From our house it is easy to jump on the bike trail and bike across the entire city in 30 minutes. There are no stop signs or stop lights which makes it easy to get into a quick rhythm.
While Jen is at work I usually bike across town to an incredible REI that was converted from an old brick manufacturing plant. In the center of the REI is a huge climbing pinnacle.
Jen made her first attempt at rock climbing despite her fear of heights and she did really well. She made it to the top!
Me Below
This same day on the way back to our house from REI we ran in to a farmer's market at Cherry Creek Mall.
We bought some locally baked bread.
And for lunch Jen had fresh ceviche and I had a pulled pork sandwich that used buttermilk biscuits for the bread and had all kinds of delicious fixings like onion fries and home made cole slaw. At $8.50 it was a luxury for sure.
This is a 360 degree view from a bridge in downtown Denver. On the far left you can see a small brick building, that is REI. Just below the bridge is the Platte River. REI took a section of the river and created man made rapids so you can test kayaks or other water equipment.
The Day Hike:
This past Sunday we made our way outside of the city and went in search of a good hike. Jen, Audrey, Jessie and I (Jessie and Audrey are optometry students working at Hellerstein and Brenner's with Jen) drove 60 miles South West to a small town called Idaho Springs. It was an old mining town that now boasted tourist attractions like river rafting and camping. We had planned out a 10 mile hike to the Chicago Lakes:
The initial views were beautiful and all four of us were excited to be outside of the city and in the middle of vast wilderness.
A few miles in we hit the Idaho Springs Reservoir
We ate lunch at the Chicago Lakes. Elevation 11,500 feet. From where we were we could see Mt. Evans peak which is well over 14,000 feet. Everyone we have met in Colorado keeps referring to "a 14. You have to do a 14. We are going to hike a 14er this weekend etc." Basically there are numerous peaks over 14,000 feet in the area and a lot of people make it a goal to climb one. Before we leave, Jen and I have to do a 14 I guess.
Every night of the week I can play pickup soccer at a nearby park. It is incredible how much the locals of Denver are committed to spending time outside, doing exercise. It is a great environment if you like getting off the couch and out of the house.
Cheesman Park Memorial Pavillion
Our first real weekend in Denver was great. We explored the city, went on a long hike and saw some of the surrounding wilderness. It is our goal to do something new and worthwhile every weekend. Next weekend we are headed up to Audrey's Aunt's Cabin to do some fishing and cush camping. The following weekend Jen and I will scope out some 2 day backpacking trips.
In the meantime I have been participating in studies at Denver University for a little pocket money. One was a psychology study and I'm going to another today that involves listening to music for an hour or so. More to come.
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