Tag Archives: #blueskies

Four Wheeling In Colorado

May 19, 2022 The Blue Widow Leave a comment

Labor Day in Colorado

I want to start off by saying I’ve never been four wheeling in the mountains. I don’t have any experience with four wheeling in general. It’s just not something I do however, who am I to say no to adventure? This day was just extra to an already incredible trip as I’m about to tell you.

I had the good fortune to be able to accompany a wonderful group to Colorado over Labor Day last year. This was not my first time to the Rockies. Without a doubt it was a memorable trip. Again, like so many other adventures, I had no idea what I was in for. The mountains are so beautiful but so much of them are inaccessible without a four wheel drive. It was strictly sight seeing.

Road Conditions

In my opinion, Colorado uses the word “road” loosely. I was kind of shocked what qualified as a road but I had no expectations. Driving was slow, about 3-5 miles per hour in some spots. Four wheeling up the mountains is definitely a thing and not just for jeeps. I saw other four wheel vehicles traversing the terrain which was very bumpy. To the point I had to hold on, tightly. I hit my head and my elbow at separate times. I’m laughing at describing it now. The whole experience was great but I should have known. I mean, looking at a mountain of that size, how else does one get up it?

Four Wheeling Mt. Antero

I can’t tell you the path we took. I do know the trip started up Mt. Antero. We came close to the summit, and then took another road over to Mt. Whitey. According to Dangerous Roads website Mt. Antero is one of the highest, unpaved roads in Colorado and the USA.

More tidbits of information about Mt. Antero can be found here on the Official USDA Website. I was surprised to learn it has the largest gem mines in the lower 48 and it’s everyone’s responsibility when on the mountain to know if you are on a staked claim. The signs are everywhere but aren’t always clear.

The views are just so breath taking once past the tree line. To stand up in the clouds at that altitude is life changing.

panorama from a resting spot on mt. antero

Four Wheeling Over To Mt. Whitey

The treachery of these trails for beginners can not be overly stressed enough. These trips are not for the faint of heart nor are they for anyone scared of heights but they are exciting! We drove very close to the summit of Mt. Whitey. So close I hiked to the summit. Here are a few photos.

I Thought I Saw A Lake

After Mt. Whitey, I spotted a lake amongst trees. It was off in the distance, in the valley. What looks small from a distance actually can be really big. The valley was a full on forest. The road down was long and bumpy. The trees hid the road so once we got into the forest we weren’t really sure where we were going. I didn’t make it to the lake. Ok, we got lost and the road became more than we were willing to risk. The road didn’t really look sketchy but it was and chancing it was too great. No phone reception would have made getting stuck or blowing a tire difficult to say the least.

The road and trip back was just as exciting. We met some new friends along the way. The sky was beautiful. The day seemed to last forever. The whole four wheeling trip took about 6 hours. It was well worth the time and bumps and bruises.

I could not keep my phone still!

Takaways

Besides being an amazingly memorable trip, yes I would absolutely do it again. I would also highly recommend it. List of things to bring would include plenty of water. Be prepared to get out and hike if you want to see more awesome views. Above the tree line was windy so dress accordingly. Be sure to bring snacks as the day can be long. Don’t forget your sunglasses. Oh, and one of the most important things would be a map. The roads are clearly marked but if you have no idea where you are, that could be a problem.

Take care and I hope you enjoyed reading about my four wheeling adventure up the Colorado mountains.

panorama from a resting point on mt. whitey

Destinations, Uncategorized

My Personal Tour of Chicago Lakefront Parks

May 12, 2022 The Blue Widow 4 Comments

Let’s Begin My Personal Tour

I’m so excited to give you my personal tour. Chicago has been a favorite destination of mine for a long time. The city offers so much to do, see, and experience. Besides housing great works of art, these parks also host a variety of events throughout the year.

The reason I wanted to highlight these two parks specifically was this. As I travel around and I talk about places I love, Chicago seems to be a place where I frequently hear the phrase “I would love to see Chicago, especially the Bean and the waterfront.” Well, as I was looking through photos, I came across some I just wanted to share with you!

These are just some highlights this space has to offer!

The Bean. My picture of Cloudgate for my personal tour of downtown Chicago.

First Stop On My Personal Tour- The Bean of Course

My personal tour begins with the Bean. Specifically it’s name is Cloud Gate and it’s located in Millennium Park. The reflections leave me in awe and I just can’t get enough of this space. I have sat here for hours one day.

According to MillenniumPark.org, “Cloud Gate was created by using computer technology to cut 168 massive stainless-steel plates into precise shapes which were then pieced together like a puzzle and welded shut. Once fully assembled, the 12-foot-high central arch provided a “gate” to the concave chamber on the underside of the sculpture prompting Kapoor to formally name the piece Cloud Gate. A network of two large internal rings connects a truss that allowed the sculpture to be assembled and direct the weight to two points at the base. The stainless-steel skin was attached to the internal structure with flexible connectors that allow it to expand and contract in response to the extreme weather conditions in Chicago. The cost of Cloud Gate was completely underwritten by the Millennium Park Foundation using funds from private donors.”

Second Stop On My Personal Tour- The Famous Buckingham Fountain.

According to Chicago Park District website, the fountain opened in May of 1927.

“The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest in the world, is located at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) in Grant Park and runs from 8 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, typically from early May through mid-October, depending on weather. Display times are subject to change during special events in Grant Park.”

“While in operation, the Fountain produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour. During the major display, a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air. Major displays begin daily at 9:00 a.m. and continue thereafter, every hour on the hour. Beginning at dusk, a spectacular light and music display accompanies the major display, beginning every hour on the hour for 20 minutes. Each evening, the final major display begins at 10:35 p.m.”

Buckingham Fountain. My picture on my personal tour/

The first time I saw this fountain I was running through the park one morning. It stopped me in my tracks. The sheer size of it is enormous. This space is also worth some time just sitting. There are plenty of places for that too.

Me in front of Buckingham Fountain on my personal tour

The Next Stop- The Agora.

My personal tour takes us back to Grant Park. Chicago.gov says this installation is “comprised of 106 nine-foot tall headless torsos made of cast iron, the artwork derives it name from the Greek word for meeting place. The figures are posed walking in groups in various directions or standing still. Internationally renowned artist Magdalena Abakanowicz donated the sculptural group along with the Polish Ministry of Culture, a Polish cultural foundation, and other private donors.”

I barely reach half way up the statue! Standing in the daylight with their shadows all around you is an experience I highly recommend.

the agora in grant park on my personal tour

We’re Almost Done- Metal Flowers!

I was running through the park on another occasion and came upon these flowers. My personal tour would not be complete without showing you lilies made from car parts. Honestly I had no idea they were car parts at the time. I just learned that little nugget when I was writing this.

The flowers are part of a 2006 “Allstate Insurance Company sponsored the Artists and Automobiles exhibit in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary.”

I’m not sure whether my photos are Dessa Kirk’s or John Mason’s flowers or both. The best information I could find about them is here at the Chicago Park District website. I just think they are unusually beautiful.

metal flower in grant park on my personal tour

The Last Stop On My Personal Tour- Spirit Of Music Artwork.

It was erected in 1923 according to Chicago Parks and is by artist Albin Polasek.

Art Statue in Grant Park on My personal tour

Please click on the links provided to learn more about the works in each photo as well as other interesting features, sculptures, and things to see in these two fabulous parks.

Well that’s it for now. This concludes my personal tour for you. These are just some of the highlights I chose to photograph. Again, I make no claims to being a photographer and I usually won’t edit my photos for you.

I know this is just a couple of my favorites and you may have your own. Let me know what yours is! Thanks for reading and I wanted to mention, all of my photos are originals taken by me from 2016-2021.

Thoughts and Notes, Uncategorized

Traveling Alone. A Personal Story.

May 10, 2022 The Blue Widow 18 Comments

Why I’m Traveling Alone

Hi there, I think it’s time we address this topic. Yes, I have been traveling alone for the past 2 years. I decided early on that I would never turn down an invitation. That means I am usually en-route to see friends or family. I believe getting there is half the adventure!

Me at Cascade Canyon Wye, Colorado. Traveling alone.

Yes…undoubtedly there are some of you I haven’t gotten to yet. My apologies and promise I will reach out to see you soon!!

I believe what few understand is the trauma surrounding grief. There is a lasting physical and mental trauma that no matter how much medication and therapy it never goes away.

I won’t mince words here. In June 2020 I was stricken with unbelievable panic disorder, PTSD, and complicated grief. The best one can hope for is to bury it, disguise it, learn to function throughout the day to appear normal on the surface. Subsequently I’m still working on all of that. I can’t say I’ve found the answers to anything. What I did know is I had to keep moving for my own sanity. Make no mistake, I mean moving not moving forward. Moving forward after loss is still a concept I haven’t made sense of nor pretend to understand.

Sanibel Island beach, florida. Traveling alone

Sunset in Venice, Florida. Traveling alone

The Beginning of My Journey

My first trip booked was to Sanibel, FL by way of Venice, FL. To quote my therapist “the only person stopping you is you.” The most profound words I have ever heard. I booked the trip and off I went. It was scary, it was liberating, it was self serving, it was eye opening.

Salt Flats outside Sale Lake City, Utah. Traveling alone in my truck.

Salt flats outside Salt Lake City, Utah. Traveling alone in my truck.

The next trip was out west. I thought well…”if I can do Florida, I can do the west coast.” And again, off I went. I journeyed to Redding, CA, then to San Bernardino, CA (which may turn into another post hopefully) and as a result, has led me to even greater adventures.

On the road in Colorado. Traveling alone.

How It’s Going- Traveling Alone

Now, for those of you wondering where and what I’ve been doing, here’s a little run down. From California in late summer 2021, I ventured up to Portland and Bend, Oregon. I made a mini road trip to Seattle, Washington. I’ve been to Buena Vista, Colorado Springs, and Denver, Colorado. I fit in a quick trip to Chicago, IL. I even went to visit my people in middle Illinois that summer too. Hey peeps I see you!! I’m absolutely positive I left some places out.

I used to hate driving but now I love it. It’s really all about time. Driving is annoying and counter productive when time is limited and valuable. Whenever time is no longer a factor, driving can surprisingly be the best way to get around. I can take whatever I want and stay as long or as little as I want.

Wintering in Florida

After the summer adventures out west, I traveled again to Florida in the fall. I was fortunate enough to see the keys for the first time in my life. It was in late 2021 and I kept thinking “why have I not been here sooner?” Key West and Key Largo were absolutely amazing and beautiful beyond words. I am grateful to be able and to have experienced these life changing spaces and moments. I wish this for everyone, I truly do. Go live your life, on your terms.

Me laying on the beach in Sanibel, Fl. Traveling Alone.

Traveling Alone in 2022

In January of this year I attended Groove Cruise out of Orlando, Florida. I drove down and met friends then traveled over to the coast. We cruised from Port Canaveral to Freeport, Bahamas and back. And that trip my friends is a WHOLE nother story!

In February and March I made another road trip back out west. California and Oregon again. All of this wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Kansas City, Missouri. It’s my jumping point to Colorado and the west. Additionally, I’ve fallen in love with the city and continue to go there.

The squad out for the night on Mariner of the Seas. Groove Cruise 2022

The squad in an elevator on Mariner of the Seas. Groove Cruise 2022

Shows and Festivals

I’ve done two full on, multi day festivals, Hard Summer 2021 (2 days) and Groove Cruise 2022 (4 days). Groove Cruise was on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. Hard Summer was in San Bernardino, California. I’ve seen a couple of small shows in Chico, California.

What’s Happening Next

In the near future, I’m visiting Forecastle Fest in Louisville, KY for one day only. There’s a trip planned to Las Vegas in the summer and then who knows, perhaps California again. Besides Forecastle, I’m looking at Hard Summer again in July although there is nothing definitive yet.

Later this year I also have Escape Psycho Circus in SoCal already on the books for Halloween. The first one since Eric left. It was his favorite festival above all others. After that, who knows. My schedule is filling up quickly.

Lastly, there has been talk of snowboarding in the fall and winter to prepare for an Alaskan heli/cat skiing trip in February 2023.

If there is anything you want to specifically see or to see me do, write me. Share me with your friends. Please give me feedback, I want to hear from you. Love you all! Xxoo C

Destinations, Uncategorized

A Castle in Colorado, Visiting Bishop Castle

May 8, 2022 The Blue Widow 2 Comments

First Impressions

First off, I want to say when I decided to visit a castle in Colorado, this was not what I was expecting. I knew nothing about this place beforehand. After driving more than hour, what I encountered was easily something out of fairytales and days gone by.

Parking was on the road and I had to walk up a hill before the whole area came into view. Then I was completely amazed. Bishop Castle is free to visit and it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Enter at your own risk!

A Little History About The Castle in Colorado

From the website Bishop Castle this was the dream of Jim Bishop and he has been working on construction for more than 60 years. There are 3 floors with a grand ball room, lots of staircases, landings, and little secret spots.

Navigating The Castle Interior

No part of the castle is off limits but be warned. The staircases are narrow and lots of landings are high. Although there is railing, one could easily go off or over. The floors are well, sketchy in parts but the views are worth it.

the glass ceiling of the grand hall. castle in colorado. bishop castle.

standing outside the roof of the grand hall. castle in colorado. bishop castle.

ceiling of the grand hall. castle in colorado — This is the ceiling in the grand ball room from inside.

The history page on the website is fascinating and full of information about how the castle came to be. It tells that at the tallest point the castle stands at roughly 160 feet. The Learn and explore page gives more information about the dragon and how it was born.

castle in colorado. bishop castle in rye, colorado.

The website and signs say that from the beginning and subsequently, until the addition of the gift shop, the castle relied solely on donations.

The gift shop can be seen in the distance.

So if you ever find yourself out near Rye, Colorado, the Bishop Castle is a must see. You won’t be disappointed. I’ve heard it’s gorgeous at night also. Remember it NEVER closes! Thanks for reading!

Destinations, Uncategorized

Three Bridges in California

May 4, 2022 The Blue Widow 4 Comments

About Three Bridges

This past February, I was fortunate enough to get back out to Redding, California. I spent a couple of weeks with my good friends Sam and Kristian. One day Kristian wanted to show me a few of her favorite spots in Shasta-Trinity National Forest north of Redding, especially this one particular place where three bridges stood.

Basically, lots of old pieces of bridges remain throughout the state. As the interstate flourished, these relics were blocked off and forgotten about. But at one time, these old bridges were the life and arteries connecting cities and towns. Some remain in use but many are abandoned and subsequently nature is reclaiming them.

What makes this place is so amazing was because we could stand in one place and view three different bridges. Two were still in use and one was not.

an old bridge still in use with I5 bridge above it — The bridge on the bottom is the old I-5 and the one on top is the new I-5.

In the photo above, looking directly to my left was this bridge. It was another road which no longer exists on the map. It’s remnants ran from the parking lot, across this bridge and dead ends under the new I-5.

The site of the three bridges on the map — This is where this spot is located in case you ever get a chance to visit.

The Abandoned Bridge

The photo above is the bridge to no where. Dirt and trees have taken over this road and it is lost just beyond this photo.

Under the bridge, off in the distance on the left side of the stream, is where the old road dead ends. At some point earth was piled up, or maybe some sort of land slide happened which completely covered it long ago.

water running from a tunnel under abandoned bridge

These views were from standing on the old bridge and looking over. I wasn’t brave enough to venture inside nor did we have time that day.

wider angle view of old bridge still in use and newer I5 bridge above it. 2 of the three bridges

An Abandoned Bridge

There was water running under the unused bridge. Nearby on the map was Boulder Creek which runs into the Sacramento River. I’m not quite sure where this water was coming from. This spot was secluded with the distinct sound of running water, with the occasional noisy car or truck sounds from overhead. I found it peaceful. I hope you enjoy my pictures! Thanks for reading.

Me in front of stream and abandoned bridge. part of the three bridges

Destinations, Uncategorized

My Night Out Walking In Kansas City

May 2, 2022 The Blue Widow 1 Comment

Out Walking Off Tacos

So after the excellent tacos I had to go out walking around the city to explore. I’ve been here once before but that was last year and the end of summer. I was also nursing a severe leg wound from dumpster diving (I may write about that at some point) which cut my day short.

Directly across the street from the Power and Light District where the restaurants were was some amazing architecture. I love photographing buildings and murals. I definitely don’t consider myself a photographer by any means but I find the experience fun. So here goes!

The Power and Light District out walking in KC, MO

Building I saw out walking in downtown KC, MO.

The front of a building I saw while out walking

One KC heart down by the river. Out walking

The Parade of Hearts

I started to see these hearts around town. After a little Googling, I discovered they are part of an art installation from March until May. Over 100 artists contributed and you learn more about them at The Parade of Hearts website. There you can see all of the hearts and a map of where to locate them.

This heart above is called Fil-Am and by artist Jessica Endaya Keefer. It is a graphic representation of the Filipino-American culture. More about this particular heart can be found here.

A KC Heart in downtown I saw while out walking

This blue and yellow lemon heart is called What Do You Do When You Don’t Have Lemons by Ivey Zoellers and you can find her story here.

This lemon heart represents overcoming hardships with hope.

This heart is called Community Bookshelf. It’s in front of the library and is by Dimensional Innovations and Whiskey Design.

You can learn more about this one here.

A Very Unique Library

This is the library. The exterior is fascinating. Yes those are book spines of famous literary works.

Down toward the river is a walk. I’ve noticed this in other parts of the country wherever there is a fence type structure, there are locks.

Caged cover over walkway near the river, out walking.

Out Walking The Riverfront

A couple more photos from my walk. So there you have it. The city is so beautiful. I also visited the World War monument last summer. There’s a post coming about that soon also!

Well that’s it for this trip. If you have photos or comments of KC I would love to see and hear them! Thanks for reading.

Destinations, Uncategorized

A Day Riding Wolf Creek Ski Area

April 28, 2022 The Blue Widow Leave a comment

My (in)Experience Riding

Before I get I get into telling you about my day riding, let me talk about my experience so far with snowboarding. It has been smaller places like Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks in the beginning. Afterward, I advanced to Snowshoe Mountain, WV and thought I was doing well. This was in the early 2000’s.

Turns out I have osteoporosis. I found this out after I broke my wrist in 2005, and then my foot in 2013. Yes, both breaks were while snowboarding. I thought my days on the slopes were over, that was until I talked with some friends out in California over the summer. They invited me out to go snowboarding, so I went. Unfortunately the weather had other plans and most of the snow on Mt. Shasta had melted by the time I got there. The warm weather over the next week did not help either.

Then came an invite to Mt. Hood in Oregon. This was bucket list. This I did. Happily. Being on a mountain again was good for my soul. It reenergized me and cleared my head. I rode Timberline Lodge and dare I say only after 4 runs, I felt great! You can find Timberline’s trail map HERE if you are interested in looking. I’ll tell you all about that experience later.

A day riding at Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood, Oregon — Getting ready for my first run down the trail at Timberline Lodge!

After I arrived back in Kentucky, my dear friend in Kansas City saw my social media pictures and asked to go to Colorado for the end of the snow season. I immediately screamed YES!! Of course I will go!! Getting a taste of the mountains again was something I had longed for.

Map of Wolf Creek Ski Area — Wolf Creek Ski Area Trail Map

Prepping For The Day Out

Not really knowing what to expect I was a bit intimidated. I forged on with the trip. Remember I haven’t REALLY rode for about 9 years. Wolf Creek Ski Area did not disappoint. We started out slow on Friday with about 5 runs to get acclimated to the altitude. Acclimating is something I’ve not had to do before although believe me when I say I felt it. All of it.

Walking onto the ski area at Wolf Creek in Colorado

Parking lot and lodge at Wolf Creek in Colorado

The Second Day Riding

The next day it was ON! We rode a total of 15 runs for the day. The longest run we took that day being a little over 1.6 miles. On The Snow.com will tell you lots more about this area. Wolf Creek is in southwest Colorado between Pagosa Springs and South Fork. Wolf Creek is also called a “small” area although it is large enough to stay occupied all day and never really hit the same slopes more than a couple of times if exploring is your thing. Which for me it is, until I find a run I really want to conquer. With speed. The trails higher up were not sloppy at all. Also being the end of the season weekend, this meant the trails weren’t crowded.

photo from a day riding at wolf creek ski area

another view from the trail at wolf creek ski area

Sorry so grainy but you get the point!! L)

Takeaways From A Day Riding

All things considered, this was a spectacular day. The sun was shining (which also led to a sunburnt face…always wear your sunscreen people!!) the wind was howling through the tree line towards the ridges of the mountains. I was able to get through the day with just a hoodie I picked up in the shop and a medium pair of snow pants. If you want to know more details of what I wore and the trails I rode, just ask! Thanks for reading!

A view from the Treasure Stoke Lift

On The Road

Kansas City, MO > Pagosa Springs, CO

April 26, 2022 The Blue Widow 2 Comments

What a drive! About half was done off the interstate. The rural areas in Colorado were just amazing. Lucy did great. Still trying to get traveling with a feline figured out but hey, she did awesome for being 20 and not having much experience in the car. As always, there were many times I wanted to pull over and take photos but I tried that already (in Wyoming last year on a trip out to California) and added over 2 hours to my trip.

So here are the good ones I was able to take. The sheer scale of driving into the mountains is just breathtaking. The camera never really seems to pick up what I’m seeing. I felt small and yet grateful to be able to experience this. You’ll hear me say that a lot. I am grateful to see the things I am able to see. I’ve dreamed for so long of just going, doing and being. When I stop and stand outside my vehicle with nothing but the sound of the wind and feeling of the air. It truly is a spiritual moment.

Well, snowboarding tomorrow at Wolf Creek Ski/Snowboard Area. See you there!!

Labor Day in Colorado

Road Conditions

Four Wheeling Mt. Antero

Four Wheeling Over To Mt. Whitey

I Thought I Saw A Lake

Takaways

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Let’s Begin My Personal Tour

First Stop On My Personal Tour- The Bean of Course

Second Stop On My Personal Tour- The Famous Buckingham Fountain.

The Next Stop- The Agora.

We’re Almost Done- Metal Flowers!

The Last Stop On My Personal Tour- Spirit Of Music Artwork.

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Why I’m Traveling Alone

The Beginning of My Journey

How It’s Going- Traveling Alone

Wintering in Florida

Traveling Alone in 2022

Shows and Festivals

What’s Happening Next

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First Impressions

A Little History About The Castle in Colorado

Navigating The Castle Interior

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About Three Bridges

The Abandoned Bridge

An Abandoned Bridge

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Out Walking Off Tacos

The Parade of Hearts

A Very Unique Library

Out Walking The Riverfront

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My (in)Experience Riding

Prepping For The Day Out

The Second Day Riding

Takeaways From A Day Riding

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From loss to living. This is my story.