by Jessica Hughes | Sep 28, 2022 | Travel
by Jessica Hughes
Up close, tarantulas seem larger than life reaching up to two inches in length.
This autumn, while many will head out west to see the state’s fall foliage, take the time to travel east for a change of scenery to see the Tarantula Trek. Beginning in September and through the month of October, many tarantulas scurry across the southeast portion of Colorado’s Eastern Plains near La Junta.
While there are numerous species of tarantulas, the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula is the one you are most likely to spot. This dark brown to black species is common here because its females prefer to make their burrows in the plentiful quiet prairies on the Comanche National Grasslands of Southeast Colorado.
While this phenomenon has always been called a migration, it is actually an annual mating ritual performed by male tarantulas. “We have traditionally called it a migration,” says Pamela Denahy, the director of tourism for the city of La Junta. “We are currently in the process of re-branding to call it the Tarantula Trek.”
The Comanche National Grassland creates the perfect habitat for mating tarantulas. Visit La Junta photos
The process for seeking out a mate begins when male tarantulas reach maturity at the age of eight to 10 years old. Prior to this, the males have not left the grasslands at all, until they reach mating age. During mating season, you are likely to spot one at a time, but you may be lucky enough to see a group of these males using their sense of touch and vibration to locate the females.
The tarantula can grow up to two inches in length with a leg span of up to five inches.
They can travel as far as 20 miles and oftentimes are in groups searching for a mature female. Males who have reached sexual maturity will travel up to a mile to find a mate, and once he finds one, he’ll perform a courtship dance. Certain body language cues and rituals are used for mating. One of these is “drumming” or “tapping,” which a tarantula may use to indicate interest in a potential partner.
A male tarantula treks through Vogel Canyon near La Junta.
Using the 443,000-plus acres of the Comanche National Grassland, the male tarantulas roam far and wide looking for their mates. But there are certain areas accessible to visitors for easy viewing. Popular places include Vogel Canyon (15 miles from La Junta), Sierra Vista & Timpas Picnic Area (about 20 miles from La Junta along Hwy. 350), and Delhi (36 miles from La Junta on Hwy. 350).
A short drive from La Junta, Vogel Canyon is the most popular destination for viewing the tarantulas because of its accessibility. Plus, it has something for everyone — with four hiking trails that take you to the mesa top or canyon floor, plus quiet picnic areas, making this an ideal day trip for visitors.
Denahy says a great driving route to consider is La Junta to Timpas (on Hwy. 350), east on County Road N, south on County Road 25, east on Forest Service Road 2200, north on Hwy. 109 back to La Junta.
The best time for viewing is an hour before dusk during mid-September thru October and even into early November — depending on the weather. September is peak season, starting mid-month. They don’t really like it too hot, and they don’t like to be out after the first freeze.
But the common question everyone asks Denahy says is “is it safe?” “Yes, it is safe to view them. Tarantulas are much more terrified of you than you are of them. Despite common misconceptions, they are not aggressive. In fact, they are more likely to flee from a larger-than-life human being,” assures Denahy.
Join the city of La Junta for the Tarantula Festival, October 7 & 8, 2022, with fun activities and educational facets for the entire family to enjoy.
Contact the Comanche National Grassland Resource Office for additional ideal viewing locations in and around La Junta at 719-384-2181 or info@visitlajunta.net for additional information.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 27, 2022 | Travel
Lady Bug: The Ladybug is big and strong (but doesn’t realize it) and full of life. Unlike all the other insects in the community she is not part of a family. She’s all alone and lonely, and she’s secretly waiting for something wonderful to happen in her life—something like love. When The Foreigner arrives carrying a strange egg she’s excited by the possibility that her life – and everyone else’s – could be about to change.
Triumphant Return: Cirque du Soleil returns to Denver for the first time in three years. Cirque Ovo will be at the ball Arena from September 8-11.
Ovo Show at Ball Arena Will Be First in Front of Denver Audiences Since Corteo in August 2019
By Mark Smiley
Cirque du Soleil returns to Colorado with its high-energy and high-acrobatic production OVO. Ovo is an exciting Cirque du Soleil experience, that features an intrusion into a new day in the life of insects; a non-stop show of energy and movement. Cirque du Solei shows are famous for their acrobatics and this show is no exception, highlighting the unique personalities and abilities of selected insect species. OVO explores the beauty of biodiversity in all its contrasts and vibrancy. From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, OVO exudes extraordinary showmanship.
“We’re very excited to be coming back especially after the last couple of years that we all had to experience around the world,” said Janie Mallet, Cirque OVO Publicist. “This show has a high acrobatic level and lots of variety. It really is a nice story about friendship, curiosity, exclusivity and love.”
Ovo has been out since 2009. It was first created for the big top and then in 2016, transformed for the arena shows. After what Cirque calls “Intermission” during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team of 100 artists, musicians, and backstage personnel which comprises 25 different nationalities, worked on the show for 3 months before hitting the road again. The artists especially had to find creative ways to stay in top physical shape during the pandemic and the three months of preparation allowed for them to get in that top form. Since its opening in Montreal in 2009, OVO has performed in fr
High Wire Act: Through show-stopping acrobatics highlighting the unique personalities and abilities of selected insect species, OVO explores the beauty of biodiversity in all its contrasts and vibrancy.
ont of more than 7 million people in 155 cities in 26 different countries.
Cirque began performing in front of live audiences in June 2021 in Las Vegas. The shows under the big top re-launched last Fall and how the arena shows are back. “People have been craving live entertainment,” said Mallet. “They’re so supportive and so vocal and so present with us. It’s been amazing coming back and performing live.”
OVO will perform in Colorado at: Budweiser Events Center in Loveland from August 26 to 28, 2022, Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs from September 1 to 4, 2022 and the Ball Arena in Denver from September 8 to 11, 2022. Visit cirquedusoleil.com/ovo for more information and to purchase tickets. Follow #OVOCirque and #cirquedusoleil on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Photo Credit : Pat Beaudry, Max Bocanegra, Randy Cremean & Vlad Lorenzo
by Mark Smiley | Jun 26, 2022 | Travel
Ice Chests To Consider For Your Summer Pleasure
by Mark Smiley
The summer months are upon us and it is time to keep your drinks and food cold for backyard barbecues, soccer tournaments, and trips on the lake. Whether you are in the market for a new cooler, want to add to your fleet, or just want an upgrade, there are a few different kinds to consider and none of these three brands begin with the letter Y.
OtterBox Venture 25
Venture 25: Otterbox is headquartered in Colorado, and its Venture 25 is a versatile and rugged premium cooler.
OtterBox, perhaps best known for its phone cases, has a line of premium coolers that are all made in the United States. OtterBox is based in Colorado and has built a rugged line of Venture coolers in the 25-quart, 45-quart, and 65-quart sizes.
We found the 25-quart size plenty large enough to hold all of the essentials and keep them cold for days. Ice retention on this lasted four days in our test. It was kept in the garage and away from the sun. If kept in a cooler environment with a thermal blanket over it, we are confident it would have lasted for many more days.
The Otterbox Venture 25 is well insulated due to a 2-inch thick, dense foam insulation made of industrial-grade, closed-cell polyurethane. It weighs just under 17 pounds and features silicone seals and latches. We found this cooler to have some of the toughest latches around which is ideal for those using it for camping.
Another feature that separates it from the competition is the durable integrated handles. Most coolers at this size and price point have rope handles. We found carrying this cooler was a bit easier than most of the other models we tested.
Add in a mounting system which allows for added accessories, anti-slide rubber feet, and an attractive design, this cooler should be added to your inventory as it checks the boxes and provides most small families precisely what they are looking for, a cooler that keeps items cold, and is easy to transport.
Visit www.otterbox.com for more information. At press time, the Otterbox Venture 25 was 20% off and selling for $183.99.
GOAT BOXCO
HUB 50: GOAT BOXCO’s HUB 50 is a premium cooler that includes water resistant cans that easily insert into the side of the cooler. The cooler is one that is ideal for just about anything including hunting, fishing, tailgating, or backyard BBQs.
www.GoatBoxCo.com launched their GOAT Cooler System during the COVID-19 pandemic and have created one of the most innovative and stylish coolers on the market. The name GOAT actually means GO AT whatever makes you happy in life according to co-founders Jack Robbins and Gary Dickerson. And building this cooler has been something that has made them happy.
This is another cooler made in the U.S.A., and its rugged design turned heads while testing. It features customizable storage and organization with cans that are designed to hold essential gear for any adventure and slide conveniently into compartments on the side of the cooler. They are built from the same polycarbonate that NASA uses and are water resistant. Whether it be a first aid kit, a place to store can koozies, BBQ essentials, or many other items, it is a creative way to keep items separated and dry.
Ice retention, which most people judge a cooler by, on this model, the HUB 50 (there is also a HUB 70 model), was one of the best on the market, outperforming some of the bigger named coolers. Ice remained ice for six days under warm temperatures and without using the “sacrificial bag of ice” to prep it. This cooler is one you would want to take on a fishing trip, a long weekend, tailgating, or just a backyard BBQ.
GOAT BOXCO strives to improve upon its product and values input from its customers on what could be changed or improved upon. Look for new products and accessories to be launched in the coming year.
To learn more, visit www.GoatBoxCo.com.
Canyon Coolers
NOMAD 20: Canyon Cooler’s NOMAD 20 is an over-the-shoulder soft cooler with a solid reputation of ice retention and ease of transport.
Finally, the Canyon NOMAD 20 is the only soft sided cooler tested and thus is the most lightweight. The NOMAD 20 is an over-the-shoulder soft bag that is comfortable to transport wherever it is you need to go with the built-in shoulder strap. Ice retention on this lasted three days and would most likely last longer if it were stored in a cooler place and prepped with a bag of ice the day before using.
Based in Flagstaff, Ariz., Canyon Coolers launched in 2010 and has one of the best warranties of any cooler company. It features a lifetime, no-fault, no-hassle warranty. They stand behind their products and it is easy to see why, with the NOMAD 20 outperforming the Yeti Hopper Flip in ice retention.
The NOMAD 20 is ideal for transporting food and drink for a quick staycation, your kid’s soccer game, or as a guest for a backyard BBQ. It even features a built-in bottle opener. This cooler is durable, stylish, and holds quite a bit of product for being an over-the-shoulder soft-sided cooler.
There are plenty of five-star reviews from users making this a popular choice that won’t break the bank. For more information, visit www.canyoncoolers.com.
The three coolers reviewed here are all different from one another. They have different designs and features that separate them from their competition. They share at least one thing in common and that is, they all keep your items cold for days. What more can you ask from a cooler?
by Regan Bervar | May 20, 2022 | Travel
High Ridin’ Todd Bannister
by Luke Schmaltz
Todd Bannister is a competitive dirt bike rider, participating in the Monster Energy AMA (American Motocross Assn.) Supercross Championship.
For the uninitiated, this extreme iteration of motocross features pyrotechnics, huge jumps, and hairpin turns on a track of dirt and mud that looks like it is designed to punish as much as it is to entertain.
Meanwhile, stadiums full of exuberant fans cheer on their favorite riders and savor the carnage when the inevitable body-mangling pileups take place.
Road Worthy
Although he was born in Colorado Springs, Bannister currently resides in Eaton, Colo. That is, when he isn’t out on the road pushing his personal boundaries to further his position in the overall rankings.
Bannister competes as a “privateer” which means he is not a corporate-sponsored, factory-backed rider with a huge team of technicians, an enormous budget, and the high-profile hoopla that comes with all of the hype.
To the contrary, Bannister exudes positivity, humility, and a genuine smile that no doubt makes his handful of sponsors, his family and his fellow member of Team Faith proud to be in his corner.
Doggone Exciting: Colorado hero, shown with his riding companion, competes in the Supercross circuit with a winning smile.
Vision And Purpose
Team Faith was founded in 1994 by Brian O’Rourke, a former high-level competitor in the sport who now serves as Manager and Team President.
O’Rourke’s vision is to imbue the tremendous impact extreme sports stars have on young people with a positive, constructive message.
After all, athletes in Supercross and other arenas are highly influential, especially through social media, and O’Rourke vows to “influence the influencers with the message of Christ.”
Emulate Your Hero
O’Rourke’s team consists of Road Pastors, Pit Pastors, mechanics, former riders, his wife and PR Director Monica, and a handful of professional riders. As a rider for Team Faith, one of Bannister’s roles is to spread the good word while competing at his highest level in Supercross.
While being guided by his team’s evangelical endeavors, Bannister also looks to his personal Supercross hero, Trey Canard, for human inspiration. Canard is a former five-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion (among other accomplishments) while also holding the unofficial title of “The Unluckiest Rider Ever.”
His crash reel plays like a cautionary video shown in a driver’s education class or something a doting parent would show to a child showing interest in motorcycles. Yet his personal faith and positive outlook always helped him overcome adversity and forge onward.
Returns From Injury
Up In The Air: Bannister soars above the track in dirt bike competition. The sport requires monstrous jumps and pinpoint landings. Photo: Dave Black
“That guy [Canard] is such an awesome dude,” Bannister begins. “His faith with Jesus has taught me a lot. I like to put that towards my racing and my career, especially with my team [which is] a ministry. He always had such a great attitude on life no matter what. Whenever he had something go wrong, he put his best foot forward and just kept on going. I always put [him] as someone to strive to be like,” Bannister explains.
Just like his hero, Bannister recently suffered a shoulder injury which sidelined him for most of the 2022 season.
April 30th at Empower Field at Mile High marked his return to the Supercross track and doing so in his home state made the event extra special.
“Colorado has its own feel,” Bannister explains. “The track here [at Mile High] is a little harder packed and the altitude has an effect too. It’s high altitude and I like it,” he says with a grin.
Breaking Bread
Feeding The Faith: Team Faith spreads the good word and feeds hungry riders at event competitions.
Understandably, Bannister likes high-energy music, and orchestrates his pre-race ritual accordingly. “I’m a really big punk rock guy,” he explains. “I also like pop-punk, so I usually go for a lot of Blink 182.”
As a member of Team Faith, Bannister also participates in the weekly ministry-based practice of feeding anyone and everyone in the race paddock (race team staging area) who might need a meal. With all of the privateer racers on a budget, it can amount to quite a few people.
“My favorite thing we cook that I like is the chicken because it’s healthy,” he laughs, “I go with that and a salad. I keep it kind of light because I have to race. I don’t care who you are, you’re always going to be nervous to a certain extent, so I try to keep the food down.”
Hometown Hero
A hometown hero, Bannister is quick to describe his love for his home state, “Colorado has its own feel. Nothing is like home,” he says.
“This sport requires huge jumps,” he notes. When Bannister is soaring above the track, for just a moment, he says, “A lot is happening really quickly … you just pinpoint a line and you do it in, literally, like, half a second.”
He sticks the landing and rides on.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 21, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Collaboration Fest: The Fillmore Auditorium was the venue for the 7th Collaboration Fest on April 2, 2022.
After a two-year hiatus, Collaboration Fest returned on April 2, 2022, at the Fillmore Auditorium. Ticket holders who purchased tickets to the 2020 fest that was cancelled due to the pandemic enjoyed over 150 beers. Guild members teamed up with fellow local and national brewers to create unique and interesting beers that were brewed specifically for this event.
Dubbed as one of the most unique and creative beer festivals in the world, Collaboration Fest is an annual beer festival hosted by the Colorado Brewers Guild. The Colorado Brewers Guild is a non-profit trade association representing Colorado craft breweries and brewpubs founded in 1995. CBG sponsors various beer events each year, such as the Colorado Pint Day, Colorado Brewers Rendezvous, Colorado Strong, and the Collaboration Fest. All of these are designed to increase awareness and appreciation of Colorado brewed beer.
“The sheer number of collaboration beers tapped in one single day is phenomenal,” said Shawnee Adelson, CBG executive director before the festival. “Beer lovers will get to sample everything from tried-and-true styles to some off-the-wall creations. There will be something for everyone at Collaboration Fest.”
Mockery Brewing and Baere Brewing Company collaborated for the seventh time spanning the entire life of the festival. Their first collaboration was Mocking Baered Episode I: Lost On Lacto Island. It started as a joke but then became a story they have told over the course of seven years collaborating together.
“This year, it is an Imperial Red [MockingBaered Episode 7: Some like it Hot!] with a lot of spicy and hot peppers, carrots, ginger, and smoked pineapple,” said Zach Rabun, owner of Mockery Brewing. “We are dipping back into some old recipes for this one. Chile beers are already a pretty polarizing category so we definitely want people to know that they’re going to have a chile beer,” said Ryan Skeels, owner of Baere Brewing Company. “This year we decided to incorporate some elements from collaborations of years past and throw a scorching amount of heat into an otherwise malty, sweet, and fruity beer.”
Mockery & Baere: Back row, left to right: Zach Rabun, owner of Mockery Brewing; Ryan Skeels, owner of Baere Brewing Company; and Jason Woody, Head Brewer of Mockery Brewing. Front row, left to right: Mandie Hardison, Mockery Brewing; and Matt Schenck, Head Brewer of Baere Brewing Company.
Collaboration Fest is among the beer fests that attendees look forward to the most. Also, brewers enjoy this one and were excited to see it return. “I think it would be a universal, industry response that there would be nothing but good things said about it [Collaboration Fest],” said Rabun. “We all do a bunch of different festivals in different formats all throughout the year but collab fest stands out because of the format and while we see the same handful of people at all festivals, this one is unique because everyone is pouring something that was created purposely for this festival. So, it’s not their normal lineup of beers you see at every other festival. You can see the different identities of each brewery and it’s cool to see what they can come up with.”
“Mockery is known for putting unique ingredients in their beers in a thoughtful way and now this is the one time a year that everyone decides they should do that so it is pretty fun,” said Skeels.” “Collab beers tend to be more experimental.”
Other stand outs at the festival were Comrade Brewing Company and Cheluna Brewing Company who collaborated on Szech Juan IPA, an American IPA with Szechuan chiles/peppercorns and Tamarind pulp for a combination of sweet/ spicy/hoppy to hit all the bases. “It’s great to have the festival back after a 2-year hiatus,” said David Li, owner of Comrade Brewing. “It showcases the community and camaraderie the craft brewing industry has. The szechuan peppercorn tamarind IPA we brewed with Cheluna Brewing finally happened after we were talking about it in early 2020.”
Comrade Brewing also teamed up with Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company to brew an American Style Double IPA. They experimented with Thiol enhanced brewing techniques for this collab. Jake Lancaster (Glenwood Canyon), Mark Lanham and David Lin (Comrade) have known each other for some time, and each got the ball rolling on this project.
All collaboration beers can be found at each brewery while supplies last. Comrade Brewing is located at 7667 E. Iliff Ave. in Denver, Mockery Brewing is located at 3501 Delgany Street in Denver, and Baere Brew-ing Company is at 320 Broadway in Denver. For a complete list of beers, visit collaborationbeerfest.com. Follow the Colorado Brewers Guild on social media @coloradobrewers guild.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 18, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Spa: The spa features Hydrotherapy in an area that resembles a cenote. The one-hour treatment features a sauna, steam room, and jetted pools to relax in.
Paradise: Dreams Natura Resort & Spa is a 553-room resort and a short 10-mile drive from the Cancun International Airport.
Dreams Natura Resort & Spa is a new resort which had the unfortunate timing of scheduling to open just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. After being closed for months, and then shifting to limited capacity, the resort is open to tourists at full capacity.
Dreams Natura, part of the AMR Collection, which also owns Secrets and Breathless Resorts, is located in Puerto Morelos, a 20-minute ride from the Cancun Airport. The resort prides itself on great service, beautiful landscaping, views, and activities throughout the day and night keeping the entire family engaged. “This resort has some of the best staff I have ever encountered at a resort,” said one guest. “They really enhance the experience by going above and beyond and always being friendly and accommodating.”
The 553 rooms are spacious and come stocked with free minibars, TVs with satellite channels, whirlpool tubs, and furnished terraces. Expect lots of open-air spaces, and a wristband-free all-inclusive program with good food and several places to eat or grab a drink without reservations. “Staying At Dreams Natura was so fun!,” said 10-year-old Ellie Smiley (this author’s daughter). “My favorite part of Dreams Natura was probably the activities and food. The days I was there I really enjoyed. They have such nice workers and the resort itself is so nice, I would definitely recommend.”
Infinity Pool: The main pool is where most of the action happens during the day. The entertainment team orchestrates activities and staff is on hand to keep the drinks flowing.
While the resort offers a beautiful place to have a wedding, relaxation with the family at their infinity pool, time on the beach, three water slides, or the on-property roll glider, the crown jewel of this resort is the spa. “The spa area is so nice and I loved how they designed it to be like a cenote,” said another guest. “The hydrotherapy circuit was such a special treat and I would highly recommend adding this to your treatments.”
The hydrotherapy experience begins with the sauna, moves to the vapor steam room, and then to the pools, the first of which has jets to relax the body, and then the last two being the hot tub and a colder pool to soak in. The entire treatment lasts one hour and leaves the guest refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
While visiting the Riviera Maya, consider a catamaran sailing trip to Isla Mujeres. Cancun Sailing offers four different packages to choose from, all of which include a friendly staff that guides you through the process which may include snorkeling, shopping, drinks on board, and lunch. Cancun Sailing is one of the only companies, now 13 years old, to include docking fees in the price paid up front. They also have packages that include transportation from Dreams Natura. Visit www.cancun sailing.com for more information.
Southwest, Frontier, and United Airlines offer nonstop service from Denver International Airport to Cancun International Airport which takes less than four hours. With an additional 20-minute ride from the airport, it makes the travel a breeze. Once you are greeted at Dreams Natura resort with a cold beverage and towel and walk through the immaculate grounds, you are on vacation and have entered your home away from home.
For more information, visit www.amrcollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/dreams/mexico/natura-resort-spa, follow them on twitter @DreamsResorts or on Facebook at @DreamsNaturaResort.
