Yeehah cowgirls!

In the afternoon we had the opportunity to go horseback riding.For Hollie it was first time on a horse and she did really well, even though there were complaints about sore knees, and not just from Hollie.

Prairie Canyon Ranch

Annie, Hollie and Judith, together with Rotarians Sue and Brian Gardner, Irv Buck and Irv's daughter, Courtney and grandchildren, Elias and Isabella visited a ranch (20 acres for 1 cattle beast) The country is very dry and barren but with a beauty. It was great to get out into the fresh air and walk over the hills and rocks.

The Continental Divide

We travelled from Grand Lake to Parker today, crossing the Continental Divide. It was beautiful and covered in snow most of the way. Tonight the Parker and Cherry Creek clubs had a lovely casual dinner where we met a number of Rotarians.

Grand Lake

We looked outside on our first morning in Grand Lake and the deck, table and chairs were covered in snow. Beautiful but freezing. We were not deterred so after a fabulous breakfast from the cafe owned by a Kiwi we went for a short, literally breath taking walk. Not kidding the altitude is so high that breathing becomes difficult, especially with exercise. However it was worth it as the first picture shows.

Grand Lake

We have been looking forward to a couple of days of R and R at Grand Lake. It feels good to be here. At 8396 feet above sea level (2550 m) we are feeling the effects of altitude. We are all knocking back the pain killers and drinking lots of water to counteract the altitude. We're constantly on the lookout for restrooms!!
The lake is the largest in Colorado and is still frozen, though starting to thaw. The surrounding mountains are covered in snow, a very beautiful and peaceful place.

Take me out to the Ball Game

Here we are at the ball game between The Rockies and LA Dodgers. Armed with big hands, and cheer leader pom poms we entered into the spirit of the occasion, and even learned when to wave and cheer! What a great experience and thanks to our hosts for a great night. We learned that they don't streak at baseball games. No wonder, its freezing!

Snow Shoeing

Hollie, Brenda, Annie and Judith got active today with the new experience of snow shoeing. The setting was idyllic and the snow was so beautiful amongst the trees. The frozen lake looked lovely but we were wary of getting too close. We had the most wonderful time thanks to Joan, Mary and Mark who escorted us and provided the gear. You can see we had a great time, a real highlight of the trip.

Ain't she cute

We had a great time building a snow lady, especially for Amardin, Aoife and Tea. In the photo you can see Judith, Mark, Brenda, Annie, Hollie and Mary.

Golden and Evergreen Clubs

The Evergreen club graciously shared us with the Golden Club; our first visit with the Golden Club was to red Rocks, an amazing place of natural beauty, where there is a huge ampitheatre where performances take place, then on to the National Renewable energy lab to see their display and a trip to Coor's Brewery where we were able to taste the sponsor's fine products.

The Evergreen club then hosted us for dinner and a trip to see Evita.

A very busy and enjoyable day. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our host clubs who have gone out of their way to give us truly memorable experiences.

It's hard life being the perfect girl...

...well after a hard day at the office boss!

Crime scene

Mo's house became a crime scene when she hosted us for cocktails!!! Detective Sergeant Kelly told us it was the dachshund. Is it the truth???

From snow to hot

Friday was below freezing with snow and by today we were so hot that we bought a short sleeved shirt. Looks great on Jess. The extremes of temperature are very new for us.

Out and about in Downtown Denver

Today was a day to spend at leisure with our hosts. I have spent time walking in Downtown Denver. I enjoyed the public art. The first photo is near the Denver Art Museum and has political statements dating back to conflict between settlers and the First Nation People. I enjoyed the whimsy of the dancers outside the Performing Arts Centre in the second photo.

Looking forward to hear what others in the team have done.

Crazy Kiwis out in the snow

While Denver residents were retreating indoors out of the snow Hollie, Annie and Judith were in Peg's backyard enjoying the new experience!!

Snow storm doesn't stop kiwis having a good time!

We have been treated to a couple of fabulous nights out during our stay in Denver. On Thursday we had an extrordinary evening at the Zang mansion owned by one of our hosts Rod Greiner. This amazing home is over a 100 years old! On Friday, despite well over a foot of snow on the roads, we all made it for a fabulous mexican evening at Ron and Joanne Katz home. There was a lot of laughter...some pretty tall story telling and fantastic company. Thank you to you all they are nights that wont be forgotten!

photo 1 is us arriving and Ron and Joanne's house for dinner on Friday

Photo 2 is us a little warmer inside Ron and Joanne's house for dinner on Friday

Photo 3 is us seated for dinner at the Zang mansion Thursday night

snow snow and more snow

Wow! we have been treated to an amazing snow storm...the locals arent quite as excited about it as we are!!!! Expectations of two foot of snow are not out the question! I wonder which member of the team has been most distracted ??? Some interesting versions of snow men have been built!

It's a hootenanny !

We celebrated Judith's birthday in style on Wednesday night with some of the Denver Rotary Club at Stampede!

She was a fine old hootenanny with the local cowboys and gals... It was a blast!

Turns out the Kiwis have a bit of work to do on their line dancing...however there were no people or animals hurt in the making of these photos!

There was a dance off between Annie and Judith and Hollie and Brenda ... the pictures say it all! Yeehaa!

Fantastic reception in Fort Morgan

On arrival in Fort Morgan we celebrated Hollie's birthday in style with a carrot cake!

We had a great meeting and presentation at the Fort Morgan Rotary Club on Tuesday. We have been met with fantastic enthusiasim and an abundance of friendly faces throughout our stay in Fort Morgan and for a couple of the team members , Brush.
...Sharon you look so young!

Them there pets are big in Fort Morgan

Most folks just keep a cat .... sure would keep the burglars out of the house though!

Leaving Longmont and Boulder

Here we are with Longmont Rotarian Dick Richards. As well as driving us to vocational visits during the week, Dick took us to Hudson. Thanks Dick. We had a great time with you.