Today would kick off an unforgettable weekend. First things first, we would need some breakfast to fuel our day. Meeting around 8 we fueled up with coffee and breakfast at the hotel while we picked a hike to go on this morning. We settled on a moderate trail in the Golden Gate Canyon State Park just west of Golden, Colorado and set off for adventure. Somewhere along the way we found ourselves on a mountain road southwest of Red Rocks heading for the Colorado Trail. With our targeted hike out of sight, we continued on for an adventure and what would turn out to be an interesting and welcomed change. The Colorado Trail is a 567 mile continuous and narrow path stretching from Denver to Durango. Reaching the Rolling Creek Trailhead, we met a few volunteers supporting CT hikers with a little “Trail Magic.” It is awesome to see people setting out to complete a thru hike or even just segments; but it is even better to see the support that people offer to hikers, providing water, snacks, and shade for a spot to rest. We set off for what would be the first of two waterfalls on the trail before most hikers reach a meadow to camp. Reaching the wilderness post, we completed our use form and headed up to where the waterfall would be, the dry forest transitioned to lush green as water was present but unidentifiable. Having plans later in the afternoon, we began our hike back to the trailhead, finishing just over 4 miles. Upon our return, there were a few new hikers as well as a couple donkeys; which is where the day began to get very interesting. Two donkeys were packing all the supplies necessary for two hikers to complete the entire Colorado Trail, with a mission to film the journey of an artist from the east coast painting his way along the trail. The film is titled “Fish Out of Water: A Donkumentary.” Already on the trail 7 days, they departed downtown Denver and are making their way to Durango.
Heading back to Denver, we had plans for a guided beer tour around downtown Denver. Meeting at Rock Bottom, we began with samples and introductions to meet our fellow tourists and our guide Dave. He was quite the character and made our walk through LODO (lower downtown) fun and educational. Our second stop would be Oscar Blues, famous for Dale’s Pale Ale, but they have much more to offer. Continuing on to our last stop, Wynkoop Brewery, we had learned much about Denver, the downtown area including the milk market, union station, and Larimer Square. Making it inside, our seating quickly changed and we moved upstairs next to a private event. We may or may not have seen Jack Nicholson at the brewery. I am still not confident it was him after asking to take a picture; if it wasn’t him, it was a very good impersonation.
With reservations for dinner at The Plimoth, we made our way back to the hotel for a quick rest and then got ready for what would turn out to be a very delicious meal. Fancy cocktails, mouthwatering fare, and sweet treats completed our day. Heading back, after a long day, we all fell right to sleep.
With a less busy day planned, we kicked it off with breakfast at Snooze, in Union Station. Making our way back towards the hotel, we strolled through the milk market again looking more intently at the different shops before heading up to Larimer Square. As it is MLB All-Star week, banners of players were hung across the street, but two important banners were missing. 2021 marked the first all-star game for two former NC State standouts, Chicago White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon and Washington Nationals shortstop Trea “Burner” Turner. With time to spare before the big show tonight, we got a bit of rest at the hotel.
Having eaten a late breakfast, we planned to grab some sandwiches on the way to Red Rocks for a concert almost two years in waiting due to the pandemic last year. Stopping in Golden, we picked up some very tasty subs from D’Deli and found parking at Red Rocks for a pre show tailgate. With time to spare we ventured to the Trading Post where I was surprised to learn about the Colorado Music Hall of Fame and more about John Denver than I ever had previously. Ready to enter, we got in line with the thousands of other fans to see The Avett Brothers and opening act, Rachel Price (Lake Street Dive) & Vilray. The amphitheater is very impressive and there really isn’t a bad seat anywhere. Enjoying the jazzy jams from Rachel Price and Vilray, the time had come to witness some of the best music to ever come out of North Carolina. The Avett Brothers broke the silence and crowds anticipation with “Die Die Die”. I haven’t heard an eruption of gleeful joy for live music like that in a long time. There was never a time where the atmosphere changed, even during slower melodies. Two hours later, the band was still going strong, but the time for an encore was coming. Ending the setlist with “I and Love and You,” the entire amphitheater was singing along in unison. Five songs later the encore was over and we were heading home. What a concert it was. If you ever have the chance to go to Red Rocks, I highly recommend it.
Concluding an amazing weekend with Dad, Heidi, and Liz, we had breakfast one last time together at Sams #3. Feeling hungry, I filled myself with chicken fried steak, 2 eggs over easy, hash browns, and a waffle. I call it the JR Special, as it is a favorite meal of my Uncle John. Now all stuffed from breakfast, we walked back to the hotel to finish packing before checking out at noon so they could make it to the airport for the flight home to Raleigh, NC. Saying our goodbyes, everyone got to see Pearl and send me off to continue my adventures for the summer. I would be staying in Denver and planned to meet up with my friends Josh and Selby.
The pandemic last year gave many people the time to pick up a new hobby or better master one. Josh took the chance to take up smoking meat and has become quite talented. They had planned a bbq to send off another friend that was staying with them, so by the time I made it to their house, Josh was in full cook mode. On the menu was pulled pork (shoulder), spare ribs, pork belly & burnt ends, chicken wings, and all the accoutrements to accompany a summer bbq. Best of it all was the pork belly. With a full belly, we cleaned up after everyone departed, with togo plates of course, hung out for a bit enjoying a little whiskey before heading off to bed.
The next few days I would be staying with Josh and Selby, trying to figure out what my plan would be for July. I had initially planned to head back to southern Utah and visit the Majestic Five Parks and then head north completing a loop through Dinosaur and Rocky Mountain National Parks. But with the high heat, long lines at park entrances, and Pearl not enjoying that too much, I have decided to reroute and stay closer to Denver on shorter trips.
These days would not be too adventurous, but more restful. I had only a couple things to take care of for the long term maintenance of Pearl, number one being an oil change, and secondly having new gears put in to give Pearl a better ride going up and over mountain passes.
Monday morning, I got up and headed to Colorado Springs for a more formal inspection to see what kind of work would be necessary upgrade Pearl with some new parts. On the way home, I stopped into Cabbalas to pick up a new combo fly rod to replace at least one of the setups I lost last week. It will get me on the water and back fishing. Making it back for lunch, I joined Josh and Selby to watch “Manifest,” one of their favorite shows right now. A few episodes in now and I am hooked. Afterwards, I set out to find somewhere to get the oil changed. Lucky me I stumbled upon, in my opinion, the coolest auto shop in Denver, Seyfer Automotive. While they couldn’t help me with an oil change, they certainly succeeded in feeding my curiosity of classic cars and trucks. Along with an amazing collection of cars, trucks, and an Airstream RV in the garage, there is also a full working bar in the front lobby. How cool is that? Officially a fanboy of right hand drive vehicles, an Australian Toyota FJ45 pickup caught my eye sitting out front. Of course I had to inquire about it. It is for sale, but as much as I want it, I’m not in the market for another truck, currently. Scheduling an oil change later in the week at the Pep Boys, I headed back to the house; Josh and I walked down to Oasis Brewing for a beer before grabbing dinner at Fire on the Mountain and watched the Home Run Derby. Back at the house we watched another episode of Manifest.
Tuesday was very restful. Sleeping in till almost 8, I woke as they returned from the gym. Having coffee, we all sat down to do individual work. I edited a few photos and wrote last weeks article to post. More Manifest was watched over lunch and later Josh and I grabbed tacos at a place we had been to before, while Selby had joined some friends out for dinner. Making it home, we turned on the All-Star game and enjoyed the greatest past time of American sports with a couple cold beers.
It’s Wednesday morning, and again I slept in till they get back from the gym. While enjoying coffee, I worked on trying to update the rest of my website, with no luck. For some reason, it keeps reverting back to the first time I hit publish. No pictures or changes to text are remaining saved and updated when I hit publish. Tech Support is helpful, but the issue still hasn’t been resolved. I move on and after lunch, run a couple errands to REI, Molly’s Spirits, and Kifaru International. I am very interested in their shelters and packs. Later that evening, we would head to trivia night at Crush Pizza. Josh and I both got to meet some of Selby’s friends for the first time, they joined the team and while we put up a good game, we ultimately came in 4th. Better luck next week. Getting home fairly late, we did not watch any Manifest tonight.
With a hot coffee, I was ready to take on Thursday. I started out planning the weekend, as I would be departing Denver while Josh and Selby are in Milwaukee. Today I would also get the oil changed and tires rotated for Pearl. Moving on to try and get the website up to date, I would have no luck, again. After quick lunch and an episode of Manifest, Josh and I went out for a couple errands. I needed some new bugs (terrestrial flies for fishing) for this time of year, so we stopped into Trouts Fly Fishing on Zuni Street. The staff was very helpful and welcoming to someone from out of town. I tried on a new pair of wading boots, but will hold off for now. Picking up some ants and hoppers, I am now ready to get on the water. Right down the street is one of Josh’s favorite breweries in town, Strange Craft. We stopped in for a couple beers and ended up striking a conversation with another guy, first about fishing, then smoking meat, and on to baseball (all-star week had just concluded). Coincidentally, bars or restaurants have been where I have met some of the most friendly people and had the most meaningful conversations. On the way home, we stopped into Little Machine Brewing for a couple to-go crowlers. I have been to LMB before and really enjoy their crafty beers. Leftover BBQ for dinner and Ice Cream from Sweet Cow for dessert. It has been a while since I have really indulged like that; enter “Chunk” my stomach. If you know me well, it is plain to see that I love food and the craft of it, as well as “The Goonies” hence naming my stomach Chunk. Well he came out in full force tonight. A little overwhelmed by the options, we just went for it all. A Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sammie and a Dutch Chocolate/Cookies & Cream shake ( I did opt for the smaller size) with whipped cream. Satisfied, it was gone before we finished the walk home. Josh was the only one not surprised it was gone. One last episode of Manifest before we would head off in different directions for the weekend.
Week 8 Mileage – 46.9
Month 2 Mileage – 2459.8 (Total – 7498)