At the end of July, my friends and I went to Broomfield for VegFest--an annual fair that promotes a plant-based/vegan lifestyle. The event features the following: speakers who cover health, compassion, and environmental issues; chef demonstrations; food sampling; commercial and non-profit exhibitors. It was exciting to be surrounded by so many like-minded individuals that all share a common passion.
I was eager to listen to one of my plant-based heroes speak regarding his renowned research on the prevention and reversal of heart disease through diet. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn is one of the pioneers in whole foods plant-based nutrition.
One of my new favorite spots in town for plant-based goodness? Vital Root in the Highlands.
That same weekend was the annual summer art festival at Cheesman Park. I almost walked away without doing damage until the map art of local artist, Brian Billow, caught my eye. He made an offer too good to pass up on a slightly damaged reproduction of a stunning, tree-lined lake.
Across town, the Pirates smashed the Rockies at Coors Field.
On a cool Sunday afternoon, my friends and I went river tubing on Clear Creek in Golden. The icy river was not quite high enough or warm enough to entice me for a second round of floating, but it was still a good time. It also happened to be the Buffalo Bill Days celebration in Golden--a weekend full of events and activities, including a rubber duck race on the river that launched just as we finished our float trip.
The following Sunday afternoon--this one much hotter--my friend, Steven, and I hiked up Mt. Sanitas in Boulder. This popular Flatiron hike is a 3.2-mile loop via Mt. Sanitas Trail and Sanitas Valley Trail. A gain of 1,256' makes for a solid workout with rewarding Front Range views.
A slow period at the pharmacy allowed for not only exploring, but also prepping for my upcoming move to Portland (the details of which are endless). The sheer amount of change at once is stressful, and I will deeply miss Colorado, but I am ready for a new chapter.
