Colorado 2012

 

October 1, 2012
 

Started day doing our laundry, since we leave tomorrow for Raton, wanted to make sure it got done.   Not sure if we’ll be dry camping or what!

Afterwards decided to go to the Pioneer museum but it’s closed on Mondays, too bad, so we decided to go to Camping World and purchase a switch for the shower.  

Dropped Bobby off at the house and I decided to go window shopping….love window shopping!   About 30 minutes after I left, Bobby called, apparently while trying to fix the shower, he broke the faucet.   Back to Camping World we went….$16 later, we have a new part.   Drove home, Bobby fixed the shower, then I went window shopping once again.   This time, I did wait to make sure no more mishaps before I left….lol.

Came home and now

September 30, 2012

Some of the artwork

Casey Tibbs

Look out Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame here we come.   What an excellent exhibit of the history of the rodeo and its champions.   It features every aspect of the sport.   We were lucky in that they were having a team roping contest at the facility, so after touring the museum, we watched them rope.  

We then came home to watch the finish of the Ryder Cup.   Trying to decide what route we’ll take to Albuquerque, not sure if I want to make the coach climb over 8,000’ to get there.  Will decide on Tuesday when we head south.   If we don’t go to Great Sand Dunes, we’ll head to Raton, NM.

September 29, 2012

One of the formations in the park

Bobby treated me to breakfast at Cracker Barrel, I love Cracker Barrel.   Came back home because I left Max out….he was just not ready to come in when we left….lol.   We then went to the Flea Market…it is about 3 times larger than Havasu’s.   Bobby bought some screen savers for his IPAD but did not find anything else.   

Paint Mines

Decided to drive to Calhan, CO http://paintminespark.webs.com to see the Paint Mines Interpretative Park, it’s a park that features natural clay sculptures featuring cliffs, spires & hoodoos.   The Indians used to use the soil to create their pottery and ceremonial paints.   Because of the White, Orange, Purple and yellow soil, the area is beautiful.   On the walk back to the car, saw a mountain lion paw print.   Glad he was not around when we were visiting!

Now we are home, weather is turning cooler…thought storms were gone!!!!   Bobby is watching the Ryder Cup while I work on our blog.

September 28, 2012

Art in downtown

Started out by going downtown to take pics of the artwork.  They have very unusual art.   We then head to the Air Force Academy to watch the cadets march to lunch.   It was so crowded, apparently the classes of 1992 and 2002 were having their reunions.   However, we did get to see the cadets march to lunch.   What a time consuming procedure….no wonder they only do it on Monday’s and Fridays.   They started lining up around 11:45 and finished marching around 12:30.   Best part was when the helicopters flew over and then landed right in front of us.   Awesome!

Cadets waiting to march to lunch

Dropped Bobby off at the coach and I went out and about looking at nursery items.   I want a device called a tipsy pot tower.

   Saw one in TX, can’t find one anywhere now!   Owner of Nursery told me to use a piece of wrought iron, might give it a try.

September 27, 2012

Pike Peak from Golf Course

Played golf at Patty Jewett golf course again, but this time we got to play a different 9 holes.    Jim Kyle joined us, Sally his wife said it was too cold….it was cold.   We were the first team off, so played in 3 ½ hrs.   

He played great!

Came home, had lunch then went to Costco and Safeway.   Brought the stuff home and then I went to Hobby Lobby, when I came out the ground was white from hail.   Called Bobby to tell him and he informed me that there was a tornado warning going on.   Told him where I was and he said it was in my area.   I told him I was safe and would be home soon.   Saw nothing!  Thank goodness

September 26, 2012

One of the carriages

Decided the truck needed to cleaned, it was amazing how much dust was in the cargo area.   Afterwards we decided to go to the Carriage museum….it was wonderful.  So much history in the Penrose collection, the curator told us to go to the Penrose home, which we did but first we stopped at the US Ice Skating Headquarters.   Here you get to see the Skating Hall of Fame and learn about the sport, very interesting.

Backyard of Penrose house

 The Penrose home is now used for conventions, meetings, etc , but it’s still an beautiful old place.   The grounds are the most impressive, as they are fairly original.  Very little of the furniture is original but what is, is absolutely beautiful.   We also got to see 4 bucks roaming the grounds.   They certainly know they are protected.   

We then took a drive up the Cheyenne Canon.   Along the way we saw the discovery home, where the owner creates this magnificent art work and displays it in their yard.   We continued on up to the Hunt Waterfall….once again we got to see the changing of the colors.   Never get tired of it!   I had heard on the news this morning that you can preserve leaves with glycerin, so I gave it a try.   Simple to do, will see if in fact it does preserve the colors.

September 25, 2012

We had heard from friends that the Cheyenne Mt Zoo was spectacular.  It’s built into the side of the mountain, so you do a lot of up and down walking.   They were cleaning most of the cages, so not many of the animals were outside, too bad, as it’s hard to take pictures thru the cages.   They are in the process of rebuilding the Elephant facility, so we did not get to see them.   Some of the displays we did see were unusual so it was a nice experience.   

Along with your zoo admittance, you get to go to the Will Rogers shrine.   You do have to drive thru the zoo to access the shrine.   The views from the shrine were awesome!   We did not spend much time as a major thunder and lightning storm was starting and we had left windows open in the coach and needed to return to close them.   

Will Rogers Shrine

Got home in the middle of the storm but luckily rain had not gotten into the house.   Boy did it rain and turn cold.   Sure sign that winter is just around the corner.   Pikes Peak is covered in snow…glad we went to see it when the sun was shining. 

September 24, 2012

Had to run to the Post Office to pick up our mail, then went to Safeway for eggs .   Brought these items home and then headed to Olympic Training Center.   Took the tour, it’s about 45 min, got to see the main event area, shooting, wrestling and swimming facilities plus the main building and gift store areas.   We saw a few athletes at the wrestling area, but otherwise it was extremely quiet. 

We learned that there are two other facilities, one in Chula Vista, CA and the other in Placid, NY.

Went home for lunch and had a visit with our friends Jim & Sally.   They left around 1:45 to go on the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad; we head to the Garden of the Gods.   First stop was the visitor center, and then we headed to garden area, where we took a hike.   Weather was get cooler and we could see rain coming, so headed back to the car, where we headed to the Trading Post.   Looked around and then came home.

September 23, 2012

Laundry day once again!   Afterwards we went to Old Colorado City.   It's a very small area, walked around and I bought a decorated pot.  

September 22, 2012

Three Trees

The big stump

Well it’s official, fall has arrived.   Drove to Florissant, Co and saw the Florissant Fossil beds.   The fossils date back hundreds if not thousands of years.   We also got to see a petrified forest…..these were some of the largest pieces that we’ve ever seen.   We took a ½ mile trail and saw various old trees, but the most impressive was the “stump” , which was at least 8’ tall and 8’ wide.   Also there was one that was three trees in one, the only one of its kind in the USA. 

Along hwy 67

We then drove to Cripple Creek, an old mining town, but is now a gambling town.   Every building in town on main street was a casino.   Think we only saw one gift shop, had lunch at McGills, very good.   Then we took hwy 67 back to the town of Divide and then hwy 24 back home.   

Cripple Creek

The scenery along hwy 67 was amazing!   The Aspen have turned colors and the canyon was alive with Yellow, red, orange and green.   Absolutely beautiful!   Also we got to see a herd of big horn sheep.

We are now home and watching the Oregon State Beavers beating UCLA.  Yeah Oregon!   Next we’ll watch the ducks!

 

September 21, 2012

This is at the bottom of the falls

Notice the steps we had toclimb

Today we decided we need to exercise our legs so we headed to Seven Falls (actually there are more, but from the lookout point, you can only see 7).   What a mistake that was!   We climbed up and down over 500 steps….it would not have bothered us if we were at sea level, but at 6,000 ft plus you climb approx 1,000 ft.   Believe me it was extremely difficult (we could have used Penny’s oxygen once again) and we had to stop for deep breaths about 6 times.   Our thighs certainly felt this climb,but, it was beautiful from the top.   

The lookout point is accessible by elevator (different trail and set of steps if you which to climb to it), which we did (but took the elevator) at the end of our hike.   Once we reached the top of the steps, we continued on to Midnight falls, it’s a small falls about 1/2 of mile up a trail.   Yes, you climb more steps and it’s a slight incline.   The area up there reminded us of Mt Hood, lots of Ponderosa and White Fir trees.   Would be beautiful in the winter!

Seven falls

Saw him on the way home

On the way down, we decided not to take another trail, knowing we had to climb down the 224 steps we came up.   Believe me, going down was much easier, but if you are afraid of heights, don’t take this hike.   Coming down would make you extremely nervous!  We watched 3 workers cleaning lights that they use for the evening lighting show.   They were rappelling to the lights, not a job I’d want!

Came home and decide to give the legs a rest.   Tonight we are going to the Elks lodge for Spaghetti dinner.

 September 20, 2012

Garden of the Gods

America the Beautiful monument

It’s a bright beautiful day so we decided to start the day by driving to Manitou Springs so we could get reservations for the 2:40 PM train to Pikes Peak.   Made the reservations, then we headed into town to look around.   First stop was to take pictures of the Miramont Castle Museum.  It was magnificent.   We didn’t have time to tour, so will do it another day.   Continued on into town and looked through several shops.

We then drove to the Garden of the Gods and took the auto tour.   We only had about an hour, so just walked around balancing rock and the twin rocks.   Then we headed back into town to have some lunch before we caught the train.

Pikes Peak

Board the train at 2:40 for the 8.9 mile trip to the top.   It’s a cog train that goes on the east side of the mountain.   You never see the paved road until you reach the top.  The trees are turning colors so it made it a very scenic trip.   Along the way the engineer points out varies sites and gave us facts.   

One of the things I wanted to see were the big horn sheep.  When we were almost to the top, we saw a herd of them.   Also we spotted deer, marmots and some birds.  

Miramont castle

The peak its self is breath taking, we got to spend 40 minutes, before the train leaves for the return.  They say you can see four states (OK, WY, NM & Kansas).   Because of the smoke from the fires in the west, we could only see Colorado Springs.   You also get to stand on the continental divide, see a plaque about Katherine Lee Bates, she wrote “America the Beautiful”.  Her trip up the mountain inspired her to write the words and various towns in Colorado.   The trip down is kind of boring, as you don’t see as much as going up.   The entire trip takes just over 3 hrs.

September 19, 2012

Patty Jewett Golf Course

Playing at Patty Jewett course

We played golf at the oldest course west of the Mississippi, the Patty Jewett golf course.   We were paired with another couple (Michelle & Jason), lots of fun to play with.   Michelle lives in Colorado Springs but Jason was from Pueblo.   He was a second baseman with the San Diego Padres player until he hurt his shoulder.   He could hit the ball a mile!   They gave us several tips on the area and told us about the fire this summer, glad we were not around then.   We’ll see the damage tomorrow when we head to Pikes Peak.

You'll notice in the pics that the air is cloudy....the fires from WY, ID & MT are in the air and we could barely see Pikes Peak.   Hopefully tomorrow it will clear out!

September 18, 2012

Chapel

Stadium

We are so proud to be Americans, today just reinforced it as we visited the Air Force Academy.   If you  have not visited this facility and are ever in Colorado Springs, it’s a must!   You enter on the North end, must be cleared thru security and then we headed to the visitors center.   Along the route you have the opportunity to see the training fields for some of the activities the cadets partake in.    We then continued on to the visitor’s center, where we saw the small museum, walked around the gift store and watched a movie about cadet life….very interesting.   

B52

We then walked to the Chapel……I had seen pictures, but they don’t do it justice.   What an amazing feat of architecture.   We walked thru both floors and then headed over to the sculpture garden.     From here we were hoping to see the cadet’s march to lunch, but during this time of year it only occurs on Mondays and Fridays.   Hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to return to see them.

artwork near chapel

We then took the driving tour around the area you are allowed to view, which includes the stadium, Doolittle Building, golf course pro shop and the B52 bomber display.   

Came home to have a late lunch and found out we’d be able to move the coach to a spot with water and electricity…..yeah!   

Tomorrow we are playing golf and might see a museum.

September 17, 2012

Broadmoor Hotel

 Starving and since we are dry camping, we'll eat out this morning.   Headed towards downtown, found the visitors center....picked up several more brochures.   They gave us a suggestion where to eat....to yuppy for us.   I found this place called Kings Chef....Food Network said it's one of the best 100 in 2011.   It was very good, portions were huge.  Nice thing, price included coffee!

View from Cheyenne Mt

We then headed to Broadmoor golf course.....it's a major complex...hotel, spa, shops, golf, tennis, etc.   Extremely beautiful course but the only way you can play it is if you are staying at the hotel.   Even then, it's over $200 a person.   Bobby bought a hat, then we went up to their Cheyenne Mountain course.   I wanted to see a bear, the pro shop told us golfers had seen one earlier.   It's a course much higher than the main hotel area.  Views were spectacular!  We did see deer, turkeys and squirrels but no bear!

Cheyenne Mt Golf Course (part of Broadmoor)

On the way back to coach, we found a farmers market.  It was raining, so we raced thru.  We'll go back next Monday and spend more time.

She was near the golf course

We then came home, got the laundy and head out to the laundry mat.   On the way back home, we stopped by the Patty Jewett Golf Course, made a tee-time for Wednesday.

It's raining again, so we'll spend the remainder of the day in the coach....it's now 4:00 PM.   Yes, I know how to waste away a day!  LOL.

September 16, 2012

Left Denver around 9:45, only traveling to Castle Rock to do some shopping before we continue onto Colorado Springs.   Arrived at the mall around 10:30, gave us time to find a parking spot for the coach and truck....not easy if the mall is already open.   We knew it did not open until 11:00 AM.   Did our shopping, bought more than I expected.   Knew we were going to purchase jelly at Harry & David's.   Also bought some clothes, stuff for the kitchen and an accessory for the BBQ at Coeman's outlet.  They had GREAT prices.

We continued onto Colorado Springs around 2:00, arriving at the Elks lodge around 2:30.   All of the spots are full, so we are dry camping until someone leaves.  Who knows when that will be.

Tomorrow, we'll check out the town

 

September 15, 2012

Lake Echo

Summit Lake with Mt Evans in background

I love fall, today we took a drive to Mt Evans.  The Aspen trees are turning colors, it was so beautiful!  The road to Mt Evans is the highest North America drivable road.  We were not able to drive all the way to the top, due to road damage at Summit Lake, think we were 5 miles from the top.  Still, we were at over 13,000’.   Believe me; your lungs told you, you were out of oxygen.   

Fall is coming

The scenery is spectacular, colors amazing and wildlife wonderful.   We walked down this trail to see the Chicago lakes and low and behold, we spotted a mountain goat.   Made my day!

Mt Goat at Summitt Lake

The road up and down is very narrow, especially once you get beyond the tree line.   I see why some folks hate the drive, drop off is straight down but the view is worth the fear!   OK, maybe not for some!  LOL.

We came home, went grocery shopping and then to the Elks for dinner.   Met our friends Bill & Sally, had dinner with them.   They’ll join us in Colorado Springs in a week.   Decided to spend another week in Denver area, we compared notes and gave them some sites to see.

September 14, 2012

Hammond's Candy Store

Making candy canes

If you want to see how hard candy is made, make sure you go on the Hammond Candy Tour.   Bobby and I were the only ones this morning, so we got to spend much more time learning about the facility.   They make a lot of candy.   They even gave us samples of their Mitchell Chocolate turtles, which we understand does not usually happen.   It’s because there was just the two of us.  We bought a few things plus they gave us many samples of their candy.   

Bronco Stadium

We then went to the Bronco Stadium and took the tour.   Very interesting….once again it was a small tour so we got to spend more time than normal, learned about the history and of course about their famous players.   John Elway is now working for the Broncos and is #3 in command.    Of course they are very proud of Manning.  

Bobby on the playing field

Left stadium and decided to go to Cherry Creek shopping area.   It’s supposed to be the largest shopping destination between Chicago and San Fran.   It might be but Bridgeport in Portland is more impressive.  Bought a couple of tank tops and a belt, exciting aren’t we!

On the way home we were driving thru the historic district and Bobby saw a red fox in a yard.   To quick for a  pic, now we are watching the movie Thunder Road.   It truly is a classic!   Later we are going to Casa Bonita for Mexican food.  

September 13, 2012

 

Another piece of art

One of the many statues we saw

Started this morning by driving to downtown, we then walked around 13^th & 14^th streets, as the museums didn’t open until 10 AM.   They have some very interesting art throughout downtown.

Tried to get into the Mint, but needed reservations.   The next available date is the 19^th, but we’ll be in Colorado Springs by then.   Then we headed to the Colorado History Museum, it was just OK, would not recommend it …very basic…more for children than adults.   Next we decided to walk to Larimer St, it was about a mile away, which gave us the opportunity to explore more of the city.   Larimer St is the oldest section in downtown, in fact it used to be the cowboys Red Light district. 

Capital bldg

City at 1 mile above sea level

Went over to the 16^th street mall, caught the bus up to the capital, where we took a self guided tour.   Of all the capitals we’ve seen, this was the least interesting.   One unique fact, if you stand on the 13^th step, you are at 1 mile above sea level.   

President Obama is in town but we did not see his motorcade.   Thank goodness, we took the surfaces streets home, with no problem.

September 12, 2012

Rains hit Denver

It is raining so we won’t do much today.   Ran around and did a few errands, went to Gunsmoke (gun shop).   This store has its own TV show on Discovery Channel.   It’s very small but filled with old and new guns.   Owners were not there; too bad as we would have like to have met them.

Gunsmoke Gun Shop

Came home and made zucchini muffins…they are so good.   Hopefully weather will be icer tomorrow and we’ll go back into downtown.

We got over an 1” of rain, never seen a creek fill so fast and come over it’s banks, as the creek next to us.   Amazing.

September 11, 2012

Had to go get more blood work done this morning, then I can home and we waited around the RV park until a full hookup spot became available.   That was around 9:30.   Got the house set up once again and then we decided to go Tuesday Morning.   Bobby wanted a new cover for his IPAD.   

Some of the artwork in downtown

Downtown Denver

Decided to go into downtown, it’s only about 7 miles away.   I want to walk up and down the 16^th Ave mall.   It’s a mile long area on 16^th street that has various shops, vendors, restaurants, etc.   Very interesting!  They have a free shuttle that stops at every corner, so you can get off and on if you want to go to some particular place.   At the south end of the mall is the Capital, we’ll tour that tomorrow or Thursday.   We did stop and see about a Rockies game, think we’ll go tomorrow night.  We walked the entire mall but took the bus back to the car, as we only had 30 minutes left on the meter.  

September 10, 2012

Red Rock Amphitheater

Visitors Center @ Red Rocks

Started the day by driving to Red Rock Amphitheater.   What an amazing place.  It's hard to believe that they've carved an amphitheater out of rock out in the middle of know where!  We might look into attending a concert while we are in the area.

Buffalo Bill Codys grave

Boettcher Mansion

We then drove into the town of Mission.   Very small, just a few shops on the main street.   Spent about an hour and then headed to Golden, this is where Buffalo Bill Cody is buried.   We walked out to the gravesite, you can see downtown Denver from here....it was a little hazzy, but what a view.   Looked thru the gift shop and then headed to the Boettcher Mansion, which is about a 1 mile away.   This is the summer home of Mr. Boettcher, which is now used mostly for weddings.  It reminded me of a Frank Lloyd Wright creation.

Some of the artwork in Golden, Co

Golden, Co

After view the mansion, we drove to the Coors plant in Golden.   Toured the plant....self-guided tour.   We think the Budweiser tour is much nicer.   We were hungry so went into downtown and had a bite at the Table Mt. Inn, very nice.   Then we walked around downtown.   It was 4:00 pm so we decided to head home.  Stopped at the Gunsmoke gun shop, but it was closed.   We'll go back later in the week....Bobby watches their TV show.

September 9, 2012

We got up and did laundry (had to go to a launder mat about 1 mile away) and then waited around for the Broncos game to start at 6:30 PM.   The Elks is having a potluck, so we decided to join them.   Had a great time but left at 1/2 time, I was freezing and did not take a sweater.   Came home and watched the 2nd have on our TV.

September 8, 2012

Went to the Boulder farmers market, then to the post office and then we packed up and headed to Westminster, Co.  We'll stay here for a week or so.   Once we got settled in, I went out shopping....did not find anything to buy....boo hoo!

Came back and went to the Elks lodge where we had spaghetti for dinner....at $5 a person, it was much better than cooking!   While waiting for dinner, I played the pulled tab, for my $5 investment, won $300.   I was so excited!  Sure tomorrow I'll find someting to spend it on....lol. 

September 7, 2012

Ran errands and got a hair cut.   It's raining so we'll stay in and watch the US Open tennis match.  It's cool here today, high is only suppose to be 74.   I have a sweatshirt on, feels strange!

If our mail comes tomorrow, we'll head to Westminster, CO to be nearer to Denver and it's attractions, otherwise won't leave until Monday.

September 6, 2012

Celestial Tea Factory

Dress made of tea bags

Toured the Celestial Tea factory today, we learned very interesting facts on this tour.  They have the capability of making 500,000 bags of tea a day.   They are the largest distributor of tea in the USA.   They purchase their tea and flavors from many different countries.   The keep the tea leaves and peppermint flavors in separate isolated rooms so that they do not absorb (tea) or penetrate (peppermint) the other flavors.  The peppermint room is extremely strong and Bobby stood outside.   It certainly cleans your sinuses.   

We then went to Kaiser to get my prescription and then off to play golf that Flatirons Golf course.

Now we are home and watching the Democratic convention.

September 5, 2012 

Had a drs. appt at 8:45, which took about 30 min.   Found out I have tendentious in my right shoulder.   He gave me a Cortisone shot and hopefully I’ll feel as good as new in 2-3 days.   Fingers are crossed.

San Malo Church

We then decided to drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.   We first stopped at the ranger station to determine if any fires would affect our trip.   She said no and gave us a suggestion on our route.   We took her advice and headed to Lyons, CO and then took hwy 7 into Estes Park.   It was a beautiful drive and we could see the trees have started to turn colors.   Along hwy 7 we came across the San Malo Church….what a beautiful small church.   Amazing!

Lily Lake

Continued on towards Estes Park, we stopped at Lily Lake (like the name as it’s our niece in TX name….even spelt correctly).   At this point are at over 8,000’.   Told Bobby we should call our friend Penny and borrow one of her oxygen tanks.  LOL.

Arrived in Estes Park around 12:30, stopped at Subway and had lunch.  Looked thru several shops and then continued on into the park, entered the park at the Meadow Visitors center.   We took the Trail Ridge Rd to the highest continuous paved road point, 12,090’ per the sign, decided to take the trail leading to the area called the mushrooms.   You climb another 200’ or so.   Believe me, it was a slow climb.  It was cool (ok cold) and very little oxygen at this height.

Mushroom formations at 12,300'

It was now after 4:00 PM so headed back towards Estes Park, took the route leading us out through the Fall River Visitors Center.   There they have the coolest gift store….two stories!   Looked around for over an hour, in fact spent so much time the visitor’s center closed and we did not get to view.   Next time!   I bought a plant pot holder, very cool!

He was in Estes Park

Continued on into Estes Park, it was getting late so we decided we’d not look at anymore stores but head home.   However, along the way we saw the elk in the city park.   Of course we turned around and took pics.   There were 15 does and the buck.   He was magnificent.   

Headed on to home, had a late dinner….pizza (frozen) and salad, now watching the football game.

September 4, 2012

Weather Center

Went to the drs. Office to get my blood drawn for my annual kidney tests.   Thank goodness Colorado participates in Kaiser Program so I could get this done.   Also set up an appt to have my shoulder looked at, still not any better than when I left Havasu.

This afternoon we went to NOAA (national oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) to take the tour.   The show you around the facility (1 ½ hrs), showing you the national weather facility (here the watch for hurricanes, tornadoes, lighting, etc).   Many of the local weather stations use their information to broadcast to us nightly.

Earth with the ocean currents showing

 She also told us about satellites, weather ships, etc.   We then went into this room where they had a sphere that showed us the earth.   Depending on what data she pulled up, it would show us currents, temperatures, earthquakes, CO2, etc.   This was very cool.   We also got to meet a lady that had been to the South Pole, very interesting talk she gave.   She only saw one sunset and sunrise…both took over two weeks to occur!

Then we drove to Celestial Teas facility.   We were too late to catch a tour so we just tasted several flavors and looked thru the gift shop.  I bought a box of Sweet Wild Berry Zinger Ice.   Prices were very reasonable.

September 3, 2012

Leanin' Tree Museum

Decided we start the day touring the Leanin’ Tree Museum.   What a fantastic western art museum.   The owners display their private collection that you are allowed to view…..it’s an amazing collection of paintings and sculptures by a variety of artists.   If you ever get to Boulder, it’s a must see.   The Leanin’ Tree also mfg greeting cards….I picked up one of their catalogs to view.   You can also purchase them at their gift store.  You are only allowed to take pics of the sculptures outside…nothing on the insidie.

Boulder Falls

We then drove to the Celestial Tea facility, but it was closed because of Memorial Day.  We’ll tour later in the week.

We then headed into downtown, found a street market, walked around but did not purchase anything.   It’s a very small version of Portland’s Saturday market.   Decided to go up Canyon Drive, it’s goes from Boulder to Nederlands.   Beautiful drive thru the Rockies, along the way we stopped at Boulder Falls…..small but beautiful.   We continued onto Nederlands, which is a small ski resort town.  Walked thru the shops and then headed back home, spent the remainder of the day watching US Open tennis and movies.

September 2, 2012

Arapaho Indian memorial

Decided to go find where my drs appt on Tuesday is located.   Could not get to it because President Obama’s motorcade had the roads all around us blocked.   Drove around and found Sports Authority, Bobby is looking for a driver; guess he’s decided it’ll improve his golf game.   

One of the characters at the street mall

We went to Costco, bought a few items….got to see the motorcade drive by just as we pulled in.   It’s amazing how much this must have cost for him to campaign here.   We elected not to try and find where he was speaking, sure it was a zoo.

After Costco we attempted to find drs office, found it.   

Then we headed to downtown Boulder to see the Pearl Street Mall, it’s a four block pedestrian only mall.  We parked about 2 blocks away and walked around the area.   Stopped at several stores, the Peppercorn is a kitchen store (Penny & Richard told us about this store, it’shuge!)   Did not buy anything but did buy a pair of Crocs for each of us at the Crocs store.   Got them on sale…..great deal.

Drove around the area a little more and then came home.   Bobby’s watching golf tournament and I’ll finish this blog and then go swimming.   I can see the pool and the kids playing, but it’s the last day it will be open.  Sad, means summer is coming to an end!

September 1, 2012

Cheyenne, wy

Got up and visited with Penny & Richard.   They took us out to breakfast to the Luxury Diner, very nice old train car that’s been converted into a diner, had an excellent breakfast.   Then Richard took us by Penny’s old house….it’s located in the heart of the city.   

Lane Frost Memorial

Next stop was the golf course where Bobby bought a golf shirt.   We then headed back to their place where we said goodbye and headed to Elks lodge in Boulder.

Had an accident that slowed us down so did not arrived until 1:15 PM.   Thank goodness we did not see any of the college football traffic heading into Denver.   I should say, if we did they did not have the college color flags that our fans in Oregon display while in route to a game.

Arrived at the Elks and got set up, just in time I might say.   Thunder and Lighting came shortly afterwards.   They need the rain around here, we can smell the forest fire.   Hopefully lighting does not cause anymore.