July 14,15,16 – more of Colorado

So on Tuesday we headed out of Ft. Collins and drove up the Big Thompson Canyon, through Estes Park, skirted Rocky Mt. National Park, and headed down through Boulder and Golden to Evergreen and a visit with my Aunt Caroline. The trip helped me adjust to all the changes (read development) that have taken place on the front range since I left in 1987.

The Big Thompson is beautiful, as are the mountains up in Rocky Mountain Park. For me that drive took me back to why I left Ohio and moved out West. In the summer after my junior year of high school, I was fortunate to participate in a month long field trip that involved studying biology and geology from Ohio to Yellowstone park and back. We had two vans full of teenagers and several great teacher/leaders. When we arrived in Colorado we drove up the Big Thompson Canyon and it opened up into Estes park – with views of Longs peak and a beautiful mountain valley. It was at that point that I decided had to live in Colorado. I ended up going to college  in Ft. Collins, and spending 5 years after college in Boulder. This drive felt like it was digging up old pieces of who I am and giving those parts back to me.

We stayed in evergreen at Aunt Carolines summer home. It is a marvelous mountain lodge style home that was built in  the 30’s by here mother. Caroline told me that she had been coming there for 70 years (she first came to the house when she was 3). I have been to the home (named Rock Cliff) several times, but it has been more than 20 years. It still has  the marvelous old  upholstery and curtains and furniture from the 30s and 40s. The lodge has huge timbers and a 2 story stone fireplace. The air there always smells like warm pine. ( I forgot to bring my camera in to take pictures. Sorry. That was a real oversight!) Aunt Caroline and I talked and talked – pretty much boring Theo  - but she and I had a good visit. 

Then it was on to Boulder.

Boulder is no longer the relaxed hippy haven it was in the 70’s and 80’s. It is built up -which means many older buildings are now 2-3 story brick buildings – there are lots of parking garages and more traffic. However, it still feels like Boulder – just pricier, more condensed and cleaned up. More memories are popping up down every street. I am writing this from the Trident coffeshop/bookstore. (pictures to come) I used to spend so much time here that I would call this my office. It is a buddhist run spot that is timeless. The tables chairs, coffee, paintings, and fixtures are all unchanged. Even the same manager is here.

Theo and I had dinner at the Chataqua Dining Hall when we arrived. That fed our bodies and souls- it is really getting to the heart of the area. It has been hot here – in the mid to high 90s – but the dry heat is tolerable and it cools off quickly at night.

We are staying with our friends, Susan and Michelle, in Table Mesa. Susan is my favorite person in the world to cook with, so I presume we spend some time in her kitchen. They are good enough friends that they are accommodating us and all our stuff in their garage – while we go to NY. We will stay with them for a few more days when we return. So, tomorrow the 17th we fly to NY to meet Nina, Michael’s sister, who lives out in Southampton. After visiting for a few days we will head into Manhattan. Stay tuned for more posts – our hotel in Manhattan has wireless.

July 13 – A Perfect Summer Day in Ft. Collins

This morning we left our little cabin at 8 am and didn’t return until 11:30 at night. It was a great day – one that exemplifies summer to me. Blue sky – not a cloud all day until late evening – it was Colorado all the way. We started out by having breakfast at Vern’s in LaPorte and had breakfast including splitting one of their Paul Bunyon sized cinnamon rolls. ( I used to bike ride out to Vern’s when I was in college.)

Then we rode around Ft. Collins. I found all my old college haunts, including my old houses and those of my friends. Then we took a walk around the old and very beautiful sections of CSU. Then off to City Park. Theo and I played netless badmiton and waited for a family we knew from Portland. The Jones’ moved back to Colorado last year after many years in Portland. Norah was in Theo’s class at school. ( A big hello to all you Odyssey families from the Joneses.)

We met up at the City Park pool – a great family pool. It included some awesome slides, a current “river” to float in tubes. Lot so fountains and contraptions that spray water and ample water shallow enough that we could swim or stand or sit or play.  We spent a very happy four hours playing in the pool.  Then off for more badmiton and wiffle ball.

We went to the Jones’ house so the could tend their animals,

then headed to Avogadro’s Number (another old college haunt) for dinner. To wrap up this perfect summer day we then headed to the drive-in (yes, there are a few left) where we saw Hancock. It is a shame there are only a few drive-ins left because it was a great summer family event.

 

Theo and I had a great day. I got to dig up old memories of people and places that had been long dormant. Best of all we got to spend some time with a great family who is getting settled into their lives here in Ft. Fun. Some kid and adult company was much needed and it was wonderful.

The day was sunny and warm. It was the best of summer – friends, food, time goes by quickly because you are so absorbed in the moment, laughter, and hanging out into the night with a bit of a rosy glow from the sunshine of the day. A perfect, endless summer day. Thanks Loren, Tracy, Mika and Norah!