One of the reasons we wanted to get out of Oklahoma and visit Colorado was because of the intolerable heat. Ninety degree days just don't agree with us.
Wouldn't you know it... Boulder is having a heatwave! According to the temperature gauge in the minivan, it got up to 98 degrees today! Needless to say, we didn't feel much like hiking of being outside. However, since it is so beautiful here, it is hard to stay indoors all the time.
Yesterday we visited the Pearl Street Mall, a hodgepodge of shops, restaurants and eccentric people in an open air environment.
Afterwards, we drove into the mountains a short way and found a river with many people enjoying the cold water and running rapids. A bunch of them had inner tubes with them. We pulled into a place that wasn't crowded, slipped off our sandals, and waded into the river. It was WONDERFUL! The kids had a blast tossing rocks and pebbles. Mary and I soaked up the splendor of God's creation. Good stuff, Maynard.
Today, we met our friend Hilary at a the Huckleberry Teahouse, a local establishment in Louisville. She moved to Boulder over a year ago and says she is never moving back to Oklahoma. She's having a great time working at another local teahouse, going to school and enjoying the people and environment of Boulder. Can't say that I blame her.
Since it was so hot outside, we wanted to find something to do where there would be air conditioning. The Celestial Seasonings company is based here in Boulder and they offer a free tour of the factory. While neither Zach or I are big fans of tea, I thought it would be interesting nonetheless. And it was. But the odor of thousands of pounds of peppermint and green tea was a bit overwhelming. Zach thought it was cool to see the machines packaging, wrapping and boxing the tea to prepare for delivery to retailers all over the country. Industrialization at its best.
Next, we drove to Nederland, a small town about 15 miles west of Boulder. It was a charming small town known for its Hippie population and the frozen dead guy. Seriously, read all about it.
On the way back to town, we stopped at Boulder Falls and took a short walk to view them. I waded into the river coming from the falls but didn't get too close due to fact that I was carrying an expensive video camera and a cell phone.
Now it was time for dinner, so we found a mall, where we knew there would be air conditioning, grabbed some fast food, and then walked around the mall for window shopping (and to walk off the brownie that I shouldn't have eaten).
Back to the hotel where the kids took a short swim and we sent them off to bed. Both of us now sit at our PCs where I am blogging and Mary is getting frustrated over another hand of Hearts. Tomorrow we leave Boulder and drive a couple hours to Beaver Creek. I am eager to get there and enjoy some cooler weather and bigger mountains.
While I try to read your site often - I really look forward to reading about your vacations. That always sound like fun. Have a great trip.