Boulder, Colorado

So, one day a few months back, Corey read in his Triathlete magazine, that Boulder, CO was rated the best city for triatheletes to live in. It has high altitude, good weather, and the community is EXTREMELY bike friendly. There are miles upon miles of bike trails and bike lanes. Of course, there are also miles upon miles of MOUNTAIN trail, too.

I said, "Hey! Let's make that our anniversary present: A trip to check out Boulder!" It took just about no convincing for Corey to book the flight and hotel room.

Neither of us had ever spent time in any part of CO before (stops for connecting flights in Denver do NOT count!), so this was a fun adventure! Things that we liked:

the clean air

bike and pedestrian paths for DAYS! They even try to route the paths, so that the cyclists and joggers don't have to cross any streets!

pretty yet not overwhelming blanket of snow

the people are soooooo nice and friendly!!!

low crime rate. 4 homicides last year --don't we get that in one week??

variety of specialty shops, as well as all the "staple" shops, minus Walmart!!! :o) :o) :o)

the homeless there are less scary than in Bako

the cold was a "dry cold." In contrast to the valley, which has a damp penetrating cold, Boulder was 23 degrees on Friday, but I was barely chilled in just a sweatshirt!

reasonable cost of living. I can't think it's much higher than Bako, if at all higher

Panera bakery. My goodness, I loved that place! We had lunch there everyday :o) Although there are rumors that a Panera is coming to Bakersfield....

Walnut Brewery. Had two dinners there, and met a very hospitable waiter!

cooler guns, of course!

did I mention "no Walmart?" heehee :o)