The spring thaw began as tulips and wildflowers rose from the snow to bask in the warm sun, bringing butterflies and moths to attest to the pleasant season. While Colorado is not immune to the coronavirus, and the quarantine is evident as yellow tape can be seen along creeks and trails, most outdoor paths can be negotiated with a little rebellious spirit. Ika, Bo and I ventured out every day to enjoy all the nature that Colorado has to offer. Many locals obviously felt the same, as broken yellow tape gave way to the hikers, bikers and kayakers in the area.

Clear Creek runs through downtown Golden, providing white water beauty to a quaint downtown that is beautiful in itself. Bo has a particular passion for the sights and sounds of the mountain streams, now pouring down from the Rockies. It was a sure fire method of quieting the boy child noise that is ever present in the house, and allowed Ika and I a reprieve from Netflix, cooking, and keeping the house in order.

While there are many trails to choose from, the Clear Creek Trail runs beside the most art-filled downtown promenade Colorado has to offer. The murals abound over the century-old buildings, many of which are created from local rocks. The artists are local to the area, and are as enamored with this precious little mining town as we are. As Ika and I strolled the main street everyday, we said silent prayers that this beautiful little city remain intact, and the businesses continue to thrive past this pandemic.

Many of the locals are, like me, aging hippies who still wear their graying hair wild and free with the occasional flower adornment. Some came for the slopes, some came for the Colorado School of Mines, and all stayed for the beauty of the Rockies and all it has to offer. So special to me are the life-sized bronze sculptures that depict the wild west, complete with cowboys, horses, buffalo, and the ever present elk. While my home will always be overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this place has stolen my heart.