Fairplay

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Zeb the Duck Finds Gold on the Mountains

It is autumn in Colorado.   Let’s go looking for gold on the Rocky Mountains.

Kenosha Pass

I found some.   The aspen trees that cover our mountains on Kenosha Pass.

Kenosha Pass

While I cannot spend this gold, the beauty makes me smile and appreciate Colorado.   Just over the Continental Divide, we stop, turn around, and capture one more photo.

Crossing the Continental Divide and looking back

We love our golden aspen trees.   Over the pass is South Park.

South Park

Yes, this is really called South Park.   And for you fans of The Simpsons TV show, the writers were referring to this area.   In Colorado, between two mountain ranges running north and south, we have North Park, Middle Park and South Park.    The aspens here, at lower elevation, are also turning.

Colors of South Park

Isn’t this a beautiful time of year?   Continuing through South Park, we arrive in the town of Fairplay.

Street in Fairplay, Colorado

This town is almost two miles high.   Denver is one mile high.   This historic courthouse was placed on the Historic Register in 1974.  At that time, this was Colorado’s oldest working courthouse.

Historic courthouse in Fairplay, Colorado.  Zeb the Duck on the gazebo railing.

A new, larger courthouse is now used in Fairplay.   This gazebo is a great place for a picnic or a snack.   This is Colorado, so we need a moose.

It’s Fairplay. Here is a moose

I didn’t find the walking, breathing moose here, but this statue is nice.

View from back of a Fairplay, CO bank

Beautiful autumn leaves viewed from behind a Fairplay bank.    Returning home, we took the same road.   At Kenosha Pass we admired this lake.

Tranquil lake at Kenosha Pass

And the two moose that were having a drink.   Unfortunately a tourist ran toward the moose from a trail, to get a better photo, but the moose apparently felt threatened and ran.

Frightened moose

This is a not too good photo of a retreating moose.   We are following the North Fork of the South Platte River.

North Fork the South Platte River

We love rivers and the sound of moving water.   In Bailey, Colorado, we visited the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Coney Island Boardwalk hot dog stand in Bailey, Colorado

This hot dog appears to be adobe, serves hot dogs, and has the perfect location.   There is a seating area near the “hot dog”, and we loved the mountain scenery behind this seating area.

Behind Coney Island Boadwalk seating

We like this area, but did not eat there today.   It was a sunny, warm day so we sat at a picnic table next to the river.

Beautiful place to eat

This hot dog has beer mustard.   Not really sure what that is, but the mustard has spots in it.  Of course, mom added ketchup.   We enjoyed our lunch and the break sitting by the river.   We hope you are enjoying the changing colors near you.

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Fairplay, Colorado with Zeb the Duck

Taking advantage of warm, sunny winter days, Zeb the Duck heads southwest on US 285.   From Denver, through the mountains, to New Mexico, this road showcases beautiful mountain views and wonderful small towns.    This a favorite road for the wanderings of the Colorado Traveling Ducks.    Today we drove a couple hours to the town of Fairplay.

Welcome to Fairplay, Colorado

Welcome to Fairplay, Colorado

In Denver, we have mile high everything, but Fairplay has 2 mile high stadium.

TWO mile high stadium

TWO mile high stadium

Bet those baseballs really sail.  Gold was discovered in 1859, but later arriving miners objected to the way mining claims were filed, so they moved to a new camp and named it Fair Play.   Now the county seat and center of commerce of Park County, Fairplay has many businesses, restaurants and a vibrant local arts showing.

Even signs reflect Old West with motorcycles

Even signs reflect Old West with motorcycles

Our law enforcement officers are always appreciated, but recently 3 officers were shot and one died in the line of duty in another part of Park County.    We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, appreciate and respect the officers and all they do to keep us safe.   Extra support is always appreciated by those that serve.

Fairplay has businesses that you many not find in every town.

Eric Bear Taxidermy

Eric Bear Taxidermy

This area is brimming with outdoor activities.    You can hunt, fish, hike, pan for gold and camp.   Fairplay is called the “Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado”.    Even a moose statue greets you at Colorado East Bank and Trust.

I like sitting on the moose

I like sitting on the moose

This outdoor paradise, surrounded by the Mosquito Mountain Range, also offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.   Of course, all that activity may result in severe hunger, so head to the Brown Burro.

Brown Burro

Brown Burro

One side, the Cream and Steam, is a coffee shop  and the other side, the Brown Burro Cafe serves very tasty full meals.   In the summer, enjoy the outdoor seating area between the two.   If new clothing is what you want, there’s no better place than The Salt Licking Goat Clothing Company.

The Salt Licking Goat clothing company

The Salt Licking Goat clothing company

For coffee or a morning snack, don’t miss the Java Moose.

Java Moose

Java Moose

Fairplay is in Colorado’s South Park area.   South Park was  great area of Colorado, before the South Park Show.    South Park Community Presbyterian Church has stood here for many years.

South Park Community Presbyterian Church

South Park Community Presbyterian Church

During the summer, visit South Park City, an outdoor museum.   This is a replica of an original western town.   We will be back to visit historic South Park.   Looking down main street, the majestic 14,000 foot mountain peaks are stunning.

Beautiful and peaceful mountain scene

Beautiful and peaceful mountain scene

You have a probably seen the carved wooden bears and other statues.   Now you know where you can purchase your own.

Wood carvings for you? We have one at home.

Wood carvings for you? We have one at home.

Fairplay holds many festivals and concerts during the year.   One of the most well known is Burro Days the last full weekend in July.   We love festivals, and Fairplay has some of the best.   A visit to Fairplay will be fun and will bring a smile to your face.   Visit soon.