Boulder … Denver … Colorado Springs, all major Colorado cities sitting at the edge of the Great Plains with their backs to the Rockies. All relatively close to one another and all very worthy of exploration. Here I paused for two days in my cross-country drive to get exercise and enjoy the uncharacteristically warm weather.
Up first was Boulder where I wanted to bike around Colorado’s best public university. Previous visits had been brief and I’d only driven around the campus’ perimeter. Nice facilities. Next I drove up into the mountains to Flagstaff Peak where I looked out over the city and across the plains. I was excited to visit were to Chautauqua Park, the longest-running facility from the movement that started over 100 years ago. While there I also walked along Boulder Creek, visited the Boulder History Museum, drove up into Boulder Canyon, then grabbed a cup of coffee and headed to Denver.
En route I wondered what my theme should be in Denver but with each passing mile it became more obvious to me. The weather was so enthrallingly good that I had to be outdoors, and better still I was exercising and best if I could do it riding my bike. My decision was to go bicycling in three of Denver’s best parks: City Park, Riverfront Park, and Cheesman Park. Below are one picture from each ride …
What I did next was like icing on the cake. Again I drove up into the mountains and this time on a famous loop called the Lariat Loop. Lots to be seen from wild west Golden, to Also, again there was one astounding viewpoint over Denver from Overlook Mountain.
With my heart filled with appreciation of the height of the Rockies and the flatness of the plaines, I moved on to Colorado Springs. At this point it was too late to do anything so I made my way to a hotel but the next morning, bright and early, I visited the Air Force Academy.
Other than to say it impressed me I’ll say little more because my daughter isn’t interested in applying here, it appears she’s more a Navy gal. However, I have friends who went here and who taught here so I was curious to learn more. I also loved the setting, on a mesa, abutting the Rockies. Very nice.
One last stop before heading out of town was the Garden of the Gods. This is a remarkable small area of dramatic red rock. Before I hadn’t caught good light and again this time I found it wanting. Rather than show you my poor work I decided to post a picture that includes me and Pike’s Peak from a remote spot in the park. One day I’ll catch the light at late afternoon.
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