A long weekend in Colorado in July left me with some pretty strong visual impressions.  Having spent time in Colorado during ski season I am accustomed but always in awe of the dramatic scenery and memorable terrain of this Rocky Mountain state. Instead of snow, rainbows and sunsets highlighted the trip.   Summer has its own charms to   enjoy.  Possibly because the west has always had a “can do” attitude, rough and rugged, the spirit is about being free to be expressive, which is what I enjoyed about this storefront in Vail.

The flowers are amazing.  I was told we were in the middle of wildflower season which I immensely enjoyed.  I also found the Betty Ford Garden in Vail to be a delightful spot for meandering.  Who would have thought there would be so many green thumbs in the Rockies?

And then there’s these guys, hanging out at Colorado’s version of the famous Soggy Dollar in the islands.  Looks like they are having fun and preserving the spirit of the Wild West.  Loved our guide–Cha Cha–on a rafting trip.  He took us on a lively trip down the Colorado River with just enough white water to make it exciting for us city folks.

I found the focus on art especially appealing.  It appeared in all kinds of forms in a variety of materials and when you least expected it.  For example, look at this sculpture created from “found material” on the bank of the Colorado River where we stopped for a granola bar and drink of water.

Or the piece on the great lawn near the performance hall in Vail that makes me think of Matisse’s famous Dance.  And then I could  not help but think of my friend who collects pig images when I saw this at a garden store.  Some enterprising person even turned the trees demolished by the beetles into art.   Something for everyone, right?

The people we saw were active, alive and clearly enjoying the out-of-doors.  Biking, hiking, rafting, hanging out enjoying the stunning blue sky and mountain vistas draw people to this area. Dinner in a yurt becomes a special occasion.   People watching in this amazing setting appealed to me.   There’s a marvelous sense o f humor and creative spirit that will bring me back.