DeVotchKa

This is the second year I've seen DeVotchKa, which means 'girl' in Russian, for their New Years Eve concert. They are from Denver, so they always come home for the holidays. The Bluebird Theatre is a great venue, and this year I was second in line, so I scored the same spot where I stood last year. 

I love all the band members, but Jeanie Schroder impresses me the most. She plays the tuba, bass, guitar and flute. What a talent!

To see the 2020 touring schedule for DeVotchKa, click here. 

I should also mention that I'm impressed with lead vocalist, Nick Urata. He plays the theremin! (You've heard it before in music by Disney, Star Trek, The Beach Boys, and many, many other examples.)

It's Not A Myth

The last Yelp Elite Event for 2019 was at Mythology Distillery. Founder Scott Yeates spent time talking to individual tables as well as to the group. It was cool to hear about his vision and how he plans to expand his market presence. He even served us drinks! 

Be sure to support this local business, and partake of the free distillery tour. Discover your spirit animal. Mine is rum!

https://www.mythologydistillery.com/

Just Around the Riverbend

Look what Pocahontas found! What are the odds?

Over the Shoulder Bouldering

A friend played hiking guide for a Sunday hike near Bailey, CO. About halfway into our hike, he surprised us by telling us we would be bouldering. I've never done that before, so I was a little nervous. While we didn't go all the way to the top, we did get a fair bit up, and the views were spectacular.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/rolling-creek-trail-via-colorado-trail

Thankfully, I had another tour guide who helped me along the way.

Walk, Don't Run!

This was my third 5k, but don't be impressed. I walked and didn't run. It was brutally hot and humid in the Texas sun. I only did it for the free sausage at the end of the walk!

What A Maroon

We saved the best for last for our hiking weekend. Maroon Bells is quintessential Colorado. It's probably one of the most photographed locations. Since running up a mountain isn't my thing, I broke away from the group to look at wildflowers. Besides, some of the scenery reminded me of the Forest Moon of Endor. I'll let nature speak for itself. The pictures don't do justice to how absolutely beautiful it was at this National Forest. 

Colorado's state flower, the Columbine, grows wild here.

To read more about Maroon Bells, click here:

https://www.stayaspensnowmass.com/activities/visit-maroon-bells

Bang! Bang!

Hiking to Rifle Falls is not just a shot in the dark. On Day Two of our hiking weekend adventure, Rifle Falls was the first of two stops. This was not far from Glenwood Springs, and it was an easy hike. As you can see, it's beautiful. But as we were hiking to the top of the Falls, we heard thunder. Oh oh!

Just like on the Jungle Cruise, my friends are checking out the backside of water.

To read more about Rifle Falls, click here:

https://www.colorado.com/state-parks/rifle-falls-state-park

Hanging By A Lake...Hanging Lake

Mudslides. Thunderstorms. Misplaced prescriptions. Lost car fob. A cracked windshield. Is it the Apocalypse? Nope. A group of friends were on our way to hike Hanging Lake Trail. As you'll see, the views are stunning. Besides the picture of me, of course.

Because this area has become so popular, you have to make reservations ahead of time to hike. To read more or to make reservations, click here:
https://visitglenwood.com/hanginglake/

Rocky Mountain High...Real High!

The last time I went camping was in 1980 with my parents and sister. When my friends suggested we go camping after the 4th of July, I wanted to be part of the group. What an amazing group of guys who made the weekend memorable.

Over the course of the weekend, we would hike to see Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and Emerald Lake. We started at an elevation of 9,475 feet, and ended up around 10, 090 feet. I won't post the 243 pictures I took (aren't you lucky?), but I'll include a few. We saw all kinds of wildlife. It was so awesome!

To read more about the area, click here:

http://www.protrails.com/trail/60/rocky-mountain-national-park-nymph-dream-emerald-lakes?fbclid=IwAR1DM_hsNvUqqmHEvw1VhHdpXl_x57gpfQMHGENCjBjh_XCx9YDXtKx6png

Mickey's Soundsational Parade

I have always appreciated all the work Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily have done to walk in Uncle Walt's footsteps. Thanks to these two brilliant men, they have preserved some great Disney artifacts, but also given us wonderful Disney treasures. Additionally, they have created some fun things for us to see in the Parks, like one of my favorite parades, Mickey's Soundsational Parade.

 

Here are just a few examples of their influence, and work, on this fun parade.

Be sure to follow Kevin and Jody by clicking here:

https://www.facebook.com/KevinandJody/