It's the Zoo and Waterfalls too 🌲

You know those places you visit over and over and never get tired of seeing? Well, for me, it's the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Before I get into the animals, I wanted to share some facts that I think we can all appreciate!  In the Summer of 2019, "Making Waves" will open; a new home for the hippos, penguins, and giant tortoises.  This new exhibit features a water recycling system that is environmentally friendly and will help local water conservation. The zoo is committed to not only the exhibition and conservation of endangered animal species, they are also a green business. CMZ also participates in Q4C, Quarters for Conservation, and have raised over 1M since 2008 for field conservation.  And did you know that CMZ is one of only a handful of zoos in the US that does not receive any tax support, but is rather funded by donations, dues, admissions, and grants. That's a win win for everyone!

Ok, let's talk animals! We all know the giraffes are my favorite; I seriously need to work on getting the exhibit to myself, I could spend hours with them!  Feeding them lettuce leaves, which they love, is a great way to get up close and personal too! Fortunately for me, a late morning shower cleared guests from the area so I was able to get a bit more one on one time before leaving!  My next mission, the sloths.  As it started to sprinkle, I noticed a sloth outside that had been "hanging" around but decided the raindrops weren't for him, and as quick as a sloth can move, made his way back inside. Check out my video below; I believe it was probably his record speed!

This zoo allows for many animals to be free-range; for instance, in the Australian Walkabout, the Wallabies roam around freely.  There are magpies, peacocks, and the bald eagles are a site to see.  The monkeys are well, monkeys and I love how the moose stands there looking at you all judgy.  I always look forward to visiting here, besides, it's the only zoo on the side of a Mountain, so why wouldn't you?

On Sunday we decided to visit Seven Falls, located near The Broadmoor. It's the only waterfall in Colorado that made National Geographic's list of International Waterfalls and has been named the Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado. The one mile walk is surrounded by lush green pine trees and towering red rocks.  The crystal clear water runs from the Pikes Peak watershed and is what has shaped this beautiful canyon.  For those wanting to climb to higher elevation, you can take the 224 step staircase which leads to hiking trails and the banks of the stream that feeds the fall.  For the more adventurous, there is a soaring zip-line above the falls which include numerous rope bridges.  Def. a must see!

 

Lovely Colorado

Shona

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Mountain Views 🌄

A few weeks ago I made a quick trip to the Rockies to visit my "Colorado Bestie"...that's what I like to call her.  Two flight changes later, I headed out a day early to spend some extra time in the mountains.  Can I just say, the Denver Airport is so confusing...I have been there numerous times and it always seems to get me lost!  However, this time, I have marked it in my phone...which escalator, down or up, tram, parking. Bonus though, they do have a great area for "pre-flight" beverages that serve many local brews!  Ok, one point for them.  

The bestie picked me up late Saturday afternoon and we headed to the Springs. We had over an hour of catching up in the car before getting back to her home.  The next three days meant lounging around in PJ's, coffee, playing with the little's, relaxing, and of course a visit to the Zoo!  Sunday morning I snuck out early to grab a photo of the sunrise facing the mountains.  The view is amazing.  We grabbed lunch at MOD pizza before making a stop at the local grocery store for Super Bowl snacks and a visit to Hope Spirits, it's the go-to whenever I visit! They have a great selection of Colorado Brews! I opted for the Dry Dock Sour Apricot. Dry Dock brewery is one of my fav's. 

On Monday the temperature was in the 60's, warmer than Kansas, so that meant a trip to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  We all know I tune into the Giraffes, always trying to find a way to take one home with me.  They were as cute as ever and since it wasn't a very busy day at the zoo, we had plenty of time with them!  New experiences for me included seeing the two Bald Eagles that were feeding, they were gorgeous, and so many Magpies flying around.  The Moose had shed his antlers, a Momma Kangaroo was carrying a Joey, and the Meerkats were hilarious as they were running around playing.  The penguin and hippo exhibit is getting renovated which will be awesome...opening Summer 2019!  

We followed with a late lunch at Amanda's Fonda, a local Mexican restaurant that will leave you taking home leftovers, which are good the next morning for breakfast, no judging!  In the warmer months, they have a great patio you can dine on while listening to one of Colorado's crystal clear streams running in the background.  I highly recommend trying it if you are in the area!  My next visit to Colorado will be in June, it's the annual half-marathon that I participate in and I already have some new adventures on the agenda! Stay tuned!  

See You Soon Colorado!

Shona

Rocky Mountain High's

I am going to be blunt here, no pun intended, but if you haven't been to Colorado Springs and to the places I am going to mention...you may want to travel West! Seriously!  Of course, I returned to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a yearly tradition, where I am still trying to figure out how to snatch a giraffe on my way out.  The place never gets old, ever! The views of the city below are amazing too!  I could just feed the giraffe's but I give my attention to the other animals too, I don't want them to feel left out!  Get there folks! It's the only Mountainside Zoo in the US!

Bon Ton's ~ a small-hometown feel restaurant with some delicious bacon...I mean, food. No really, the bacon is to die for! It's located in Old Colorado City, so it's nearby to quaint little shops and many other places to check out.  They have outdoor seating and allow your dog to join...extra points for them!  The people are awesome too!  I wanted to take the newspaper-style menu home...and while debating how I was going to do that, I decided I should probably just ask the server if I could just have it, without "stealing" it.  But it was my lucky day, you can take them without even asking...it says so right on the menu.  I think I'll frame it. 

Tsing Tao House ~ Pre-race dinner and post-race snack! Because you know the servings are always enough for at least two meals! They have great food and their crab rangoon is the bomb!  My Colorado bestie recommended this place and I am so glad she did!  Besides we managed to stop by a couple of liquor stores and I grabbed some local brew, Dry Dock Apricot Blonde...Colorado has some of the best beer I have ever had! Besides the can is orange so that is what drew me in, but now I wish I would have stocked up on it! 

I had to include a pic of Harley girl..a dog with so much personality and so tall she can eat off the counter. She is the sweetest!  Until next time Colorado! 

 

Love To You Colorado!
Shona