The Conservative Cave
The Bar => The Lounge => Topic started by: Big Dog on July 07, 2012, 06:26:34 PM
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I am a single dad, have been for 5 years. Since my son, Moose, was born, I worked hard to raise him to be a Man, and a good one. I believe it's our mission as fathers to raise our sons to be good Men, with manly virtues and manly attitudes.
Moose graduates college at the end of the summer, and plans to join the Army this fall. He wants to enlist as an MP and apply for CID after two years. I am very proud of him, his achievements, and his plans for the future.
Since his 18th birthday, Moose and I have celebrated each one as a Milestone to Manhood (you may use the title if you like). For his 18th birthday, we sat out on the lawn and he smoked his first cigar...
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/cigar10.jpg)
...followed by dinner at a local roadhouse.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/Hooters04.jpg)
For his 19th birthday, we went to the Sturgis motorcycle rally:
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/citylimits5x7.jpg)
We parked the truck on the main east-west drag through town, set up the chairs and cooler in the back, and watched the parade of bikes and people all afternoon long.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/kingofsturgis.jpg)
Moose made a new friend:
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/BirthdayMoose1.jpg)
We grilled ribeyes and shrimp for dinner a few days before his 20th birthday, because he was out of state for his cousin's wedding on his birthday.
And, for his 21st, I am knocking out the chocks and we're doing it up right.
1. The big gift:
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01645.jpg)
-Para Ordnance LDA .45, I picked it up today. Ordered a Comp-Tac holster, mag pouch, Wilson mags, and a brick of .45 ball ammo.
2. Reserved his spot in a concealed carry course, and will pay his KS concealed carry license fee.
3. The Trip: We are calling it "The Ultimate Pub Crawl", a week-long tour of Colorado microbreweries and microdistilleries. One drink at each pub; two at a place in Manitou Springs where we'll sit in the shadow of Pike's Peak and smoke cigars.
I think it will be the perfect launch into Manhood for him. We'll have pictures.
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I'm available for adoption. But seriously, good job in putting your heart into being a good Dad.
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That's awesome. Y'all will have a blast.
KC
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I go to Hooters for the cuisine.
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I only pick up playboy to read the articles.
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Looks just like the types of birthdays every young man wants :rofl:
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That is awesome, Big Dog. I hope you have a good time, and be sure to show some of those pics.
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I only pick up playboy to read the articles.
I would say for the advertisements. The last time I looked at a playboy magazine was when China (the wrestler) was in. All it was was 90 pages of advertisements and six pages of pictorials.
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Looks just like the types of birthdays every young man wants :rofl:
:-)
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I want that Brewery Tour dang it! I hope I get to Ft. Collins the next time I am up in CO. If you have time in Denver, go to Wynkoop Brewhouse.
The class and the gun are awesome too.
Dang, I want the whole birthday!
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I want that Brewery Tour dang it! I hope I get to Ft. Collins the next time I am up in CO. If you have time in Denver, go to Wynkoop Brewhouse.
The class and the gun are awesome too.
Dang, I want the whole birthday!
Tots,
If you think I treat my son well, you should see how I treat the right woman!
:-)
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I am a single dad, have been for 5 years. Since my son, Moose, was born, I worked hard to raise him to be a Man, and a good one. I believe it's our mission as fathers to raise our sons to be good Men, with manly virtues and manly attitudes.
H5 to you.
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Tots,
If you think I treat my son well, you should see how I treat the right woman!
:-)
Hi 5!
:-)
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Awwwww, you're a good Dad!
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Awwwww, you're a good Dad!
Aww, shucks. Thanks.
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That's awesome!! Can't wait to see some pics, BD!! :cheersmate:
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Yeah, it's definitely time to break out the h5's.
I gotsta axe the question - in the event that Moose hasn't yet popped his cherry, are you, Big Dog, gonna swing by the Moonlite Bunny Ranch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonlite_Bunny_Ranch) for some "entertainment" and a bit of refreshment afterwards with Moose in tow?
Something tells me he'd love it. :-)
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What vitola of cigar?
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Yeah, it's definitely time to break out the h5's.
I gotsta axe the question - in the event that Moose hasn't yet popped his cherry, are you, Big Dog, gonna swing by the Moonlite Bunny Ranch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonlite_Bunny_Ranch) for some "entertainment" and a bit of refreshment afterwards with Moose in tow?
Something tells me he'd love it. :-)
The young man's gonna have to take care of that himself.
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What vitola of cigar?
I have a bundle of Rocky Patel Decade 6x60s resting in my humidor, ordered specifically for the trip. Thompson sells the RP "seconds" (cosmetic blemishes, doesn't affect the taste) for about $3 a stick.
Rocky Patel "Series D" (http://www.thompsoncigar.com/product/ROCKY-PATEL-FACTORY-OVERRUNS-SERIES-D-EMPEROR-SUMATRA-GORDO/75308.uts?cm_vc=10572)
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Are you one of those folks that listens to the Cigar Dave show?
He's entertaining. I wonder how many cigars he goes through in a month.
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I want that Brewery Tour dang it! I hope I get to Ft. Collins the next time I am up in CO. If you have time in Denver, go to Wynkoop Brewhouse.
I added Wynkoop to the list.
Thanks, Tots!
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Are you one of those folks that listens to the Cigar Dave show?
He's entertaining. I wonder how many cigars he goes through in a month.
No, but I just looked it up and I'm gonna start!
I get together with some buddies every Thursday after work for Cigar Night at a local country/biker bar. It's great to relax with a really good cigar and a really good bourbon or two!
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I only ask because he mentioned Rocky Patel on his show last weekend. I didn't realize the cigar world had their celebrities.
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Right up there on the awsome scale
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I added Wynkoop to the list.
Thanks, Tots!
You won't be disappointed. :cheersmate:
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I have a bundle of Rocky Patel Decade 6x60s resting in my humidor, ordered specifically for the trip. Thompson sells the RP "seconds" (cosmetic blemishes, doesn't affect the taste) for about $3 a stick.
Rocky Patel "Series D" (http://www.thompsoncigar.com/product/ROCKY-PATEL-FACTORY-OVERRUNS-SERIES-D-EMPEROR-SUMATRA-GORDO/75308.uts?cm_vc=10572)
Never had the RP Decades. Next time Cigar Monster has them, I'll get some. I'm a maduro whore, myself. Lately I've been on a A Turrent kick. That, Onyx, Olivas, and when I can find them, DE Liga Privada 9's and Undercrowns.
Kudos to you. Rites of passage are VERY important to boys maturing to manhood. I promised my 9 yo twins that if they never smoked anything from now until HS, I'd show them the proper way to enjoy a fine cigar.
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Never had the RP Decades. Next time Cigar Monster has them, I'll get some. I'm a maduro whore, myself. Lately I've been on a A Turrent kick. That, Onyx, Olivas, and when I can find them, DE Liga Privada 9's and Undercrowns.
Kudos to you. Rites of passage are VERY important to boys maturing to manhood. I promised my 9 yo twins that if they never smoked anything from now until HS, I'd show them the proper way to enjoy a fine cigar.
Thanks.
Rocky Patel Edge Maduro is a mighty nice smoke. I recommend it.
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I'll keep that in mind. I'll let you know what I think after I get one or three.
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Sounds like you have a great son hope you guys enjoy his birthday
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All it takes to be a father is a semen deposit. It takes a lot of time and effort to be a good dad. you are a dad, and congrats to your son, and to you
.
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We leave next Wednesday, home Sunday the 12th.
Brew Tour
8 Aug 12-
LB Brewing Co, Hays KS
Phantom Canyon Brewery, Colorado Springs
9 Aug 12-
Colorado Mountain Brewery, Colorado Springs
Ancient Mariner Tavern, Manitou Springs
Beer and cigars, watching the sun go behind Pike's Peak- location to be determined
10 Jul 12-
Wynkoop Brewing Co, Denver
Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey Distillery/Rackhouse Pub, Denver
Walnut Brewery, Boulder
Mountain Sun Brewery, Boulder
11 Jul 12-
Left Hand Brewing Co, Longmont
Equinox Brewing Co, Ft Collins
Coopersmith's Pub and Brewing, Ft Collins
Anyone in Colorado who wants to join us for a beer or an evening beer and cigar, PM me.
(http://jbrookeiv.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/img_0392.jpg)
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Have a great time!!!!!! :cheersmate: :-*
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Have a great time!!!!!! :cheersmate: :-*
Thanks!
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I am so excited for you guys! What an awesome trip! Gosh, I sure do love a good beer. Have one for me! :cheersmate:
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I am so excited for you guys! What an awesome trip! Gosh, I sure do love a good beer. Have one for me! :cheersmate:
I'll post a picture, just for you!
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Enjoy the time with your boy. I'm jealous.
KC
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What a great trip! Your son is going to remember this time with you with happiness/love the rest of his life (as will you)!
Can't wait for the pics, BD! :cheersmate:
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Good luck on your Father Son odyssey.
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I'll post a picture, just for you!
Thanks! I told my buddies about your trip, and we are all jealous!
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PART 1
Breakfast- for a man's 21st birthday, what else would he have but bacon! Specifically, a pound of thick-sliced hickory smoked bacon, scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, and a pot of coffee.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01671.jpg)
After breakfast came the presents! New .45, holster and mag pouch, range bag, cleaning kit, gunsmithing tools, and ammo.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01673.jpg)
Moose loves the pistol.We spent two hours on familiarization and holster drills. We're going to the range Sunday afternoon to break it in and work on Moose's gunfighting skills.
This afternoon, we saw the new Dark Knight movie. It was really good.
After the movie, we went to the Little Apple Brewery in Manhattan. Moose bought the first round. The bartender checked his ID.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01675.jpg)
Moose with his first glass of stout...
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01677.jpg)
...and his second.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01678.jpg)
Primo steaks for dinner: Moose had a melt-in-your-mouth KC Strip, and I had grilled prime rib with mushrooms. The Little Apple sure knows how to burn a steak!
We came home and watched his last gift of the day, an absolutely awful movie called Poultrygeist, Night of the Chicken Dead. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462485/) He and I like bad movies, but this one was painful to watch. He may regift it to his friend Vince- I won't mind.
More birthday fun tomorrow!
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That pistol picture says a thousand words about the obvious great safety ingraining. Muzzle pointed safely. Finger out of the trigger guard. Two handed grip. He has been well trained.
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Happy Birthday Moose!
Way to go Dad!
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I love it when a plan comes together.
Nice job, Cigar Man. :cheersmate:
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PART 2
Today we went to the range. Moose broke in his new .45 with 250 rounds and a ton of fun!
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/Photo034.jpg)
On the way home, we stopped at WalMart. Moose lost weight this spring and summer, and needed new jeans.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/Photo035.jpg)
After dinner, we sat out with cigars (Rocky Patel) and bourbon (Weller).
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01680.jpg)
It's been a great weekend!
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Great weekends are made to be relived.
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Great weekends are made to be relived.
:rant: :rant: :rant:
We females get no rights of passage dammit.
Where are ours?????? I have never heard of moms or dads planning a big party for a daughter when she gets her first period. No big hoopla when she becomes pregnant all the party's are not for her but for the baby.
About the only people getting married today are Gay, so to spend $20,000 on a wedding that may last 4 years is nuts.
Where was my Mom when I turned 21, not out buying me my first legal drink, not there cheering me on when I got my first divorce. Not there when I remarried. Darn my Mom refused to take me to get a tattoo when I turned 18, or even give me a birthday party after I turned sweet 16.
Now Dad did things his own way, the best memories I have of him was the times we went out and about together just us two. He in a way treated me like the son he never had, the few times we raised hell was in Hawaii out of sight of Mom. New years we spent the day setting up firecrackers around the yard so when the traditional Hawaiian new years came in we could celebrate with everyone else.
When the time came Mom came flying out of the house and acted like we had set a barn on fire. Mom has no sense of adventure. Had I been a son or grandson mom would have enjoyed it.
For some reason men take right of passage very seriously for their sons, Woman don't give it a thought.
For the men out there, sons and daughters need a right of passage, if you buy a son a gun, buy one for your daughter and train her to use it. If you take a son on a beer tasting trip, do so for your daughter. If you teach your son to sail, teach your daughters also.
Come the time you are 6 feet under the boys will occasionally perhaps once a year remember the bonding experience, but a daughter will often in their lives remember lessons taught by a grandfather or father that stick with with them for the rest of their lives.--------Example at perhaps 8 years old I walked in on my grandpa that was doing a wood project and was cleaning off his tools. He mentioned off hand that if a man took care of his tools, the tools would take care of him.--------Went on in life to clean my sewing machine, and all things including care of my car.
Good dad you are, just don't forget the girls and if their mother objects ------Ignore her and give your girls a life time of good memories.
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Mine was at 13...My mom let us get our ears pierced..I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but when you are 13, it is...that and flying to England by ourselves to see our grandparents...
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Mine was at 13...My mom let us get our ears pierced..I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but when you are 13, it is...that and flying to England by ourselves to see our grandparents...
I was allowed to get my ears pierced at 13 also! My dad's favorite joke about my incessant asking for it was "Why do you need two more holes in your head?" :-)
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I was allowed to get my ears pierced at 13 also! My dad's favorite joke about my incessant asking for it was "Why do you need two more holes in your head?" :-)
well I think for most girls, 13 is the age for them.Alot of things are happening to them physically as well as emotionally.They start their menstual cycles around that age, they are expected to do more around the house. They start worrying more about their appearance. Boys are something to consider talking to..They become more aware of themselves then.....and parents start to worry more as well....
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well I think for most girls, 13 is the age for them.Alot of things are happening to them physically as well as emotionally.They start their menstual cycles around that age, they are expected to do more around the house. They start worrying more about their appearance. Boys are something to consider talking to..They become more aware of themselves then.....and parents start to worry more as well....
Yup, I had the whole anorexia thing going at 13 . . . long story :(
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:rant: :rant: :rant:
We females get no rights of passage dammit.
Where are ours?????? I have never heard of moms or dads planning a big party for a daughter when she gets her first period. No big hoopla when she becomes pregnant all the party's are not for her but for the baby.
About the only people getting married today are Gay, so to spend $20,000 on a wedding that may last 4 years is nuts.
Where was my Mom when I turned 21, not out buying me my first legal drink, not there cheering me on when I got my first divorce. Not there when I remarried. Darn my Mom refused to take me to get a tattoo when I turned 18, or even give me a birthday party after I turned sweet 16.
Now Dad did things his own way, the best memories I have of him was the times we went out and about together just us two. He in a way treated me like the son he never had, the few times we raised hell was in Hawaii out of sight of Mom. New years we spent the day setting up firecrackers around the yard so when the traditional Hawaiian new years came in we could celebrate with everyone else.
When the time came Mom came flying out of the house and acted like we had set a barn on fire. Mom has no sense of adventure. Had I been a son or grandson mom would have enjoyed it.
For some reason men take right of passage very seriously for their sons, Woman don't give it a thought.
For the men out there, sons and daughters need a right of passage, if you buy a son a gun, buy one for your daughter and train her to use it. If you take a son on a beer tasting trip, do so for your daughter. If you teach your son to sail, teach your daughters also.
Come the time you are 6 feet under the boys will occasionally perhaps once a year remember the bonding experience, but a daughter will often in their lives remember lessons taught by a grandfather or father that stick with with them for the rest of their lives.--------Example at perhaps 8 years old I walked in on my grandpa that was doing a wood project and was cleaning off his tools. He mentioned off hand that if a man took care of his tools, the tools would take care of him.--------Went on in life to clean my sewing machine, and all things including care of my car.
Good dad you are, just don't forget the girls and if their mother objects ------Ignore her and give your girls a life time of good memories.
Ummmm...vesta, honey, I don't have any daughters. And I have gifted the women in my life with firearms, liquor, cigars, or getaway vacations.
I agree with your grandpa. Every man knows, "If you take care of your tool, it will take care of you."
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
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Ummmm...vesta, honey, I don't have any daughters. And I have gifted the women in my life with firearms, liquor, cigars, or getaway vacations.
I agree with your grandpa. Every man knows, "If you take care of your tool, it will take care of you."
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Hey!!!! Isn't tomorrow the start of your awesome vacation? :cheersmate:
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Hey!!!! Isn't tomorrow the start of your awesome vacation? :cheersmate:
We're leaving first thing in the morning!
:coffee:
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We're leaving first thing in the morning!
:coffee:
I must really need a vacation....I have over 90 hours to use at the moment. :whatever: I am going to vacation vicariously through you. I sure love a good beer. I don't think I need to tell you to have fun.
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Vesta, there are rites of passages for girls. Some are shared with boys, some are totally yours. Just because you sadly didn't participate in them, doesn't mean they aren't there. It should be up to the parents to recognize how important these things are.
Some female ones:
Getting ears pierced.
First date.
First "real" bra.
learning to drive.
Sweet 16 parties. (If you're Hispanic, then it happens when you're 15...a Quincenera)
First period is a physical ROP. Just like getting short and curlies for boys.
High School graduation.
In the Lutheran church, we have confirmation (for both boys and girls) which is a spiritual ROP. Becoming adult members of the church.
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I must really need a vacation....I have over 90 hours to use at the moment. :whatever: I am going to vacation vicariously through you. I sure love a good beer. I don't think I need to tell you to have fun.
I'll have one for you, and have Moose take a picture. What is your favorite kind of beer?
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I'll have one for you, and have Moose take a picture. What is your favorite kind of beer?
I prefer IPA, but I also like Kolsch, and Brown Ale. Not a big Hefeweizen fan, and I like stouts and porters in the wintertime. Take a pic at Wynkoop, for me. Ask em if they will be open Christmas night if you think of it. I will be in Denver for a surprise that will not be revealed until the next day, and am looking for a place to have a beer that night. I emailed em, but they didn't respond yet.
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I prefer IPA, but I also like Kolsch, and Brown Ale. Not a big Hefeweizen fan, and I like stouts and porters in the wintertime. Take a pic at Wynkoop, for me. Ask em if they will be open Christmas night if you think of it. I will be in Denver for a surprise that will not be revealed until the next day, and am looking for a place to have a beer that night. I emailed em, but they didn't respond yet.
I'll be sure to ask.
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I'll be sure to ask.
Awesome sauce! Thanks much!
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BREW TOUR
DAY ONE
SFX: Trumpet fanfare
Aaaaand, they're off!
We decided to take the back way to Colorado Springs, much to the chagrin of my GPS. First stop- The LB Brewing Company in Hays for lunch and the first beer of the tour.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01688.jpg)
Moose and the rental car at the LB Brewing Co.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01689.jpg)
Cheers, mate!
Beer: Oatmeal Stout
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01691.jpg)
The Old Man and the Beer.
Beer: Liberty Stout
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01692.jpg)
Dessert first! Oatmeal Stout Brownie with vanilla bean ice cream, stout and chocolate drizzle
Beer: Liberty Stout
After a satisfying lunch, we got back onto the road. Just east of the Colorado state line on US Hwy 40, we stopped at historic Fort Wallace (http://www.ftwallace.com/). Ft Wallace was a 7th Cavalry outpost along the Butterfield Overland Stage line from 1865-1882. George Armstrong Custer, William F. Cody, and William Butler Hickok were stationed at Ft Wallace.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01694.jpg)
Anatomically correct sculpture of a bull buffalo
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01695.jpg)
Anatomically correct picture of a Moose
A few miles west of Wallace was the state line. We stopped to observe one of our traditions:
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01703.jpg)
We are not responsible for the bullet holes
While we were stopped, I noted that the road was deserted in both directions, so I decided to do something which, to my knowledge, no one had ever done before; stand in one state and mark my territory in another. I stood in the middle of Highway 40, on the Kansas side of the line, and watered the Colorado side. Moose refused to take a picture, so you'll just have to take my word for it.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01705.jpg)
Moose, refusing to take the picture
Moose fell asleep during the drive across the Front Range.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/Photo038.jpg)
I kept myself entertained with the Sirius radio and signs along the way.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01706.jpg)
"Somehow"?
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01710.jpg)
Snowplowing is prohibited after dark, but motorboating is allowed 24 hours a day.
By the time we got to Colorado Springs, the GPS was feeling neglected, so she decided to teach us a lesson. She led us through the ghetto, past the afternoon streetwalkers (Moose waved at them as we drove by), and finally to the motel.
We headed downtown to the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company for evening beers and dinner.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01712.jpg)
The sampler tray satisfied our taste buds, we enjoyed dinner, and we grabbed a growler of Railyard Amber Ale to go.
We finished the evening with cigars and Railyard Amber Ale, sitting out and watching the sky turn dark behind the mountains.
Damn good day. More to come!
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Woohoo! What a blast!!!
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I think I'm gonna enjoy this tour vicariously through you guys.
Keep 'em coming!
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Great pics!!!!!
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DAY TWO
I love the Rockies. This is Moose's first trip to the mountains, so we made the most of it.
We had breakfast at Waffle House, then drove up to Garden of the Gods. The valley got its name in 1859, when MS Beach and Rufus Cable said it would be the perfect "beer garden for the gods". From the Visitors' Center, you can see Pikes Peak framed by the rock formations of the Garden.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01720.jpg)
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01748.jpg)
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01716.jpg)
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01719.jpg)
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01731.jpg)
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01783.jpg)
Moose and I are prepared for any rattlesnakes that may cross our path
After the Garden of the Gods, we spent the day in Manitou Springs. We walked around downtown, and took in the sights. We had coffee, muffins, and cigars at a sidewalk cafe. A fortune teller/palm reader lady came out of her shop with a Corgi named Annabelle. Annabelle adopted us; she brought a slobbery tennis ball to Moose and they played "Fetch". I was relaxing with my coffee and cigar, so no pictures- sorry.
We stowed our weapons and the camera in the car. The next stop for us was the D'Vine Winery. We had a two-man wine tasting. I had fun introducing Moose to the world of wine, and we both caught a wine buzz. He decided he really likes raspberry-chocolate mead and pinot grigio; I found a very nice Malbec and bought two bottles for home.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/wine1.jpg)
We walked off the wine, then returned to Colorado Springs. We saw a lot of police cars in the I-25/US 24 area; it turns out the President came to town today. We just avoided the city-wide roadblock of the Interstate. About 20 minutes after we got back to the motel, we heard the sirens on I-25. I wasn't interested enough to go out and watch, and Moose was busy reading.
We took a drive at dinnertime. Moose wanted pizza, so we found a little New York style pizza parlor downtown. We also found a bunch of "medical" marijuana shops, including one called "Dr. Reefer" in the barrio. We returned to the motel after dinner, and broke out the growler from Phantom Canyon for evening beers.
Tomorrow we drive to Denver and Boulder. More to come!
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DAY TWO
After the Garden of the Gods, we spent the day in Manitou Springs.
Did you run into my sister? :-)
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Do they have signs warning the rattle snakes to stay OFF the trails?
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Did you run into my sister? :-)
I don't know, Mike. Did she say something to you about meeting me?
:-)
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I don't know, Mike. Did she say something to you about meeting me?
:-)
No. I have no contact with her, but from what my mom says when she went there it's a pretty small place, so you never know.
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No. I have no contact with her, but from what my mom says when she went there it's a pretty small place, so you never know.
Unless she is a palmreader or a Corgi named Annabelle, I don't think I ran into her.
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Unless she is a palmreader or a Corgi named Annabelle, I don't think I ran into her.
Shit, shes on so many drugs, she might be a palm reader. :-)
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DAY THREE
Another great day, perfect weather and a line of cold beers that stretched to the horizon, with a bit of Colorado whisky thrown in.
We left Colorado Springs and headed north on I-25. Because were are traveling armed, the Air Force Academy was not on our itinerary. We fortified ourselves with coffee from the Coffee Caboose by the north entrance to the Academy, and went to the Western Museum of Mining.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01786.jpg)
The Coffee Caboose, home of some darned good coffee
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01788.jpg)
Sadly, the playful burro was not to be found
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01793.jpg)
Real men, real mustaches!
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01803.jpg)
You break sixteen tons, and what do you get?
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01799.jpg)
There is no problem so large that it can't be solved with sufficient quantities of high explosive
Next stop- International Hearing Dogs, Inc. in Denver. I qualify for a hearing assistance dog, and made an appointment to talk to the director of IHDI. At any given time, they train about 50 dogs to become certified service dogs. All of their dogs are shelter rescues. I got to meet some of them. One little black dog adopted me (which happens to me pretty regularly) and wanted to go home with us, but she is already scheduled to go to a deaf woman in Texas. I asked for the largest dog they can train; the director says the largest so far was a 120 lb white Shepherd who went to a deaf man in Alaska. I may have a service dog in 8-12 months!
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01805.jpg)
International Hearing Dogs, Inc., sponsored by the Lions Club and Sertoma
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01806.jpg)
The training house. Each dog has an hour of immersion training in the house, 5 days a week
We then had lunch at the Wynkoop Brewing Co in downtown Denver. Sampler trays were the order of the day!
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01813.jpg)
Moose, thanking God for beer, which is proof that he loves us and wants us to be happy
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01814.jpg)
The Old Man, having five in IassaFTots' honor. Aw, hell, I don't need an excuse to drink, just an opportunity!
The snoose on my shirt is from the little black hearing dog.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01816.jpg)
Tots- the bartender said Wynkoop will be closed on Christmas, but you should call in December and double-check.
A row of beers wasn't enough for us, so we drove to the Stranahan Distillery and Rackhouse in Denver.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01819.jpg)
We had some of their fine Colorado Whiskey, made from native corn and rye, served as God intended: two fingers of whisky, a splash of well water, light on the ice. We sat out on the deck in front of the Rackhouse with Rocky Patel Decade 6x60 cigars.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01822.jpg)
Moose is learning how to live well
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01820.jpg)
I am having fun teaching him!
We were joined by 7-8 friendly people, and we talked cigars and whisky. Good times.
Feeling properly refreshed and relaxed, we drove through downtown Denver. I saw a lot of street people hanging around the "medical" marijuana shops; we talked about the large number of panhandlers and street people compared to other cities we have traveled through.
In Boulder, we walked around downtown. I found a bookstore with a book that looked like I had to add it to my library, until I found out it was about an Irish painter.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/Photo042.jpg)
We walked over to the Walnut Brewery for evening beers and dinner, stopping for a picture with an incongruous sculpture of a grizzly bear and cubs.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/Photo044.jpg)
We had sampler trays for dinner; I found my favorite beer so far, "Old Elk Bitter". Mmm-mmmm! Their chili was pretty good, too.
Moose is already asleep, with a smile on his face. I am sure I'll sleep well tonight, too.
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Another day older, and deeper in debt.
Saint Peter don't you call me cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIfu2A0ezq0[/youtube]
A mind that's weak, and a back that's strong...
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Kinda reminds me of another mine-related tune:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81lrys3OWcE&feature=fvsr[/youtube]
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Looks like you are having a blast! Glad you liked the Wynkoop!
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I'm loving this trip. Thanks for taking us all along!
KC
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I'm loving this trip. Thanks for taking us all along!
KC
Ditto. One of the high points of my day.
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The pics are great!!!!!You are having great weather too!!
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DAY FOUR
Saturday, the last full day of the Brew Tour. There are so many breweries in the Boulder-Longmont-Loveland-Ft Collins area, it was impossible to hit all of them...but we tried!
We started the day in Boulder with a hearty breakfast of coffee and coffee. We drove west from Boulder on US 36 into the Flatirons, then down a back road into Longmont. We stopped for coffee and fresh-baked muffins at Romana's Bakery.
Moose had a chair massage.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01829.jpg)
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01830.jpg)
The Pumphouse Brewery opened at 11 o'clock, and we were there when the doors opened. Moose and I have become the masters of the sampler tray, so we had the Pumphouse's 6 beer tray for $5. Moose and I agreed that their best beer was "Dragon's Wort Porter", made with tarragon. It was a meal in a glass!
Our next stop was the Left Hand Brewing Company, also in Longmont. We sat out with cigars and a sampler tray. My favorite beer was the "Wake Up Dead Infernal Stout", which was well-complimented by the cigar.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/Photo046.jpg)
Moose was partial to the "Blackjack Porter"
Our great experience with Longmont breweries did not last when we got to Fort Collins. We tried to go downtown to the Equinox, O'Dell, and New Belgium breweries, but the downtown area was cordoned off and we couldn't find parking within a mile of the breweries. We drove down to CB and Potts Brewery, home of Bighorn Beers. Bighorn was as disappointing as the Longmont breweries were great; all of their beers tasted the same, from the pale ale to the stout. Not bad, but no personality.
Tomorrow we hit the road back to Kansas, with one stop planned along the way. It has been a great trip.
The best beer of the Tour: Pumphouse Brewery's "Dragon's Wort Porter", followed by Wynkoop's "Cowtown Milk Stout". Best food: Moose- Walnut Brewery's "Classic Mac 'n Chicken", Dog- Wynkoop's Cheddar Stout Soup.
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Damn, BD, I thought initially that Moose had had a few too many samplers and was upchucking in some kind of ... funnelized bucket? With the gal back there "helping" him through his upchucking?
:rotf:
It ain't fun bein' sick -- God knows, I know. But when somebody's got their face plugged in to some sort of apparatus, it does cause one to ponder.
:lmao:
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Well that stinks about the parking in Ft. Collins. But still ,what a great trip!
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DAY FIVE- THE FINAL CHAPTER
Sunday, the travel day. No beer stops, but we did have fun on the road home.
We left Ft Collins early, watching for roadside attractions. Our first treasure was an obscure amusement park outside of Denver called "Oil Land". The entrance had a big sign saying "Rape Mother Earth! Fun For All Ages!" As an eeevil Conservative, I was in heaven.
It had exactly one ride, but it was a doozy!
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01832.jpg)
The Plunderer
After a couple of rides on "The Plunderer", we got back on the road. Across the state line in Oakley, KS we stopped at Prairie Dog Town, home of the World's Largest Prairie Dog, and a Six-Legged Cow. A sign said "Roscoe the Miniature Donkey", but we decided to pet it instead.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01835.jpg)
The terrifying Moloch of the Plains was worshiped by a community of acolytes.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01837.jpg)
Inside the euphemistically-titled "Visitor Center" was a box of live rattlesnakes under a buffet lamp, and the preserved carcasses of past denizens of the weird menagerie.
(http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s511/electstevedawes/Loose%20ends/DSC01833.jpg)
Bob Cat and Carlos the Jackalope. Below, an authentic American Indian sex toy. Buster and Babs watch over us. RIP, strange little animals.
I felt the same vibe Obama's grandfather must have felt when he liberated the "Visitor Center" at Auschwitz, or Buchenwald, or wherever. Suitably creeped out, we bolted for the door and tore out of the parking lot, our little Ford Focus throwing rooster tails of gravel behind us. We kept the sun at our backs and drove solidly for five more hours, barely escaping with our lives and virtues intact.
It was a fitting end to a great vacation, and the source for a story Moose can tell his grandchildren long after I am gone. And that's what being a dad is all about!
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your lives and virtues behind you?? was a gang of corseted ladies of the night chasing you??
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Sounds like this trip was a resounding success! Welcome home! :cheersmate:
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Good times. Moose will remember that trip forever.
KC
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Good times. Moose will remember that trip forever.
KC
I suspect Dad will, too. :cheersmate:
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I suspect Dad will, too. :cheersmate:
Well if you count the next 2 weeks as forever I guess. He's old like the rest of us!
:lmao:
KC
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Well if you count the next 2 weeks as forever I guess. He's old like the rest of us!
:lmao:
KC
Shhh! You weren't supposed to have said anything about that....
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Shhh! You weren't supposed to have said anything about that....
Oooops. Sorry Euph. Guess I won't be allowed to the next briefing.
:whistling:
KC
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I'm finally seeing all the pics from your trip, BD. You are an awesome Dad and I definitely lived vicariously through your narration and pics! What a wonderful time for you and Moose!!
Hi^5 ad infinitum!!!!
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I'm finally seeing all the pics from your trip, BD. You are an awesome Dad and I definitely lived vicariously through your narration and pics! What a wonderful time for you and Moose!!
Hi^5 ad infinitum!!!!
Awwww, shucks. Thanks!