I am sure that you have heard that old cliche 'things come in threes' - generally used more with bad things rather than good things i.e. if a family member gets sick before you know it two more will succumb. No one ever refers to a string of good things. Imagine if it were the lotto. Of course, I've yet to wine once, let along three times.
Yesterday was a travel day for most of my colleagues - registration for the conference and the first conference events took place that afternoon and evening. Knowing that the next few days would be pretty intensive . . . well, for me anyway - we were determined to make the best of it.
After a delicious, quick, and inexpensive breakfast at the Corner Bakery near the hotel we met my colleague Nancy and her sister in the lobby and headed out to Boulder. We parked for free and wandered around the Pearl Street Mall - a four block outdoor pedestrian mall boasting a show of seasonal flowers and native trees. We watched street performers ply their trade and musicians play while passers by paused to enjoy the never ending show. Annual festivals celebrating Boulder's diverse community are staged here too. I was impressed with the beautifully preserved historic buildings from the city's origins as the supply center for mining operations during the late 1800's which were carefully preserved.
After wandering about and making a number of purchases (there is a outpost of the famous spice store Penzey's there and some wonderful art shops) we decided to head to our next stop - Eldorado State Park. Since it was close to lunchtime we popped into Whole Foods to grab some things for an impromptu picnic lunch.
Eldorado Canyon is located about five miles southwest of Boulder. It's claim to fame is it's five hundred technical rock climbing routes (which we stayed away from of course!), but it has something for everyone. The canyon is beautiful in itself and a great for a picnic. When we arrived we were advised that the picnic area was full - no worries we parked, ate in the car, and headed out to hike a bit.
It wasn't long before menacing clouds filled the sky and soon a torrential downpour started. We were just far enough along on the hike that we didn't know - do we stay or do we make a run for the car? We ran and arrived back at the car drenched but laughing - there is nothing like running like a fool through a rainstorm to make one feel silly and giddy.
When the rain was over we decided to head up to the picnic area (cars had streamed out of the area when the rain hit). It was nice but frankly, we saw more impressive views from where we had been.
Our next stop was Red Rocks where we were to meet up with the rest of our colleagues before the Sarah McLachlan concert later that night. We were early so we decided to wander about and admire the stunning scenery - and the dark clouds off in the distance. Of course, before we knew it these clouds were looping back towards us and lightning was forking through the sky. For the second time in the day we were racing for the car to try and beat a storm - happily we got inside the car seconds before it really hit.
We met up with our colleagues at the Red Rocks Grill in Morrison (about 5 minutes from the park). It was a rough and tumble spot but the food was good diner type food - and cheap! We paid and headed back to the park for the concert.
I have heard that red rocks is one of the greatest spots in the world to see a concert - you are surrounded by the gorgeous scenery, the acoustics are stunning, and being in a relatively intimate setting under the stars (or clouds in our case) allows for a wonderful experience. Sarah was brilliant - and impressively paired with the Colorado Symphony. I'm not the greatest Sarah McLachlan fan by any stretch of the imagination but this was one of the best concerts I've been to over the years.
For most of the concert the clouds stayed away but wouldn't you know it but during the second set a menacing black cloud came from the right, almost on cue the audience all put their rain apparel on, and the rain began. It wasn't the downpour we had experienced earlier in the day - in fact it was enough to cool you off andit moved one. It was enough to prove that things, in fact, do come in threes!
Gorgeous photos. Sounds like you are really enjoying a great time in Colorado. Keep the photos coming, am enjoying every single one of them!
Posted by: Kayte | July 11, 2011 at 08:53 AM
Jerry this whole work/vacation sounds really great. I love how they've chosen Colorado. I remember your time there last time. Love the red rocks and all the nature settings you've visited. I really like Sarah McLachlin. I went to one of her concerts when my eldest daughter took me years ago. Became a fan. Enjoy your time there. Looks like you are making the most of it as usual!
Posted by: Barb Cabot | July 11, 2011 at 11:57 AM
The photos may be a tad limited Kayte with me being busy in sessions for the next couple of days!
Barb - it is funny - more and more we seem to be doing these - come for a conference and tack a few days on to it. Paul liks the opportunity to do his on thing during the day while I'm in my sessions.
Posted by: JDeQ | July 11, 2011 at 04:26 PM