October 18, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Denver’s Downtown Aquarium

We went to the aquarium.

Going to the Aquarium

My humans told me the aquarium has many species of fish, otters, turtles, and many creatures that live in the sea. I am so excited to go. Through the glass, I will be able to see what the fish see under water.

Humans are always hungry, so first we go to the restaurant. This is no ordinary restaurant. From all tables and booths we see an aquarium, built just for the restaurant. Hundreds of fish swim constantly. Homer, my favorite grouper, swims and then stops and stares at me.

My friend, Homer the grouper

Fascinating, but a little creepy. My family laughs and thinks he is so cute. Guess he is.

Waldo is a bright green eel.

Waldo the eel swimming with water bubbles

He seems to stay in a certain area of the aquarium. He is by the kid’s party area and sometimes swims closer to our booth. He is long with no fins and glides through the water. Waldo is my favorite because green is one of my favorite colors.

This restaurant specializes in seafood. I think that is strange. We come to see fish and they want us to eat fish. The food was very good. My humans stayed in the restaurant a long time eating, laughing and watching the fish. After they ate, we walked around the dining area to see other fish in the dining room aquarium. You can go to the restaurant without paying to go to the aquarium. Maybe we will stop there for lunch some day. This was a happy place for me.

Leaving the restaurant, we went through the gift shop and then bought tickets for the aquarium. There are so many exhibits, each with an aquarium and lots of sea creatures. My mom and Soapy’s mom loved the small otters. We saw the desert exhibit. Complete with rattlesnakes. The snake’s head was actually kind of cute, especially since he was behind the glass and could not touch us.

This rattlesnake is watching me watch him

I do not want a snake to bite me.

In the rainforest exhibit we saw piranhas. Lots of them. They can eat a cow really fast. Again, thankful for the glass separating us. We saw starfish, more eels, gray and silver fish, fish with yellow tails, big fish, small fish and other sea creatures.

One exhibit showed how flash floods happen. They occur very fast during periods of heavy rains. The water rushes out of the mountains so fast and so strong, the water carries everything and everybody away. Flash floods can carry cars, animals and people. People die in these floods, so be careful during heavy rains in the mountains. Climb high, you cannot run or drive fast enough. And, take your duck to safety also. We cannot swim fast enough to escape.

Just when I, Zeb the duck, thought I had seen about every fish, we came to an exhibit, under renovation, but with a tiger in the cage. Tigers in the aquarium??? My mom loved it. She thinks tigers are fascinating animals. Soon we came to a huge aquarium with the sharks.

Sharks!!

Wow! These guys are big. We stayed there awhile listening to the shark information and just watching these huge animals. Sharks were swimming in the ocean when dinosaurs walked on the earth.

At the end of our aquarium explorations, several stingray were in a shallow pool

Stingray

and we could touch them. What a fun finale.

Resting after exploring the aquarium

To learn more visit www.aquariumrestaurants.com I will look for you next time I visit Denver’s Downtown Aquarium.

October 11, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Love Those Golden Aspen

Yesterday we saw more golden aspen! Turning on Squaw Pass Road, we saw this huge meadow. It is Jefferson County Open Space property. Often the elk herds graze and lounge here. So glad this place is safe for elk now and in the future.

There were beautiful gold aspen trees, fabulous among the evergreen trees, on the mountain side beneath the Colorado’s sky. Here are a few photos of aspen.

Gorgeous aspen and energetic biker.

Also, many of the aspen leaves are falling, so mom put me in some leaves.

Me, sitting in aspen leaves

The mountains also had many pine needles. Yep, pine needles and pinecones also fall. The ground feels soft and spongy with all the pine needles.

Me sitting on pine needles with pine cones

It was fun to sit on the ground with pinecones and pine needles.

Rocky Mountains sure are rocky

I love Colorado. We can take a few hours and see so may different things. A trip to the mountains is like a mini vacation. Please try some of these mini vacations. You will love them. We return to town feeling relaxed and eager to enjoy the many offerings of the city.

We took I-70 west from Denver to Evergreen Parkway. Then Evergreen Parkway to Squaw Pass Road. This road goes to Idaho Springs and then you can return to Denver on I-70.

October 9, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

South Park, Colorado has cabins

Zeb here. I just returned from South Park. Yes, it is a real place in Colorado. My friend, Dee, has a vacation home there.

Mountain cabin

It is an A frame on 10 acres. There are lots of trees, cool rocks, and lots of space. So peaceful and beautiful!

We took highway 285 south to South Park from Denver, stopping at a Subway in Conifer. No restaurants near Dee’s retreat. Walking around the estate, I sat on dead trees, in the fork of live trees

A duck in a tree

and even on huge rocks with great shapes.

Kids make shapes from clouds and I made shapes from rocks. This looks like a giant iguana head to me.

Iguana rock with aspen in background

I sat in a bristlecone pine tree. These are hardy trees, growing near timber line when most other vegetation has given up because of severe climate. These trees get really old.

Bristlecone Pine with a duck

The University of Colorado at Boulder says in Colorado they found a tree 2435 years old. Many are over 1600 years. That is old!

Also I found a tepee

Great place

and a fort made from branches. Tepee and fort were really strong.

Cool fort and I am there

I think Dee should call this place “Many Aspen Mountain Estate”. There are many pine trees and pine cones make the ground feel spongy, but I believe I saw thousands of aspen trees. Love the small shimmering aspen leaves.

It was so peaceful and beautiful in the mountains of South Park. Many Aspen Mountain Estate is about 9200 feet above sea level.

Thin, fresh air and the sun is really intense. Eating, hiking, talking and laughing are great. Makes humans relax and have fun.

So peaceful. So many aspen

Ducks have fun here, too. We had a wonderful day. Thanks Dee!

October 5, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Georgetown and Guanella Pass

Zeb the duck here again. Thursday mom and I went to Georgetown and then up Guanella Pass. Georgetown is on I-70 west of Denver. Like many mountain towns, they have festivals during the year, so maybe we will visit again.

Remember I told you yesterday that the aspen leaves are turning red and then gold for autumn. And, I thought we might go for another leaf peeking drive. We did. I love it. Summer was perfect, but the autumn is beautiful in a different way. Guess I like the changing of seasons. This is my first year, so I am just guessing.

First stop was the Georgetown Visitor’s Center.

Georgetown Visitor’s Center

This place has everything. Lots of information for tourists, but also a museum. There is a big gift store. And, the television monitors had real time traffic toward the tunnel. This is very important, especially with winter approaching and driving in the mountains. There has already been snow on these roads this year.

We drove through town towards Guanella Pass.

A few minutes toward the pass looking back at Georgetown

This is another place with many aspen and the gold on the mountain with green pine trees is fabulous against the bright blue Colorado sky.

Aspens and mom left me on the road

These are some of the gorgeous golden aspen leaves. The water is part of a hydroelectric plant.

Aspen, water and mountains. Perfect

The creek is always refreshing and after the recent heavy rain, the rivers

Water rushing through the aspens

and creeks are full and running fast.

We returned to Georgetown and visited the Art Gallery. Very nice.

Colorado Art

All the art is created by Colorado artists. Many talented people live in Colorado. The Happy Cooker is a nice place for lunch.

Happy Cooker. Good food

There is outside and inside seating. They serve breakfast and lunch all day. We love the sandwiches.

My favorite stop was Georgetown Valley Candy Company. They have been here many years.

Sweet and delicious. Gifts also

We had black cherry ice cream. Yum!! Their fudge is also wonderful. Next a little shopping at the Santa Fe Trail shop.

Unusual jewelry, clothes and gifts. Hurry in

They are celebrating 53 years in business and most items are on sale—50% off. Hurry!!!

Leaving town we stopped at the First Presbyterian Church.

Really old and still used today.

This church was built in 1874. Colorado wasn’t even a state until 1876. That is old! They have added to the building

See you Sunday

and have church services every Sunday.

Next we saw a park. The playground equipment was great.

Loved the slide

Makes me wish I were human. This was paid for by the Colorado Lottery. So, buy some tickets! The ground here looks like street pavement, but is feels like foam. Very nice and probably very safe. A great fountain

Love all water

and a crazy bench. This bench is made from a tree trunk. I love it.

The best bench!

Come to Georgetown. It took us less than an hour to get here and I know you will love it too. I’m coming back!

October 4, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

PINE, COLORADO AND KENOSHA PASS

Wednesday mom and I, Zeb the duck, took I-70 west to C470 and then south on Highway 285. We were going to have lunch at Pine, Colorado and then drive to Kenosha Pass to see the Aspen Trees. It was a beautiful, sunny Colorado day.

We met our friend, K-rad, and then headed to Pine. We decided to have lunch at the Historic Colorado Saloon, the BuckSnort Saloon. To get there, we drove into Pine, then turned left on 4^th Street, then right on Elk Creek Road. This mountain road is very scenic. Even a small waterfall in Elk Creek.

Elk Creek

When we arrived, ready for lunch, we discovered the Bucksnort is closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The historic BuckSnort Saloon

And this is Wednesday. Mom…you picked the wrong day. These might just be winter hours now, but check before you come. We took some pictures here. The log building is over 100 years old.

Entrance to BuckSnort with my friend K-rad

It is from the 1890s when this was a stage stop and general store. The BuckSnort Saloon is very popular with motorcycle riders. One even arrived while we were there. He was looking for lunch too.

Log buildings near BuckSnort. I am at foot of flag pole

Leaving the Bucksnort we drove back to Pine and had a very nice lunch at Zoka’s Restaurant and Bar.

Zoka’s restaurant. I am on K-rad’s arm

Zoka’s is family owned and has a large deck also. And, Zoka’s is open 7 days a week. We all had the pork sandwich. It is house smoked and has hwy 126 BBQ sauce. It is usually served with cole slaw on top, but we wanted the cole slaw on the side. Then we could choose French fries, cole slaw or purple potato salad. We had French fries. It was delicious!

Going to Zoka’s. I am hungry!

Pine is a pretty town with the river and surrounding mountains. I want to come back here! And, each of these restaurants allows well-behaved dogs on the patios. If they like dogs, they must like ducks too. We are coming back.

We left Pine, drove to highway 285 and south toward Kenosha Pass. In Colorado we have lots of aspen trees and this time of year (autumn) the leaves turn red for a very short time and then a beautiful gold. The leaves are rather small and turn and shimmer in the wind. I love the quaking aspen. They look so pretty on the side of a mountain, with green pine trees and Colorado’s bright blue sky. Of course, I love yellow—it is my color! Kenosha Pass is famous for its aspen trees and gold leaves in the fall. Can’t wait to see it. Hope this is the right week for us to be here.

These photos were taken as we approached Kenosha Pass.

Golden aspen leaves

More gold aspen

Here is one at the pass. It shows so many aspen trees on the side of this mountain.

Many aspen and many tourists

Then we went over Kenosha Pass to South Park and into the town of Jefferson. At Jefferson we saw our only bear,

This bear I like

and it was at Jefferson Real Estate, Inc. Mom said we didn’t really want to see a bear today. I can agree with that.

I hope you will check out Colorado’s aspen trees in the next few days. They are beautiful. I think we will go to another place for more leave watching. I will let you know. Even if the leaves are not gold, go to Pine for lunch. For information visit www.thebucksnortsaloon.com and www.zokas.com. See you soon for food and beverages.

September 13, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Boulder Canyon, Colorado with Zeb the Duck

Boulder canyon is beautiful.

Boulder Canyon

We just returned from a drive today. We live near Denver, but within a short time we are vacationing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Today we drove through Boulder, Colorado, took highway 119 and enjoyed Boulder Canyon.

The mountains are tall, rugged and majestic.

Road cut through steep mountain in Boulder Canyon

Boulder Creek flows through the canyon. Traffic was light; it was a Thursday afternoon, so we pulled over often to admire the mountains. A walking or bike path was separate from the road in many places. Much safer for all. We often looked from the road, saw Boulder Creek and bikers pedaling. Many riding uphill. I never will understand humans.

We came to Boulder Falls.

Welcome to Boulder Falls

Like many others, we parked, took pictures,

Boulder Falls

and headed to the hiking trail. The water, falls and tumbles, over rocks for 70 feet.

Ready to hike Boulder Falls

And there is no entrance fee. Unfortunately the trail was closed. The sign said too many rocks falling. That seemed like a good reason to close the trail. Back into the car we went. Continued driving through the canyon and eventually back home. Ducks love these trips and humans seem relaxed and energized after the drive. Hope you try it soon.

Hi Zeb again. We were in Boulder Canyon a couple weeks ago, before the rains and flooding. If you go, wait a few days, and be sure to check on road conditions. It is beautiful and will be again soon. We were on a road trip this week and this was set to post while we were gone. Loved the canyon!

September 11, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado

Best Place to see the Stars

Morrison, Colorado, about 20 minutes southwest of Denver, is home to one of the best concert venues and parks anywhere. More than 6,400 feet above sea level and comprising 868 acres of open spaces, wildlife and geological wonders, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world.

Red Rocks, Morrison,, Colorado

Zeb, your Colorado traveling duck, visited this place with mom. Just a short drive from Denver, this place is wonderful. We started at the top of the theater.

Top of theater looking down to stage

It is a long way to the bottom with many rows of seats. The stage is easily visible from every seat. Again, an observation on human behavior. Several people, men and women were running along the rows of seats, while others climbed to the next higher row, did a couple push ups, climbed to the next row, more push ups.

Humans get exercise at Red Rocks

Wow! What a work out!

The rock formations (red rock, of course) are breath taking. Or maybe I was also out of breath watching so much exertion—climbing, push-ups and altitude. The views are beautiful. Through the rock formations, the Denver skyline is visible.

Denver skyline over top of Red Rocks stage

This park has many hiking and biking trails also. Hiking is fun, but I will leave the running up stairs and benches to the humans.

We went to the Visitor Center and the Performers Hall of Fame. They had concerts here more than 100 years ago. Each year the season begins with Easter Sunday sunrise service. So many famous people have performed here. I am sitting on a guitar with schedules of performers, one schedule per year

Zeb on guitar at Red Rocks

. Also there I am with posters for some of the performances.

Zeb with the music greats

This sure is a popular place for everybody, even for Zeb the duck.

The Ship Rock Grille is the official restaurant of Red Rocks.

Ship Rock Grille

They are open for lunch and open for dinner on concert evenings. Great sandwiches. Sunday brunch is also served at Ship Rock Grille. Maybe we can go some Sunday.

Entering and leaving the amphitheater we drove through a tunnel in the rock.

Drive through Red Rock tunnel to visit theater

Great entrance! Although the amphitheater is natural, the seats are not. From 1936 to 1941 the Civilian Conservation Corps

Honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps

worked at Red Rocks making the amphitheater the perfect venue we have today.

I love this place.

Ship Rock on one side of amphitheater

Concerts, food, trails and beautiful rock formations make a perfect day trip for us. I hope to return here often. I would love to see you here too. For more information visit www.redrocksonline.com

September 9, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb visits Central City, Colorado

Today we are going to Central City. The town is about 35 miles west of Denver. When gold was discovered in 1859, this was ”The richest square mile on earth.” Rich! And I, Zeb the duck, am going there.

Central City Parkway

Mom tells me to calm down, the mining has stopped now and Central City is on the historic registry. That means the buildings built after the fire of 1874, rebuilt with stone and brick, are still standing. About that brick—this was a gold mining area, so the bricks have gold dust in them. WOW! The city looks like an old mining town with shops and restaurants for us to explore.

Central City main street

We visited a few shops selling a variety of items—not regular tourist T-shirts, but glassware, books, clothes, old jewelry and even stuff I did not recognize.

We went to the visitor’s center. The lady there was very helpful. Upstairs the Gilpin County Arts Association has a very interesting art gallery. We saw photographs that looked better than life. We saw beautiful paintings also. My favorite was wood with zippers.

By Paul Stafford. A wood turner

Yep, zippers on wooden vases and bowls. My favorite was Walnut Vase by Paul Stafford. View more of Paul Stafford’s art at www.woodturner-gallery.com

That art gallery was great and then we went to the old courthouse, which has another art gallery, also featuring artists from Gilpin County Arts Association. This building has several rooms of art displays. We were in the courtroom, the first district courtroom in the territory of Colorado. Art was displayed on the judge’s bench, the witness platform and the jury platform. All original wood items from over 100 years ago. The art was beautiful. My favorite things were cards made from original photographs. What a great way to share your treasures. From one room of art, we went outside to the Sculpture Garden.

Love this fountain in sculpture garden

This was a nice retreat and I loved the fountain by Richard Emmert.

Leaving the former courthouse and present art gallery, we went to the museum. We were just in time for the tour to the Opera House. The grand opening of the Opera House was held in 1878. Plays are held here in Central City at the famous Opera House during the summer. The season is over for this year. We could only see the inside on a tour. When you go, notice the horse sculptures on the sides near the stage.

Inside Central City Opera House

They are not sculptures—they are paintings! Really. On the wall on either side of stage. Paintings! Walk over to them and look. This duck was fooled.

Next time we go to Central City we will take a tour of an abandoned mine,

An abandoned mine by Central City

probably the Hidee Mine, or explore the three cemeteries. Maybe even go to the casinos. The casino profits help preserve Central City. There are a couple ways to get to Central City from Denver. We took I-70 to the Central City Parkway. This is about 20-25 minutes west of Denver. The Central City Parkway goes directly into Central City. Very easy drive. We were there in less than 45 minutes. We drove home through Clear Creek Canyon, on US 6 which goes into Golden and then to Denver. What a great Colorado road. US 6 goes through a canyon and follows Clear Creek. River and mountains–everything I love. This duck is so proud to live in Colorado. See you soon.

September 7, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Hiking at Echo Lake, Colorado

Zeb had a great time at Echo Lake. This lake is calm and beautiful.

Ready to hike at Echo Lake

Located near the road to Mt. Evans, Echo Lake was perfect for Zeb, his mom, Soapy’s mom and Steve, Soapy’s dog. We hiked, talked and laughed, ate, shopped, and hiked some more.

I have to say, that this was the best hiking ever. I, Zeb, rode on the back of Steve.

Zeb riding Steve at Echo Lake

From this picture, you can see that I had a real ride and a wonderful time. Although Steve is fast, she was careful with me and I stayed on her, never even close to falling off her back. Fantastic!

We started at Echo Lake Lodge parking lot. We hiked on trails that felt spongy from all the pine needles. A few other people, no ducks like me and a few dogs were on our trail. Everybody was very kind and having a good time in the mountain sunshine. The trail led us around the lake and back to the road. Before the road, we found the picnic area with many tables and a shelter in case of too much wind or rain. Also restrooms are available. This seems important to humans.

In the lake, we saw live ducks swimming, people fishing and dogs having fun. My Steve put paws in the lake and enjoyed a big, cool drink.

Steve having a drink from Echo Lake

Hiking makes humans hungry.

Lunch was good at Echo Lake Lodge. Mom had a big, tasty hamburger. Soapy’s mom had chicken quesadillas. Lots of smiles and eating here. While eating, we watched hummingbirds at the feeders. They are a lot smaller than me, but those wings sure move fast!

Hummingbird with wings in action

Soon the humans, saying how full they were, ordered dessert. Dessert??? Echo Lake Lodge has wonderful home made pies. Mom had blueberry pie with ice cream. Soapy’s mom had chocolate peanut butter pie, topped with whipped cream and miniature chocolate chips, and a scoop of ice cream.

The pie is perfect!

As you can see, I enjoyed it also.

It rained while we were eating, but we took a short hike after lunch

Steve, wait for me

and then home. This was a fantastic day. You will love Echo Lake and maybe even some pie from the restaurant. Echo Lake is about 1 hour from Denver. From I-70 take the second exit in Idaho Springs. Then drive 14 miles to Echo Lake Lodge and the entrance to Mt. Evans. The drive is beautiful and Echo Lake is worth the trip. The Echo Lake Lodge website was not completed today, but check www.mountevans.com. This is another great day trip from Denver. Hope to see you there soon.

September 4, 2013 by coloradotravelingducks

Colorado Duck in Rocky Mountain National Park with Zeb in the summer snow

Living near Denver, a day in the mountains is very common and very enjoyable. My human calls it a mini vacation. Since she is retired, we have lots of mini vacations. We drove to Grand Lake, the western entrance to the national park. Before entering the park, we visited Quackers Gifts.

Quacker Gift Shop Grand Lake, Colorado

This is a small gift shop dedicated to my kind. The shop features many rubber ducks, several smaller than I am, but very cute ducks. Holiday ducks, specialty ducks and even celebrity ducks. There is a second store in Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs. Definitely go to Quackers Gifts if possible, or visit www.quackergiftshop.com

Entering Rocky Mountain National Park at Grand Lake, we followed Trail Ridge Road to Trail Ridge Store and Café at 11,796 feet above sea level.

Trail Ridge Store in Rocky Mountain National Park

This is the visitor center, but not the highest point on this road. Trail Ridge is the highest continuous highway in the United States. You should drive it, in the summer. Lots of snow falls here in the winter.

I’m in a 5 foot snow bank in Rocky Mountain National Park

My human put me in this snowdrift. Snow is cold!

Leaving the visitor center, we saw herds of elk lounging on the Alpine landscape.

Herd of elk lounging at 11,000 feet in Rocky Mt National Park

We are above tree line here. Elk like cooler temperatures in summer, so they go to higher elevations.

Beautiful Elk

Cooler it was. We needed jackets. Silly elk, I like warm summer days.

There are many hiking trails in the park. Some are even paved to accommodate many people, and wheel chairs. The park has lakes, streams, trails, mountain climbing and camping. There are hiking trails through the Alpine tundra area. Normally tundra is found in northern Alaska and areas with similar climates. The scenery and wild animals are picture perfect.

One more majestic elk

This park is wonderful for one-day trips or several weeks camping, hiking, fishing and climbing. We only spent a few hours here, but it is beautiful. I, Zeb, will return.

Trail Ridge Road took us to Estes Park where my human rushed to the Taffy Shop.

Pulling Taffy in Estes Park, Colorado

The shop has this machine to pull taffy. There are many flavors and the humans love it. My mom’s favorite is Texas Pecan.

Rocky Mountain National Park is about 2 hours from Denver. You can enter from either Estes Park or Grand Lake. Both are beautiful mountain towns. Each town has shopping, motels, restaurants, hiking trails, rafting, horse rides and each town has a lake. I love them both and I think you would also. Visit in summer or winter, but Trail Ridge Road connecting the two towns is closed in the winter. Way too much snow. See you in the park soon.

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