June 2010
Monthly Archive
June 28, 2010
Colorado History and Homemade Pie
It took me 47 years but I finally stepped foot into Echo Lake Lodge, a traditional stop before or after a trip up Mount Evans. It wasn’t an intentional avoidance we had simply never visited the seasonal gift shop/restaurant. It won’t take us 47 years to return.
Constructed in 1926, many features of the log lodge still reflect that era. 2010 visitors 
appreciate the modernization evident in the remodel restrooms. Stepping into the gift shop feels like a step back to a curio shop of my youth. Sweatshirts, “Hike Colorado” hats, postcards, vials of gold flakes – souvenirs galore fill the racks, shelves and cases. Kids are sure to find something they really “need”.
Since the time was 3pm and we had yet to have lunch we were more interested in the restaurant. Years ago I read about Echo Lake Lodge’s homemade pies. The same concessionaire has carried on that tradition for decades. The critical decision is which one to order – apple, peach, cherry, blueberry, butterscotch or chocolate peanut butter. Bob chose cherry with vanilla ice cream while I devoured a slice of butterscotch – crust and filling were both winners. The peach pie with cinnamon ice cream sounds like a choice I might have to
try next time.
Bob preceded the pie with a chicken fried steak sandwich. I opted for a cup of buffalo chili. Both tasty and satisfying. Echo Lake Lodge is open from 8am-8pm, serving breakfast daily until 11am. How about Rocky Mountain trout and eggs for a Colorado breakfast entree? The large Mt. Evans cinnamon roll looks like something one should plan to share.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or a piece of homemade pie – we will be back.
When You Go: Echo Lake Lodge is open seven days a week from mid-May into October. Opening and closing dates determined by weather conditions. Call 303-567-2138 for information.
June 27, 2010
Visitor Centers and Information Resources
Glacier National Park
![St[1]. Mary VC](http://nyackel.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/st1-maryvc_thumb1.jpg?w=205&h=284 "St[1]. Mary VC")
No matter how much pre-planning I’ve done before a National Park visit once I arrive one of our first stops is usually the nearest visitor center. Whether it’s watching an introductory film, learning from interpretive displays, getting answers to specific questions or purchasing a hiking guide or detailed map an official visitor center provides the orientation and background for a successful park experience.
Three centers provide information and visitor services in Glacier. St. Mary Visitor Center welcome those entering the park from the east, Apgar Visitor Center serves those arriving through West Glacier and Logan Pass Visitor Center stands atop the Continental Divide on Going-to-the-Sun Road. The parking lot for Logan Pass VC often fills to capacity mid-day in the summer. To ensure access plan to arrive early morning or late afternoon.
During our most recent visit to Glacier we found the rangers and information desk staff especially friendly and helpful. They were eager to share the latest trail conditions, wildlife sightings and even where to get the best cinnamon roll in Montana.
The Apgar center is extremely busy yet the personnel stayed cheerful and responsive to each individual’s specific questions. I recall the pleasingly plumb lady in front of me inquiring about a hike. She was from Ohio and had a four year old with her, the family clad in sandals. She had already 
selected a particular trail, insisting that she could walk at a rate of 5 miles per hour. The ranger tried his best to explain that altitude, elevation gain and trail conditions were not the same as circling a track in Ohio. He suggested attractive alternatives but she wasn’t budging from her decision. I only wished I could have applied a tracking collar to see how far she got.
In addition to the visitor centers there are two staffed ranger stations to provide information on specific areas, backcountry permits and book/map sales -Many Glacier, Two Medicine. Both are open from late May to late September, 7am-5pm. Backcountry permits are also available at the Polebridge Ranger Station.
Glacier joins with across-the-border neighbor Waterton Lakes National Park to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Parks Canada operates a Waterton Visitor Center.
Take advantage of the visitor centers and ranger stations during your Glacier National Park visit. You too may be directed to an appropriate trail or enjoy a yummy cinnamon roll.
June 26, 2010
National Treasure
Glacier National Park at 100
The grandeur of Glacier National Park ranks as one of our valued national treasures.The natural wonders of peaks, lakes, forests. flora and fauna in northwestern Montana were set aside as a National Park in 1910. A century later thankful visitors can experience the park in a multitude of activities and awe-inspiring scenery.
In the coming days I’ll share photographs and useful details for planning a Glacier visit:
Nearby: 
June 23, 2010
Colorado Weekend Ten To Do
June 25-27, 2010
June 25 & 26 – Whitewater Kayak Recreation
Park, Centennial Park
Pro kayak and raft races,
plus hometown throwdown
kayak and raft rodeos the
new whitewater park. ByOB
– Build Your Own Boat Race, games along Riverwalk, live
entertainment in Veteran’s Park, beer garden and food vendors.
June 26 & 27 – Town Park
Louisiana cuisine, beer garden, wine
garden, three bands daily plus
local talent celebrates Michaela
Marchitelli’s 3rd Annual Louisiana
Swamp Party. Chow down on gumbo,
jambalaya and crawfish etouffee. A
lively wrap-up for Crested Butte’s 30th
Fat Tire Bike Week.
June 26 & 27 – Downtown
The biggest, most popular
Cripple Creek annual event
celebrates its 79th year
honoring the town’s resident
donkey herd – FREE.
Pancake breakfast, Saturday noon parade, entertainment,
contests, donkey rides; and, yes donkey derby races.
June 26 & 27 – Between 19th & 20th, Lawrence &
Larimer
Japanese-American culture highlighted with music, dance, art,
drumming, martial arts, Japanese beer garden; and, of course
food. Demonstration and religious topics include bonsai, ikebana,
religion, origami and even cooking with Spam. FREE admission.
June 26 & 27 – Bond Park
Scandinavian traditions honor the summer solstice with raising the
Maypole, folk dancing, musical performances, crafts, food and a
Viking encampment. Raffle to win two round-trip tickets to
Scandinavia, donated by Icelandair. Free admission.
June 26 & 27 – Civic Center Park, Downtown
Three tasting sessions highlighting over 50 Colorado Breweries
accompanied by two stages of Colorado music, food and fun.
Advance tickets $25, limited number per session. Non-drinkers
$10.
June 25-27 – Colorado Railroad Museum
The weekend combines the best of two worlds – German heritage
and historic railroading. While passengers experience a ride on a
narrow gauge train pull by steam and diesel locomotives the
German village entices with food, music, dance.
June 24-27 – I-70, Exit 11, 22 miles west of GJ
Music, music, music – Country Jam comes to the Western Slope
for an incredible weekend of country music, camping, food and
adult beverages under bright Colorado skies. This year’s lineup
includes Lee Ann Womack, Trace Adkins, Miranda Lambert and
Keith Urban.
June 25-27 – Whitewater Park – Fri. & Sat.
Taylor Canyon & Almo
nt – Sun.
Water, water everywhere
for the 8th annual family-
friendly River Festival.
Saturday starts with the
River Parade followed by raft
rodeo, freestyle kayaking, big tricks and the HOOLIGAN race.
Action moves to Almont on Sunday with races on the Taylor River.
In addition to water events there’s plenty of food, beverages,
music, art and “Fun Zone” for kids.
June 26 & 27 – Lincoln County Fairgrounds
Competitors are teams of working cowboys, ranch owners
and ranch hands. Events center on skills traditionally required for
Western ranching – bronc riding, team branding, team sorting,
trailer loading, wild cow milking, and team doctoring. Plus a ranch
horse show with reining, cow work and roping.
Click on each event name to open website.
Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.
June 23, 2010
Exploring Connecticut’s Farmington Valley
With friends flying to Hartford, Connecticut I can’t resist the urge to recommend a number of attractions, activities and historic sites we’ve experienced and enjoyed in the nearby Farmington Valley.
- Hill-Stead Museum – history, art and gardens. The home of the Alfred Pope family during the first half of the 20th century is a National Historic Landmark complete with the family’s furnishings, sculpture, photographs, ceramics and art. I
loved seeing the extensive French Impressionist collection –Monet, Degas, Cassatt – hanging in a home environment instead of a sterile gallery. The Sunken Garden blooms from mid-April into October with flowers and plants historically based on the original garden plan. Guided tours of the house give insight into the Pope family, art, collectables and architectural details. A Poetry & Music Festival highlights five Wednesday evenings during the summer.
- The town of Farmington has a fascinating history from early Colonial settlement dating to 1640, the Revolutionary War, Underground Railroad and the Amistad. Learn about many of the interesting citizens of the past during a historic walk through the Riverside Cemetery. The hospitality of local inns and restaurants make Farmington an ideal hub for a visit to the region.
The 1st Company Governor’s Horse Guard, in Avon, is the oldest continuously mounted Calvary unit in the US. The public is welcome to watch them drill on Thursday evenings at 7pm.
![Phelps%20Tavern[1]](http://nyackel.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/phelps20tavern1_thumb.jpg?w=184&h=244 "Phelps%20Tavern[1]")
- Phelps Tavern Museum in Simsbury provides a look into the home of Capt. Elisha Phelps where three generations of innkeepers (1786 – 1849) welcomed travelers arriving by stage, canal boat or horseback to the tavern and inn. One can imagine historical figures from America’s early years seeking respite from their journey between Boston and Philadelphia.
- Stanley-Whitman House Built circa 1720 the Colonial home relates aspects of everyday life during that period in Connecticut. The living history center and museum encourages an interactive experience for visitors.
Canton Historical Museum This place is chuck full of "stuff" and every item has a story that one of the volunteers is eager to share. Collinsville was just what I expected from a New England village. The nearby LaSalle Market makes a good sandwich and salad for lunch.
Abigails Grille and Wine Bar, – because of the building’s history. It was built in 1780 as a stage stop between Hartford and Boston. Abigail is the guest who won’t go away – tales of Abigail give lots of haunting history. This was known as Pettibone Tavern when we were there and has since experienced a fire, come under new management and been renamed so I don’t know about the food, service, etc. today. I loved the building, haunted tales and sense of stepping back in time to walk in the footsteps of earlier guests such as John Adams.
- A real piece of New England is the Canton Auction Barn. When one goes the first thing you want to do is reserve a piece of pie from the night’s selections. They’re homemade, very good and sell out. I’m not really an auction aficionado and didn’t buy a thing (my house is already filled to the brim) but this was still a fun experience. Housed in a circa 1820 barn the Saturday night weekly auction attracts
serious collectors and casual observers. No reserves or buyer’s premiums; all items are owned outright by the Richard Wacht and Susan Wacht. Doors open at 5pm for inspection of items up for sale that evening – the Wachts encourage questions before the auction begins at 7:30. Reserve a seat by placing a cushion on a chair. Don’t forget to indulge in a slice of pie.
Salmon Brook Historic Society – Buildings include the Abijah Rowe House (circa 1732), Weed Enders House (circa 1790), Cooley School (circa 1870), and the Colton/Hayes Tobacco Barn (circa 19114). Located in Granby, the National Register of Historic Places site is open Sunday afternoons from June through September.
- Old Avon Farms School – The buildings and grounds of this private boy’s boarding school makes one think they will meet Harry just around the next corner.
Flamig Farm – Young and old learn about farm life at Flamig Farm. Who can resist the Farm Animal Zoo populated with bunnies, piglets. llamas, peacocks, emus, ducks, draft horses and sheep? Plus, happy egg laying chickens. Open April through November, pony rides on weekends, old fashioned hay rides by reservation. Fresh eggs for sale in the store.
Kayak the Farmington River with a guide from Collinsville Canoe & Kayak. See the Farmington Valley from a new perspective – meadows, farmland and Hublein Tower atop Avon Mountain during a gentle 8.5-mile flat water paddle. Numerous other guided trips available as well as equipment rental and sales.
New England Air Museum – Aviation buffs will love the collections including over 125 aircraft, 200 aircraft engines and outstanding array of aviation artifacts. The museum is located at the Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks.
Each of these recommendations brings back treasured memories of an area rich in natural beauty, historic preservation and cultural enrichments. I’m ready to plan a return visit to Connecticut’s Farmington River Valley.
June 17, 2010
Colorado Weekend Ten To Do
June 18, – 20 2010
Focus on Dads this weekend with stereotypical manly interests – car shows, barbeque or the buzz of a chain saw. Add plenty of food, wine and music for a successful event.
June 18 – 20 – Around Town
Indulge at the yearly premier Food and Wine Classic. Over 80
seminars led by top chefs – Mario Gatali, Rick Bayless, Tom
Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Jacques and Claudine Pepin; and, wine
experts including Thomas Keller and David Lynch. Grand Tastings –
food and wine for the 5,000 ticketed attendees.
June 19 & 20 – Breckenridge and Area
The Kingdom of Breckenridge celebrates its 151-year
heritage with Wild West gun fights on Main Street, gold panning,
historic hikes and walking tours, storytelling and mine tours.
Gather a team, build an outhouse, then push or pull it to the finish
in the 4th annual outhouse races. Dozen of FREE events,
activities for all ages.
June 16 – 19 – City Park
A dozen carvers from around the country compete for cash
prizes while turning tree stumps into 3-dimensional works of art.
The craftsmen rev up their engines starting Wednesday; work
continues until Saturday afternoon judging. Saturday brings arts,
crafts, food vendors, silent auction and live music, ending with
awards and a FREE public concert by Blue Oyster Cult.
- Denver – Greek Festival
June 18 – 20 – Alameda Ave. & Leetsdale Dr.
One of Denver’s largest and longest running ethnic festivals
features traditional Greek music, folk dancing and tons of good
food (love the Greek fries). Events include a Greek boutique and
tours of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Don’t miss the
homemade desserts including baklava. OPA!
June 18 & 19 – Main Street
Frisco’s Main Street fills with 68 teams competing in the 17th
annual event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society.
Tastings, entertainment, games, cooking demons and pig races
ensure a smokin’ good time.
June 18 – 20 – Throughout Town
Colorado’s oldest community festival, 113-years-old, includes
carnival, entertainment, parade, Kids Fest, arts festival, pie eating
contest. Free hometown ice cream social. The 2010 events
celebrates the city’s 125th birthday.
June 18 – 20 – Lincoln Park
Cruise night Friday, June 18. Feature class for the 2010 weekend
is the Chevrolet Corvair 1960-69. Exhibits include domestic, foreign,
antique, classic, custom rod, motorcycles, tractors, and trucks plus a
special teen class.
June 17 – 20 – Riverside Park
America’s oldest, boldest and largest whitewater festival in its
62nd year with events from international competitors to pancake
breakfast, carnival to mountain bike races. With lots of fast
moving snow melt 2010 should be an exciting year for “First In
Boating on the Arkansas”.
June 17 – 20 – Meadows Parking Lot & Downtown
Mustangs of the motorized variety not wild horses. Autocross
events on Friday, Show ‘n Shine along Lincoln Avenue in
downtown Steamboat from 10am-3pm on Saturday.
June 17 – 20 – Telluride Town Park
Hugh festival weekend in Telluride’s summer of festivals. Ten
thousand fill venues all over the mountain valley. Music, music,
music from returning favorites and rising stars – dozen of
groups playing the main stage or jammin’ around campfires.
Above all remember and celebrate Dad!
Click on each event name to open website.
Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.
June 13, 2010
New Visitor Experiences
Mesa Verde National Park – Summer 2010
Mesa Verde National Park visitors find three new experiences available during the 2010 summer season. In partnership with the nonprofit Mesa Verde Institute the park expands their visitor programs to include guided hikes to Spring House, Mug House and a Wetherill Mesa Experience. The hikes, which begun Memorial Day weekend, will continue through Labor Day. The Spring House trip will be offered until September 30th.
“We want visitors to know that there’s more to Mesa Verde than Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Spruce Tree House,” says Acting Superintendent Bill Nelligan. “This is a great opportunity to learn more about Mesa Verde National Park.”
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Spring House – This very strenuous hike is an 8-hour, 8-mile trek for the physically-fit adventurist. The unpaved, uneven trail includes steep drop-offs and switchbacks with a 3,000-ft. elevation change. In addition to visiting Spring House hikers will view Buzzard House, Teakettle House, Daniel’s House and archeological sites in Navajo and Wickiup Canyons. Lunch is included.
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Wetherill Mesa Experience – Introduces the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here from early pithouse to cliff dwelling occupancy (A.D. 600 – A.D. 1300). Hikers will learn about The Wetherill Mesa Archeological Project during the 6-mile, 6-hour easy to moderate hike. The joint effort between the National Park Service and The National Geographic Society was one of the largest archeological projects ever conducted in the United States.
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Mug House – Is a 2-hour, 3-mile round trip on an unpaved, uneven trail with a 100’ descent. The strenuous hike involves a ladder, knotted rope, steep drop-offs, switchbacks and scrambling over boulders. When Mug House was excavated three mugs tied together were found hanging on a peg inside one of the rooms.
The three new adventures are limited to 14 people per tour. Tickets for the Spring House and the Wetherill Mesa Experience may be purchased online. Mug House tickets are only available at the Far View Visitor Center up to 48 hours in advance.
The Mesa Verde Institute continues to hosts Cliff Palace Twilight Tours between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Led by historic characters from Mesa Verde’s past, the 90-minute evening tours begin at 7pm. Tickets, purchased at the Far View Visitor Center, are limited to 20 participants each evening.
Previous Related Posts
Mesa Verde Mystique
Lodging in Mesa Verde National Park
June 11, 2010
National Get Outdoors Day
June 12, 2010
Get outdoors! A great idea for a June Saturday. More than 90 events in 33 states and the District of Columbia encourage Americans to spend the day in a healthy outdoor activity. Organizers hope to introduce first time visitors to public lands and connect today’s youth with the great out-of-doors.
The US Forest Service, city and state parks, mountain clubs, recreation equipment companies, sport associations – dozens of organizations sponsor activities, workshops and guided hikes/rides/paddles. Log onto the Get Outdoors Day website to locate an event near you; or, create your own outdoor discovery.
Colorado Events
National Get Outdoors Day events for 2010.
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Denver – Dozens of activities at Denver’s City Park – geocaching, Junior Ranger camp, rock climbing walls, low-ropes obstacle course and more.
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Ft. Collins – Mountain biking, hiking with a naturalist, rock climbing, kayaking and more located at the open space south of Hughes Stadium
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Morrison – Expert guides along the Dinosaur Ridge trail and hands on activities at the visitor center
June 10, 2010
Colorado Weekend Ten To Do
June 11-13, 2010
June 11-18 – More than CB 20 Restaurants
It’s a great week for foodies in Crested Butte. The magic number
is 8885, saluting the town’s altitude. Parties of four will savor
multi-course meals for $88.85; smaller parties will pay $22.21 per
person. Each restaurant presents special week-long deals –
sometimes including wine or alcoholic beverages. Taxes and
gratuities not included. We see many of our CB favorites on the
participant list – Slogars for family-style fried chicken dinner with
all the trimmings, Donitas for killer margaritas and Mexican, pasta
and desserts at Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle and good old
reliable The Last Steep. Also check out $88.85 lodging specials
and Denver to Gunnison airfare.
June 11–13 – Animas River, Whitewater Park &
Santa Rita Park
Get wet and wild as Durango celebrates the recreational
opportunities provided by the Animas River coursing through the
city. River rodeo and river slalom races, costumed river parade,
workshops, events and music. Sunday river cleanup contest and
BBQ. Reel Paddling Film Festival with award winning whitewater
short films.
June 12 & 13 – Fairgrounds at Stanle
y Park
In its 20th year one of the
largest all-natural fiber
markets in North America
focuses on everything from
on the hoof to off the loom.
Workshops, demonstrations,
vendors, sheep dog herding, sheep shearing and children’s tent
with hands-on activities – something for everyone. Competitions
for sheep, llama, alpaca, Cashmere & Angora goats.
June 11 & 12 – Downtown, Island Grove Park
Free music downtown on Friday – family appropriate until 8pm.
Family friendly all day Saturday at Island Grove Park, age 12 and
under free. At the “Blues 101 Stage” learn about the style of
music considered our national heritage.
June 12 – Atlas Valley (95th St. & Arapahoe Rd)
Kids are the focus on Saturday as families head to Atlas Valley
for free activities and entertainment from 10am-3pm. Tethered
hot air balloon rides, cooking demos, hula hoop contest, magic
show, K-9 demonstrations, gymnastics, yo-yo clinic. Bounce
House and Bungee Trampoline available for a small fee.
June 12 & 13 + Weekends until August 1
Harken back to the 16th century with a day at this 34rd annual
popular festival. Music, games, entertainment, crafts and food –
including turkey legs. Open Saturdays and Sundays until Aug.1st,
each weekend is themed; such as, Wine Revelry, Love and
Romance, and Mardi Gras Style Carnivale. Opening weekend
features a "Buy One get One Free" coupon offer from Wendy’s
Restaurants.
June 12 & 13 – Limon Depot & Fire Station
Rail buffs head to Limon this weekend in celebration of the
Rock Island Limon Depot’s 100th anniversary. See operating
layouts of N-scale, HO-scale, Lionel and a garden railroad. Free
admission to Limon Railroad Museum and depot railcars. Enjoy
dessert on the dining car. Swapmeet and train show at the fire
station $3 admission.
June 11-13 – Throughout the Town
Oskar Blues Brewery sponsors an active weekend of outdoor
sports, live music, bbq and beer. Competitions, exhibitions and
opportunities to learn from elite pro athletes in kayaking, fly
fishing, mountain biking dirt jump, pump track and short track
skating. Dog competitions, chainsaw carving and a 5K Dash and
Bash.
June 11-13 – Riverbend Park
A weekend of music along with songwriter and banjo workshops,
jam sessions and activities for the kids on the banks of the
Colorado River. Enjoy local wines, beers and spirits while
listening. Onsite camping is available. Sunday afternoon
culminates with Asleep at the Wheel.
June 11-13 – Historic Downtown
A weekend celebrating Trinidad’s past includes Hispanic Art, car
show, pancake breakfast, reliving the “Old West” and live music.
Sport events range from a 5K race and golf to a competitive
horseshoe tournament.
Click on each event name to open website.
Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.
June 4, 2010
17th Annual National Trails Day
![Dick on Trail[1]](http://nyackel.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/dickontrail1_thumb.jpg?w=242&h=304 "Dick on Trail[1]")
Take a hike! Build or maintain a trail, learn about the latest in outdoor recreation equipment, attend a workshop, learn about a new trail. The first Saturday of June is designated National Trails Day across the country. Organized by the American Hiking Society hundreds of local events encourage Americans to get physical in the great out-of-doors.
It’s also a day to recognize and thank volunteers, organizations, businesses and agencies for their efforts and support in developing and maintaining the thousands of miles of trails available to the public.
Check the website for an event near you; it’s the day to hit the trail.
Next Page »
appreciate the modernization evident in the remodel restrooms. Stepping into the gift shop feels like a step back to a curio shop of my youth. Sweatshirts, “Hike Colorado” hats, postcards, vials of gold flakes – souvenirs galore fill the racks, shelves and cases. Kids are sure to find something they really “need”.
try next time.![St[1]. Mary VC](http://nyackel.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/st1-maryvc1.jpg "St[1]. Mary VC")
![Phelps%20Tavern[1]](http://nyackel.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/phelps20tavern1.jpg "Phelps%20Tavern[1]")
![Dick on Trail[1]](http://nyackel.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/dickontrail1.jpg "Dick on Trail[1]")
