Zeb’s new best friend

These decorated cakes are examples of art and attention to detail.

Look so yummy

Bet they taste good too.

Cuba has many statues; some large and some smaller bronze statues.

Statue of friar near Havana’s Plaza Vieja

It appears that they remember and honor many people.

This man was so nice and I was fascinated as he made sugar cane juice.

Made fresh sugar cane juice

I remember shopping in the market in Havana.

Indoor market in Havana

I remember music everywhere.

Musicians playing in Trinidad

After dinner one evening, many in our human group learned some Cuban dance steps

After dinner dance lessons

and many danced after the lesson.

I remember and admire the art, the color, the talent and most of all, the smiles and

Our new friends

friendliness of the Cuban people. Our governments may have differences, but the friendly people of Cuba and the United States get along well.

Such colorful dresses

I am so glad that we visited Cuba. If you want to see Cuba, check out http://www.friendlyplanet.com and see what they offer. There are other tour companies that offer people to people tours. We decided to travel with Friendly Planet and enjoyed it. I hope you will visit Cuba soon.

Alejandro, our local guide, enjoying a Cuban cigar.

Connie our Friendly Planet guide and Santos our driver with Zeb the Duck

It is time to board the plane and return to Miami. I have more adventures planned with Soapy Smith Duck, my Alaska cousin will send Alaska updates and JB Duck is also traveling. Please check here to see what we do and tell us about your adventures, away from home and in your home town.

March 1, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Plaza of the Revolution in Havana, Cuba

In Havana, Cuba, I, Zeb the Duck visited the Plaza of the Revolution. A huge plaza!

We came mainly to view three major monuments. The first is to honor Jose Marti. This monument at 138.5 meters is Havana’s tallest structure. Jose Marti is a national hero in Cuba.

Monument to Jose Marti

Jose Marti helped organize the Cuban Revolutionary Party, laying the groundwork for the Second Independence War with Spain. Jose Marti was killed early in this war. He was elevated to the status of martyr in 1895. In front of Havana’s tallest structure, is a 17-meter statue of Jose Marti seated, in the Thinker position. This monument has a museum and an elevator that takes you to the top for fantastic views of Havana.

The second monument is on the side of a telecommunications building. A picture of Camilo Cienfuegos is on the outside of the building with the words, “Vas bien Fidel.” These words are not always well known to non-Cubans, but were important during the revolution. The story behind these words is that during a speech by Fidel in 1959, Fidel paused and turned to Camilo Cienfuegos who was standing behind him. Fidel asked Camilo “Voy bien Camilo” (Am I doing OK Camilo). Camilo Cienfuegos replied, “Vas bien Fidel” (You’re doing OK Fidel).

Honoring Camilo Cienfuegos

About that time someone in the crowd released white doves and one landed on Fidel’s shoulder. This reinforced the idea that Fidel had received a divine calling. Soon, “Vas bien Fidel” became a rallying call for the revolution. Camilo Cienfuegos was very popular with the Cuban people, second only to Fidel Castro. Camilo Cienfuegos died in a plan crash October 1959, traveling from Camaguey to Havana. He became one of the earliest martyrs of the revolution.

Monument number three, honoring Che Guevara is on the Ministerio del Interior building. The huge mural of Che Guevara contains the words “Hasta la Victoria Siempre” (Always toward Victory).

Honoring Che Guevara

Che Guevara, a trained physician, from Argentina, met Raul Castro in Guatemala. Raul later introduced Che to Fidel Castro in Mexico City in 1955. The meeting of Che Guevara and Fidel and Raul Castro changed the course of history. Che Guevara was a definite leader in the Cuban revolution and later helped with other revolutions until his death in October 1967 while he was in Bolivia.

You will notice that I, Zeb the Duck, am not in any of these photos. The monuments are just too big for a duck. However I was at the Plaza de la Revolution.

Zeb the Duck, bus driver

My job was very important—I drove the bus.

February 28, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

John Lennon Park in Havana

John Lennon, the Beatles and their music were banned in Cuba during Lennon’s lifetime. John Lennon is in Havana now and sits in a park named for him.

Bronze of John Lennon in Havana, Cuba

Fidel Castro dedicated the statue of the former Beatle December 8, 2000, 20 years after Lennon’s murder.

A security guard watches the statue of Lennon sitting on a bench. Lennon’s distinctive glasses were previously stolen, so now the guard holds the glasses and will put them on Lennon if asked.

John Lennon’s security guard is my new friend

When I, Zeb the Duck, visited this statue, there was a line of tourists waiting to have their pictures taken with Lennon. As you can see, I waited for my turn.

WOW! I am sitting with John Lennon

Near the monument to Lennon is a cultural center and club, appropriately named the Yellow Submarine.

Too bad we didn’t have time to go inside. Looks fun.

The Yellow Submarine in Havana, Cuba

I, Zeb the Duck, like the statue and I liked this park. I think you would like this park, too. The John Lennon Park is located near the corner of streets 17^th and 6^th in the Vedado area of Havana. When you go, smile at the friendly gentleman that keeps John’s glasses.

February 26, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Callejon de Hamel

Central Havana, Cuba is home to Callejon de Hamel; a short street lined with murals and unusual artwork. The focus is on Santeria, the combining of Yoruba religion from Africa with Catholicism.

Callejon de Hamel in Havana, Cuba

When the African slave was forced to accept Catholicism he blended the spirits of his religion with the saints of the catholic religion.

Visit video.nationalgeographic.com for an example of this blending. In the search on the site type santeria. St. Lazarus, a healer of the sick is blended with Babalu Aye, the spirit of good health. Santeria does involve sacrifices of healthy animals to keep the spirits happy and fed. Santeria uses natural healing using herbs and divination through rituals including animal sacrifice, offerings, and altar building; music, dance and possession trance.

We visited Callejon de Hamel and want to show you the artwork there, much of it done by Salvador Gonzales.

Callejon de Hamel

chapel

Zeb on a grashopper??

Callejon de Hamel

Mural at Callejon de Hamel

You can purchase items from this lady.

Santeria store at Callejon de Hamel

Mom and I used national geographic and wikipedia to verify facts. You may appreciate the information there also. Many times you will experience dance performances at Callejon de Hamel. We did not, but you may. This is a very colorful street and Cuban experience you won’t want to miss. Go and enjoy it all.

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