Zephyr Trip: Day 2

Downtown Denver

Colorado farmland

We woke up just before dawn somewhere in eastern Colorado. At first the Rocky Mountains were only a darker blue on the western horizon, but as the sun began to rise the snowcaps began to turn orange. I'm sure 'back in the day' it would have been even more dramatic, crossing the plains for weeks and weeks, then finally seeing something other than endless Prairie.

Mountains ahoy!

We rolled into Denver slightly ahead of schedule- nice! My parents and brother were just finishing up their Spring Break trip in Colorado visiting my sister, so Day 2 provided a rare 'entire Matteson family' event on the road. After being fortunate enough to check in early at the hotel [it was 8:30 am], we dumped our bags and grabbed a quick breakfast. We were eager to get out and enjoy the 80-degree [!] day.

Civic Center Park

Cas and I walked a lap around Colorado's statehouse while waiting for the rest of the family to join us. The capitol building sits at the head of Civic Center Park, facing the city/county building at the other end, and the Rockies in the distance. A step leading up to the capitol's front doors is labeled as 'One Mile Above Sea Level'... so yes the Mile-High City title is an exact measurement.

Libeskind's DAM

We took advantage of the nearby Denver Museum of Art's 'Free First Saturday' promotion, and then found a nearby brunch place at 'Dozens'. The weather was perfect for wandering semi-aimlessly, and we worked our way over to the 16th Street Mall- the main shopping drag that is closed to all traffic except for a free bus shuttle system that runs regularly up-and-down the boulevard. We walked most of its length heading northwest towards the Platte River and the bridge overlooking Commons Park.

Mattesons on tour

A few of us caught a Final Four game at Wynkoop Brewing [Denver's Oldest Brew Pub], while the other half of the party grabbed a nap back at the hotel. So we were all relaxed and ready for some quality Italian dining across the river at Gaetano's. A nice, warm, full day.

5,280 feet up

Defend the high ground!

Denver State Capitol building

16th Street suspension bridge tower