With apologies to those blog readers who always expect tribal knowledge from the Oracle at Newbury Park, there is none today!
Quite frankly I am still recuperating from the week of whirlwind of activities that normally might take two weeks. We left few stones unturned in terms of things to do and see. In looking at the photos of myself I am reconciled that I am old (despite trying to think like an 18-year-old) and my get up and go has got up and went.
Hiding in the Photo is N6QW
There are some general observations worth sharing which I now will discuss. The very 1st is the kindness and courtesy of folks living outside of California. More than once folks inside the elevator actually tried to hold the doors open so you could ride without waiting. In CA, there is a race to close the doors in your face.
Young people were courteous and polite. Given that I do have hair and it is all white, young people would open doors for me. Wow, that never happens here.
Recognition of Veterans. At virtually all attractions I was asked if I was a Veteran and that usually resulted in a reduced admission. There were also four museums dedicated to veterans.
At one museum, if you were a Vietnam Veteran, you were presented a pin. One YL docent at a museum on Chyenne, asked me about being a veteran and I pulled out my key ring and showed her my "dog tags" and my foldable MIC (Meal Individual Combat) can opener.
Yes, I carry those on my key ring to always remind me of those who gave their lives so we would have our freedom. I could tell she had a lump in her throat. The dog tag carry is also a good way to identify me should something happen.
An extended Jeep Wrangler
Garden of the Gods Tour
The OM, N6QW
We visited Buffalo Bill Cody's grave site and museum. Buffalo Bill was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service to our country. Iron Tail a Oglala Lakota chief a participant in Cody's Wild West show was one of three composite models for the Indian Head Nickel.
The Argo Gold Mine had a catastrophic failure where water flooded the mine, and it had to be sealed off.
Nick attempts opening the Mine!
A recent analysis indicates in excess of $100B in Gold is still in the mine which is a tipping point to actually reopen the Argo Mine.
Railroad Museum. Son, Nick at the Throttle
Funny story about the RR Museum in Golden, as there was a replica telegraph office in the Museum complete with a "guest CW Key and Sounder". I sent CQ and my call and the OT Docent said Welcome N6QW.
We had a great visit to the Denver Mint, where it is one a few government operations that is entirely self-funded. The US actually mints money for foreign countries and sells "proof sets" for profit which generates the operating revenue.
The only test not performed on me before entering the Mint was the alien rectal probe. You had to turn off your phone, no camera's, no electronic devices, no purses, no backpacks, no fanny packs! Everything out in the open and you were always surrounded by armed guards.
The original die for the coins is quite large and an electronic pantograph takes the original and creates a second die at scale. They were in the process of shutting down the Penny lines.
Would I recommend a trip to the Denver area. Without reservation the answer would be yes, but only if you plan your activities well in advance and many require a reservation well in advance.
Nick and I are thinking of a sojourn to New Mexico in the fall but 1st I am trying to locate a Geiger Counter for my personal use as I want to visit the Trinity Site.
Didn't see any beam antennas and Ham Radio Outlet was a fairly small store and this location seemed to favor Yaesu products.
Them that know can make things go.
73's
Pete N6QW