Tapping into my Artsy Side

The Denver Botanic Gardens in Littleton are a half hour's drive south of the city--a bit farther than the second location beside Cheesman Park. However, it was well worth the journey for the second annual Lavender Festival. This event celebrates the Lavender Garden at Chatfield Farms, which is home to more than 800 lavender plants.







The event included farm tours, educational programs and demonstrations, family activities, food trucks, and a small market of lavender products made by local growers and artisans.

It was a very hot day and very crowded, but I'm glad that I made the trip. You can be sure that I left with a small bundle of fresh lavender and a renewed vow to someday have my own garden... with lots of lavender!






















Around the same time was the annual Art Festival at Cheesman Park.

I attended my first show at Red Rocks Amphitheater on an unseasonably cool summer night. Headlining was indie folk band, The Head and the Heart. I appreciated the outdoor ambiance and enhanced acoustics. However, with a 10,000-person capacity, the venue was much bigger than my ideal setting for live music. Still, a very cool experience!




























My latest art investment can be found on my right foot in the form of the San Juan Mountain Range in southwest Colorado.

I also gave my bike a makeover--officially a Colorado bike!

Finally, #43 on my list--14er Brewing Company in RiNo.

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Square Top Lakes

I completed my first "real" hike post-injury at the end of July. Anna and I climbed to Square Top Lakes, a 4.5 mile trail located at the top of Guanella Pass. I would describe it as a hidden gem because the majority of hikers journey there to summit Mt. Bierstadt.

With an 8am start, we set off from the trailhead in the glorious morning light. I was surprised by how warm the air felt considering the starting elevation of 11,678'. The Sawtooth joining 14ers Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans could be admired for the duration of the trail.

The South Park Trail dropped gently through a west-facing valley before edging steeply to a crest on the north valley wall. The exceptional alpine landscape above tree line was blanketed in vibrant wildflowers.

After navigating a few muddy streams, Anna and I reached lower Square Top Lake. We didn't linger long on account of pesky mosquitos!





We continued to upper Square Top Lake at 12,265', which lies in open tundra directly beneath Square Top Mountain (13,794').

A trail rings the lake, and the surrounding slopes are possible to scale for additional perspective. The ridges are home to mountain goats and bighorn sheep, whereas elk and moose can be spotted in the valley below.



The afternoon clouds rolled in just as we began our descent.

With a net elevation gain of only +587', the hike should have taken us around 3 hours, but my knee slowed us down to 4 hours. Anna encouraged me to mark this as a win.

On our way back to the city, we stopped in Idaho Springs for brewery #42 on my list: Westbound & Down Brewing Company.

Evergreen

Anna and I spent July 4th in Evergreen--only 30 miles west of Denver, yet with a "mountain town" feel. Elk Meadow Park is situated at the foot of Bergen Peak, and is filled with wildflowers and ponderosa pines. It's an ideal spot for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. I mapped out a short trail inside the park with minimal elevation gain for my first hike post-injury. The four-mile loop is unlikely the hike that I would have chosen if I wasn't injured, but it was a beautiful morning, we were surrounded by spectacular scenery, and it felt great to be outdoors again. Anna and I finished the hike in three hours, at which point I confirmed my suspicion that trekking poles will be my newest hiking staple.

We left the park as the heat (and the crowds) set in, and made our way to Lariat Lodge Brewing Co. (#41). I will be eager to return to Evergreen again soon--hopefully to hike Bergen Peak!

 

My return to Evergreen happened sooner rather than later--round #2 the following week; this time Anna and I checked out the local farmer's market, Evergreen Lake, and downtown, with lunch and brews at Muddy Buck. Great vibes in Evergreen!









The sister activities continued when I dragged Anna to a show at a small dive bar in RiNo. The indie rock/acoustic folk band, Birdtalker, did not disappoint! I am their new biggest fan.






















We finally let Alex in on some of the fun when the Pittsburgh Pirates came to town. The Buccos crushed the Rockies with a 13-5 win. Black and gold pride!








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