10 Days in Colorado

Dec 7^th – 16^th

John’s assignment was in Loveland Colorado about an hour north of Denver at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains – an absolutely beautiful part of the USA. We spent time in Denver, Boulder, Golden, Fort Collins, Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains National Park that was covered in snow. He had two workshops to run with one of his favorite co-facilitators Martha, however between the workshops and other meetings we did get out and about to discover the area.

We spent Sunday exploring and visited The Rocky Mountains National Park which looked absolutely beautiful – definitely picture postcard stuff. We walked around the frozen Bear Park and sank knee deep in the snow – such fun. We hiked up to Gem Lake near Estes Park – a 1000ft ascent in 1.7 miles – we certainly earned the magnificent view awaiting us at the top.

Rocky Mtn Nat Pk incl. Bear Park -

Hiking from Lumpy Ridge to Gem Lake -

While in Loveland we walked around Lake Boyd, which hasn’t frozen yet, but it won’t belong. Along the way we came across some great statues – a miniature Statue of Liberty, a statue of children playing and a statue of 2 turtles. At night we checked out the Christmas lights and were most impressed – Americans just love Christmas lights and decorating!

.............................................................................................................Joan, wife of client’s manager, took me on a guided tour of Fort Collins, a large college town & home to Colorado State University. We enjoyed a sumptuous lunch and a visit to the Pendleton store (all the garments sold here are manufactured in the US at the Pendleton Woolen Mills). Joan was very convincing about the quality of the garments so of course I just had to purchase a new coat….

It was a great getaway for us and we just loved the snow – not quite sure about the cold though – certainly made us appreciate the sun in Houston! Experiencing all the Christmas hoopla in winter, particularly seeing the snow fall is amazing – definitely something we will always remember.