Had a great flight yesterday, even if a lady did manage to drop her carry-on on me from the overhead...honestly, when did steamer-trunks become carry-ons, anyway...nothing the SW Airlines beverage service couldn't cure...Found a great Irish pub in Longmont last night, "Michael O'shea's"...Kevin, our waiter was great, as was the local Colorado brew, Longmont Brewery's "Sawtooth Ale"...had a great run this morning, and I think this colorado air is divine...headed out for further adventures in Denver this morning...see you in Larkspur in a week...Cheers!
(Todd chitter's a "hello" to all)
8)
Welcome! And enjoy all your Colorado adventures before faire! ;D
Thanks, lass! I look out the window at the mountains west of Denver as I type this morning.
Forgot to mention the wondrous hot air balloon ascension that greeted me as I started my run yesterday. They filled the sky before disappearing into the cloud cover.
Had a fine day yesterday. Visited the Colorado Railroad Museum. I have never seen such an eclectic collection of steam trains before. Amazing how much they fit into 15 acres! Also, they were having a German heritage festival there. Did we make use of the beer tent? What do you think? The Paulaner from Munich was excellent!
Went by the Cussler Museum. Mr. Cussler is a favorite author of mine, and I had to see Dirk Pitt's cars...unfortunately, its only open on Monday and Tuesday, so we hope to drive by there on the way south tomorrow.
The Coors Brewery line was too long, so we bypassed it. Instead, we drove up Lookout Mountain to pay our respects to Buffalo Bill at the gravesite and museum. The views were spectacular! Great curvy drive up and down as well,with the opportunity to play dodg ball with cyclists.
Had supper at Casa Bonita in Denver last night. It is different! Gotta love a place to eat with cliff divers, magicians, mariachis, gunfights, and juggling gorillas in bathing suits. (That last was a sentence I thought never to have opportunity to write!)
Now headed out on a long run. After that, more Colorado!
Cheers!
Welcome, and welcome again. It gladdens our hearts to know that you are so enjoying our playground. The Baroness and I look forward to meeting you and the Clan Friday next.
Welcome...in Ft Collins north of Denver we have New Belgium brewery. It is a far better beer than that Coors crap. They have free tours booked online. Not far from that is O'Dells also free tours. Casa Bonita while a neet place is not that great food wise. Santiagos is a far better Mexican place to eat. If you make it to Estes Psrk the Wapitia has great Elk burgers and serves both New Belgium and O'Dells beers. Do not forget the Denver museum of nature and science and the pirate exhibition of Black Sam Bellomy and his ship the Whydah.
Enjoy your stay and see you next weekend!
Thanks for the welcomes and suggestions. We are indeed enjoying our stay, and look forward to the fellowship of next weekend.
I do agree about Coors not being the tastiest of beverages. My interest in the brewery was one of historical perspective.
Casa Bonita was worth it for the setting alone. I have never seen such a unique venue set up in an urban shopping center!
Yesterday morning's run was another fast one. This clean air is amazing. And, I was greeted again with yet another balloon ascension, this time with a clear sky. We headed out to Rocky Mountain National Park. Upon reaching the "Welcome to Estes Park" sign, we pulled over to the sight of dozens of chipmunks playing on the rocks next to a pull off area. These guys seemed quite tame, and enjoyed the offered peanuts.
(Aside: Todd the Squirrel of course rolled his eyes at this, at one point muttering, "Who are you supposed to be, Dances With Chipmunks?")
Spent a pleasant hour chatting with fellow adventurers and enjoying the chipmunk spectacle.
Rolled through Estes Park, which seemed quite the tourist destination. Headed through town to Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoyed the drive up to Alpine Ridge, the 11,796 Elevation summit point, stopping to hike at several places. Did indeed Play in the snow in late June, lobbing several snow balls.
Saw elk grazing, a very peaceful scene. Hiked and adventured in the park for most of the day. Hit up The Dickens Tavern in Longmont upon our return. The Odell's IPA was excellent!
Today, we head to Boulder. Rumor has it that it is an ultra runner paradise. I may not want to leave.
Now, the NB1012s are laced up,and its time to hit the road and get in some miles. Cheers!
boulder has some fun things to do,
Celestial seasoning tea tour, fun and free unless you buy tea
Redstone meadery has a tour and then taste testing yum
Butterfly pavilion is nice but kinda pricey
Quote from: Sir Garath on June 27, 2011, 08:02:12 AM
boulder has some fun things to do,
Celestial seasoning tea tour, fun and free unless you buy tea
Redstone meadery has a tour and then taste testing yum
Butterfly pavilion is nice but kinda pricey
Do the Celestial seasoning tour! Totally worth it for exactly one room! You'll know when you get there. And hey, free hair nets! Last time we went, they had free samples in the ante room while you wait, so get there early.
You can easily do all three of those things in one day. None of them are that long. Redstone has kinda odd hours though.
Amras, I am more than likely going to be free most of the week, and my beau is off of work Weds and Thurs - so if something in the Northern area (between Longmont and Fort Collins) peaks your interest, do let me know and we will try to meet up with you! There is lots to do up here in Fort Collins that we would love to show you.
Any one familiar with Mt. Evans?
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 27, 2011, 07:30:27 PM
Any one familiar with Mt. Evans?
Aye. Drove to the top once. Only my laundress knows for sure.
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 27, 2011, 07:30:27 PM
Any one familiar with Mt. Evans?
Hubby and I took the Gold Wing up to the top last year. Bit of a scary ride as the edge of the mountain was so close! It was so windy it actually blew the Gold Wing over!!..... So we didn't make the last treck to the top. We headed back down as we thought if it got windier it would be to dangerous on the bike. It was ICY cold so take winter clothing, there is still snow up there.
There is still A LOT of snow up at elevation. The beau and I were at Bear Lake (elevation 9500) about 2 weeks ago and we were standing in places that still had almost 14 FEET of snow. If anyone is in town for the 'Vouz and is planning on taking a trip up to the mountains, PLEASE pack accordingly. There is no such thing as "only planning for a daytrip" here.
Hi, Zoe and friends! Alas, Zoe, our travels have taken us south...
Yesterday was yet another great day for the Elfwine Clan of traveling museum addicts...
After a great run, we checked out of our hotel near Longmont, and headed to...wait for it...the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder. We are tea lovers, and the tour of the factory was fascinating. The mint storage room still has my eyes pleasantly watering. Sampled many new products. Smiled at the part of the film they show which stated, "In 1969, after gathering herbs in the Colorado forests, they decided to open their own tea company..." 1968...herbs,,,oh, yeah... 8)
After Celestial Seasonings, we ventured only a few block to the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art. This may be one of Boulder's best kept secrets. The sculpture garden and galleries were incredible. Highly recommended!
Then, heading further south, we made a second attempt at the Cussler Museum, having been thwarted our first day due to faulty intel. This is another "secret museum", like Celestial Seasonings and Leanin' Tree, its tucked away in a neighborhood, in Avarda.
It was worth the trip west! Mr. Cussler has always been one of my favorite authors, and the cars featured in his series of "Dirk Pitt" novels are all there in the museum, along with many other concours-winning quality automobiles. My favorite: The 1948 Talbot Largo from the novel, "Deep Six". Spent a good 2 hours drooling, er, I mean , appreciating the beautiful collection.
Headed south after that, bidding farewell to the Denver area. Saluted our soon to be quarters in Castle Rock on the way by, and nodded toward Larkspur from the highway. We find ourselves in the shadow of Pikes Peak...dined last night at Jack Quinn's Irish Pub...further adventures await. Cheers!
Quote from: Mistress Charlotte on June 28, 2011, 12:12:09 AM
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 27, 2011, 07:30:27 PM
Any one familiar with Mt. Evans?
Hubby and I took the Gold Wing up to the top last year. Bit of a scary ride as the edge of the mountain was so close! It was so windy it actually blew the Gold Wing over!!..... So we didn't make the last treck to the top. We headed back down as we thought if it got windier it would be to dangerous on the bike. It was ICY cold so take winter clothing, there is still snow up there.
It was late when I wrote this... Mind you that we were NOT on the bike when it blew over. We were already at the top and had it parked. We had wandered through the old ruinslocated there first with the plan to hike that last bit to the very top (you can't drive the last bit you have to hike) and when we came out of the ruins we watched the wind stand the bike straight up and then over to the other side. Talk about Oh NOooooo.......!!!!! as you reach your hands out as though you may catch it from 300 yards away!
Pikes Peak cog rail to the top!! Garden of the Gods for a pleasant walk in and amongst the incredible red rock formations of Colorado!
I second the suggestion for Garden of the Gods. It's lovely, and not too strenuous either.
Quote from: Zoë on June 28, 2011, 09:45:26 AM
I second the suggestion for Garden of the Gods. It's lovely, and not too strenuous either.
And free! Or was last time I went.
Tanda, you'll be interested to find out that Todd the Squirrel is still wearing his hair net from Celestial Seasonings...
Quote from: Tanda on June 28, 2011, 09:58:33 AM
Quote from: Zoë on June 28, 2011, 09:45:26 AM
I second the suggestion for Garden of the Gods. It's lovely, and not too strenuous either.
And free! Or was last time I went.
It is free...apparently when the original purveyor of the land granted it to the state, he did so under the condition that it would forever be free to the public. Hooray!
Aye indeed Zoe, it was gifted to the city, and all manner of other "rules" including that it always remain free, and only grows in size.
There's a money museum in the Springs too: http://www.money.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ExploretheWorldofMoney/MoneyMuseum/default.htm (http://www.money.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ExploretheWorldofMoney/MoneyMuseum/default.htm)
And Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is fun ... you can feed the giraffes, and they have naked mole rats to watch! (That didn't sound nearly as bad in my head ...)
We did the Garden and the zoo last year and they were well worth the effort.
We are headed to the sand dunes area - any recommendations here? We are also rafting out of Canyon City - have done this before too.
My wife has secured a business appointment with Lillian Vernon in Colorado Springs, so huzzah - part business trip!
Quote from: Blushing on June 28, 2011, 11:38:23 AM
Aye indeed Zoe, it was gifted to the city, and all manner of other "rules" including that it always remain free, and only grows in size.
There's a money museum in the Springs too: http://www.money.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ExploretheWorldofMoney/MoneyMuseum/default.htm (http://www.money.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ExploretheWorldofMoney/MoneyMuseum/default.htm)
And Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is fun ... you can feed the giraffes, and they have naked mole rats to watch! (That didn't sound nearly as bad in my head ...)
That's a fantastic zoo! And the chairlift ride is worth the extra cost. You can see Kansas!
Quote from: Blushing on June 28, 2011, 11:38:23 AM...and they have naked mole rats to watch! ...
Well, no wonder you're blushing! Do we have a touch of a perv streak? ;)
This Wednesday opened with one of the greatest runs ever, but more on that in a bit.
Tuesday was a relaxing day. After a good workout, we went up to Garden of the Gods to get the lay of the land. The vista that opened before us was incredible...getting off the main drag, you drive through a neighborhood (seems a good percentage of the great Colorado attractions are in neighborhoods, close to the communities...good stuff), the huge red and white rocks seem to appear out of nowhere, like something out of Lovecraft. Saw a great Imax-style movie at the visitor center and picked up a trail map. Going through the park, this old cross country runner new he'd be back early in the morning for a run...but, more on that in a bit. :)
After that, we headed up to the Cog RR to make reservations. We'll be on today's (Wednesday) 1250 trip up to the peak. We then proceded to the Miramont Castle, and toured the great Victorian building for a couple hours. I felt as if I should have my steampunk garb on the whole time. Had tea and sandwiches in the tea room. A good museum!
Returned to the hotel for the manager's reception and cocktails that evening. The Jack and Coke was very, very refreshing...Now, on to Wednesday (today) morning...
Had a fantastic run around and through the Garden of the Gods this morning. Thrilling trail running at its best. Finished the perimeter in just under an hour. The red rocky terrain, mixed with the white rock and the greens and browns place you on sensory overload. Taunted by very fast jack rabbits around every corner. The deer are almost tame, merely looking up as if to say "hi" when you run by them, not 10 feet away.The birds living in the rocks put on quite a show, as did a group of falcons swooping and calling overhead. I could get used to running in a rugged and beautiful setting such as this.
Talked with Captain Spleen for awhile this morning. I think we should be prepared for a certain amount of "scurviness" in a few days.
Headed for a Cog RR excursion this afternoon, and further Colorado adventure.
And, the weekend will soon be upon us...cheers!
Spent a relaxing morning taking it easy after yesterday's long run. Then, a fascinating trip on the Pike's Peak Cog RR with an unbelievable vista at the top. And, its just plain fun to watch golden belly marmosets frolicking in the rocks. This high-elevation, thin air kinda day ended up with supper at the Edelweiss Restaurant in Colorado Springs. The Spaten Pilsner was excellent.
Had a wonderful long hike through Garden of the Gods again this (Thursday) morning. The views as the sun rises and the light changes are something to behold. Don't know what today holds, but am looking forward to it. Lots to see here, and not enough time!
Cheers! 8)
Just in from another wonderful early hike in Garden of the Gods, our last of this expedition. I started missing it as soon as we left the gate. We'll be on the road for Castle Rock In a few hours.
Yesterday was our fullest yet. Started with the long hike, and proceeded to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Having grown up with farmers and horsemen, it seemed like the thing to do, and was fascinating. Enjoyed seeing the Ben Johnson exhibit. Though he's best known as the winner of the Academy Award for his performance in The last Picture Show, he always said the accomplishment of which he was most proud was winning a rodeo world championship, which he did in 1953. But the exhibit which blew me away was a surprise. One of my favorite actors was Slim Pickens, who as Tagart in Blazing Saddles, has most of the good lines, and there he was, in the hall of fame, as a rodeo clown. Who knew?
Went directly form there to Cave of the Winds, and enjoyed a hike underground. Gorgeous formations!
From there went to the Manitou Cliff Dwelling, a reconstruction of Pueblo and Anasazi cliff dwellings. Very well done.
Then, it was back to Garden of the Gods, were we enjoyed the late evening breeze through the trees, and the calls of magpies and other bid life. Very relaxing!
Now, we are getting ready to hit the road in a bit, and will see you all this evening.
Cheers!
Huzzah! Glad to hear you've been able to make the very best of your vacation! See you tonight.
Looking forward to it, Zoe!
Anyone checking in to the Castle Rock Comfort Suites will be greeted this evening by a certain squirrel who is spying on the parking lot from a third floor window.
See you all in a bit, and, as always, cheers!
A great 10K this morning after the meet-n-greet last night. Blushing and Spleen did a great job hosting, and Castle Rock probably still does not know what hit it...realized our situation this morning on my run when I noticed that we are located right next to a State Police Barracks and the Sherrif's Department...honestly, officer, I'm new here...
Looking forward to the best RenDezvous ever...aren't they all?
Cheers!
What a grand two days at faire...the Colorado fest is one of the best to which I've ever been. Gotta love a fest with shuttle buses to get you to the gate from that large parking lot...Great views from all over the site...I think I can see my house in Maryland from Puke-N-Snot hill...the best Captain Jack in any faire...Celtic Legacy, a fantastic AMERICAN Celtic thunder band...the big cat show...one of the most beautiful jousting arenas in existence...the list goes on and on...but, more important, the cast and crew of this faire seems to be having a very grand time, and truly want you to have a good time, a refreshing attitude these days...I'll write more on the faire later...
...most importantly, it was great getting to meet all you friends, the ones we'd known in person, the ones we'd known for years and had never met (you know the deal), and the new ones we got to meet for the first time. All of us of the same mind, yet just different enough in practice to have us all be so interesting and fun to be around, and enjoy each other...I do love you all, and can't wait for next time.
Now, we rest up and pack today, for the big dragon ride back to Mundania tomorrow...I know my mind will remain in the mountains for months to come...
Cheers!
Enjoyed watching dozens of fireworks diplays across the valley from a bluff in Castle Rock last night. Getting ready to head to the airport soon.
Again, it was wonderful! I miss Colorado already...
P.S. Blushing, I did indeed complete a full Pub Crawl on Sunday, and shall renmail you the info.
We saw much the same every year we lived in CO, Amras, but from the foothills of the Rockies, near Golden...One year there was a simultaneous lightning show way across the plains as well!
Glad you enjoyed CO, it really is beautiful.
And we find ourselves back on the ground, chained to an oar in Mundania...I'm not day-dreaming today...not at all...nope... 8)
It was a pleasure to meet you and your wife, Amras! We got to do some of the same things this week that you did last week...
Yesterday we went to see Real Pirates at the Denver Museum of Natural Science with Sir William of Ware, then we happened upon him again at the Wings Over the Rockies Museum! It was great getting to hear Sir William talk about the finer details of military aircraft ;D Finally, last night we took the kids to see Cars 2 in 3D.
Today we headed up to Ft. Collins and took a tour of the Budweiser Brewery. That was very interesting AND tasty ;)
After lunch in Loveland, we drove up to Estes Park (in the rain) then went up to Rocky Mountain National Park as far as Bear Lake. We literally took the scenic route back, following the Peak to Peak Highway for a spell, then had dinner in Boulder, before heading back to Denver. Lots of scenic driving, with several stops for pics along the way :)
Tomorrow we're going up Pikes Peak on the Cog Railway with Sir William of Ware, then going to visit some family in the Springs area.
It was great to meet you as well.
Bring a sweater for Pikes Peak...it got cold up there!
Wish we had had another month there...oh, well, guess we'll just have to go back!
Cheers!!
yes take a sweater or coat, Pikes Peak is somewhere between 30 to 40 degrees cooler up there.
Quote from: Al-Nimer on July 07, 2011, 12:54:10 AM
Today we headed up to Ft. Collins and took a tour of the Budweiser Brewery. That was very interesting AND tasty ;)
Drat, you should have told us you were coming up! William of Ware came up to Fort Collins yesterday too and my beau and I took him to visit the Odell Brewery, which is not far from Budweiser! Small world...
That William of Ware... he really gets around! LOL :o ;) ;D
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on July 07, 2011, 11:31:56 AM
That William of Ware... he really gets around! LOL :o ;) ;D
Yes, we old gound pounders are often envious of those fly-boy types... :)
Quote from: Zoë on July 07, 2011, 10:51:12 AM
Quote from: Al-Nimer on July 07, 2011, 12:54:10 AM
Today we headed up to Ft. Collins and took a tour of the Budweiser Brewery. That was very interesting AND tasty ;)
Drat, you should have told us you were coming up! William of Ware came up to Fort Collins yesterday too and my beau and I took him to visit the Odell Brewery, which is not far from Budweiser! Small world...
Sorry, just saw this. Indeed, it is a small world! Next time we'll be sure and let you know ahead of time. We kind of planned everything "on the fly" this time ;) Plus, we got to leave things to do
next time we go to Colorado!
We did have a chilly ride up to Pikes Peak...it was a bit rainy, the summit shrouded in clouds. Our DD was
so happy about being able to "touch a cloud" ;D Oh well, we'll just have to go back up (earlier in the day) next time we're up there.
Quote from: Al-Nimer on July 08, 2011, 09:29:26 PM
Quote from: Zoë on July 07, 2011, 10:51:12 AM
Quote from: Al-Nimer on July 07, 2011, 12:54:10 AM
Today we headed up to Ft. Collins and took a tour of the Budweiser Brewery. That was very interesting AND tasty ;)
Drat, you should have told us you were coming up! William of Ware came up to Fort Collins yesterday too and my beau and I took him to visit the Odell Brewery, which is not far from Budweiser! Small world...
Sorry, just saw this. Indeed, it is a small world! Next time we'll be sure and let you know ahead of time. We kind of planned everything "on the fly" this time ;) Plus, we got to leave things to do next time we go to Colorado!
We did have a chilly ride up to Pikes Peak...it was a bit rainy, the summit shrouded in clouds. Our DD was so happy about being able to "touch a cloud" ;D Oh well, we'll just have to go back up (earlier in the day) next time we're up there.
Or just not at the beginning of monsoon season! :D We've had weather like that all week.
Hello all...
I had a great time getting around to see some of of the sites in the area. Worked out fantastic and made it really memorable to spend time with Faire friends outside/ not at faire. Having that list of things to do in the area really helped. I don't do lots of traveling.... So I think I was pretty successful in seeing some of the area. Staying for a week, and being able to attend faire for 4 days was well deserved! Now I pack for a weekend camping trip. I plan on creating an account with an online webpage for pictures. I don't have many...... but I would like to share my Rendezvous.