Rocco helped me edit my birthday blog. He was very insightful. Sophia is tucked in beside me under the blanket, some of the best moments in life right here.
We had fun touring a little of Colorado Springs today. Ron wanted to find Pickle Ball courts, and hopefully play while we’re out here. His search led us to Monument Valley Park which is beside Colorado College. You can access Pikes Peak Greenway Trail from this park. We got lost, which was inevitable, and ended up on Cascade Ave, the picture of the street with two white lines, it reminded me of Charlotte, NC. This avenue is part of a network to allow multi-modal transportation throughout the city. We did a driving tour of the college after stopping by the Pickle Ball courts to discover the lay of the land. People start at 7:00 a.m. each morning and play until noon. The courts were packed, the people we talked too said they’ve turned all of the tennis courts in the area into pickle ball courts. According to the lady I spoke with, this is one of several pickle ball facilities. If you’re a Pickle Ball fan, this is an area for you.
We found ourselves at the Historic Old North End of Colorado Springs. Never knowing what you’re going to find, we decided to drive through the neighborhood and find out. The neighborhood dates back to the 1800’s, according to the website, it is the “most charming neighborhood in the entire state.” I finally realized, the mountain I keep taking pictures of, to the the best of my knowledge at the moment, is Pike’s peak.
Ron discovered Shuga’s for lunch, it was a good discovery. The food was delicious, the environment laid back, the staff friendly and accommodating. I may plan the trips, but I let Ron decide what we do when we get there. His taste is impeccable, he always manages to find the gems. The restaurant had lots of eclectic pieces scattered around, my favorite was the telephone booth with the typewriter in it.
I wasn’t going to have a glass of wine until I saw “Crappy wine of the moment” on the menu and knew I had to try it. I can confirm, it was crappy wine. I had the Aracelli Salad, made with salmon and all kinds of goodness. The waitress talked me into the Roasted Beet Gazpacho with Creme’ Fraiche, not a fan favorite for me, but worth a try. Ron had the Northwest Pita, basically the same salad I had except on a pita. He had to try the mac and cheese with jalapeno’s, I tried it with out the spice, it’s hard to go wrong with mac and cheese. I felt very “healthy” as I ate my lunch, everything good for me, except maybe the wine. I did eat some type of Almond Butter Cake for desert, a big almond cookie baked like a pie. Ron helped me finish it, a little dry, but good.
Our check came in the Field Book, it’s their version of a guest book. People sign it however they want, some business advertisements, some hellos, mostly reviews. Fun idea!
Gorgeous weather as we head to Red Rock Amphitheater to hear Greensky Bluegrass. We almost postponed our trip until the 29th when Lauren Daigle is performing, but I wanted to be here over my birthday. The timing just didn’t work out this trip. I did just learn from my husband, Red Rocks is located in Morrison, CO which makes it my favorite venue. We drove by the Air Force Academy, framed perfectly within the mountains. We’ll be passing by Castle Rock, which was my first introduction to Colorado 20 years ago. I came here to work at the Castle Rock Outlets for a week, I was deciding whether or not I was going to move here. I was working for Wallet Works at the time. I was tempted but they filled the position with someone local who worked for the company, they didn’t have to pay for them to move. That was the week I fell in love with Colorado.
Ron wanted to drive into the middle of Denver, so we did. I loved the walk ways that were built over the roads. Not a great shot of the skyline, but it is a shot.
As we were driving down the hill into Red Rocks, the view was spectacular. The amphitheater opened in 1941 and was once one of the Seven Wonders of the. Geological World. We arrived at 5:20 p.m. MST, plenty early. We went to the Trading Post where the Colorado Hall of Music Fame is located. Great tribute to John Denver and Dan Fogelberg. I talked Ron into buying a shirt, none were appealing to him, but he needed a Red Rocks t-shirt with his music background. He loved when the ticket agent told him he, “Owned the town” when he saw his last name.
As we were walking into the Trading Post, I scared this little guy out of his hiding place. He wasn’t more than 5 feet from me. Poor thing, he didn’t know what to do, there were people everywhere. He just crossed the street and ran off, away from people.
The doors opened at 6:00, we got in line about five minutes til. Everyone was tailgating, and people in line took their drinks with them, something you definitely don’t see in Virginia. I have never entered a concert like this before. Ron was mesmerized with the Red Rocks. He was calculating their angle, which he thought was 45 degrees, and the years of wind that had worn them down to this shape
I had to walk to the top to see the view and I wasn’t disappointed. Denver skyline can be seen in the distance. I was winded and had to sit for a break, but I’m glad I made the effort.
Of course we had to take the obligatory selfie.
The opener was Rayland Baxter. I was surprised when I read the sign about marijuana as we were waiting for the show to start, then I remembered where we were. Just after reading the warning, I looked to the right, a young guy sitting in front of me smoking a joint, apparently he didn’t read the sign. He wasn’t the only one, no one seemed to be concerned. We haven’t seen anyone smoking in public anywhere else so maybe the venue is why, or I just hadn’t noticed, which is also possible. Ron did indulge in a Dale’s Pale Ale beer, bargain price of $12.75. I loved when I checked us in on Facebook, the location said, “Morrison, CO.”
I don’t think I can ever put into words what it feels like to be sitting here in this moment. Music is not my world, I don’t have the understanding of it Ron has, but I’m beginning to understand why he loves music as he does. He said he misses doing outdoor shows more than anything else. I can understand why, especially on nights like this, the weather is perfect, the crowd relaxed, the music heartfelt. I’m learning to be comfortable outside of my comfort zone. I would definitely say the feeling of the crowd is a free spirit atmosphere, reminiscent of Woodstock. I didn’t realize the ’70’s fashion had made such a comeback until I saw all of the cute young things in bell bottoms and head scarves. We all know what a fashionista I am, not at all.
The moon was incredible. I was focused on the band when Ron nudged me and said, “Look at the moon.” I knew the moon was going to be full again, but wow, what a view. The pictures don’t do it justice, but I have to say, the camera on my phone isn’t bad.
Greensky Bluegrass took an hour to come on after the opener finished. We had to leave early because of the 1 hour and 15 minute drive home. The pups were waiting for us. We came, we saw, we got the t-shirt:-). Walking down the stairs as we left seemed endless, then the hike up to the car, great way to get exercise.
Again!!! Wonderful!!! Thank you.
I do not take your encouragement for granted, please know that. It’s hard sometimes to put yourself out there. Never know who is waiting to knock you down. Love you Cousin!