Hiking in Colorado: Mount Margaret Trail…

by jendionne10, posted in Hiking in Colorado
Mount Margaret Trail

“Bear!”

We all freeze and turn to look at the outcry of my middle daughter. Out of the shrubbery emerges a….cow.

We all breathed a sigh of relief. None of us wanted to meet a bear.

Near Red Feather Lakes, CO, Mount Margaret Trail is an easy out and back trail. My kids and I hiked this trail that was relatively flat and had amazing wildflowers, butterflies, and pine smells. Burnt trees from fires a few years back (along with some beetle kill) dotted the landscape along with large rocks and boulders.

As opposed to Red Mountain Open Space, this trail had lots of shade and was a bit cooler because of it.

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Fun, easy trail that got me yearning for our forthcoming camping and ATV trip!

Digging at Magic Mountain Archaeological Site…

by jendionne10, posted in Out and About

My kids and I had the opportunity to work side-by-side along archaeologists at the Magic Mountain dig site in Golden, CO.

Located near Apex Park, archaeologists are trying to answer the question: “Just how many people did live here in CO and how long ago?” The answer could prove that early humans were here long before we thought in this area.  Hunter-gatherers lived here as early as 5000 BC but could it be before then?

For the second year in a row, the archaeologists were granted funding and the public has been invited to help them in their search for early artifacts such as clay shards, glass, pottery bits, arrowheads, and more.  Over 80,000 artifacts have been discovered here so far and we now have the opportunity to add to that number!

For 45 minutes we were hosted by volunteers in association with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and were informed of the history of the area, early Native Americans lives, and the archaeological history here.

Then we were escorted onto the site where we got to dig in a plot and help excavate! This was the best part as we got dirty and dug and sifted through dirt to uncover hidden truths and shards of history.

I personally don’t have the patience to do this day in and day out.  It was a great experience and my kids had a blast! Thank you!

Hiking in Colorado: Red Mountain Open Space

by jendionne10, posted in Hiking in Colorado

My kids and I hiked Red Mountain Open Space today. We began around 9 am and it was hot already!

This is an easy trail, sporting beautiful views. It is more on the plains side of Colorado so there is little shade. A burbling stream crosses the trail near the beginning, making for a nice reliever from the sun.

We saw Western Meadowlarks, pronghorn, cattle, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies galore! It was a rocky area with obvious sandstone layers and red rocks which makes for interesting geology. We hiked to Bent Rock and part of the Stone Circle Trail for 4 miles total. We were all anxious to get back to the car to some shade!

Nice hike. Beautiful. Couldn’t ask for more!

Hiking in Colorado: Eagle’s Nest Open Space…

by jendionne10, posted in Hiking in Colorado

My kids and I hiked Eagle’s Nest Open Space just past Livermore, CO.

We did the 4 miles out and back and skipped the loop, which would have added another 2 miles to our hike mainly because it’s the first hike of the summer, and I wanted something easy. We stopped at the bridge and turned around.

We went early, but it was still hot! This was not as flat as I had thought. It’s got ups and downs but is beautiful. Lots of caterpillars, butterflies, birds, and a rabbit. Beautiful stream flows through. Fun!

Windsor, CO: MuseNews

by jendionne10, posted in Town Events

Boardwalk

The Culture Division has a new newsletter called the MuseNews where you can stay abreast of all the cultural activities monthly in Windsor.  This will focus on new exhibits, upcoming programs and classes, and all the cultural happenings and events at the Boardwalk Park Museum and Art & Heritage Center.  Link HERE  Happy Readings!