An Artist’s Adventures In The USA (Part Two)

Have you ever done a long road trip? Sometimes it can be pretty inspiring to get into a new environment. We artists need a change of scenery to keep our creative spirits honed…

This was evident in the next leg of the road trip from Salt Lake City to Fort Collins in Colorado.

Photographic opportunities appeared everywhere from interesting rock formations to fabulous fields of wheat rippling in the breeze. Amazing to watch!

My husband was out training for his upcoming event, so I chose to check out one of the local art galleries, The Blue Moose Art & Gallery.

It was absolutely inspiring to see art from another part of the world!

The ladies in the gallery where so hospitable.  Then I spent a bit of time deciding which treasures I wanted to take home with me. It was a difficult decision as there were so many nice pieces and not enough room for everything.

I decided on a pair of earrings, a bracelet & a coffee mug to add to my coffee cup collection.

Earrings – Blue Moose Gallery, Artist Jewel Lyn Designs

As an avid coffee drinker I always buy at least one coffee cup on our trips. It’s a nice way to evoke those special trip feelings when back home, and – as you know, I do love functional art – like this newest Pohutukawa Inspired Bowl that I’ve recently added to the NZ Pop Art  collection:

If you read my last blog we walked up Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City, this time it was the Devil’s Backbone. Coincidentally there seems to be a bit of a theme here, totally unintentional. The Devil’s Backbone is an open space in Larimer County that encompasses 2198 acres of land.

If you love to hike, bike, ride a horse or run then put this place on your bucket list.

Amazing Rock Formations Inspired My Artistic Imagination

Wanting to get up close and personal with the unusual rock formations we chose the Wild Loop Trail with a side trip to the Keyhole (hole in the rock). The trail was approx a 3kms round trip,  a good easy walk.  Just be aware of time of day regarding heat if you decide to do this yourself.

The Devils Backbone

The Keyhole in the Devils Backbone

Next stop was Boulder, Colorado for the big event. Hubby had entered the  Ironman 70.3 triathlon which was to be held at Boulder Reservoir. Up nice and early on event day because the event started at what felt like the middle of the night. It was totally worth the early wake up to see the incredible sunrise – and of course, took some photos!

Sunrise over Boulder Reservoir

The event consisting of a swim, bike & run was raced, the battle won (completed) and due consideration was given to what could work better next time.

In addition to sunrise photos, I also got some fabulous photos of local flora and fauna (and a few of the contestants too! As I said at the start – there is literally art everywhere when you look for it!)

Waiting for Ironman 70.3 to start

Local wild flower – The Teasel

All in all, it was a great day for both of us & new friends and memories were made!

So to the final leg of our road trip, back to San Francisco. check in for the next installment…