Month: August 2005

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North Cheyenne Cañon Park & Stratton Open Space

Stratton Open SpaceKaren and I went hiking along the Wildflower Path and Upper Meadows Loop as he worked our way to the South Suburban Reservoir. Nchey-Pg1The reservoir looked very black due to overcast. We walked the Chamberlain Ridgeway Spur back to our car. This open space is a great area for mountain biking as the trails are wide and smooth. Many people walk their dogs in the open area, too. (So watch your step.)

After walking in Stratton Open Space, we drove over to the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center so that we could hike up to see Silver Cascade Fall. This hike is very short, but it raises quickly. Karen did well on the hike, but it was a hot day for a hike.

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Phantom Canyon Brewing Co

To end our evening, Karen and I headed over to Phantom Canyon Brewing Co to try an ale or two.

First, Phantom Canyon Brewing Co is situated in the center of downtown across the street from the Antlers. The building is the historic Cheyenne Building which had housed the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad in 1901.

Karen had the Hefeweizen while I had their Ginger Ale Beer. Karen's beer was very little in body and taste. My beer had little hint of ginger compared to what I had expected. The Ginger Ale beer is seasonal so get while you can.

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Another Trip to Judge Baldwin's

Karen and I have headed into Judge Baldwin's to try some more of their brews.

Karen had the Champion Wheat and Belgian Biere de Garde. Karen thinks the Champion Wheat was very good. She said it would be a good summer beer with dinner. It was not over powering. Karen enjoyed the Belgian, too. She indicated it is similar to many other types of red ale.

I had the Cascade Amber Lager and Flanders Oud Bruin. The Cascade had a very good hop finish. It would please most anyone. The Flanders Oud Bruin is wild with flavors. It starts off with a malty fruit flavor, but transitions into an oak flavor similar to a fine whiskey's oak barrel taste.

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Waldo Canyon Trail

Waldo Canyon TrailheadWaldo CanyonKaren and I hiked part of the Waldo Canyon trail in the Colorado Spring area. It is located along Highway 24.

The trail is made up of two parts. The trail head and a 3 1/2 mile loop. We hiked the trail head for a total of 3.6 miles. We completed the hike around 4:07 PM today.

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Garden of the Gods

Garden of the GodsKaren and I started hiking with an easy beautiful walk around the Garden of the Gods along the Perkins Central Garden trail. The trail wanders around the central area of the Garden of the Gods. It is a paved trail with the only issue being sun exposure. At the right time of the year, flowers will be in bloom. We experienced rich green vegetation due to all the rain in the area for the past weeks.

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Review of Dr. Nightingale Races the Outlaw Colt

Dr. Nightingale: Races The Outlaw Colt was quick read. It is a series book in the A Deirdre Quinn Nightingale Mystery series.

The story starts out with a celebration of Wynton Chung's second year with the Hillsbrook Police Department ending in his death. Deirdre's police detective boyfriend, Allie Voegler, goes off the depth end on this case feeling his friend's death is his fault. His police captain, Joe Giugh, tells him to get out of town if he wants to keep his job after beating on lady during questioning. This situation has Deirdre hot on the case, but possible in over her head given that she is shot at.

I think I would call this a summer read. The plot was easy to follow, but the characters may be too thin for some readers.

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Judge Baldwin's Brewing Company

I am sitting in Judge Baldwin's drinking their Baby Buddha Dopplebock. I have already finished a Raspberry Wheat.

Judge Baldwin's serves every beer with a straw holding a pretzel. I enjoy this, but you may not.

The Raspberry Wheat has a nice fruity raspberry bouquet and a light taste of raspberry in the finish. The beer is served with a slice of lime which can be added or not. I like it both ways.

Side Bar: Judge Baldwin's presently has a great happy hour special which has all of their brews and appetizers at two bucks. You can't beat that can you!

On to the next beer:
The Baby Buddha Dopplebock is a little sweet with light mouth feel. The beer was licorice high lights. I don't think I have ever found a bad dopplebock.

Time to settle up and head over to Jack Quinn's to listen to John Wise's group Tribe.

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Il Vicino

Il Vicino was a new brew. The Mexicito is brewed new the style of a Mexician lager with agave juice.

The beer has fruity after tones with mellow malty flavors. It has light body and is servered with a slice of lime. I think a orange slice would have gone well with the fruitiness. It would go well with fish, but Il Vicino doesn't serve fish. Bummer!

While at Il Vicino, I had the Brown ale which is hoppy for a brown ale. But, I will have to say that most Colorado Springs beer are over hopped for their style. I always enjoy this style of beer in Colorado Springs. Il Vicino's Brown has more haze than most.