The High City of Denver

   Denver, population 683,000, is the State Capital of Colorado and called the “Mile High City’’ as it is 5280 feet or 1609 meters above sea level. Some conversational information: football, Denver Broncos, basketball, Denver Nuggets, baseball, Colorado Rockies, hockey, Colorado Avalanche, soccer Colorado Rapids. Television series and films associated with Denver and its environs are Dumb and Dumber, Catch and Release, Mork, Mindy and Dynasty and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Gold was discovered in 1858 and hence Denver. But unlike other gold towns it does not own a boisterous river or even a babbling brook but a timid Cherry Creek, a tributary of the South Platte River.

            I make the railways station of any town a prime destination. Of note Denver has rail service from the airport to Denver’s 1914 Beaux-Arts station. Here is to be found Lodo or Lower Denver which includes Larimer and Writer Square. You might notice that streets change at 45 degree angle. The Millennium Bridge gets you to 16th Street which has a free shuttle bus .Molly Brown’s House is on Pennsylvania Street. She was a philanthropist and woman’s activist plus a survivor from the Titanic.

            The Denver Art Museum is within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center and houses works by Edgar Degas, Jason Pollock. A Passport coupon offers discounted admissions to many of Denver’s attractions including the Museum of Natural History where there are exhibits of tyrannosaurus rex and brachiosaurus. The German stain glass windows of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception might sway you enter achurch again. 

            Most cities have one tall building to view the hinterland but gaining access to view the panorama can be a problem. Often it is an expensive restaurant or a financial edifice with a cluster of elevators to thwart visitors. Denver makes it easy with the Colorodo State Capitol building with views of the city and las Mountanas Rocosas de Colorado. There are free tours Monday through to Friday. The 13th step, outside the State Capitol building is one mile above sea level.AA

            There is a seasonal open-air trolley offering scenic rides along the South Platte Greenway & Downtown Denver. Check it is running for your day. The Denver Botanic Gardens are a magnet for many and enjoyed by all who visit. Check for the free days.

            The Red Rocks Amphitheater is 28km out of town. It was first made famous for me by a Moody Blues concert. I scampered on the stage and did a sound check with clapping and whistling. Amazing! I travelled to Buffalo Bills burial place and museum at Lookout Mountain. The museum reviews Col. William Cody’s colourful life showing that he was part time cowboy and full time businessman. It also points out he took a keen interest in prehistoric animals. 

            My journey continued to a town called Evergreen famous for Blue Spruce Trees. At an antique store I learnt Denver’s environs exude with antiques and collectabilia. I was also told that there still ghost towns out there.

            For many, Denver is a jumping off point for Aspen, Vail, and Colorado Springs. Its neighbouring state of Utah, beckons travellers, with national parks such as Arches and Canyonlands. Moah, a popular destination for mountain bikers is a five and a half hour driving trip. The ski town of Telluride is 530km away or at least a seven hour road trip. Maybe time to take a flight? Butch Cassidy purported robbed his first bank in Telluride.

            Lightening storms are prevalent in the Denver region. Beautiful yet frightening triggering scientific, and artistic awe. Benjamin Franklin purportedly flew a kite with a wire to tap into this floating energy. Of course one lightening bolt could ruin your day. I understand there are six kinds of lightening. Does this mean there has to be six pieces of music pieces ready to play? Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, Aaron Copland’s Billy the Kid, Lucie in the Sky with Diamonds. My heart will go on for ever, The Who’s I can see for miles and miles..   We need one more. 

  


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