Colorado

We just got back from a trip to Colorado. It was a beautiful state (when its not raining!) Jason technically had to be in Denver for a conference, but we had time to spend exploring together since we stayed a few extra days. The weather cooperated more with us towards the end of the week. At first it was raining and unseasonably cold. It forced me to do a little shopping for a sweater or two....but I didn't mind too much! :)

We spent some time touring downtown Denver, the Colorado State Capitol, its beautiful lawn, and City Park. We also enjoyed some wonderful local restaurants including Elway's (John Elway's Restaurant) and an amazing Italian place called Venice. The pic above is Jason and I at the State Capitol. We could see the gold topped building from our hotel room and debated until we got there what it really was! It was here that we took the "1 mile above sea level" pics. The 13th stair on the steps to the capitol building is exactly one mile above sea level. It also has a pretty cool view looking down on the lawn and out over the city too!

We also did some hiking in the Rocky Mountains near Denver. We drove along a scenic highway and stopped at various parks and hiking trails. Some were near the peaks of the mountains, others at the base near creeks and rivers. We saw snow on a few mountain tops, but fortunately didn't go climbing up there!

We visited Red Rock Amphitheater for part of an afternoon also. It was an amazing facility, I can see why musicians like to play there! It is truly formed of all red rock. It was here that we also did a little hiking.

At the top of one of the mountains we were driving around/hiking was Buffalo Bill's grave site and museum. It was interesting to see and amazing how long he lived in that time period too. (1846-1917)

We also got a chance to visit with friends of ours that now live in Fort Collins, Colorado. (Jason's old roomate from college and his girlfriend.) We had a nice night with them and plan to go back and visit in the winter when we can go skiing for a long weekend. Should be exciting...and interesting since I haven't skied since I was about 12! Jason is an avid skier and thankfully for his patience, he'll be able to teach me a bit I hope!