Summer in the City

Just kidding! This is definitely the opposite of the city. On Saturday I went for a drive in the mountains with my friend JB, just to decompress and get away from the heat for a while. We ended up at Deckers, then followed the South Platte River for a bit. There were quite a few people enjoying the water, some of them fishing, some of them floating along on inner tubes, some of them on rafts. Here's a nice wide shot. I'll post more tomorrow.

And now, for your listening pleasure...

Twins

On Sunday, Pat and I took a drive through Cheyenne Cañon just for fun (and it was so crowded, yikes -- everyone is moving to Colorado, it seems!). At the entrance to the canyon we noticed these two cuties, so we pulled over so I could get a picture. I like how the one in the back is licking his lips. Cute! And if you're worried about parental supervision, don't worry, their mom was just a few yards away, munching on some leaves.

Just another beautiful Sunday in Colorado!

Did you have a nice weekend? We did! Although it can be tricky during wedding season, I try to take Sundays off whenever possible. Pat and I took a drive yesterday afternoon into the mountains to get some fresh air and recharge our batteries. We didn't go far, just a few miles beyond Deckers, but we felt so much better afterward. There were plenty of anglers on (or in!) the South Platte, enjoying the gorgeous scenery and mild weather -- and hopefully catching some trout. It was such a beautiful afternoon, exactly the kind of day you imagine when you think of summer in Colorado.

Stir crazy

You know where to find Colorado Springsians when the weather is nice in January: outdoors. Pat and I went for a brisk walk in Monument Valley Park last Saturday, and we were definitely not alone! Here are a few of the many people we came across at the park, all of them shaking off the winter blues by getting their heart rates up.

Sunday Style!

Last Sunday, Pat and I went for a little drive in the mountains, and when we pulled over to take in a favorite view on Highway 67 we saw this guy and his fantastic old motorcycle. After listening to Pat chatting with him about the bike, I asked if he'd pose for a picture. That motorcycle was so cool! The man told me that his name was Billy and that he's had the bike since 1978, the year it was built. It's a Triumph 750 Bonneville; he bought it new as a sophomore in college, has been its sole owner all these years, and he's "the only person who has ever turned a wrench on it," to use his words. 1978 was the last year this particular model was manufactured, so that makes it even more cool! Pat and I also really liked Billy's leather jacket. It's covered in a multitude of international flags, as you can see. We thought that was very individualistic! Stylish bike, stylish rider. Thanks for the pictures, Billy!

July Theme Day: celebrating summer!

June has flown by, and July is upon us! The first of every month is Theme Day for City Daily Photo bloggers. This month's theme is celebrating summer. I thought these images of children splashing around in the Uncle Wilber Fountain on a hot afternoon would be the perfect fit. [Fun fact: this post stars my assistant's cute daughters! :^)]

For more celebrating summer images from CDP bloggers worldwide, click HERE!

Motorcycle show

I knew this picture would get your attention! Pat and I went to a motorcycle show last Sunday, and this lovely lady, Rachel, gave me a nice smile for the blog. I like motorcycles in theory, and I like going on rides, but Pat's the real enthusiast in this relationship. Lately he's been thinking of buying a nice touring bike. What kind of motorcycle do you prefer, the crazy custom style ones that are so popular now, or the old school style? I love old motorcycles, like Indians, BSAs and Triumphs. They have such gorgeous lines.

Here are a few more pictures from the event. Enjoy!

This bike has set speed records at the Salt Flats. How cool is that?!?

I love everything about this old Harley Davidson. It's a beaut!

The Sons of Silence were there. They have a violent reputation. Surely you've heard of them, but if not, click HERE for a little history.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Cheyenne Mountain State Park opened in 2006, and I have yet to explore it. In fact, I must admit that I hadn't even heard of this new-ish open space until Pat took me there the other evening.  (This is reprehensible! A state park within our city limits, and I had no idea it was there!)  It was too late to do any exploring, so I had to satisfy myself with this one picture -- but I promise to go back soon during daylight hours and get lots of good photos for you!

A good day to recreate

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Colorado Springs, with a warm chinook wind, sunshine, and temperatures in the low sixties.  It was a nice respite from the cold and snowy weather we've had lately.  Pat and I went for a walk in Monument Valley Park in the late afternoon, where we found many other like-minded Colorado Springsians out walking, running and biking.

Three, two, one... BLAST OFF!

Pat and I spent Sunday afternoon at Memorial Park near our house, enjoying the sunshine and launching a rocket! I got him an Estes rocket for Christmas, and this was the first chance we've had to actually play with the thing. Of course I had to photograph the whole process.  We launched the rocket three times, and I managed to capture the sequence pretty well on the second attempt.  I made a little animated GIF for you, what do you think?

I must say, this was a really fun way to spend an afternoon and I can't wait to do it again!  If you haven't tried launching a rocket, you should -- especially if you have kids.

Veterans' Memorial

Memorial Park is situated just a few blocks west of my house. It's a great park, and it's pretty much well known to everyone here. Even the people who live in the furthest reaches of the city's parameter, who are afraid to drive downtown (this weird phenomenon because there are exactly two one-way streets downtown, oh no), can still locate Memorial Park. It's huge, there's a lake in the middle of it, an internationally reknowned velodrome (which I guess is a pretty big deal for those into velo racing), a rather awesome skate park that just opened, an ice skating center, tennis courts, and a couple of impressive memorials.

The one above is called the Veterans' Memorial. I've always liked it. Because it looks cool I've used it a few times as a location for fashion photography, but I do recognize its purpose and the gravity of its message. Dedicated in 1968, it honors all five branches of the military and all modern wars.

I think it looks fantastic when we have a beautiful, clear and sunny day, like yesterday.