On the Hunt for Dinosaurs in Colorado

I recently had an article on the dinosaur museum and other places to hunt dinosaurs near Grand Junction Colorado published in WanderWithWonder.com. I loved that museum even though I suspect kids will love it even more!

Just outside of Grand Junction Colorado you’ll find yourself in the heart of Colorado dinosaur country. A great place to start learning about these fascinating prehistoric creatures is at the Museum of Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey Museum in nearby Fruita, Colorado.

You can read my full article and see more scary photos here. 

Fear of ladders: The Mesa Verde experience

 

An easy climb at
Bandelier National Monument
in New Mexico

I’ve climbed ladders into Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings before. At Bandelier National Monument, not far from the Visitors Center, there are some fairly short ladders to climb. I climbed those without hesitation. So I figured I was ladder-proficient.

 On a recent tour of the Four Corners area we traveled up a road to the high, looming mesa the Spanish named Mesa Verde.  When we arrived at Mesa Verde National Park, I had no concerns. I looked forward to seeing the famous cliff dwellings. I had yet to find out that ladders might be involved. I slept well that night on the top of the Mesa. The sunset was stunning. The dinner at the Far View Lodge dining room was excellent.

 In the morning, we were told we’d be meeting a park ranger for a tour. In fact, we had scored the last tickets for the morning tour of Balcony House. Our leader seemed excited. (I should have taken this as a “red flag”)

Our destination for the morning.

 Of course, I had yet to hear about the ladders at Balcony House. I soon found out that the tunnel, passageways, and 32-foot entrance ladder are what make Balcony House the most adventurous cliff dwelling tour in the park. Of course you have to go with a ranger on a guided tour. With 40 rooms, Balcony House is considered a medium size cliff dwelling. Only 10 sites in the park have more rooms. It is a place you’ll want to see. But be forewarned…. There is a huge ladder rising toward the sky, a 32-foot ladder. And, as you’ll find out, there are even more!

 We arrived for a briefing. At some point I would guess the ranger would eye the participants and judge whether or not they were ladder-proficient. Perhaps my hiking boots and Columbia Sportswear jacket fooled her. I was allowed to remain with the tour. We walked down a path, through a locked gate and gathered. We were told that we could turn back at this point as our ranger was in radio contact with the ranger at the top of the hill. I took note but didn’t opt out.

32 feet, side by side.

 Our group started discussing the ominous ladder serving to accelerate the anxiety among those of us susceptible to fear of heights and ladders. We rounded the corner and there it was. A huge ladder with rungs the diameter of small trees, and lying at an angle which could only be described as straight up, loomed before us. We were briefed and the first of the group (the braver among us) started to ascend the cliff face. My turn came. By then my palms were sweaty and I wondered if I could even grasp the rungs.

 I was aware that there were people behind me so I had no choice but to go up… rung by rung. I worried that my legs would start shaking. As I put my weight on each rung, I felt a little movement. I maintained my focus on the cliff face in front of me. I didn’t look up and I didn’t look down (that would have been a big mistake!). I went slowly and all of a sudden the ranger grabbed my hand and guided it toward the chain. Ah… I had reached the top and the chain was much easier to grasp than the super-sized rungs.

Yeah, it was scary!

 I made it to the top and crawled onto the floor of the Ancient Puebloan dwelling. Slowly I stood up and joined the group as we awaited the guided tour (and took a deep breath). The view was worth the climb. Unlike others, I stayed far back from the edge of the cliff and wondered how the ancient mothers kept their children from falling. We soon found out that they used cradleboards and, well, the kids eventually learned how to keep safe.

 Our tour was informative and we crawled from section to section on our knees. We reached the end of our stay at Balcony House and were told to head out along the trail to …. (gulp) more ladders to climb. There were two shorter ladders, both straight up. I wasn’t prepared for any additional challenges but figured the designated route had to be better than trying to go back down the 32-foot ladder with tree-sized rungs. So up I went. It was scary too but I knew that once I reached the top, that would be it. The ladder challenge would be over.

The way out!

 I finished the climb, stood up and started photographing some of my colleagues as they climbed and, with equal sighs of relief, reached the summit. We headed for the snack bar and enjoyed a lunch of Navajo tacos and soft drinks. Some among us might have preferred a Prickly Pear Margarita. It had been that kind of morning.

 While I may have embellished the story a bit, I was, quiet honestly, scared even though the National Park makes it a safe climb. My desire to learn more about Balcony House and the ancient people that lived there, plus a little peer pressure, prodded me on.

 More Information

Mesa Verde National Park
Southwest Adventure Tours
Grand Circle Association

The view from Balcony House and the opportunity to
tour the cliff dwellings was worth the climb.

This experience was part of a Grand Circle tour provided by Southwest Adventure Tours and hosted by the members of the Grand Circle Association. While this has not influenced this content, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Best Western United States Travel Experiences of 2015

In looking back over 2015, I had some amazing experiences that I enjoyed sharing with readers. They are experiences I'd highly recommend and would be thrilled to repeat. Some were close to home and one actually enticed me to board an airplane, something I've avoided for awhile. My favorite experiences of 2015 were:

Watch the waves crash at Washington's Waikiki Beach

Washington's Long Beach Peninsula: I love the wild beauty and surprising culinary delights to be found on the Long Beach Peninsula. In early 2015 I had the pleasure of returning to the Long Beach Peninsula to explore an extension of the Discovery Trail, visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and stay at the Inn at Harbor Village in Ilwaco.

On another trip to this Longest Beach in the World, I had the pleasure of connecting with nature at the antique-filled China Beach Retreat.  Although not so far from Ilwaco and Long Beach, I recommend the retreat as a place to get away from it all.

And, of course, dining at The Depot Restaurant in Seaview is always a favorite part of returning to the Long Beach Peninsula. The Clamshell Railroad history is interesting, but always topped by a bowl of Chef Michael's clam chowder!

This Longest Beach in the world is not just for summer fun. It's a great place to go in winter and spring, to experience the storms, high waves and, perhaps, do a little whale watching.

High Desert Beauty of Bend and Sunriver Oregon: In April, enticed by the Travel and Words

Luscious Ocean Rolls
from Bend's Sparrow Bakery

Travel Writer's conference at Sunriver Resort, I drove over Mt. Hood and down to Bend to tour beautiful Central Oregon. Memorable were the mountain views, the smell of the pine trees and the fun of golf boarding at Tetherow Golf Resort.

Sunriver Resort, on the Deschutes River, was busy finishing a new pool area and creating new restaurant menus. This alone, is reason to return to experience more! The conference was held on site and so we walked the wooded trails on breaks and to and from our mountain-view accommodations.

The nearby Oregon High Desert Museum provided an experience with local wildlife and a look at pioneer life.

Local cuisine didn't take a back seat to all this natural beauty. I had the pleasure of touring some local farms and wineries, devouring an Ocean Roll and dining at the excellent Zydeco Kitchen in Bend.

Bend's Ale Trail and visiting a local brewery with hops growing out back in the garden has to be mentioned. Lot's of reasons to return!

Smoking away at SMOKED!

Exploring the Best Cuisine Oregon has to Offer: My first exposure to Feast Portland,  Oregon's huge multi-event culinary festival, was a memorable one. I tasted my way from the Feast Portland welcome party at Jacobson's Salt to the Sandwich Invitational and finally my favorite, Oregon Media Group's SMOKED!

Feast Portland was both an indulgent feast and an in-depth learning experience leading me to some excellent locally sourced wines and cuisine.

Overall, Smoked! was my favorite event. Treated to a rousing ride on the Old School Karaoke Bus, we arrived at The Fields park in Portland's trendy Pearl District.  The sun, reflecting on the new glass and steel buildings, was ready to set. Smoke was rising from barbque grills, paella pans, and smokers all around the grounds.

I started going from booth to booth. Talking with the chefs as they cooked was so intriguing, I barely noticed when Country Cat Dinner House, a restaurant known for huge down-home portions, started serving up bites of succulent Tomahawk Rib Eye chops with slightly spicy tomato chimichurri butter still warm from the grill.

And it went on well after dark. I couldn't taste everything. I couldn't attend all the events and after parties. So, I'll just have to return!

Wild About Game at The Resort at the Mountain
I think Feast Portland whetted my appetite for local cuisine and so was very happy to accept an invite to Nicky USA's Wild About Game. The location couldn't have been better, either. Imagine fall scenery at The Resort at the Mountain in Welches, Oregon. That was the backdrop for this gathering of chefs and purveyors of local foods and drink.

The backdrop for Nicky USA's
Wild About Game

This year’s chef competition featured chefs from Seattle and Portland who were assigned specialty game around which they would create their dishes for the competition. The game included Nicky Farms water buffalo, rabbit (which was how the company started), quail and the new addition to the family, Hawaiian venison.

Purveyors of everything from local cheeses to Salt and Straw ice cream were there. The wine was flowing and there was plenty of food to sample. By the end of the event, I was happy that I had booked a room and could enjoy a quiet night on the mountain.

From Mountains to the Sea: Exploring Northwest Washington
Wondering how I would see Washington's Olympic Peninsula AND Mt. Rainier in less than a week, I packed everything from hiking boots to fine dining attire. After a wonderful welcome dinner at Seattle's Aqua by El Gaucho with the sparkling Seattle skyline as a view, I found I would no longer need anything other than hiking boots and jeans for the rest of the trip.

The next day our small group boarded a ferry to Bainbridge Island and left the big city behind. We explored Poulsbo, Port Gamble and, finally, the Victorian town of Port Townsend and Fort Worden. I vowed to return as there was so much history, art and waterfront scenery to see.

Historic Lake Quinault Lodge

Our whirlwind tour of the Olympic Peninsula included stops at the Olympic National Park including Hurricane Ridge with stunning views of the snow-peaked Olympics.

We experienced this history and lakeside views of two grand lodges: Lake Crescent Lodge and Lake Quinault Lodge and ran into an international crowd of Twilight groupies in Forks. We walked with a ranger in the rain forest and enjoyed burgers on the porch at the Hard Rain Cafe.

And that was just the beginning! The next leg of our journey took us to Mt. Rainier National Park where we learned that park roads were constructed with sight-seeing in mind. And there were sights galore. My favorite was scene of brilliant red bushes with a backdrop of snowy Mt. Rainier. We took short hikes and enjoyed Mt. Rainier's Paradise Lodge which turns 100 next year.

And, of course, we were treated to local cuisine. My favorite was Alexander's Fine Mountain Dining in nearby Ashford. While my colleagues fished for dinner in the restaurant's trout pond, I was thrilled when the chef brought out his "catch," local Chanterelle mushrooms. Chef Troy suggested his veal and chanterelles for dinner. The veal dish was sautéed with lemon and fresh herbs, then topped with white wine beurre blanc and served with herb-roasted potatoes.

Soon we were whisked back to the big city. Although arriving late in the evening, I enjoyed a restful night at the elegant Mayflower Park Hotel.

Again, each experience was much too brief and left me wanting to return, to write in-depth articles and experience more of Washington State.

Southwest Adventure - Ancient Cliff Dwellings and Stunning Natural Beauty: I had been secretly yearning to return to the beautiful, culturally rich American Southwest. Just when I thought I'd have to see the year end without a glimpse of sandstone formations or Native culture, I was invited to join a Grand Circle Association press tour starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

And, adding to the excitement of the trip was the fact that I hadn't experienced or written about the majority of places we would be going. I was excited!

Amazing views in Canyonlands National Park

Our first stop was a familiar one... Acoma Pueblo. I was able to reconnect with potter friend Emil Chino, and take a tour of the mesa-top village with Guide Turtle. I always marvel at the endurance of the people and how they maintain their culture and arts. After a traditional meal, we enjoyed a Buffalo Dance.

We toured Chaco Culture National Historic Park and reflected on the abilities of late stone-age people to construct massive hand-hewn stone complexes that seemed to align with astronomical events.

We found that there were many more sites in outlying areas that connected, somehow, with the ancestral Puebloans. We had the fortune of touring Aztec Ruins with a local archeologist. My first article for Sunset.com was drawn from my experiences touring Aztec Ruins and visiting their museum.

Out of Durango, Colorado we had a luxurious ride on the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railway high into the mountains, often looking down into a gorge at a rushing river. Silverton was a restored boom town and a great stop after a scenic ride pulled by a real steam engine.

But then there was more! We climbed 32 foot ladders into cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde and went on a wild off road adventure in Canyonlands National Park. What we saw was nothing short of amazing. At every turn there was a natural bridge, sandstone formation, rushing river or historical site. Touring the Four Corners area deserves many weeks. But we were there less than one week. Oh well, I must return! I must write more!

To Travel is to Live Life
I don't know how people go through life without traveling, without a thirst for the knowledge of other cultures and other lands. In this one year, I have experienced traveling to see unusual sights and cultures different from my own, all without venturing past the Western U.S.

I look forward to what 2016 will bring.

Elizabeth
Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography

Grand Junction Colorado’s 626 on Rood: Farm to table cuisine with a huge surprise

Wine glass chandelier
caught our eye

In a land of Navajo tacos and down home family restaurants we were surprised to find a rather elegant farm to table cuisine restaurant and wine bar. 626 on Rood (because they are on Rood St.) partners with local growers to provide fresh, creative American cuisine to the quaint downtown area of Grand Junction.

Theo Otte and his partner Brenda Wray wanted to do something unique when they opened the restaurant in Grand Junction. They were determined to incorporate the Grand Valley's local products into their restaurant and create dishes with a flair not usually found in the area.

Heirloom tomatoes awaited diners

After traveling the Four Corners area of the Southwest for a little over a week we were ready for a creative meal. I was pleased with the décor of the restaurant and wine bar and impressed by the menu and wine list incorporating Colorado wines into the offering.

I chuckled at the last entrée on the menu, Wagyu Bone-in Ribeye from 7X Cattle Ranch (Hotchkiss, CO) weighing in at 40 ounces! It would be accompanied by horseradish crème fraiche. Nothing was said about “eat at all and your meal will be free” so I also chuckled, to myself, about the price of $135.

The calamari was beautifully presented

Our group ordered appetizers including oysters on the half shell and Calamari stuffed with crab, shrimp and tarragon, with a red pepper compote. I ordered the half rack of lamb, smashed fingerlings in a berbere – cherry – red wine reduction. I added roasted vegetables. The half rack was two chops, a reasonable meal.

As I ordered I heard a commotion at the end of our table for 10. Our tall and fit trip leader had decided to “go for it all.” He ordered the 40 oz. Wagyu Ribeye and had no doubt that he could finish it all. We agreed he deserved it after putting up with us for over a week and so watched intently as Chef Theo showed him the soon-to-be-cooked portion. It didn’t dissuade him in the least.

40 ounces. Can he eat it all? Should he?

 We enjoyed appetizers and flights of wine, including excellent Colorado wines. My favorite was the Red Fox Cellars Sangiovese ’13 from nearby Palisade, Colorado.

 

The rack of lamb was well seasoned and the roasted vegetables
were fresh from local farmers.

It was time for the entrees. My rack of lamb was beautifully presented and lightly cooked as is best for lamb chops. But all eyes were on the end of the table as the now cooked Wagyu beef was presented to our trip leader. It was sliced and the huge bone remained on the plate. It was accompanied by horseradish and a creamy side of macaroni and cheese.

 

The succulent rib eye was sliced for easy eating.

As we dined, we noticed that the succulent and lightly seasoned rib-eye was apparently a hit. And, apparently, it was not all that difficult to eat. By the end of the evening only a few bites were shared with those who wanted a taste.  And the bone? Well a lucky dog was going to get to knaw on that.  We all enjoyed our meals and remained impressed with the quality of the meat and produce as well as the presentation and taste.

The meals were topped off with shared desserts, all equally amazing.

 

We were pleased to be introduced to Theo Otte and his partner Brenda Wray
and discover the cuisine of 626 on Rood

If you are in the the Grand Junction, Colorado area, perhaps touring Colorado National Monument or wine tasting in the valley, consider staying an extra evening and making a reservation for dinner at 626 on Rood.

More Information
626 on Rood Website
Visiting Grand Junction Colorado

Southwest Adventure Tours
Grand Circle Association

This experience was part of a Grand Circle tour provided by Southwest Adventure Tours and hosted by the members of the Grand Circle Association. While this has not influenced this content, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

 

Winter Sports in Colorado: Even if you can't ski!

Dog Sledding in Colorado (courtesy: Durango Resort)

It's wintertime and everyone is going to Colorado to ski and snowboard. But if you don't ski, what can you do? Colorado is known around the world for its epic skiing and snowboarding and its 25 world-class ski resorts and areas. Yet, visitors who are looking to experience the other side of Colorado’s winter season will find countless other activities, from ice climbing and snowmobiling to snow biking and dog sledding.

Following is a sampling of the winter sports activities that can be enjoyed in Colorado. For additional information or to order a copy of the 2013 Official State Visitors Guide, visit www.colorado.com.

Snow Biking in Telluride. Home to world-class skiing and snowboarding, Telluride is one of the finest ski resorts in the world. It is also an amazing area for non-skiers looking for fun winter activities. Telluride, known for its amazing mountain biking from spring through fall, now offers snow biking in the winter for the first time. Local area outfitter BootDoctors offers Big Tire Bike Tours on Salsa Mukluk fat bikes starting this winter season, an adventure that can be tailored to various riding abilities. A stop at the Telluride Brewing Company for an après bike libation can be included as part of the half day Big Tire Bike and Brew Tour. 

Ice Climbing in Ouray. The tiny southwestern Colorado town of Ouray is known for off-roading and biking in the spring through fall seasons. However, every winter, the town attracts visitors from around the world for its amazing ice climbing at the Ouray Ice Park. In January, the ice park hosts the annual Ouray Ice Festival, the premier ice climbing festival in the U.S., which attracts skilled ice climbers and spectators from around the world. The Ouray Ice Park also offers the Kids Climbing College, a free ice climbing clinic for kids ages 8-17, hosted by San Juan Mountain Guides. All equipment is provided and is offered on a first come, first served basis. 

Snowshoeing in Vail. The posh resort of Vail is synonymous with world-class skiing. The resort, which celebrates its 50th season in 2013, offers every snow sport visitors can imagine, from skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and snowmobiling. But the area is also home to amazing snowshoeing on groomed trails, for those who want to explore some backcountry beauty on their own. Pack some snacks and bottled water, strap on your snowshoes and you're on your way. Many area outfitters offer snowshoes and all necessary equipment to enjoy a day exploring Colorado’s back country. 

Georgetown Jeep Ice Racing. For the past 37 years, Our Gang Ice Racing has been holding jeep ice races on Georgetown Lake in the charming Victorian town of Georgetown, Colorado. On weekends in January and February, Georgetown is transformed into a racetrack for Jeeps and other four-wheel drive vehicles. Experience levels vary but there is a beginner’s class, which allows anyone with a driver’s license to participate in a race. 

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Iconic Rocky Mountain National Park receives heavy snowfall west of the Continental Divide. But the eastern side of the park receives lighter snowfall, leaving low elevation trails (below 8,700 feet) open for hiking without the need for snowshoes. Trails range anywhere from 1.5 to three miles in length and are rated easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. Along the trails, visitors can see lakes, streams and valleys dotted with evergreens and aspens. Before each outing, check with park rangers for local snow conditions. 

Snowmobiling in Aspen. Aspen is known throughout the world as a winter ski destination where celebrities and luminaries flock for some of the best skiing in the country. And yet the region also boasts a plethora of other winter activities, including snowmobiling. Snowmobile cross is an event in the Winter X Games, which take place in Aspen every January. For non-pros, access to amazing snowmobiling is widely available from outfitters such as the Aspen Snowmobile Concierge tours, including the popular Timberline Tour. This guided tour heads through Aspen's high mountain parks and pristine forests and is suited for ages four and up. Visitors will see spectacular views of Aspen and Snowmass Mountains nestled away from the glitzy resort. All tours have free practice riding time in open meadows so guests can familiarize themselves with the equipment and terrain. Hot beverages are also served. 

Dog Sledding in Durango. Southwest Colorado is home to the popular ski resort Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort. The skiing and riding is top-notch but Durango is also home to the Durango Dog Ranch, which offers amazing dog sledding tours on groomed backcountry trails. The ranch's season runs from mid November until mid April, weather permitting. There is a guide on every sled and all participants will get a chance to drive the sled. Snacks are included.

Information courtesy: Colorado Tourism Office