Colorado – Whimsey Pie

Photo Essay: Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway

Published on February 20, 2015February 22, 2015 by Stephany4 Comments

(This long grey stretch of winter has me feeling cabin feverish and wanderlusty. I don’t have any travel plans for the near future so I’m indulging in some adventure reminiscence. All arm chair travelers are welcome!)

Last March, my husband and I spent some time in Colorado – Denver (for business) and Grand Lake (for pleasure). While staying in Grand Lake, we decided to drive the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway, which begins near the birthplace of the mighty Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park and ends at State Bridge where the river meets Rt. 131. Although this scenic drive may not be as spectacular as some of the other Byways we experienced, I enjoyed it the most – for the remoteness, the variety of landscapes, and the abundance of wildlife. I’m sure the crisp, blue-sky, cusp of spring day helped to improve my opinion of it, too. This Byway exemplifies all the qualities that make Colorado uniquely gorgeous.

What do you think?

Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway

{ View from Rt. 40 }

{ Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area }

{ Great place for a picnic. Or fishing – we saw many fishermen here. }

{ Outside of Kremmling on Grand County Rd. 1 (Trough Road) }

{ Much of this Byway is gravel road }

{ Gore Canyon }

{ Large herds of mule deer were everywhere }

{ More fishermen }

{ One of the few vehicles we encountered on Trough Road }

{ Heading back to Grand Lake on Rt. 40 }

Thanks for joining me. I hope you enjoyed the tour!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Signs

Published on October 4, 2014October 4, 2014 by Stephany7 Comments

I’m removing my nose from the grindstone for a few seconds to participate in the newest Weekly Photo Challenge. It’s all about signs. My interpretation of the Challenge was spotted on the way up to Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. Sadly, this is probably the closest I’ll ever get to Big Foot.

A Celebration of the American West at the Denver Art Museum

Published on April 1, 2014April 1, 2014 by Stephany10 Comments

A few Sundays ago, I found myself alone in Denver, Colorado with a few free hours on my hands. Not wanting to waste such a perfect opportunity for adventure, I made my way downtown to the acclaimed Denver Art Museum for an afternoon of cultural edification. I spent an entire afternoon wandering the galleries of the fortress-like North Building. Security basically had to kick me out at closing time. Cultural edification accomplished.

What a great museum! I enjoyed all the exhibits I encountered – Asian, European and American, Pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, American Indian, and the Northwest Coast. The pottery collections, in particular, are outstanding. My favorite galleries by far, though, are the Western American exhibits. Perhaps because I was in “The West” (Colorado is quintessential western America after all), I was in a frame of mind to be particularly drawn to the subjects and settings. Or, maybe it was just the passion, creativity, and artistry displayed in the pieces. Whatever the reason for my fascination, I spent a great deal of time in the Western galleries, admiring and photographing what I saw.

I thought I’d share a tiny sampling of the artwork from the Western American galleries with you. Personally, I believe the artists represented here pay creative and beautiful homage to the unique history and culture of the American West. What do you think?

{ The Open Range by William Herbert Dunton, 1911(?) }

{ Jack Knife by Ed Mell, 2009 }

{ Cowgirl and Bronco by Regina Winifred Mulroney, 1945 }

{ Wide Lands of the Navajo by Maynard Dixon, 1945 }

{ Two Champs by Harry Jackson, 1974 }

{ Orion by Deborah Butterfield, 1988 }

{ Flight by E. Martin Hennings }

{ Ranch Near Rocky Ridge by Howard Post??? – I’m not sure about the title or artist… }

{ Big Horn Sheep by Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius, n.d. }

{ Buffalo (Monarch of the Plains) by Henry M. Shrady, 1900 }

{ Buffalo Hunt by Charles Marion Russell, 1897 }

{ Chief of the Multnomah Tribe by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, 1905 }

{ Eagle Fan by Ernest L. Blumenschein, 1915 }

{ The Rendezvous by E. Martin Hennings, about 1930 }

{ The Stone Age in America by John J. Boyle, 1886 }

{ A gallery in the Hamilton Building – Andy Warhol’s The American Indian (Russell Means), 1976 is in the middle of the wall }

{ Young Plains Indian by James Bama, 1980 }

If you are ever in the Denver area and if museums are your thing, I highly recommend a visit to the Denver Art Museum. You will not be disappointed.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Inside (Wynkoop Brewing Co.)

Published on March 18, 2014March 18, 2014 by Stephany10 Comments

The Wynkoop Brewing Company is a legendary brewpub in Denver, Colorado. It’s housed in an old public building with massive timber support beams, stamped tin ceilings, and creaky wood floors. This photo was taken on a quiet Sunday evening while enjoying fish and chips, macaroni and cheese, and Railyard Ale. A delicious and relaxing way to end the day.

This post was inspired by the Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge.