Colorado Wildfires

Colorado Wildfires
Oh my poor Colorado. Several wildfires across the state-Boulder, Estes Park, and Colorado Springs--more then 8 wildfires across the state. Please note open fires are banned. I know 4th of July is around the corner but please be careful with the fireworks; this is the hottest and driest season I've seen in a long time.

Also if you are traveling along I-25 in Colorado Springs, remember to give yourself extra time for traveling. The wildfire has reach I-25 and all traffic is being deverted east along Academy BLVD.

River tubing in Lyons, Colorado

Amazing! My brother has been telling me for years about this spot up in the mountains and we finally went. First the park area is amazing; there's an open field for Fido to play in, a baseball field, playground, couple of bbq pits, bathrooms, volleyball court, picnic areas, and rv parking. And to top all that off the river runs all the way around the park for a good half mile. People were dropping in their inner tubes and riding the river to the other side of the park and then walking across the park to do it again. If you don't want to tube then there's a little swimming area and a deep enough place to jump off the rocks. The only downside is it is June and the water is still cold; my brother said he came in August and the water was a lot warmer. I plan on making this trip again it was a lot of fun. How to get there: Take I-36 west (go thru Boulder) to I-60W, in Lyons the road will fork (right fork to Estes Park) go left, just after the light there will be a dirt road on the right, take the right and you're there. Parking is 5 dollars or you can try to find a spot on the street and walk. Best tube drop in point is to the right after the baseball fields. Have fun! And remember don't stand in the river; swim to the sides. 

Back in Colorado

Finally home. Sad to see all the wildfires that are happening in Colorado Springs and Estes Park. Pray for some rain.

Traveling back thru Munich

So if your flying to the United States just keep in mind you need to eat and buy your soverniors prior to going thru the U.S. check point. I found a ton of great soverniors-german chocolate, shot glasses that look like beer steins. My favorite was a cloth hanging that showed all the cities of Germany-my brothers and I were born in Germany and they loved this gift. Another favorite when we were kids are the Kindereggs; its a hollow chocolate egg with a toy in the middle; I always make sure to grab some of these when I'm in Germany-a family favorite.

Last second trip to Siena

At the last minute our group decided to drive to Siena and I'm glad they did. The drive there was very scenic passing lots of villas and castles on the way. Little did I know, there is a lot of history in Siena like the various proviences make up the town and back in the day instead of going to war the proviences would have a chariot race around the center. Siena also had great food and shops as well as plenty of older structures (Cathedral built in the 1300s). I also loved how the towns folk dress up and wave their provience flags and beat on their drums. Great last minute trip.

Food in Pisa

Pisa was a great place for food. Most restaurants start serving food around 9pm and the meal last until midnight so make sure you catch a nap. There are lots of great restaurants around the tower that are in walking distance.

Landed in Newark

Bathrooms here are gross...hoover people

Landed in Houston

Just landed in Houston Texas...oww wee wrangler butts drive me nuts!
I must say all the Texas men walk tall and yet still manage to be very gentlemen-like. Love it!

Colorado Springs Airport

Didn't even realize the Colorado Springs airport opened earlier than 6am. I feel like I'm on an episode of Top Gear-can I get to the airport before the plan actually takes off. Only difference is Jeremy Clarkson gets to drive a Mercedes SLS and his cruise control works.

Pisa Bound

This week I'm traveling to Pisa, Italy.
5 connecting flights starting Sunday with arrival Monday.
Starting in Colorado Springs to Houston to Newark to Munich to Pisa.

Going to Pisa for business but I should have some time to visit the sites.
Anyone have suggestions on what to see and some useful Italian phrases?