Real Estate & Relocation ^ Colorado

Liftoff!

Early this morning the balloons lifted off in the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival.  I was shooting pictures up at  Roxborough Park above the balloon site.  It was so windy where I was, I didn't think the balloons would fly.  As I descended Long's Lookout I looked to the north and what a lovely site it was!  At least 50 balloons airborne against the horizon.

The Festival continues through Sunday.  Oh yes, there's a Balloon Glow this evening, if I can stay awake that long, I'll be there!

BTW photo was shot with a 400mm lens, f10 @ 1/500 sec.  As I said I was a few miles away as the crow flies.

It's Worth the Trip

This weekend at Chatfield State Park join in on the fun at the 2007 Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival with a liftoff at 6:30 a.m. Friday - Sunday.

This morning the weather wasn't good enough for a safe lift off, but several balloons did inflate to the delight of the crowd.  I overheard a pilot saying he's there more for a media event than anything else. 

No kidding.  Camera's were everywhere, pilots and crew were very relaxed and willing to let us shutterbugs crowd their spaces.  I loved being able to get right next to the balloon as they were inflating.  It is such a thrill to watch yards of flat fabric inflate into glorious kaleidocopes of color!

Overhead were the sounds of guys flying with parachutes and fans attached to their backsides.  At first I thought these were called "ultralights" but now I really don't know what they are called.  It certainly looked like a fun thing to do, assuming one wasn't afraid of heights!

The festivities will grow this weekend. Booths are set up at the park with demonstrations and food.  Set the alarm for "Oh dark-30", grab your group and head over to Chatfield State Park.  If you have a Colorado Park Pass you can park in the park for free.  If not, you can park outside adjacent to the park, but be prepared to walk.

Some folks like to bring lawn chairs and sit on the west side of Wadsworth, watching the event.  I prefer to be amongst the balloons as they grow into a colorful forest.  That is were the action is!

Oh and if you decide to chase the balloons as they land, the field to the north is full of cactus.  Don't make the same mistake I did last year by showing up in sandals!  Protect your feet by wearing hiking boots and watch your step!

As I left this morning I said a silent "thank you" to the people who show up in the middle of the night with their beautiful balloons.  They never know if they will get to fly that day until the sun shows up.  Just the same they come and put on a show for us.

Thank you Balloon pilots and crew, for making me and so many others smile today.  Yes, it's worth the trip.

Visit the HBA Parade of Homes at Southshore

Whether you are in need of a new home or not, the Home Builders Association Parade of Homes makes for an enjoyable afternoon.  Checking out the latest design trends and getting to see Aurora's newest and hottest subdivision at Southshore is worth the trip.

The Parade is manageable this year with five homes being featured. The custom home builders are:

• Remarc Homes presenting "Celebrations" at 7,200 square feet
• Hollyberry Homes showing off "The Boat House" with 3,800 square feet
• Village Homes with "The Shore House" at 6,168 square feet
• John Laing Homes scored well with "Trade Winds" at 3,796 square feet
• Rocky Mountain Custom Homes inspired us with "Montauk Point @Southshore" 6,200 square feet

Not surprising the designs this year focused on integrating out door living, due to the site's unusual and lovely setting at the shore of Aurora Reservoir.  Gracious decks, covered patio's complete with full outdoor kitchen's will encourage a homeowner to spend more time in the fresh air.

Media rooms and multiple flat screen TV's are still popular.  Granite finishes are being replaced with styled concrete, glass and other finishes.  White cabinets are making a reappearance (I question this, but then what do I know?).

My favorite feature are the wonderful closet finishes.  The closet has grown into a classy dressing room experience.  What gal wouldn't love to primp around in style with drawers and space for every cherished item and mirrors to help make sure "the look" is just right?  Closets are now part of the luxury experience, not just a dark, dingy place to hide the laundry!

If you want to make a trip to the Parade, be sure to schedule enough time to peruse the many vendors offering services and samples. You can purchase a lunch or snack on site. Parking is plentiful. 

If the Parade is not enough house looking for you, continue on to visit the many model homes offered throughout the Southshore area.  Make it a day of Lookie Louing.

The Parade of Homes runs now through Labor Day. Time 10:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday is "date night" and open until 9 p.m. Take E-470 to Smoky Hill Road, go east and follow the signs to the "Parade of Homes at Southshore"

Crested Butte for the weekend

Living in Colorado offers so many options when your schedule frees up for a day or two.  My Lone Tree camera club announced a weekend trip to photograph the wild mountain flowers in Crested Butte, I jumped at the chance to go.

Crested Butte is located just north of Gunnison in surrounded by three wilderness areas: Raggeds, Maroon Bells-Snowmass, and West Elk. The drive from Denver is 4-5 hours of Rocky Mountain scenic beauty.  We drove along the Arkansas river on Highway 50, turning  north on Highway 135.

Our Colorado scenery is spectacular anytime of year. One can see for miles into the distance, this day was no exception. We watched in awe as thunder heads accumulated precisely over the town of Crested Butte.  As if timed exactly for our visit, the clouds opened up with a heavy downpour, while we unpacked the car.  The weather continued long after dinner and as we crawled into bed, but the next morning the sky cleared all but for a few misty fog clouds, perfect for composition!

My club members filled up two 4-wheelers as we headed for the hills.  Lucky for us we head 4-wheel drive vehicles because we seriously needed them!  Loaded down with a ton of gear we drove toward Schofield Pass via FR 734. We passed through Pittsburg (I only know this because I read the sign!) and the silver mining, former ghost town of Gothic. I say "former" ghost town, because it is now occupied. The charming western town was alive and kicking when we drove through.

Photographic groups I've learned travel with different priorities.  Unlike typical day tourist, the group stopped at any and all photographic opportunities. With the scenery in the mountains this day, I can say we didn't make good time, but we got some outstanding shots.

I really enjoyed the leisurely tempo of the day. We would stop for 20-30 minutes and take photos to our heart's delight. The leader would gently beep the horn, signaling for us to finish up, it was time to go.

I also enjoyed the camraderie of the people.  We scouted out particular flowers or backdrops and shared them.  I was handed a book of Colorado flowers and assigned the task of learning the names of flowers as others would ask.  I must say I never realized how many different varieties of flora there is to be found in one area.

Colorado is rich in beauty, I hope you take time to enjoy it!

Where does Denver play golf?

Denver plays golf on any one of the 90+ golf courses located throughout the metro area.

Golf is a big attraction in Colorado, particularly in Denver. There are many places to choose from, both public and private.

Some homeowners prefer to purchase a home right on the golf course. This is definitely possible.  Other people feel being in a country club community is enough for them, they don't have to be, nor want to be exactly on the golf course.

As for me, I wouldn't mind living on a golf course, as long as my house wasn't located on a dog leg!  Been there, done that!  It might be an excellent way to never have to purchase  golf ball...players made sure to hit plenty into my yard, my house and even on my back porch. We actually had a huge trash can full of errant golf balls!

Sunday mornings were the worst. The golf balls hit the house like mortars, there was  no peace sleeping in that home!

Ah, but I digress...Denver residents have lots of choices when it comes to golf communities.  So many in fact, I have a spread sheet I use to help me remember all the golf course communities.  It helps my memory when I have a buyer who prefers to live close to a country club.

So if you are a golfer looking to purchase a home in a golf club community, that was a hint!  Do I need to say more?  :)

Where to take the kids in Denver

If it's time for the little ones to go run off some steam, consider taking them to the Cherry Creek Mall.  The mall has one of the most unique playgrounds for the kids, no adults allowed!  This miniature theme park is patterned after breakfast food. On the menu is bacon, sausage, waffles, fruit and some sunnyside-up eggs! The area is soft and cushy so the munchkins can run wild without getting hurt.  Mom and/or Dad can relax and watch the fun.

Read more about Things for Kids In Denver.

Denver Skate Park

When I was a kid we did the roller skates with the little metal keys.  The skates screwed onto your properly worn out Keds until they were tight enough to not come lose.  Away we went down the sidewalk. Occasionally we'd find it necessary to hop over a crack, whoa wild ones we were!  Around and 'round the block we would go, joyously feeling the excitment of motion.  I still remember how my feet tinkled after a day of roller skating on the sidewalk.

Nowadays we have fancy skate parks. Kids come from all around to spend their days doing tricks.  No longer are they satisfied with plain old moment. They jump, flip, skip, slide their fancy board up and over, in and out, air is not something you breathe but try to achieve.

Defy gravity. Slip, slide and roll.

Visiting the Denver skate parks makes me want to be a kid again. Can I have a mulligan?

National Western Stock Show

Cowboys, cowgirls, bucking broncos, bulls, cows, ropers, calves, kids, cattle and a ton of fun.  Be a cowboy for a day, go to the rodeo. 

Hurry it ends Sunday...            

We've Got Snow!

Whether you are looking to make First Tracks or just want to enjoy a beautiful day in the mountains, you will find many alternatives a short ride from  Denver. 

Most ski areas are reporting 3 to 8 feet of base with a few inches of new snow.  For snow reports try www.coloradoski.com

Wolf Creek is joyous reporting an accumulation of 21 feet!  Oh my!  The base depth is 8 feet, so if you are willing to make the drive you won't be disappointed.

Don't care to drive in the mountains?  Well the Ski Train might be the perfect solution for you.  Hop on board at Union Station downtown for an incredibly beautiful, carefree ride to Winter Park.   For more information of the Ski Train go here. (click on this link regardless, you've got to hear the train whistle!)

Making the trip for the scenery alone is worth it.  You will see more of Colorado's wonders than you would from a car.  The train travels across the city of Denver to the  north passing the Flatirons in Boulder, wilderness mountain terrain and the Moffat Tunnel. 

You can spend the day downhill skiing, boarding at Winter Park or cross country at Devil's  Thumb.  Or enjoy the shops in Winter Park and a nice long hot toddy.  No rush, no worries, the train will take you back home at the end of the day.

Living in the Denver Metro area lets you enjoy the benefits of being a tourist in your own town!  For information about real estate, neighborhoods and demographics, visit Denver Real Estate and Relocation.