DAY 5: Boulder.

Woke up this morning in a basement room with no windows and no alarm clock, so I did not know, or need to know what time it was.  This was glorious because I love to wake up to the morning sun streaming in my room at Princeton, but it was awesome to have no concept of time.  No, I was not kidnapped.  I slept in.  For Josh Cleveland, that means 7:45.  Sad AND great.

My friends Sam and Jenny made me several great maps and pages of directions for things to do and see around the Boulder area.  With friends like them, who needs AAA!  Since they both had to work, the day was mine, and I took to the town.

(Note: somehow, probably by operator's error, at the end of the day when uploading my pictures...I lost about half of them.  So, the photo album to the right of Day 5 is a little sparse.  Dang.)

Headed to Vic's Coffee in Louisville.  Small town feel, pretty cheap, and free wifi.  I was sold.  Worked on yesterday's post and just sat around.  Not driving 600 miles?  SO GOOD.  While online, I was also on instant messenger, and one of my former students from Texas, Greg, popped on.  I remembered that he attends University of Colorado: Boulder.  We hadn't spoken in several months, and hadn't seen each other in two years, but I thought I'd say hi and see if he wanted to grab lunch.  He was free, so we headed out to Half Fast Subs (say that three times fast).  So good to catch up.

After Greg showed me around the University campus, he headed off to work, and I drove around Boulder.  Stopped at Columbia Pioneer Cemetery, a site I just happened upon. 

Later, headed up to Chautauqua Park, at the foot of the Flatiron Mountains.  This took me up and into the hills a ways on winding mountain roads.  My car was about as happy with the steep hills as my lungs were with the change in altitude. Nevertheless, it was a sweet day for a drive.  I'm a chicken sometimes.  Was driving from point to point, and at one part of the drive, saw a sign that told me "You are in a Mountain Lion's home" and instead of getting out to enjoy the view, I sat in the car for a minute and then proceeded to drive.  Away.  The reality of it is that ALL of Boulder is a Mountain Lion's home, but the fact that I was in the forest highlighted that point.  So, I headed back down the mountain (where it was safe) and hung out at the park at its base. 

I have decided: Boulder is the Austin of Colorado, and that's fine by me.  Both are sweet eclectic towns.

 
I had heard about a Butterfly exhibit nearby, and knew it would provide some great pictures.  That, and the fact that I think butterflies are generally great (but get a little freaked out when they land on me).  So, I went to the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster and saw some amazing butterflies, birds, and plants.  They had one of my favorite flowers there: Angel's Trumpet (huge horn shaped, peach colored, beautifully scented tropical flower).  This was yet another touristy thing.  I don't feel bad about that fact, either.

Headed back to Jenny and Sam's to head out to dinner at Village Tavern in Broomfield.  Enjoyed a flank steak sandwich and caught up on life with those ladies.  We enjoyed the fact that we were together in Boulder, rather in Austin, for the time being. I am grateful for "old" friends and shared memories.  Just missed our friend Hannah!  (Ya, I was surrounded by women for most of my time in Texas.)  Picked up "Spanglish" expecting it to be a comedy, because Adam Sandler is in it.  While there were hilarious parts, it was quite deep.  I liked.

SONG OF THE DAY:
    ::Free...Neah Lee

It was a truly relaxing day, just what I needed!  Good to hear from friends and family today, too.  Thanks for checking in!  Tomorrow I head down to Santa Fe!  Only six hours of driving. 

As always,
You are loved.

Josh

Comments

[Stef]

I didn't get to respond yesterday, but I'm still laughing about your "detour". At least you weren't too far off track.
The butterfly pictures were beautiful! I still can't figure out why you would want one to land on you. YUCK!
Have a fun and safe drive to Santa Fe.

[Elisabeth]

Hey Uncle Josh. I love you and I want you to write me a note for a necklace please. Uncle Josh I didn't get a butterfly to land on me either. Maybe next time when I go to the zoo I'll get one to land on me.
I love you! I miss you!

[mrsfine]

Hey Josh,
I'm trying to have a life, but looking at your site is way more fun! Today, in the event that you don't already know, is Norwegian Indepence Day!! A free nation for 100 years :) Our flag is flying proudly outside. As far as prayers go, you know who is almost 13, so pray for us both as love is immeasurable but patience is short.

Go M's
Hey, I agree, Boulder is way cool.

All the best,
MFK

[Dave B.]

Josh,

Mountain lions. Ha. Funny.