my-colorado

A Hike to Native Lake

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:27:08 +0100

It was getting late in the season, despite some snow on the ground in pockets along trails, and I hadn't been out for a good, solid hike yet. I was so busy running around to New York and Rwanda that I've missed out, in a manner of speaking, on some opportunities to explore my own backyard. But, after all the other traveling I've done, I could hardly afford another annual national or state park's pass to get me on the trails. So, since I really needed to get out, I sent a note out on Twitter looking for help and received a quick response from VisitLeadville.

I planned my trip by looking over the list of free hikes in the area they sent me, and took the beautiful drive over Fremont Pass from Interstate-70 on in to Leadville. The directions in the link were perfect and I had no problem finding a trailhead, but I actually wasn't sure it was the right one. Sure, there were other cars parked, but there was no sign saying this was the trail to Native Lake - just Mt. Massive Wilderness in the San Isabel National Forest.

I shrugged it off and figured a trail would be a trail, I just needed to get out and enjoy some nature as I've been in cities too much this summer.

The trail had a gentle slope to it with great, long switchbacks that cut across the face of the mountain as they gained in elevation. And before I knew it, having crossed the path of a waterfall several times, I was hundreds of feet up from where I left my car with spectacular views of the mountains in the area and the dirt road below. It was a spectacular view, and one that I could only imagine would get better as I got further along on the trail since usually there's a gem at the end of any yellow brick road.

The switchbacked trail continued to carry me up the side of the mountain, occasionally presenting breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountain peaks. But when I started on this intermediate level hike, that's all I expected to be taking my breath away - the views. I didn't anticipate being so high in elevation, surely over 11,000 feet above sea level, as I worked my way back to what I had hoped was Native Lake.

I wasn't sure though if I was on the right path, and began to contemplate turning back since I wasn't prepared for anything too difficult, this being my first hike of the season. And then, unexpectedly, I crossed the timberline and was presented with a view that would cause the von Trapp family to spin in circles and sing. Heck, I even half expected them to come out from behind a nearby tree singing and frolicking in the mountain top meadow.

I still doubted that this was the trail, but as I had never hiked above the tree line before, I figured I'd continue on and see what it looked like so high up. In doing so I caught up to a man in his 60s who confirmed for me that I actually was on the proper trail, and that it also was just as difficult as I had anticipated - he remembered it being much easier ten years and thirty pounds ago. I chuckled at this as I thought how ten years ago was actually an additional thirty pounds for me, so who knows what another ten years will look like if I try to repeat my efforts.

The top of the mountain was covered in green grass and bushes and sprinkled with ponds that were likely left over from the snowmelt. I hopped over the puddles they created on the trail and on across to the other side where I was met with a stunning view of the Native Lake, far below me in a bowl of peaks.

I had made it this far, so I decided to head down lakeside for my planned picnic lunch, shrugging off what I knew would be a difficult hike back to the top of the mountain and ultimately down to my car.

It was worth the extra effort as the lake with the running streams and waterfalls created a peaceful atmosphere, especially as I held it to myself with not another soul around. But really, the hike back to the top of the mountain, made me give pause and wonder if I should purchase a tent on my way home in case I get stuck out on a hike like this in the future as my legs began to seize up and I was taking extra stops, so short of breath.

Another hiker I ran into on my return journey, who was heading to the lake, was surprised when I told him I was just out for the eight mile return day hike since, he said, most people do it in two separate days as they camp and fish for the night. Too bad I'm so partial to electricity and running water, or I might actually go through with my threat of a tent purchase.

Still, I had accomplished what I came to do, and that was to get a good, hard hike in on the day. It was more difficult than I had anticipated as I crossed the top of a mountain that was well over 1,000 feet higher than where I began, but I was happy with my efforts and well deserving of a drink to celebrate my hiking season being underway. But now, after such a great hike with amazing views, the question would be where I should venture to next.

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

Mon, 31 May 2010 15:35:21 +0100

On my way back to Denver I had to make one final stop, recommended to me by a coworker. He recently went down there to do an amazing story and told me that I need to get down that way to check it out too. But, after seeing his still photos, which he told me I could share, I wasn't sure I'd do anything but get embarrassed by stopping at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge trying to snap a few of my own.

Nonetheless, while they're no where near the quality of Bill's, here are a few of the pictures I took on my very brief stop back home...

Flying Geese

Feeding Cranes

More Cranes

Grazing Elk

Mesa Verde National Park

Thu, 27 May 2010 19:23:42 +0100

In the nearly ten years I've lived in Colorado I've tried to make it to the southwest portion of the state. But, that distance is actually quite a long trip. For people who live in smaller states ou t east who possibly don't understand how long the drive is, it takes nearly seven hours to get down there from Denver - that's about the same as if you drove from Boston to Baltimore. Thankfully I was coming from the west on my road trip back to Denver.

Mesa Verde National Park was to be my last stop on the Grand Circle of parks on the Colorado Plateau. I was quite excited to finally see some of the cliff dwellings of the Ancient Puebloans that were discovered by ranchers settling the area over one hundred years ago. On the other hand though, since it was still winter in the high country, I was disappointed to find some of the more popular sections, like the Balcony House, closed due to the snow cover.

It was really no bother though as I was able to see some cool ruins up close still on a guided tour to the Spruce Tree House (above and left). The tour guide, albeith a little off kilter, made the tour a lot of fun and was quite informative. The highlight though was the ruins, but unfortunately they're pretty well roped off to protect them for future generations. I can certainly appreciate this and was happy to get as close as we did, which was right up on the ledges of the structures. The rest of the exploration would be left for it's touristy cousin over in Manitou Springs.

Despite the closure of the two biggest ruins, I think I came at the right time of year as the crowds were really quite small. I can only imagine the hordes of people that flock to the park in the warmer summer months when the kids are out of school. I think I would've gone bonkers then trying to read the displays and enjoy the museum and ruins otherwise. Plus, I think the wildlife would've been scared away with the extra people in the summer. I have nothing but a guess to base this on, but I was certainly happy to spot a few grazing deer while driving the Mesa Loop in the park.

The Colorado National Monument

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:46:52 +0100

My adventures to and from Las Vegas for my birthday took me to a great many interesting and wonderful places. I've been considering how I should write about it all as I saw and did so many things that it's really quite impossible to put it down in one post unless I want it to be the length of a book. And, as a matter of fact, many volumes of books have been written about where I've gone, combined and singularly, that I think it really is only fair to each place, as well as to the reader, to talk about them individually. So, that is what I shall do chronologically by starting with the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction.

The monument is centered around a scenic drive from Fruita to Grand Junction, or the other way around, that was built in the early 1900s on the edge of a canyon. It has held my curiosity for some time, as many things do on the other side of the state, so I was excited to snatch the opportunity to check it out, however briefly, on my way out of Colorado. And what I saw certainly did not disappoint me in the least.

I took the drive from Grand Junction to Fruita, as I was going from east to west, but think it can really be done in either direction without any disappointment or loss in the scenery. There are a handful of trails in the park too, but as I was pressed for time I unfortunately didn't have time to do more than a mile along the rim by the visitor's center. I don't think this lessened my visit in the least as I saw all the highlights of the small park in the short, but incredibly beautiful, drive.

Besides, if I was serious about hiking in the park I'd be there one Fourth of July for the climb up the Independence Monument (right). It definitely is more of a climb than a hike, true, but it is the most identifiable park activity as it has been a tradition for many years now. While I think it's a fun and interesting one, I know it's certainly not for me and that I'm happy to settle with what I saw on this trip, and might see on subsequent ones when I'm in the area.

Before I left the park I stopped in at the visitor's center for a quick peek at the museum. They had a nice display about the building of the road as well as the history of the park, particularly pertaining to the dinosaurs. It's quite small, but I found it well worth the look despite the time crunch I had to continue on and get over to Moab, Utah as I had planned to spend the night there before continuing on my way.

St. Vrain State Park

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:51:49 +0100

I read a newspaper article in the last year or so that talked about St. Vrain State Park and how someone saw a moose there. I knew that my chances were next to nil to spot one, but I was intrigued nonetheless to check the place out. After all, I had drived by it so many times on Interestate 25 that I figured I ought to stop in for a visit, even if for a brief period of time.

Before going I printed out some online directions and information about the trails in the park. To put it bluntly, the trail selection pretty much sucks unless you like walking around little ponds. I can't say it's something that interests me much, but then I saw one of them was named "Bald Eagle Pond." This caught my interest as I've been wanting to see some bald eagles in the wild for quite some time now.

My excitement was increased when I spoke with a ranger as I pulled into the park and she told me there was a nest in a tree just a quarter of a mile away from where I could park. She could even see them from where she was, and pointed to the tree telling me the mother was watching her chicks at that time.

I hustled out of my car, grabbing my camera and coat as I went, and made for the tree that sits on an island in the middle of the pond. I stayed back on the trail and off the ice, not wanting to spook the birds, and looked the whole thing over. I moved from one angle to another as I inspected the tree through my camera's view finder, but never once saw anything any bigger than a sparrow.

In the thought that the mother left the nest to hunt, I decided to finish the mile-long trail around the small pond and come back to the best viewing spot. Unfortunately the sun was setting and the temperatures dropping so I couldn't stay any longer than I did, missing out on yet another chance to see the eagles in the wild. My hopes were dashed and I was disappointed in the opportunity as the most exciting thing I saw was two guys ice fishing.

Before I left, I drove through the park a bit to check things out. I was quite disappointed in the rest of what I saw, not understanding how this newspaper article had actually praised the park, as it just seemed a collection of small ponds right next to the freeway with campground spots for use. What made it worse was that it appeared some people were actually living in these spots year round. I'm not sure how that's allowed in a state park, but people actually had potted plants out next to their trailers, along with all kinds of other things, making it appear as though this is where they came home each night.

Oh well, I guess each Colorado State Park I visit can't be more of a favorite than the one before.

Lory State Park

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:45:03 +0100

Colorado has had quite the mild winter compared to past years that I've experienced. Much of the front range is brown with a smattering of snow spots here and there. As such, I figured I ought to get out and take advantage and fit in a mid-winter hike. It seems like forever since I was on my last hike, and I'm just not prepared to wait until spring or summer for another one. So, in a pretty random manner, I decided to head up to Lory State Park.

I've hiked most of the parks in the metro area, so I figured I could best take advantage of another beautiful sunny day by driving up to Ft. Collins and hitting the park, which sits on the west side of Horsetooth Reservoir, for a few miles. And while it's safe to say that this isn't my favorite of Colorado State Parks, I definitely enjoyed my time there and will make it a point to head back in the warmer months.

I hiked a good 5.5 miles in the afternoon on some easy and moderate trails. Due to the time off from hiking over the last few months I knew there was no way I would be able to handle a difficult trail. Heck, my lungs were already burning on the moderate ones, sitting just slightly over 6,000 feet in elevation. That's not much of a difference from Denver, the Mile High City, mind you where I live.

Yeah, I definitely have my work cut out for me come spring.

Despite a lot of ice and mud I quite enjoyed the trails and the great views they offer of the reservoir, the city and on past to the Eastern Plains of Colorado. It didn't hurt that it was a beautifully sunny day, one of many in the state, that allowed me to see for miles. I also quite enjoyed having the trail pretty much to myself. I'm sure it's more crowded in the warmer months, particularly on weekends, but I only saw one other person the whole time I was hiking, and that was as I was leaving too.

The winds whipped up and the packed snow that I hiked on made the temperatures a bit cooler than I had anticipated. But, after living in Colorado for nearly 10 years I've come to understand these things and go prepared for such occasions. This definitely helped me enjoy my time in a lovely Colorado park that I honestly hadn't heard of until I randomly picked it just a few hours before heading out the door.

Denver's Downtown Aquarium

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:38:43 +0100

I love going to places like zoos. Rarely do I read the signs pertaining to the different exhibits, but I still find them fascinating. I just love watching the animals, particularly if they seem to have a good area set up for them so they seem happy. I know some people struggle with such places as they see the animals caged and not allowed to live and thrive in their actual habitat. But, if it weren't for places like these, I believe a lot more animals would be extinct and those habitats just wouldn't be around; with knowledge and awareness comes protection.

At this risk of running into some large school group on a field trip, I decided to head to the Downtown Aquarium in Denver to see what the place had to offer. It was a school day, and I thought surely there'd be lots of kids running under my feet, but the place was sadly disappointed. I wondered if the groups were there earlier in the day, but there was hardly even an employee to be seen to ask after I purchased my ticket.

A part of me enjoyed the peace and quiet so I could enjoy the animals on my own, but generally the lack of a crowd disappointed me. If people don't go to such places and support them, even if the tickets run more on the expensive side like here ($15 for a ticket and $7 for parking), they just won't be around much longer. And if they're not financially stable so they survive, that means the awareness for the animals a place like this brings will also disappear. I hate to think of that as it can certainly mean reprecussions elsewhere in the world, but can only do so much to support it on my own as well.

Truthfully, the Downtown Aquarium is a great place and one to be proud of for the city of Denver. It's a well put together aquarium that has many special exhibits. I know I could've sat and watched a pair of sea otters do back flips for me for hours. It was as though they knew I was looking for a good photo and were happy to oblige and show off as I snapped away. They were a buzz of energy and activity as they flew around there exhibit.

I enjoyed many of the fish on display too, especially the sharks, and took long periods of time just to stop and watch them swim around. It was all really quite mesmerizing to be honest. I'm not sure I could've felt more relaxed when I left, even if they were offering complimentary massages. The place was so nice and the animals appeared to be so well cared for that I left happy and as though my money were well spent.

In hindsight though, I'm not sure if this would've been the case if it weren't for the tiger exhibit. Yeah, I know that it seems a bit odd to have a Sumatran Tiger on display at an aquarium, but they've had one there for as long as I can remember. They actually have four on display now, but only one was out for public view during my visit.

The tiger stalked around his cage looking for his dinner, which was recently put out, as he marked his territory. It seemed as though everyone at the aquarium could sense this as a crowd gathered and employees were in abundance to offer information and answer any questions people wondered about. I had nothing to ask, but happily listened in on several conversations as I snapped away.

I enjoyed it immensely and loved the close up opportunity that I had, even if I read "lunch" in his eyes as he jogged on by me. Animal encounters like this make me feel like a kid again. I love seeing and learning about them and hope that the opportunities and knowledge they bring in captivity will in turn help others elsewhere. I know it may be a pipe dream and a lame justification for keeping the animals caged up, but one that I fully buy in to any way as I, for once, push aside my cynicism to enjoy their positive.

The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:57:37 +0100

After living in Denver for over nine years I was pretty sure that I knew of most of the interesting spots around town, particularly the ones of a touristy nature. Sure, I may not necessarily be in on the cool and trendy bars, particularly since that's not my cup of tea, but I figured I knew of all the major museums and so forth. Well, a few months ago a friend of mine started interning at the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art and I was instantly corrected.

In all this time I had never once heard of the Kirkland. It was a totally and completely foreign idea for me, and one that I was eager to explore. So, having some free time in what's my work weekend, I decided to head towards downtown Denver to see what I could find. I wasn't expecting a whole lot as it was midweek, but I was still interested in taking the tour that's offered at 130pm from Wednesday through Saturday.

I arrived at the museum just in time for the tour, but had to take a moment to figure out how to get in. The entrance wasn't anything like I had expected, even from the outside, as I assumed I'd be able to walk up and go right on in. Well, not so much. There's a buzzer on the door that I had to ring before admission. I was taken aback by this at first, raising an eyebrow to it, but the reason instantly struck me when I went in: this was once someone's home and studio that's now transformed in to a museum. It also helps as there's not always someone at the front desk in the gift shop, but it definitely seemed like a place of hustle and bustle while I was there.

The tour turned out to be a group of seven, surprisingly as I figured I'd be the only one there in the middle of the week. But no, people even drove down from Ft. Collins just to spend a few hours exploring the collection. This surprised me a bit, but I was happy to be along with a group of people who obviously knew what they were talking about. I felt a bit out of place in my tshirt and jeans in this crowd of afficionados, but the staff made me feel more than welcome to be there.

As the guide showed us through the Kirkland and explained the art in the collection, much of which was done by Vance Kirkland, I realized that it wasn't really my type of stuff. Much of it is decorative art, as the name to the museum says, which makes me raise an eyebrow. From a point of view I can see how a table or a chair can be considered art, but as it's more of a utilitarian item I struggle with it a bit. But, there are plenty of paintings and sculptures around too that definitely make up for what I would tend to just consider as bizarre furniture.

The highlight of the tour, in my opinion, was seeing where Kirkland once painted. His studio has been set up to appear as though he's finishing a project, hanging from the straps above a painting he's putting some final dots in. It was quite fascinating and intersting to see what essentially was the man's studio and study until recently.

The other clutter, great big cabinets full of various vases and the like, even silverware and plates, rather bothered me as it seemed like it was too much; the whole place was laid out and poorly displayed. I worked around this though, despite feeling as though I was still in someone's house based on the set up, and enjoyed what I saw elsewhere. As the display goes though, this can be difficult to do as so much is packed in as it seems like it's just an antique shop.

Generally I enjoyed my time at the Kirkland Museum. Vance's work was particularly impressive, but I was disappointed to see much of it in the vaults in the basement. I know they recently expanded the museum, but another expansion may be necessary, or just a reorganization of the display, in order to more prominantly feature his work. I would personally like to see a movement from the decorative art towards what he's done, but accept it for what it is and will happily return to explore more of the interesting collection.

Four Mile Historic Park

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:11:24 +0100

For years I drove by the signs pointing to the park. I had every intention of visiting it at some point as I lived so close, but never really made it there as something else always seemed to attract my attention. But, over five years after moving from my old apartment, I decided to make my way back to the area and check out the Four Mile Historic Park. I've read a lot of Colorado history books lately and was interested to see how this place fit into the grand scheme.

I had some time to kill and it was a beautiful January day with temperatures in the 60s, so I decided to head over to the park for an hour or two. Coworkers had told me how much they liked it, and the signs stuck in my memory, so I figured it was a good place to go that I hadn't seen before in a city that seems to have no shortage of interesting places.

I pulled into the parking lot for the park, next to a few other cars that were there, but figured it'd be a slow day as it was the middle of the week in the winter. My assumption was correct, for good and bad, I soon found as I walked into the lobby to find the two employees relaxing and jawing with each other as though I had walked into a small town barber shop. They were quite surprised to see me and almost seemed to wonder if I was lost.

I was greeted pleasantly though and given a bit of history from one of the men before I headed in to check out a small display. I was quite impressed with it as it explains the history of the house all in relation to the history of Colorado and the movement west. Despite being small, it was very informative and put together really well. But, as that's not what I came to see, I headed outside to the snow in my shorts and tshirt.

I walked the grounds rather quickly as there was no special event that day. Sometimes, generally during the weekends, there are special events there that bring in crowds. Today though I had it to myself, save the two cats that meowed at me as they rubbed up on my legs outside the oldest house still standing in Colorado.

Built in the 1850s by two brothers settling the area, it's not a particularly old house all things considered. But as most places in the west part of the United States are generally younger due to the time settlement happened, it's got some age to it. The building has been well cared for though by the Colorado Historical Society and is definitely worth a visit, especially if there's an event at the park.

There are several other structures on the grounds used to exhibit how settlement, mining and stagecoach life was like back in the 1800s, but none of them are originals. Some are built on the spot where they once stood, like the outhouse, thanks to some historical research and digging in the area. Yeah, I know that's a bit nasty, but that's how it is with this one. Some other buildings though, like the tipi, were added to the grounds to give historical perspective.

As I pulled out of the parking lot an hour or so later I was happy and content with my visit. It was definitely a good park, especially since it's free, and one that I'd like to go back and see again when they have a special event, like during the Fourth of July celebration. I have a feeling that it'd be a great place, right along the banks of the Cherry Creek, for a picnic and a relaxing afternoon...kinda along the lines of the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.

An Historical Perspective

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:11:48 +0100

This new year has marked my tenth year of living in Colorado. Sometimes it just feels like forever, as though I grew up here and know the place like the back of my hand. Other times, when I look around, I feel like I barely know the place and have only lived here a short while. It's an interesting disparity and one that I've set out recently to try to even out.

A few months ago I picked up my first Colorado history book, an ancient edition that someone through out on the free table at work. I had it sitting on my shelf at home for a few years as well, but I figured if the job was done right the first time the history wouldn't exactly be changing so there really wasn't a hurry. But, in truth, there was a hurry as I really should be obligated, upon moving here even, to learn a bit about the place I'm living in.

Whenever I travel I always pick up a history book or two on the place I'm going. I think it's only fair to do this. Learning about a particular place also helps offer some perspective. I mean, yeah, it's great to see the pyramids or the Great Wall of China, but why are they so special? Why were they built? What's the story? In reading these books I try to learn and understand such things so I can better appreciate the place I'm going when I get there.

Well, when I moved to Colorado I never did this. And that book just sat there staring at me from my shelf, cluttered amongst all my other books, for years. At times I think I noticed it's tattered cover looking up at me with a sad face as though it understood I was neglecting it because it was u gly, faded and bent up. When I came to the realization that I knew nothing about the place I now call home, I rifled through the pages as though it were the latest best seller.

I wanted to learn more though. The one book wasn't enough as I knew there was no way they could've covered everything in just a few hundred pages. I was thus quite excited when I received Roadside History of Colorado for Christmas. It's not just a regular, old history book, but one that is built for the traveler as it's written with roadtrips in mind.

I've learned a few things with my new book and am now excited to take it on the road with me and give it a bit of a test as I visit some of the many great places in Colorado I have yet to go. I'm sure it, a clever mix between history and travel, will do wonderfully. It's now another good book that's helped me learn about the place where I live and travel, something that we should all take upon ourselves.