Strange Display

I am never too sure of what I will see in a campground. I've watched with interest as campers, as big as small houses, pull into a bay and immediately, pop ups, pull outs, awnings, BBQ's, etc. suddenly appear. These are quickly followed by dogs and cats on leashes, men with parrots on their shoulders, and children! Almost before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill, the kids burst through the door, and rush to the back of the camper where the bikes and scooters are stored. Within minutes, they are bicycling up and down, exploring the campsite, the game room, the shop and pool...laughter filling the air.

Over the years, I have seen a steady increase in camper rental. At this particular campsite, three identical campers arrived simultaneously. The families (from Italy) were touring the United States, and decided to camp instead of staying in motels. It was a wonderful sight to see the three families join together for supper that evening, cook their BBQ, and enjoyed a glass of wine as their children amused enjoyed themselves.

One of my favorite past times when camping is to exercise. I've seen some sights over the years...but nothing quite like the one that greeted me early one morning. I had to run back for my camera! I can only imagine the jeans (that are stuffed with flowerpots by the way) had some importance to the owner of the camper.

Worth noting! Some campgrounds have shuttle services to and from town. This is a great idea unless of course a traveller is towing a small car.

Barnes and Noble Book Fair

Ann Alexander Leggett and Maggie Sefton are just two of the eight local authors who appeared at the Pikes Peak Writers Book Fair yesterday. The event was held at Barnes and Noble at 906 S. Colorado Boulevard in Glendale. The whole shop was a hive of activity as members from various groups mingled with the crowds who apparently were doing their holiday shopping early. It was a very successful afternoon.

Tree Carving

Who created these magnificent works of art? Wherever I am, I seem to come across such carvings, and I'm fascinated by the skill of the men or women who "see" something other than an old tree to be cut down and used as firewood. The image above depicts a man and woman each with an arm in the air (branches) - it's so clever!

Walking in the Woods

While in Wales some months ago, I realized how carefree it is for people in the British Isles to walk in the woods. There are no wild animals to worry about, no snakes (save the adder which is extremely rare) and very few badgers, which if provoked...will attack. I watched with delight as this older couple donned their walking shoes, hats and sticks, and strolled off into the woods without a care in the world. They seemed completely at ease, and comfortable in their surroundings.

I took the photo (above) and smiled as the couple disappeared from my view. As I watched them, I considered what I have to think about when I walk on the trails here in Colorado. I have to be watchful for bears, mountain lions, coyotes, poisonous snakes, nasty insects, etc. And should I forget...there are always signs to remind me of the dangers, especially from bears. The signs read:

Be alert and make a noise
Travel in groups of two or more
Do not pursue or approach bears for photographs
Store all food and anything with a strong odor (toothpaste, shampoo, bug repellent, soap, etc.) locked in your vehicle
Deposit garbage in appropriate bear proof containers
Clean picnic and camping area thoroughly before leaving the park
Report bear sightings to park personnel immediately!
Remember: A fed bear is a dead bear!

Just Released - Hidden History of Denver

The Back Cover

When prospector set up camp on Cherry Creek in 1858, Denver emerged as a lightning rod for the extraordinary. Time has washed away so many unusual stories—from the dark days of nineteenth-century Law and Order League lynching, and the KKK’s later rise and fall to the heroism of suffragettes and the touching plight of the gypsies. Elizabeth Wallace knocks the dust off these details and introduces readers to characters like world heavyweight boxing champion Charles L. “Sonny” Liston, hit-man turned rodeo promoter Leland Varain, aka “Diamond Jack,” and the city’s daring wall dogs, whose hand-painted building advertisements are fading reminders of a bygone Denver.

ISBN 978.1.60949.350.9