Tag Archives: Travel

Glacier National Park – Montana

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GNP Sign

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.

Glacier Road Tunnel

In the coming days I’ll share photographs and useful details for planning a Glacier visit:Bear Grass

  • Lodging Overview
  • Glacier Park Lodge
  • Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Many Glacier Hotel
  • Prince of Wales Hotel
  • Going To The Sun Highway
  • Red Bus Tours
  • Boat Tours
  • Activities
  • Ranger Programs
  • Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

Nearby: Boat on Many Glacier

  • Izaak Walton Inn, Essex
  • Polebridge Merchantile, Polebridge

Red Bus

 

 

 

Water and Moss

 

 

 

Many Glacier Lodge across Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake from Prince of Wales Hotel

Farmington Valley, Connecticut

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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 Exterior

  • 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 Hill-Stead Interior 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.

 

Christ Church

  • 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.

 

  • House Guards 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]

  •  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

 

  • 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 Historic District 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.

 

  • Pettibone TavernAbigails 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.

 Auction Barn Sign

  • 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 Canton Barn Auctionserious 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 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.

 

Avon Old Farms

 

  • 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.

 

  • Flaming Lamb 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.

  • Kayaking 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.

  • Air Museum 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.

Mesa Verde National Park – Colorado

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New Visitor Experiences

Mesa Verde National Park – Summer 2010

 

18 - Long House

 

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.”

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

06 - Tour Group 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

National Get Outdoors Day – Nationwide

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National Get Outdoors Day

June 12, 2010

Utah Kayakers

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.

Rock Climbing - Along Taylor River 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.

 

  • Colorado Springs – Hike for Habitat at American the Beautiful Park
  • Denver – Dozens of activities at Denver’s City Park – geocaching, Junior Ranger camp, rock climbing walls, low-ropes obstacle course and more.
  • Ft. Collins – Mountain biking, hiking with a naturalist, rock climbing, kayaking and more located at the open space south of Hughes Stadium
  • Morrison – Expert guides along the Dinosaur Ridge trail and hands on activities at the visitor center

*Weekend Ten To Do – Colorado – June 11-13, 2010

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Colorado Weekend Ten To Do

June 11-13, 2010

 

Last Steep Sign

Soupcon

             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 Stanle06 - A Man and his Llama 2y 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.

National Trail Day – Nationwide USA

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17th Annual National Trails Day

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.

*Weekend Ten To Do – Colorado – June 4-6, 2010

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Colorado Weekend Ten To Do

June 4-6, 2010

 

Fly Fisherman

         June 5 & 6 – Statewide

           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 website for full details.

 

         June 5 & 6 – Larimer Square

         Free street painting festival with over 200 artists

          including six madonnari – professionals in this

          medium. Youth challenge, kids corner and musical

          entertainment.

 

         June 5 & 6 – Civic Center Park

          FREE admission to multiple stages of local talent,

          arts, children activities, crafts, food, wine pavilion. 

          In 39 years this event has grown from 2,000

          attendees to 250,000.

 

         June 4 – 6 – Casey Jones Park

          Rodeo events sanctioned by Professional Bull Riders,

          Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and the

          Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Saturday

          morning parade, evening dance and mutton bustin’ for

          the younger set.

  • Manitou Springs – Wine Festival       

         June 5 – Memorial Park

          Sample wines from 30 Colorado wineries, tasting

          tickets $30, non-tasters admitted free. Food and wine

          related booths, wines for purchase by bottle or case, 

          entertainment.

 

         June 4 & 5 – Riverwalk

          Kansas City BBQ Society competition, wing eating

          and ice cream eating contests, live music.

         June 4 – 6 – Nature & Raptor Center

          Dozens of bluegrass groups perform on two stages.

          Nature activities, arts & crafts, storytellers, camping,

          Saturday night dance.

 

  • Snowmass – Chili Pepper & Brew Fest

         June 4 & 5 – Village Mall/Fanny Hill

          A smokin’ weekend of chili, beers and music.

          Competition sanctioned by the International Chili

          Society, summer ale competition, European and exotic

          beer tasting with over 50 participating breweries.

 

         June 5 & 6 – Telluride Town Park

          Morning balloon risings plus Saturday evening GLO on

          Main Street.

 

         June 3-6 – Vail Valley

          Celebration of outdoor adventure sports – pro

          athletes and amateurs complete in 24 disciplines

          including kayaking, trail running, standup paddling,

          amateur climbing, World Cup Bouldering. Adventure

          Film School, photo competition, free concerts, art,

          expo areas and interactive family zone.

 

Summer Chair Lift

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.

*Event* – Bent’s Old Fort NHS – La Junta, Colorado

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50th Anniversary Celebration

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site

June 4-6, 2010

 

Fort with Flag 2 Living history, stagecoach rides, Indian dances and a fandango fill the weekend of June 4-6, 2010 at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. Festivities celebrate the 1840s fur trading fort on the Santa Fe Trail becoming a part of the National Park Service on June 3, 1960. The weekend includes movies, music, re-enactments and cannon salutes. Guest speakers will address topics from “Frontier Women” to “Bent’s Fort in the Movies”. The reconstructed fort has been used in movies and television productions including “Centennial,” “How the West Was Won,” “Dream West,” and “The Chisholms II.”

 

Koshare Dancer

The Koshare Indian Dancers will appear Friday evening at the Koshare Indian Museum Kiva and Saturday afternoon at the fort.

Check the schedule of weekend events.

Additional 2010 Special Events

  • Kid’s Quarters – July 10
  • Hispanic Heritage Celebration – Sept. 18
  • Fur Trade Encampment – October 9
  • Holiday Celebration – December 3-4

Bent’s Old Fort NHS – La Junta, Colorado

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Sign

Along the Santa Fe Trail

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site

 

Fort Interior - N

As we pass through heavy wooden doors in the thick adobe wall we enter the world of a 1840s fur trading post along the Santa Fe Trail, Bent’s Old Fort. Positioned on the north banks of the Arkansas River in current day eastern Colorado the fort was truly an outpost between two worlds 170 years ago.

The south side of the river was Mexico. Independence, Missouri, the starting point of the trail, lay 530 miles to the east. Santa Fe was still a month away for the trade wagons pulled by oxen and mules. This was the Western Frontier – Indians roamed the plains in search of diminishing buffalo herds, hunting and trapping.

Brothers Charles and William Bent and Ceran St. Vrain partnered to establish a trade business. Construction began in 1833 on an adobe fort near the Santa Fe Trail’s Arkansas River crossing.

Guide with Wheel - N An accredited living history program helps today’s visitors relate to the time when the fort hummed with activity. Anvil pings rung through the blacksmith shop as a smithy repaired wagon wheels and shod tired animals. Beaver and buffalo hides were pressed into 100-pound bales for shipment to St. Louis. A resident doctor administered to the ill and injured. Trappers, traders, travelers and Indians bartered in the Trade Room.

Today the fort is filled with artifacts and replicas recalling the 16 years when Bent’s Fort was the headquarters of a thriving trade empire. Visitors relive those days on either guided or self-guiding tours. An introductory film offers background and overview.

Moving through the rooms we realize this was essentially a village. Image the scents of foods cooking over the cottonwood fire, the pleasure of eating at a table in the dining room after weeks on the trail. The three warehouse areas would have been filled with boxes, barrels, and bundles of supplies from guns to tobacco. The Council room served as the place for trade term agreements and solving grievances as interpreters communicated between sign language and English.

Indian Room In Indian Agent Thomas Fitzpatrick’s quarters we study the “Winter Count”, a Cheyenne picture history painted on an elk hide. Our guide points out important events such as the meteor shower of 1833, the murder of Charles Bent and outbreaks of illnesses.

Up the stairs we visit living quarters of the Doctor Hempstead, visiting trappers including Kit Carson, clerks and partner Ceran St. Vrain. Recreation could be found in the billiard room as well as “drinkables”. From the two corner bastions we scan the plains for  miles in all directions and watch the animals  in the corrals behind the fort. Today a single tepee standing in front of the fort represents the Cheyennes and Arapahos who camped just outside the walls.

When You Go: Bent’s Old Fort NHS is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hours are 8am-5:30pm June 1 – August 31, 9am-4pm September 1 – May 31. Guided tours are available at 9:30am, 11am, 1pm and 2:30pm in summer and at 10:30am and 1pm September through May. The fort is a 1/4 mile walk from the parking area. Don’t miss the well stocked Western National Parks Association bookstore and trade room.

Colorado Highways and Byways

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Open for the 2010 Summer Season

Plows and graders have cut through the late spring snowpack allowing some of Colorado’s most scenic highways to open for the 2010 summer season just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Openings are always subject to change, dependent on Mother Nature; check on the latest conditions before heading to the hills.

  • Mount Evans Road – CO5 – This seasonal road stretches 14 miles from Echo Lake on CO 103 to 14,130’, just 134’ below the Mount Evans summit. The road claimMount Evanss the title of Highest Paved Road in America. Watch for Big Horn Sheep on the rocky slopes and plan a stop at the Mount Goliath Natural Area. Twisted and ancient bristlecone pines, some more than 1,600 years old) grow in this transition zone between sub-alpine forest and tundra. An access fee applies; exempt for Federal Recreation Passport holders.

  • Trail Ridge Road – US34 – Traversing Rocky Mountain National Park and the Continental Divide, Trail Ridge Road extends 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Eleven miles of the highway are above Rocky Mountain National Parktreeline. Forests, lakes, rugged mountain peaks, tundra, wildlife, wildflowers and grand vistas regale park visitors. The popularity of the route often creates slow going – don’t rush, enjoy the view. Icy conditions frequently closes the road overnight early in the season.

 

  • Independence Pass – CO82 – This narrow, winding road connects Twin Lakes on the eastern side of the Continental Divide  with Aspen on the western slope. Along the 37-mile paved route outdoor enthusiasts find lots of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing aSlide Scan_Steven and Shawn_8x10[1]nd exploring the ghost town of Independence. Be sure to pack a camera to capture the expansive landscapes, wildlife and summer wildflowers. The faint of heart may want to skip Independence Pass, the road narrows to single lane width in several locations with steep dropoffs and tight curves. Road conditions dictate vehicle weight and height limitations. Hardy souls are rewarded with remarkable mountain scenery and experiences.

  • Cottonwood Pass Cottonwood Pass – FR(Forest Road)209 & FR306 – The 60-mile route between Buena Vista and Almont crosses the divide at 12,126’. The road is paved from Buena Vista to the top of the Cottonwood Pass. The first 11 miles down the west side are graded gravel, auto passable except for extremely low clearance cars. From Taylor Reservoir the road follows the Taylor River, popular with fishermen and rafters. At Almont turn right to Crested Butte or left to Gunnison.

  • Kebler Pass – GCR(Gunnison County Road)12 – This 30-mile Aspen on Kebler Pass segment of the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway connects Crested Butte with CO133. All but 2 miles are graded gravel. Kebler Pass is one of the state’s best drives in autumn when the ample aspen groves glow in golden glory. At CO133 continue complete the 206-mile West Elk Loop back to Crested Butte or turn north to Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.Yellow Aspen Twig[1]

  

The most dependable aspect of weather in the Colorado mountains is that it can change at a moments notice – or, no notice at all. Always be prepared for changing conditions. Even if it’s 90 degrees in Denver don’t leave home without jackets and closed-toed shoes. Properly prepared you can enjoy your mountain journey no matter how conditions may vary – crystal clear skies to ice crystals.