Colorado - Boulder excursion

We had a slower start today, especially because we had laundry to do! We decided to go for a drive to Boulder - as recommended by the lady at the supermarket check-out last night, and the young man who was next in line to us! David reminds me it is the home of Mork and Mindy (Remember that TV show??).

Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,430 feet (1,655 m). The city is 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Denver.

Boulder is famous for its status as one of the most liberal cities in Colorado, its colorful Western history, being a choice destination for hippies in the late 1960s, and as home of the main campus of the University of Colorado, the state's largest university. Furthermore, the city of Boulder frequently acquires top rankings in health, well-being, quality of life, education, and art.

In the early-to-mid-19th century, the nomadic Southern Arapaho Native American tribe frequently wintered at the base of the foothills in the Boulder area. Chief Niwot and his tribe called the site their home. Other nomadic tribes included the Utes, Cheyennes, Comanches, and Sioux.

The City of Boulder is in Boulder Valley where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains. Just west of the city are imposing slabs of sedimentary stone tilted up on the foothills, known as the Flatirons. The Flatirons are a widely recognized symbol of Boulder.

One of the most popular sections of Boulder is the famous Pearl Street Mall, home to numerous shops and restaurants. This four-block pedestrian mall is a social hotspot in Boulder, with dozens of restaurants of all kinds and specialty stores that include artisan shops and unique gadget shops. In the summer and on weekends, many street shows and acts can be found throughout the mall, along with street vendors and henna tattoo artists.

We found a place to park the car and walked around looking at the city. Very impressed with a Native Indian 'Zuni' style store and wanted to buy many of the items, they were so beautiful. We asked the shop assistant where to find a good place to eat and she recommended 'Mountain Sun' across the road.

Further, we slipped into the post office -after I photographed a squirrel (much to the amusement of the locals - who think they're no more than rats) - and we had a very friendly associate who also recommended 'Mountain Sun'. What could we do? We went to Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery for lunch.

We had a very helpful waiter who offered to give us samples of their many beers - David chose ones with a more 'hops' flavour, I asked for 'pilsener' style. David's samples are pictured, mine were similar except that the colour was lighter. David chose FYIPA (India Pale Ale) and I chose 'Bombshell Blonde' (of course!) - both excellent! We ordered burgers for lunch - absolutely fresh and fabulous! A walk to the restroom was interesting - past the brew kettles and processing machinery!

We then walked the full length of the Pearl Street Mall - to work off lunch. Picked up the car and drove out to the 'Chautauqua Park' where the Ranger Station and Visitor Center was. We were able to get a good view of 'The Flatirons' and walked half way (?) up the first rise. We found the warnings dated 1 September very interesting: 'Bears spotted in the area. If you see a bear, do not run but back away slowly.' Bear bins (with dints and scratches) throughout the park. Another sign: 'Cottages available this evening.' I would have LOVED to rent a cottage for the evening - in the hope of seeing a bear (from the safety of my loungeroom, of course)!!!

Returned to our hotel in Cherry Creek after a really interesting, fun day. Early start tomorrow!