Wandrin Blog

A birthday that is... Here's a toast to another great year. Thanks for all the birthday greetings -- emails, phone calls, in person greetings and cards. It is greatly appreciated.

It has been a perpetual celebration of my birthday for the past week. Not sure when it started, but it may have been at the evening garden party at the Governor's Mansion when Jeannie invited me to attend. (Just name dropping ) It's been lunches and dinner ever since. Since I don't know how many I have left, I am celebrating some future birthdays.

TJ and Krista treated me to a fine dinner at Gumbo's in Denver -- a fine restaurant serving Louisiana style Cajun cooking. TJ and Krista's treat included a gift. Here's a guy with a Hawaiian Shirt addiction and TJ and Krista were the enablers as they presented me with another one. What's a guy supposed to do?

My name is Lloyd. And I have a problem. I started buying Hawaiian shirts and I can't stop.

I didn't need another Hawaiian shirt. The wardrobe already contains over 30. However, the shirt was $3.95 and everything was 25% off on Mondays. Perhaps it is time to start replacing some less favored shirts with newly purchased shirts. Perhaps.

A resolution: No more thrift store shopping. Yeah. Right.

This addiction may be more difficult than giving up cinnamon rolls.

Rather than a nearby morning walk, I decided to head to downtown Denver for a walk. Once again, Denver is experiencing a building boom. Several construction cranes were creating several multi-storied buildings along 15th Street and in the LoDo area. That construction included commercial space and more loft and condo space. Change continues. Each year when I visit the Denver area, there is always some new building, housing development, or a retail shopping center that I was sure was not there during the previous year's visit.

With the exception of one newer building, much of the new commercial construction is utilitarian. No frills. The whole thing looks like it was designed by a bean counter. Some of the loft and condo buildings were better, but there to if there was too much in decoration they would have to charge higher prices. So it becomes a competitive issue in order to sell the units.

Some of the older commercial buildings have lots of frills. Look up above the retail level and view the brick work and detail of cornices -- sometimes at the fourth and fifth floors and higher. Most pedestrians never see that detailed beauty. Actually, it is rather hard to walk and look up. It's actually dangerous. Somehow I managed. Of course it was a Sunday morning with almost no cars and few pedestrians.

As I walk the streets, I am on the lookout for the ads that were painted on the sides of buildings. I found several. The "billboard" ads were in varying states of clarity. Weather and the elements take their toll. Some had been painted over a couple of times to advertise the new thing. Here are some of the more legible ads that I found on this morning's walk in downtown Denver. Most of the ads were painted at least 60 to 70 years ago. Some may be even older.

John Deere Plow Co.



Brecht Candy sold out in the early 1950s



One of the brand names for Beatrice Foods was Meadow Gold. This advertisement for their butter is above the fourth floor windows. (Photoshop allowed me to change the perspective.)



Blacksmith on this sign was what caught my eye. A farrier on this spot at one time? Or was it repairs to metal objects.



The Schwayder Truck Mfg. Co. adopted the name Samsonite for its line of luggage products and eventually that was the company name. In 1969, I accepted a computer programmer position with Samsonite. At that time, the facilities were on South Broadway and soon to be moved to a much larger manufacturing facility in Montbello just east of Stapleton Airport. The sign on this building may date to 1920 -- perhaps earlier.

A frequently read blog is RV Home Yet. Traveling Green was the subject of a recent blog entry. When I read the article, I wanted to know more. With a few internet searches, I found WagonTeamster Bob Skelding site.

Highway road crews will soon be out of a job if this form of horse drawn RV-ing becomes popular. There won't be any grass to mow along the roadways as the horses will take care of that problem.

Why is Bob Skelding hitting the road with three horses towing his house on wheels. To quote Skelding, the answer is: "About half the people in the world want to be free of bills and a daily grind, I’m one of them. My dream is to travel freely about the country, seeing new places and meeting new people. It’s hard to take the steps necessary to live a freedom type lifestyle. It’s hard to separate yourself from your security and material belongings and move completely out of your comfort zone. However, if you’re determined enough it can be done. Sometimes life hands you a “Do-Over” - a window in your life where you can do everything over, exactly like you want. That’s what I’m doing."

The WagonTeamster will be added to my list of travelers to watch.

Rich came down from the mountains yesterday so we could meet up with Jane at Brothers for lunch.

Rich met me at the Westminster Elks Lodge and we headed to downtown Denver. As we drove, he related the story of the bear.

Just as Rich was getting prepared to leave his house, he received a phone call from his neighbor. There was a bear in her daughter's car. How about that for a morning phone call. What was Rich going to do about it. Rich asked if she had called wildlife control. She had. The local wildlife guy had the day off so someone would have to come up from Fort Collins. It would be a couple of hours. Could Rich come over.

He drove over to his neighbor's house. Sure enough. There was a small bear (probably a yearling) in the car with all the doors and windows shut. His neighbor and her daughter were in the house and weren't coming out. From what Rich could see, it was obvious the bear had been trying to get out of the car for some time. Since the bear was in the back seat of the car, Rich drove his truck to the car so he could open the car's front door with the door of his truck in the way. He was successful. The door was open. He drove his truck away. No movement from the bear in the back seat. Rich drove back. Closed the front door. Rich positioned his truck once again to keep his door between the bear and him. He opened the back door of the car and drove a short distance away. The bear came out and walked about fifty feet away. The bear didn't scare easily, but eventually was far enough away that Rich got closer to the car to check it out. The bear had done lots of damage in attempts to get out of the car. Dash destroyed. Door panels shredded. Seats and ceiling were in tatters. And then there was the smell -- of bear shit.

Rich went up to the house and was standing on the deck talking to his neighbor and her daughter as the bear was heading around the house. That was when Rich noted the door of his truck was open. He ran over to close the door just to make sure the bear wasn't going to repeat his recent escapade and bout of destruction.

So how did the bear end up in locked car. Yesterday was the planned day for mother and daughter to drive to Tennessee so the daughter could prepare for college and start classes. The car was loaded. Apparently as some last minute items were being loaded yesterday morning, the car door was left open in between trips to the house. The bear must have slipped into the car while the daughter was getting another armful from the house. On the daughter's return trip to the car with the last load the bear ended up being locked in the car.

The scary part was that at some point the daughter must have been within petting distance of the bear.

Ninety degree days are not the most pleasant to walk around cemeteries looking for epitaphs. Last evening, I noted that it was still 80 degrees at midnight. I believe that in future years, I will have to arrange higher altitudes or northern latitudes for July and August.

Crown Hill Cemetery is huge. In the heat, I walked a very small portion of it and took advantage of natural air conditioning when I was near a water sprinkler. On a cooler day, I will go back to continue the search for epitaphs. The one monument that I did find was for George Tebeau. The six word memoir on his marker: "Brought Organized Baseball To The West".



A search of the internet produced a lot of hits (many more than I get for my name ) for George Tebeau. In the course of the search I found baseball trivia forums, baseball histories and historical baseball records. Many were for teams that no longer exist or were in existence for short times. After reading a few pieces, I found that baseball scandals are nothing new almost 100 years later.

That diesel price was July last year in Cody, Wyoming where there was Honey Candy additive. Today the price of diesel fuel was $4.79 in Westminster, CO. There may have been a less expensive place in the neighborhood, but that was the price I noted today. Since I didn't need fuel yet, I will wait a few days for the price to go up. Or if there is any relationship between crude oil prices and pump prices, it might go down. Yeah! Right!

So how have fuel prices affected me. I am better about planning multiple errands in the same trip. There is no special trip for an ice cream cone or a cinnamon roll (even if I could find one). That also is good for weight control. When possible, I try to make my day exploring closer to Wandrin Wagon.

Stopping this nomadic life is not an option to save on fuel costs. Last years camping fees averaged about $450 a month. It would be impossible to rent an apartment for that -- at least where I want to live.

In the final analysis... If I don't spend it, the kids will.

The Columbia Cemetery in Boulder was the site to search for some epitaphs. This is the oldest cemetery in Boulder -- established in 1870.

Wandering around the cemetery on one hot day, I found a stone mason and his wife who were resetting some of the many stones that have toppled over the years. With block and tackle they establish a new foundation and reset the markers. They will have work for many years.

Following a conversation with the couple, I continued my search for epitaphs.

---

Adieu vain world. I have had enough of thee
And now I am careless what thou sayst of me
Thy smiles I court not, nor thy frowns do I fear
My cares are past, and I rest quiet here.
The faults you saw in me, take care to shun
And look at home, enough is to be done.

---

Professor Linguae Latinae In
Universitate Coloradonensi


Sotii Honore Discipul Amore P.O.

Internet searches to translate Latin to English were not great. "Sotii" did not translate to anything that made any sense. What the "P.O." means at the end is another mystery. How about "His passion was teaching".

On previous hikes it was bear and rattlesnake.

This animal life was a little different. A hairless dog. I meet three ladies on the Mesa Trail who had Pink with them. When I saw Pink I wondered what the dog breed may have been. It was a Peruvian Hairless. Also know as Peruvian Inca Orchid, if Pink had hair it would have been mostly a white dog with some spots of brown or black. One of the ladies was pet sitting Pink for a friend. That was when she wondered out loud whether she should have slathered sun screen on Pink's hairless body.

I guess the positive is that there would be no shedding problem nor a periodic grooming.

When getting lost on return to camp after an unsuccessful attempt on K2, Mortenson comes across a local Pakistan village where they tend to his needs for a few days until he is once again reunited with his climbing group. The kindness of the village moves Mortenson to promise to return to build a school -- especially for girls. He builds that school and goes on to build over fifty more over the next decade. This is a small humanitarian effort of secular education which is no match for the heavily financed schools of the Madrasses built by the Saudis which includes instruction in the Saudi's interpretation of the Islamic faith.

With much included historical material, the co-author provides a moving story of Mortenson working with the small village Pakistanis to give them what their own governments can't give them. Mortenson wants nothing in return; his goal is the gift of education to all -- boys and girls.

After yesterday's 95 degree weather, this morning was comfortable in the low 60s. Great hiking weather. It was also good running weather on this Saturday morning. The hikers and plodders were outnumbered by the runners at least five to one. Today I was hiking another section of the Mesa Trail and then the Bluestem Trail when I found this great path view.



I know you're looking at the photos below. So this is how I met the wildlife on this trail. As I was heading down the Bluestem Trail, I stopped momentarily and that was when the rattles went off. Geesh. I spotted the bugger in the grass less than three feet from where I was standing. Obviously, I moved out of the way. Quickly. The warning continued. Not cooperating with me for a better photo, I had to be happy with this grassy pose.



The timing could not have been better when I picked up my forwarded mail yesterday. Within the bundle was a card from Dee with the Rattlesnake Recipe. Thanx Dee for the recipe. Actually that rattlesnake was safe. His rattling scared me into becoming a vegetarian.

Here is the recipe just in case you find a rattlesnake in the meat case at your grocery store.



Years ago when I was still employed, I was at a company sponsored dinner at the Flagstaff in Boulder. Rattlesnake was on the appetizer menu so I had to try it. Did not taste like chicken. To me it was more the texture and flavor of frog legs.

Still keeping the balance on the trails and out of harms way...

After an early morning hike and prediction of temperatures in the 90s, I decided it was time to do some other exploring around Boulder. Googled "what to do in Boulder" and came up with a couple of suggestions.

Celestial Seasonings...In all the years I lived in Boulder, I had never been to Celestial Seasonings to take the tour. That seemed like a great place to start. The tour started out with a video giving an overview of tea at Celestial Seasonings -- how its made and where the teas and herbs and other assorted flavors come from. They come from all across the world. Alfalfa is the only item that comes from Colorado. Alfalfa! I should have asked.



Then it was a plant tour walking through the warehouse with raw materials for the teas. The smells and aromas of the dried product were quite intense and definitely in the air. The bales of mint leaves were stored in a separate room with a door. Opening the door sent a wave of mint aromas and oils into the air. Strong enough to make my eyes water. Never did like mint tea.

The final leg of the tour was through the tea packaging room to watch the bags put in boxes, boxes sealed, and tea boxes put in cartons ready for shipping.

As any self respecting tour, the tour exits through the Celestial Seasonings gift and tea shop. There was lots of tea to choose from. Some that I had not seen in the grocery stores I've shopped. My selections included Chocolate Raspberry Bliss. Brewed a cup this evening. Very good!


Leanin Tree... Then it was just a short distance to Leanin' Tree to see their Museum of Western Art. Approaching the Leanin Tree's entrance is through a sculpture garden.



The western myth has always been a fascination for me. Perhaps it is the "loner" image that is usually depicted that I was drawn to. This museum has examples of the western myth, western scenery, Indian life and other Mountain West subjects. The greeting cards, post cards, calendars, etc produced by Leanin' Tree is contained in rows and rows of display racks. With all the choices it was difficult. It was then I realized that my greetings were usually via the internet and an email. Didn't spend any money as I headed out the door.

Keeping a balance in the checking account is good...

Hiking.... Wandrin Wagon's inside temperatures are the first indication of early morning -- about six to seven. Pulling up the covers does nothing to take off the chill. May as well get up and enjoy a hike. Early morning hikes are peaceful with that early morning sun light doesn't wash out the colors of flowers and the Flatirons.

The lupines are at their peak and now the bright blues of the chicory are the predominant blooming plant. Mostly a green stick like plant with few leaves, the chicory's most attractive feature is the bright blue flower. In this case I used it as decoration in this photo of a Wandrin Path. Where does the path go. Actually, this is part of a four to five mile loop back to the trail head to get my exercise when I take this loop.



No monsoon rains here... Rain has been a scarce commodity. Actually it has been virtually non-existent. In the three weeks in the Pyle's driveway it has rained just once -- probably less than an eighth of an inch. The roses are still blooming so I must be doing a reasonably good job at keeping things alive. It's really not that hard turning on the drip irrigation system once a week.



Boulder and the automobile.... In my case, driving Silver Slug in Boulder traffic and finding parking places is an ordeal. The town is not auto friendly. It's no secret that Boulder is trying to get people onto public transportation, walking or bike riding.

The Saturday Farmers Market is one reason I head into downtown Boulder. That is not too bad as I park on the street about four or five blocks away and walk. My only other reason for Boulder shopping is Barnes and Noble. That parking lot is impossible. The spaces in the parking lot are designed for sports cars smaller than a Honda Civic. In that parking lot, Silver Slug occupies two spaces and sticks out into the traffic lane.

And those are the reasons that I go shopping in Superior just a few miles south of Boulder on Hwy 36. The parking lots are larger and designed for real cars and the Silver Slug.

Trying to keeping the balance in Boulder is not easy.

Convenience is great. Hiking trails -- marked to avoid getting lost -- are a network through the open space from Boulder to Eldorado Springs. From my driveway parking, I can be on a trail within five to ten minutes. On some rare mornings I was on a trail before seven. On those days I manage to work a nap into the busy day.

At the south trail head of the Mesa Trail is this stone building built in 1874. Raising the quarried and finished stones to second floor of the home was labor. However, take a look at those monster stones at the foundation of the home. This home was built to last.



This hike was one of those early morning hikes. These deer seemed to be curious about this hiker as they paralleled my walk along the trail. However, they soon bored of my slow walk and resumed looking for tasty green grass. As I continued along the trail, I saw several rabbits and a couple of ducks in flight.



A large boulder along the trail provided this art piece of fossilized fish. It is not a fossil at all, but on a natural rock surface with the help of erosion and weathering, Nature created a great likeness of a fish.



On today's early morning's hike, I was enjoying the scenery, the wild flowers, prickly pear cactus flowers and wild roses.



And that was when in my peripheral vision, I spotted a black object. It was a bear crossing the meadow about 200 feet away. Great time for the camera to be in its holster! By the time I had the camera focused on the bear, he was farther away and in the trees heading toward Bear Canyon (how appropriate). However, in spite of my shaking, I was able to capture the bear's rear (photo of the black spot between the trees). Really. It was not a "Photoshop addition."



Now with all my senses on high alert, I listen and scan my surroundings. Okay. So that noise was my own breathing. Geesh. That is a stump. Distant airplane. So where are all the people that I normally meet on this trail. It didn't take long. Soon there were the usual runners and hikers and dogs. Lots of them. I relaxed once again.

After weeks of no rain, as I make this entry at mid day, it is raining. Not a lot, but a little more than spots in the dust.

Enjoying life is a matter of balance -- and sometimes that does include a bear.

Since I have arrived in Boulder, I have walked or hiked every day -- except today. Rich came down from his secluded mountain home to visit me in Boulder. He needed a people fix. Rather than getting some real exercise when hiking in the nearby Flatirons, we decided to stroll Boulder's Pearl Street and have a lunch. The calories we ate didn't equal the amount of strolling.

Tomorrow is another day and with good intentions I will go for a real hike. Early in the morning before it gets to hot. 90 degree weather is predicted for this Fourth of July holiday weekend.

On my first hike onto a trail in the Flatirons and near the Mesa Trail, I found this sign warning of bear. Is this sign necessary. The odds of having an accident on the freeways are much greater than encountering a bear on this trail. There are no signs at the on ramps of freeways warning of the dangers of drinking drivers, cell phone drivers or inexperienced drivers.

However, as I walked along I checked for bear tracks and scat. It was a good thing I didn't find any. It would have made for a very unpleasant hike. It also helped that there several other hikers on the trail. Some were runners. The sign said not to run so those runners were obviously at greater risk than this old plodder.

Some of my recent hikes in the nearby Flatirons were on trails that I had hiked 20 years ago. On one of those recent hiking days, I thought about hiking South Boulder Peak or Bear Peak. However, I decided against that when I realized I was 20 years older and in much poorer shape.

So I enjoyed the hikes and the scenery. As usual the photos are not equal to the real experience of a 180 degree view, the sounds of birds and insects, the light breeze and the natural plant smells. For me the photos are a reminder of the hike.



Trying to keep the balance...