I have always held a high respect for people living the high life. High altitude, that is- the mountain life... The place where earth tones and dread locks mark the free spirited hiking addict and being a part of this Colorado style is something Californians will never understand. Hiking clothes are haute couture here. Skiing is the elite- not education or money. Everyone on the chair lift is worth talking to. Where did all the douchebags go anyway??? While a lot of people from high school post pictures of themselves dressed to kill posing in a fancy night club on vacation- All of my Colorado friends are taking polaroids of that sweet ass camping spot really close to the secret path cutting through the brush to the lake. Don't get me wrong.... I love to dress up and eat a fancy dinner every now and then, but it doesn't define who I am. No matter the season, there is an intense call from nature to come join her and have fun. There's something about hot dogs cooked over a wood fire over looking the lake for breakfast that kicks a fancy night's butt! Moving to Colorado felt like moving home... The beauty of the Rocky Mountains is a scene I can not give justice to describing with words. It must be seen for itself. It's massive sprawl is something rarely seen in this magnitude.
Though I haven't had the chance to move as far west as I would like, I do thoroughly enjoy Denver. As the capitol of Colorado, it has major large city appeal, yet has not abandoned it's small town charm. Downtown Denver is about one and a half to two hours from some of the best skiing in the world. Keystone has the longest run in the state reaching 3.5 miles- Schoolmarm. And Vail is the most massive place I've ever skied.
You can always head up north for the famous BEER tours at Coor's, New Belgium, and your other favorite breweries. Head down south for Garden of the God's in Colorado Springs and even further south to mountain havens like Telluride. I frequent Red Rocks and it's definitely one of my favorite places to go shoot photos.
The mountain life is something I wish I could live every single day... and hey- someday maybe? The great thing about Denver, for me, is not only the quick mountain access, but the downtown life. I used to live across the street from Coor's Field and I really loved it there. I would bike all over downtown and took some really cool photos of this little downtown packed with big personality..
Parts of downtown including LoDo, were bulit in the late 1880's. I really like the combination of old mixed with modern. It is a downtown with such class and Colorado style. And not to mention- it's incredibly clean for a "big city".
I have spent so many days wondering around downtown taking pictures of buildings and pedestrians shuffling around the light rails and mall rides. I wish I could share them all with you!
Even though I would trade a day on the slopes any day over hoovin' around downtown, I must admit I am in love with my city and it's a pleasure to be here- rain or shine.
One of my favorite things about downtown is it's charm and richness of culture. I love the various art works displayed around the heart of the city. When I first came to Denver I was completely smitten with the "Your Keys to the City" public art program. The 16th Street mall is dotted with pianos decorated in local art for the public to enjoy. These pianos are displayed year around and I love hearing its wonderful music being played by mall goers as I meander around and shoot photos.
