Friday June 18, 2010
Boulder, Colorado
Sunny and Hot
The plan yesterday was to go to Long Lake and walk around the lake. But good thing Bill checked the weather as gust of up to 65mph were expected in the mountain passes. Long Lake is up in the mountains so yesterday morning we debated whether to go. Given that I am known to possess powers to bring abnormal weather to the region, Bill called the rangers office to check on conditions. Well, not only were they expecting gale force winds, but the whole area is still closed and covered with snow! The ranger said we can still come but will have to hike the 3 miles in the snow to the parking area and then walk around the lake in a trail covered with snow with gale force winds. Not a fun thing to do with a 10 and 15 year old boy. So instead we told the boys they can sleep in cuz of change of plans and that they do not have to go hiking with us. Well, instead of sleeping in, they were so excited to not have to hike so woke up to watch some TV and "relax".
So Bill, Kim and I decided to do a one hour hike at historic Chautauqua Park. This area in Boulder, with its historic auditorium, quaint dining hall and tiny cottages is home to number of looping and interesting trails. We took a trail that allowed for dogs off leash so Zuma can come and was a relatively easy 45 minute hike. ALTHOUGH, I did feel the effects of the altitude while going uphill for the first 20 minutes.
Lots of things to do for kids and adults. Here is a dinosaur exhibition.
View of the Flatirons from Chautauqua.
The trail we took was wide at the beginning but also not shaded. Luckily, we did not experience much wind. About 20 min into the hike, the trail levels off and you are in a shady forest.
Buddhist prayer rocks
We took the Bluebird-Baird trail
Another view of the Flatirons
View of the Rockies and Gorgeous Blue Skies
After a good hike where even Zuma got tired, we went back, showered and decided to go to Pearl Street for some shopping. Originally, the boys did not want to go with us, but they changed their minds. Bill stayed home to relax and enjoy the home all to himself. So Kim, Billy, Jackson and I headed to Pearl Street, had lunch at a local Japanese place and then window shopped. I found a great Spice store that had a lot of exotic spices and Jackson introduced me to his favorite candy store.
Pearl Street, Boulder
Really cool spice shop
Jackson's favorite candy store: Powell's
We got back mid afternoon and spent the rest of the day relaxing ( I continued to indulge in my reading) and got ready for Game 7, the deciding game of the NBA finals between the Lakers and the Celtics. Although the Lakers won, which made me happy as it was an exciting game, I couldn't help by admire the spirit of the Celtics and Doc Rivers – a one of a kind coach.
Today, we are going to get some more hiking and also attend Billy's basketball game!!! So excited!!