Crested Butte

Our trip to Crested Butte sure was nice.  Not only did our hospitable friends have a homey cabin for us to stay in while we visited, they took us out and about, on the town so we could explore the area.

My husband got to go fly fishing, which he says is even better than playing golf.  I watched part of his lesson, but didn't go along on their day on the river.  

Instead, Judy and I cruised the art fest going on downtown.  First of all, it is one of the cutest downtown areas you will ever see. Quaint buildings, great shops, beautiful view, and good food were all topped off with this big, juried show with artists from all over the country.

With lots of booths, filled with spectacular art.  Judy and I both were commenting on how elaborate and well done many of the displays were, I always like to take in the styling of the work as well as the work itself.

 I had a few faves, like this artist.

Ethereal and whimsical.  For me, you can't go wrong with that combo.

And this artist's work touched me.  So dainty and sweet. I might have indulged a bit in her booth…

But as wonderful as the art was, my eye was caught by a less typical festival sight.  

A BEAR!

Yes, a real, live, gobble you up, growly bear.

A real one.

Downtown?

During an art fair?!

With about a 1,000 people mulling about, shopping, relaxing, having a good time.  Not a single sheriff telling us to stay away from the bear in the tree.  Aparently, they think it is the same bear that was stuck in a tree the week before.  

No one runs away screaming, nothing is barricaded off, everyone goes about their business. Although every once in a while, someone would grumble something about the poor bear and that everyone should leave it alone. Well, it looked to me like it was left alone, abysmally so.   I thought it needed guards!!

We saw other wildlife too, although not in the center of town. Driving to our whitewater rafting adventure, I spotted two sheep in the mountains, so we pulled over to look.  This is similar to the photo of the bear, you have to have really good eyes to find it.  Colorado had lots of "Where's Waldo" type moments.

Impressed that I saw them while driving by? I was!   

I was a terrible failure at white water rafting.  Within minutes of getting in the boat, my paddle privileges were suspended.  My husband was trying to hold onto me as I teetered on the edge of the boat, and quivered in fear over the rapids, so he couldn't paddle himself. I was told to use both hands to hold on, and he was able to concentrate on paddling without taking care of me.

We were much better off with him rowing full time, and not having to worry about me and my pathetic attempts to act like I was using an oar.  First of all, I have no balance, everyday tasks often go wrong for me. Kind of like the day I knocked a tooth out on a cabinet door.  Or right after white water rafting when I climbed into the hot tub and fell face first into it when I missed a step. I was wishing I still had the helmet on that I'd worn on the river that day.

After my oar was put away, and I was a passenger instead of a rower, and could grip the handles with my white knuckled fists, I was a lot more comfy and could enjoy my ride.  It was quite a trip, the river was exciting, and there were rocks everywhere.  When we were driving to the excursion, along the stream, I didn't think that could possibly be the one we would be floating down, I saw so many rocks sticking up out of the water. But yes, that was our wet,obstacle course for the day.

We had hoped to get in some hiking too, but between rainy weather and altitude adjustments (ugh, that can be unpleasant), we decided on a lazy afternoon at the cabin instead.  Then, a trip downtown to see more of the sights and go out for dinner. 

There are such cute, old buildings in the town itself.  How could you not love this little cottage?

Or this one? 

I hope to visit again someday. What a place!