Monday, July 12, 2021

July 4th And 12 Days Of

Living On A Lighted Stage Approaches The Unreal        For Those Who Think And Feel      In Touch With Some Reality Beyond The Gilded Cage        Cast In This Unlikely Role      Ill-Equipped To Act     With Insufficient Tact      One Must Put Up Barriers To Keep Oneself Intact      Living In The Limelight   The Universal Dream       For Those Who Wish To See     Those Who Wish To Be     Must Put Aside The Alienation    Get On With The Fascination    The Real Relation    The Underlying Theme 


Rush

Limelight form Moving Pictures 1981


Now with my jocular demeanor shinning on during the 4th of July, I quickly responded to everyone that sent me a lame emoji , horses A$$ meme, or any other ludicrous copy paste CrackBook Bull SH*T Happy 4th with the above photo. My added caption was Happy 100th America. I cracked up because some of my friend were rather baffled by it. So when you send me a lame cartoon American flag happy 4th, you kinda deserve a thinker reply. Am I Wrong?? I engaged with friends that sent me real life happening photos and that shared with me a part of their lifestyles and what nots from their 4th experience. But those home bodies got Jack. Redrum 

July 3rd's Fireworks In Fruita Colorado

The Dude & I spent a relaxing afternoon on the trickle of the not so Mighty Colorado River. However, the river was packed with so many cool floaters on this 4th day of July. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was waving and splashing around like little school kids enjoying recess time. 


The above photo was me actually showcasing my give-a-ways pop tops. The Dude made a quick appearance in this selfie and check out the line of river runners in the background. Anyway, I cut apart a few six pack holders here and gave them my own creative flair. Recycling 101 my friends. I started giving them to boaters at the put in. What Are They You Ask??


They are can covers for your open containers while rafting through "rapids"or splashing around. Aren't they cool?? Everyone I gave them to were stoked as can be and swore they would pass along the tradition of excellence. Way Cool


As you can see in the above photo, they even have a thumb lip for popping off with ease. The whole afternoon on the river was pleasant and an epitomizing way to beat the Valley Heat. And below, another long exposure photo. Still rocking that Sh*T. 


After floating the Town Run, a date with the two wheel cruiser in sued. For those of you that know me, Yes, up on the roof top for sure. Well, the roof top being the parking structure. How else does one start a field trip??


The above photo is for our Shadow People Eileen and check out that sky. Talk about a sweet Colorado Sunset on the 4th of July!! Sign Me Up Please 

CAR CAMPING:

My first week of July was basically a blur of work, organizing, and problem solving. Not complaining about it but it was a hectic week for me. 

A lathered up , rinse , repeat work week played out like this. Walking behind the noise maker, cleaning/repairing equipment, watering, and working with clients in the office. I stacked up all my appointments for that first week of July knowing that my time would be limited. 


So on Monday afternoon, hit the road for the night. I was anticipating long days of work on Wednesday and Thursday before relocating to CB. And those work days consisted of 108F / 42.22 for an all time GJ High!! Only 106F / 41.11 on that Thursday before bogeying out of town. 




CYCLING:

My overall numbers have been piss poor as I have mentioned before. But in reality, my legs are fresh and my low back has been rather pleased with me as of lately. 


Spun a decent ride and pushed the envelope through this section that I was well aware of for a Strava Leaderboard Sections. Opening up the legs felt tremendous and hit the start of that section wide open. I guarantee that I did NOT have another 2mph in me.


I looked up/ clicked on the riders above me and their profiles are all pretty studly. Pro looking glasses and higher end bikes. Me, not so much. A GT 1990's mountain bike and ratty old t-shirt. Maybe that is where the extra 2mph deficit went.  Classic 

But finished the week in second spot of our group. So Thats Cool. Nothing to brag about but it's better than the whole month of June for me. So I got that going for me. 

NEW HOME:

Loaded up the pack of dogs and headed for Created Butte with high expectations and goals. You know what that means.


Crested Butte is one of my favorite places and holds deep fond memories for me. The wild flowers are blooming and those first few days were awe inspiring to say the least. 


Every morning these yellow beauties are facing the east. by sun down, they are facing west for that last little bit of photosynthesis. I mean, just check out that patio. It is where I enjoy my morning cup of Joe. And the sunsets??? Oh Baby


Now for the challenges in my happy little world. Three dogs are a real handful. Two dogs are totally manageable but the third dog brings in a whole new dynamic to the arena. And if you wanna catch up on some sleep, forget about it. 


A total monkey see monkey do factor in affect. One barks, they all bark. One drinks from the dog water bowl, they all become frantically thirsty. And do they ever drink with gusto. The other thing that I have noticed that is beginning to bother me, they continuously step on my bare toes. If I have shoes on, no worries. Bare feet, damn it hurts when they stand on my pinky toe. WHY 


Up in the hills, when they have the entire forest to roam, they all mark the same spot. If one has a whiz, the other two have gotta mark it like right now. And can they ever run. I tend to forget just how much ground a dog can cover. Not like Bambi speed but still.  


Those first few days up here was some thing special and I never took it for granted. I snapped off tons of photos and shared them with my friends from around the world. Just the peacefulness and tranquility of this place brings true happiness to my heart. Serenity 


There are moments of stillness. Red Tail Hawks surfing the thermals. Cascading creeks flowing over smooth river rocks. Full spectrums of color patches throughout every meadow is something every inner suburban child should experience. 


The tribe is satisfied with our morning adventures but they all claim that we just don't eat enough. They swear to me that their humans simply leave their dog bowls full 100% of the time. Eating twice a day is for the birds. Nobody can live on bread crumbs they tell me. And this would be nappy time here below. Sawing Logs  


But for me, the dogs are great and all, CB is flipping beautiful for sure. But I so wish I could share this magical landscape with someone. To romp around the wilderness, share in giggles, and lay as one would be the icing on the cake. The dogs and I were walking along a single track trail yesterday and it was wonderful but holding hands with someone you can truly trust would have been anachronistic or beyond meaningful. I mean the placidity of the hike was perfect. Don't get me wrong. I am not dwelling on it but someone special would have been exemplary. Thats All 

WELL SH*T FIRE:

And now for the bad news.


Oregon is currently battling an uncontainable wild fire right now. California, I drove through that valley of Beckworth Easter Weekend, has exploded by an out of control wild fire with hundred of thousands of acres of crisp fuel waiting for embers to fall upon. When I was researching west coast forest fires, talk about mesmerizing, there is a time lapse  ( here is that time lapse & it is about 5 minutes long. scroll down THIS link to the YouTube window )  of that Beckworth fire. UNREAL 


Nevada is also burning up and Utah is doing their best to follow suit. So needles to say, it's another depressing August 2020 slated to come down the pipe. The smoke is so thick and nasty here in Colorado. So as for the entry of the title Sh*T Fire, having high hopes and expectations, So Bummed!! I envisioned long bike rides while burning up my own cardiovascular system, playing with the dogs in the rushing cold clear creeks, and basically spending every possible moment outside in the clean fresh mountain air. Now, just lacking companionship under hazy smoke filled skies. Think Rain And Southernly Winds Please 


Oh, by the way, he could eat. Just in case anyone was wondering. Seriously, our humans feeds us 24/7 and you're not doing it right. Like really hungry right now. FEED ME!! Look into my eyes and feed me please.


Can you believe these two brothers??? And the below photo is of Jazzy. I was left with written instructions that Jazz needs to eat separately from her brothers but Jazz feels happiest eating here in from of the oven while I prepare my own meals. She Is So Adorable 


My other self loathing complaint is the lack of sleep that I am getting. These dogs all take turns throughout the night licking themselves, scratching those itches, and jumping off and on the bed. This pack is the definition of a relay Olympic team passing the baton for doggie needs all night. Two dogs hang in the living room laughing while the other dog jumps on the bed with me for a session of deep biting of their hind leg belly area. Then, they switch, same action, different dog, all night long, this perpetual frenzy of late night bathing. SUCKS 


These are just my own selfish first world problems. Life could be so much worse. Overall, the dogs are fantastic and very lovable. Here is a funny tale for ya. The first three days I was here in CB, No WiFi. I had the password but was linking up with the wrong network. The network I was latching onto was the owners name and I was continually denied access. While I was walking the dogs last night, Duh, the street is Paradise Lane. Pulled out the iPhone and sure as SH*T, Paradise 52 was one of the options. Typed in the password with lightning fast precision and Wah-Lah. I now have High Speed WiFi. Living Large I Tell Ya

So more photos coming from this enchanted mountain town, a better attitude shall follow as well, and a sense of rhythm is not too far off in the distance. Now, bring on that All-Star Game tomorrow night. Fingers crossed that the host network highlights Colorado and all its glory. Play Ball 

Thanx So Much For Checking In!! Stay Hydrated!! Be Well,

Cheers 

56 comments:

  1. The dog, just gorgeous those eyes. Scenery is amazing, love the daffodil it's pretty, some of mine are coming out!
    Take care and a lovely selection of photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Expressive Eyes I Tell Ya - All Three Have Their Cute Moments - Enjoy Your Blooms - Thank You For All Of Your kind And Wonderful Comments

      Cheers

      Delete
  2. Hello,
    I just love the furbabies, they are so darn cute. Thanks for the mention of the Shadow People, I do love the sky captures. Your scenic/sky photos are gorgeous. The wildflowers are a beautiful sight. I pray this is not a bad summer for the wildfires, they are downright scary. Take care, enjoy your day and week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shadow People, So Pleased Me Knowing You Saw This - Colorado And Mother Nature Have So Much To Offer - Its A Beautiful Week In The Forecast - Thank You For All The Support

      Cheers

      Delete
  3. I am so jealous about the car camping - so many stunning, taking breath away landscapes and views . Thank you for sharing them with us.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Car Camping So Rocks - Mesmerizing Landscape And Organic Features Around Every Twist And Turn - Thanx You For Returning

      Cheers

      Delete
  4. Three dogs are like three kids, it just doesn't work :) Padre you have captured stunning images for us here, all beautiful, love the wildflower shots. Coming second is absolutely something to brag about, nice work. It was indeed a busy week but the weekend at Crested Butte was exactly the reward you needed, the view from your patio is so pretty. So sorry about the fires, saw them on news, I can't believe it's the same thing every year, here also. We really are making a fine mess of this wonderful planet. Hope the rest of July goes well for you ✨

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally, Three Children - These Wildflowers Are Spectacular - I'm Here In CB Until August - What A Score - July Will Be Exciting As We Make It What It Is - So Nice Hearing From You Perth - Also, Have A World Beat Radio Show July 18th

      Cheers

      Delete
  5. We occasionally have a golden retriever to care for and she’s a handful. I can’t begin to imagine three dogs to care for.

    Western Canada is on fire too. Everything is so dry there which is not a problem here.

    I love the mountain photos you shared. I miss mountains though I have never lived among mountains like those!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rut Row - As A Ding Dong American, Had No Idea Canada Was Burning Up As Well - But It Does Make Sense - Three Goldens Would Be Challenging For Sure - But I'm Up For It - Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

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  6. I love the dogs, they are so beautiful and friendly. My son has a gold retriever and I enjoy to walk with him.
    Last week, around my city, there were 3 fires but the firemen solved the situation in short time.
    As usual beautiful photos: I remember how many daffodils I saw when I visited Wales.
    Have a good week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good Dogs, Love Um - Good News On The Fire Front Out There - No So Much Out Here - Thanx For Checking In And Dropping A Positive Comment - Stay Strong BLK Knight

      Cheers

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  7. Great photos as always, and lovely to see the dogs Padre.
    Keep cool, and hope you find that special someone one day soon.
    Alison

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These Dogs Are A Pack Of Love - Only When Their Belly's Are Full - You And Me Both - Some Day, I Hope - Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

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  8. Beautiful captures all. Loved the can covers!

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    1. Thanx Magic - They Were A Hit For Sure - Gr8 Hearing From You As Always

      Cheers

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  9. Always a pleasure to see your photos. Happy birthday soon!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank You - And Thank You - Its A Coming Quick

      Cheers

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    2. Happy Birthday Friday July 16th have a good one.

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  10. Love the photos, Padre. The dogs, you just gotto love them. The eyes know how to look at you when they want something. For some reason they can even make a person feel guilty. :) I've been keeping up with all the fire news. My daughter lives in Portland but she not getting smoke up there from the southern part of Oregon. Heard a few minutes ago that planes and helicopters are running out of jet fuel, it is short supply and that will affect the dumping of fire retardant so that's not good. Take care, enjoy your day and have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right On Mr Bill - Those Baby Browns, Melts My Heart Every Morning - That Look With A Wine, Totally Guilty Feelings - Bummer On The Fuel Shortage But What Isn't Short These Days - Always A Pleasure Corresponding With Ya - Be Well

      Cheers

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  11. En la foto, estás bien sonriente, señal inequívoca de que te lo has pasado muy bien.

    Siempre es bueno, en esta vida, tener un buen sentido de humor.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. A vida é toda voltada para o attidute e tratar os outros com respeito - Muito obrigado por suas palavras gentis - Realmente aprecio ouvir de você, como sempre

      Cheers

      Delete
  12. Hi Travis, I have been hearing about all the fires and smoke, and it is really scary its dire straits. Are you sure you're not from the south...lol my Grandma used to say Sh*tfire that was her favorite curse word. 3 dogs, huge challenge I can give you first hand testimony, now try this one, living in a van in CO in July for 19 days with 3 dogs...I was howling at the moon myself, and finally said to heck with this and within 2.5 hard driving days 1800 miles, I was home! They did their best to drive me insane. After a couple years to take the edge off the trauma, its some of my fondest memories. Love all the fhotos.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Dire Straits For Sure - Grandma's Quotes, Love Um - Couldn't Even Begin To Imagine A Confined Space With These Three Mutts - No Way Now How - But You're So Right, They Do Create Life Long Memories

      Cheers

      Delete
  13. In my opinion, 2nd place is way above par. You did well.

    My sister says she can't even see the San Juan Range for smoke (something like 50+ wildfires burning in the west). Love the dogs

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    1. Thank You For That And Not A Bad Showing For A Slacker - Your Sister Is Correct As The Air Quality Is Horrendous - These Dogs Are Lovable

      Cheers

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  14. Dearest Travis,
    Wow, quite some action here... Love those lids that you handed out; great idea and so practical.
    You of course meant 'Crested Butte' instead of Created Butte... Well, that is the version of lack of sleep due to those three canines. Oh, if you would believe their complaining about food, they would laugh their heads off.
    Admired that beautiful view on Strava.
    SAD for the wildfires everywhere. WHEN do they start with proper management of the underbrush etc.?! Too much damage and loss of property and that damn unhealthy smoke!!!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very Practical And Well Received - So Dig Auto Correct - Crusty Butt It Is And CB It Shall Remain - Pleased You Saw The Strava Numbers - Such Atrocious Air Quality - Thank You For Continuing To Check In, Leave Me Personalized Messages, And Posting Those Wonderful Photos From Long Ago - Big Hugs

      Cheers

      Delete
  15. This sheet mask is perfect for wellness at home =) Thank you.

    Very interesting post.
    I love fireworks <3
    Wow this nature looks so beautiful, I want to walk there for a while =)
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well Outstanding - Pleased You Found This Posting Interesting - Its Way Beyond Beautiful - Thanx For Chiming In

      Cheers

      Delete
  16. You've taken some stunning scenery photos shown in this post. I think I would be shutting my bedroom door to the dogs. Especially towards the end of the fire video there is quite a lot of black smoke going into the mix indicating a different fuel source, hopefully not homes.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hard To Believe That These iPhones Capture Such Amazing Images - I Did Shut The Door And Guess What - Clawing And The Dog And Crying Until I Caved - They Are Great Dogs, Just A Hand Full - 20 Hours A Day There Are A Kick, Its Just Those Weeeeeeee Hours That Kinda Suck - Wasn't That Video Unreal - And Yes, The BLK Smoke Was Homes Going Up In Smoke - And Like I Had Mentioned, I Just Drove Through That Valley A Few Months Ago - Thanx For Support The Cause And Regularly Checking In - Even When On Holidays - Be Well Brother Man

      Cheers

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  17. So many beautiful photos and cute dog! I love that scenery!!!

    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself


    My Instagram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Dogs Are Cute - The Scenery Is Inspiring - And Always A Pleasure Hearing From You

      Cheers

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  18. Love your sense of humor. Jack on a postcard from the Overlook 4th of July. The book kept me up for weeks! Beautiful scenery. I've been trying to wish our non-stop rain to the West Coast. We've had the wettest July on record and we're only halfway through the month! Stay cool and take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Appreciate That CJ, I Do Tend To Crack Myself Up - Light Rain Began Falling On Me Last Night While Maning The BBQ - Heavy Rain And Lightning Followed - Rained All Night With A Light Drizzle Now - The Air Is Crisp And Clean Once Again - Sipping A Beautiful Cup Of Joe On The Covered Deck - So Pleasant

      Cheers

      Delete
  19. Excelente semana e a chuva começou a cair na noite passada - O ar está fresco e limpo mais uma vez - Obrigado por fazer o check-in

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  20. Nice to see you :-)
    Sorry I´m late, Hubby is on holiday and we´re out and about.
    Cool can covers!
    And that flower, beautiful.
    And thumbs up for cycling! Sadly I don´t dare here no more. Narrow paths and e-bikes / e-scooters at high speed... no fun no more (I do have a cool push-bike!).
    Great new home, beautiful!
    How. How can that be comphy to lie on the floor like that?!

    Weird weather. You have fires and here people drown (not here, but in some places in Germany).
    We live in weird times, but didn´t we always? The world is a crazy place...

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Enjoy The Holiday - The Wildflowers Are Just Mouth Dropping Beautiful - The Dogs Lay In The Most Unattractive Positions But They Never Seem To Mind - Even When One Of Those Spots Are On one Of My Extremities

      Cheers

      Delete
  21. WOW, fantastic photos...as always! Such a pleasure to visit.😊😊
    Those can covers are a brilliant idea, and I do love the dog pictures. So cute!
    Many, many thanks for sharing!!

    Have a super weekend.

    Hugs x

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank You Vgraine - Always Pleases Me When You Visit - The Can Covers Were A Hit And Looking Forward To Stepping Up My Game For Next Year

      Cheers

      Delete
  22. I read about those fires and saw the videos. You need to take care but I guess you have three pals to warn you of incoming danger. Check out the patio - wow!

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    1. The Video Was A Wake Up Call For Me - I Feel Justified Preaching On This Blog About The Dire Straights Of Water Resources - So You Are Impressed By The Patio?? Me As Well - Good To Hear From You

      Cheers

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  23. Phenomenal photos, I love them❤

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  24. Redrum indeed. Made me laugh!! Man, those are some wonderful photos in your "car camping" section. Bluest of blue and gotta love those clouds!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You And Me Bother - I Laughed Every Time I Sent It Out - Wish I Was A Fly On The Wall To See How It Was Received - Car Camping, What An Attitude Changer - Be Well Spare Parts

      Cheers

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  25. The views are amazing. Your nature shots belong in National Geographic Magazine. Such beautiful landscapes. I imagine walking there with dogs is magical. I hope you find someone special to enjoy these magical landscapes soon.

    The photos of doggies napping are so precious. Stay cool!

    P.S. Sorry to hear about the wild fire.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. National Geographic, What An Honor - The Dogs Are Pretty Happy Roaming Around With Me - Total Bummer On The Wildfire Front

      Cheers

      Delete
  26. Colorado is beyond gorgeous, but 108F? I'd lose my ever loving mind in that kind of heat. My daughter will be heading that way in October. She hates the Indiana winters and her company has a branch in Colorado that she's thinking of transferring to within the next year to escape the cold here, so she wants to scope out the area to see if it's somewhere she'd really like to resettle. Maybe she should have went in the heatwave to see if her fair Irish skin can handle those temps LOL.

    Stay safe and hydrated my friend. If you see my daughter in October, be sure to give her a wave and say hello :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Western Slope Cooks Now A Days - Colorado Is Gorgeous Though - If Your Daughter Travels Beyond Denver, Let Me Know For Sure - Have Free Accommodations For A Day Or Two - October Is A Stunning Season And Loads Of Painted Colors Along The Hillsides - All The Best And Keep Me In The Loop

      Cheers

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  27. Lugares encantadores y las fotos son magnificas llenas refejsn mucha belleza. Un abrazo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Este lugar é absolutamente mágico - Sorte por ter esta oportunidade maravilhosa - Esta experiência se tornou uma mudança de vida

      Cheers

      Delete