Monthly Archives: June 2009

*Travel Log* – Spokane, Washington – June 6, 2009

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Helena, Montana – Spokane, Washington

  • Wet and cold – morning in Helena  was chilly and rainy, Bob said he observed occasional snowflakes in the air. Wanting to deny the possibility I called them white raindrops. Climbing MacDonald Pass those white drops accumulated on the windshield but fortunately not on the highway. The rest of the way across Montana and most of the Idaho panhandle we saw rain from light mist to Huckleberry Patch Merchandiseheavy downpours. West of Coeur ‘d Alene we finally began to see patches of blue sky – the first in a couple of days.
  • The Huckleberry Patch in the St. Regis Travel Center at I90 – exit 33 – has become a family tradition. It’s a must stop for Yackels. Everything huckleberry one can image is on the menu and gift shelves. Watch for a posting on the Huckleberry Patch soon.
  • Smiles and hugs greeted our safe arrival in Spokane.

*Travel Log* – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – June 5, 2009

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We’ve Had Better Days

Yellowstone National Park to Helena, Montana

  • Bad night – Bob’s not feeling well.
  • Day is cloudy – the sky’s the same color as the steam and sprayfrom the geysers and fumaroles, forecast includes rain.
  • Breakfast at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room.
  • Nancy snaps a few pictures, watches Old Faithful one more time and goes to the temporary visitors center – the new one is taking shape.
  • Grazing BisonWe see a couple of bison grazing very close to the road, also a larger bison herds in meadows plus elk, a pair of nesting bald eagles and a muskrat swimming down the river.
  • Before leaving the park we stop at the Junior Ranger Cabin near Madison Junction.
  • Route US191 from West Yellowstone to Belgrade, goes through the extreme western portion of the park, then follows the Gallatine River for miles and miles.
  • Route US287 from west of Three Forks to Helena – broad valley with mountains in all directions, lots of wheat fields irrigated from the wide Missouri (River).
  • Wingate Hotel, Helena – this is a good facility and good value.
  • No prime rib at Silver Star Steak Company tonight, no Great Northern Carousel ride, no fun!

*Travel Log* – Wyoming – June 4, 2009

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Reflections on the Day – Dubois to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Posted 6/5 – No Internet connecions in Yellowstone

Reflections

 

  • A cozy and comfortable night at Twin Pines Lodge & Cabins in Dubois plus a continental breakfast.
  • Explore Dubois – from the cemetery to the Conoco.
  • Drive the Togwotee Trail – US26/287 to Moran Junction.
  • Only two short delays for construction along the Togwotee Trail route – the completed sections (19 miles) are huge improvements.
  • Descending Togwotee Pass and the remarkable first view of the Tetons.
  • Oxbow Bend Viewpoint – great views of Snake River and the Teton Range, today we had remarkably clear reflections – see above photo.
  • Lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge – Grand Teton National Park
  • Grant Village Visitors Center – Yellowstone National Park
  • Reservation at Old Faithful Inn – easy check-in, helpful and congenial staff.
  • Old Faithful eruptions – we watched three.
  • Dinner in Old Faithful Inn Dining Room – The roasted red pepper with smoked gouda soup was the highlight.
  • After dinner walk around the Old Faithful area checking out gift shops and guest facilities.
  •  Followed by relaxing on the 3rd-floor balcony watching people, gazing down into the crackling fire and noting architectual details of the historic lodge.
  • One final geyser eruption before retreating to our room.
  • Wildlife of the day included deer nibbling on spring aspen leaves, elk slowing ambling across the road, an osprey sitting on her nest and a mountain bluebird flitting from limb to limb.

*Travel Log* – Dubois, Wyoming – June 3, 2009

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Centennial, Colorado – Dubois, Wyoming

  • We had to slow down for miles of thick fog between Fort Collins and Laramie.
  • Early June is ideal for crossing Wyoming – recent rains have turned everything green.
  • National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center – Dubois, worth the stop.
  • Sheri Howe – Go Togwotee Trail Public Involvement Specialist – learned about the Togwotee Trail Poject, major improvements to 38 miles of US26/287, a major and scenic route to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks.
  • Sundance Cafe – Exceptional food, chef/staff and atmosphere, loved this place.
  • Twin Pines Lodge & Cabins – #23, Kitten Creek, cozy and comfortable.

Painted Ladies

 

Being easily entertained I found this sign interesting. Perhaps they don’t make cowboys like they used to, can you imagine John Wayne being caught at the Painted Ladies Salon?

*Colorado Weekend* – June 5-7, 2009

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Eat, Drink and Make Music

Sample BBQ, chili, trout, wine and ale, listen to bluegrass and jazz, fish for free, view the Rockies from a hot air balloon or step back to the 1840s – festival season in Colorado kicks into full gear. Enjoy!

  • Colorado Free Fishing Days – Across the state, June 6-7. The Colorado Division of Wildlife allows fishing without a license the first full weekend of June. Bag and possession limits and special regulations apply, check the website for full details.
  • Arvada Trails Day – Bike, hike or horseback ride in celebration of Arvada’s 140 parks and 125 miles of trails, Majestic View Nature Center 10am-2pm.
  • Balloonvista BalloonaVista – Buena Vista, June 6-7. Balloon assents, evening glow, breakfast and dinner, art walk, dog show and kite flying contest fill the weekend.
  • Hang with Dad – Delta, June 6. Fourth annual Fatherhood events including climbing wall, dunk tank, water-balloon launchers, karaoke, food and prizes.
  • CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair  – Denver, June 6—7. Denver converges on Civic Center Park for arts and crafts, food and entertainment  – the city’s favorite kick-off to summer, free admission.
  • Denver Bronco Fan Fair – Denver, June 6. A day of orange and blue as fans meet players, coaches and cheerleaders. Autograph and picture opts plus Game Zone and Kids Zone with a special kids only autograph station, tickets at Ticketmaster.
  • First Saturday at the Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion – Denver, June 6. Dancing, music, painting and more honors Discovering Colorado’s Rich Asian Heritage at the free family day from 11am-2pm.
  • La Piazza Dell ‘Arte: Italian Pastel Chalk Art Event – Denver, June 6-7. More than 200 artists turn the streets of Larimer Square into a gallery of amazing chalk art plus Italian food and wine.
  • Elizabeth Stampede – Elizabeth, June 5-7. Rodeo events sanctioned by Professional Bull Riders, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Parade, dance and for the younger set Mutton Bustin.
  • Golden Farmer’s Market opening day – Golden, June 6. Continues on Saturdays through Oct. 3 offering fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and flowers. Master gardeners, food booths and free horse-drawn carriage rides.
  • Trout Cook-off – Keystone, June 6. Fishing derby, chef competitions, trout cooking demos, wine pairings and kids corner at this 5th annual free event.
  • Bent' Old Fort - Living History Living History Encampment, Bent’s Old Fort – LaJunta, June 5-6. Participants assume the roles of 1840 trappers, traders, blacksmiths, carpenters, soldiers, domestics and laborers 24-hours a day during the encampment.
  • Limon Railroad Days – Limon, June 6-7. Operating model layouts, swap meet, Limon Railroad Museum, food and fun.
  • Goodguys 12th Colorado Nationals – Loveland, June 5-7. More than 2,000 hot rods, custom and classic cars at the Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds.
  • Manitou Springs Wine Festival – Manitou Springs, June 6. Two dozen wineries pour their specialties in Memorial Park. Tasting tickets $30/person.
  • Pagosa Folk ‘n Bluegrass Festival – Pagosa Springs, June 5-7. A weekend of music at Reservoir Hill Park, on site camping available. Free concert Friday night at Pagosa Spring Town Park Gazebo.
  • Boats, Blues & BBQ – Pueblo, June 5-6. Historic Arkansas River Pueblo celebrates with its 8th annual event including Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off competition.
  • Snowmass Chili Pepper Brew Fest – Snowmass Village, June 5-6. International Chili Society and microbreweries’ summer ale competitions plus lots of live music. 
  • Telluride Balloon Festival – Telluride, June 6-7. The 26th annual festival sees colorful balloons lift off from Town Park each morning, On Saturday evening tethered balloons GLO on Main StreTelluride Jazzet, free.
  • Telluride Jazz Celebration – Telluride, June 5-7. Three days, two stages, dozens of jazz musicians entertain at this 33rd annual event.
  • Teva Mountain Games – Vail, June 4-7. Professional and amateur athletes complete in seven mountain sports – bouldering to extreme kayaking. Auxiliary events include photography contest, film school and festival and live music.
  • Vallecito Lake Fishing Tournament – Vallecito, June 5-7. Head to Vallecito Lake with rod and reel for a fishing tournament and Saturday night fish fry.

Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion – Denver, Colorado

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First Saturday – Free Family Day

The first Saturday of each month during the summer the gates to Colorado’s Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion swing open to the public for a themed free family day. Because July 4th falls on Saturday the July event is scheduled for the second Saturday. Events run from 11am to 2pm.

  • June 6 – Discovering Colorado’s Rich Asian HeritageGovernors Resident from the South
    • Colorado’s Asian community comes to celebrate with dancing, music, painting and more.

 

  • July 11 – President Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial Governor's Mansion Side 2
    • One of our nation’s greatest presidents visits the Governor’s Residence along with soldiers and singers from the Civil War.

 

  •   August 1 – Bent’s Fort: Colorado’s Frontier Melting Pot
    • Step back to the 1830s, meet the diverse people who visited Bent’s Fort and helped forge Colorado’s future.

 Carriage House - Governor's Residence

The special events are held at the newly renovated Carriage House. Free open house tours of the mansion are offered every Saturday in June, July and August from 11am-2pm. Free guided tours on Tuesdays in June, July and August from 1-2pm. 

 

Go;vernor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion
Go;vernor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion