October 16, 1999

It’s snowing today. Last Saturday it was in the 80’s and a friend of mine, Gretel, and I toured several Boulder artists’ studios, as it was “Open Studio” weekend. It was interesting to see different techniques, mediums and houses, because in many cases, the artist’s studio was in their home. One home on High Street in Boulder the owners built an addition to their existing home. They built a bridge walkway, completely enclosed and part of the house, but off the ground so that the established landscaped grounds were in tact and unchanged. The studio was in the new addition commanding quite a view of Boulder and the surrounding foothills. The home was more impressive than the art which consisted of 4 oil paintings of garments, dresses, hanging on hangers. The work was well done, but did not really excite me.

I forgot to mention in my last e-mail that Ken took me to the Flagstaff Restaurant for my birthday. Wow! Better than Caveys downstairs and probably more expensive too. There were personnel and more personnel – all professionally trained, taking care of every detail. We’ll keep this restaurant on the list for extra special occasions. It always amazes me that young families can afford to bring their children to such an expensive restaurant. I guess there is a lot of money in Boulder. It is also amazing that some people come to dinner in such a fine establishment in sweatshirts while the waiters are in tuxedos . What a spectacular evening.

Ken and I hiked to the Key Hole on Long’s Peak. This is a mountain that has traffic similar to I-91. More people are killed by lightening because of the exposure. You are the highest point for the lighting to strike and there is not where to go. The Key Hole is the entrance to the “Narrows” that leads to the summit. It is from this point on that there is more of a chance of being struck by lightening. It is a beautiful trail and you guessed it, it goes steadily up. As we began, we saw a mother and her fawn on the road. We had to park the car ½ mile from the beginning of the trail as the parking lot was completely filled at 7:10 a.m. We saw several elk and one big guy who could have done the ad for the Hartford Insurance Company. What a rack of antlers he had. As we approached 12,000 feet I felt sick to my stomach because of the altitude. At one point, I didn’t know if I would be able to reach my goal. Ken kept feeding me fig newtons even though I did not want to eat anything. The last challenge before the keyhole is the Boulder Field. This is not hiking now, this is climbing and the last 200 ft. (approximately) is hand over hand. But I did it. About 3 weeks prior to this hike, Ken did the entire hike starting at 2:30 a.m. in total darkness and finished a little after noon.

It took us 10 hours round trip, because I was slow and bothered by the altitude. We reached our goal at an altitude of 13,100 ft. I have never been at such height before. The view from the Key Hole was truly awesome. That is the reward – a spectacular view. There was a storm approaching and we took a couple of pictures, put on our wind breakers and got out of there. It was cold enough that the storm could have brought sleet or snow and you would find it extremely hazardous trying to descend the boulder field.

I must mention “Mr Clean”. (Appropriately named by Ken.) There was a fellow perhaps in his 50’s running up this hiking path in a white Lycra body suit with a white hat with a neck sun shield. He was on his return run as we were climbing up through the boulder field. I guess if you are that strong and in that good shape you can wear a white skin tight Lycra suit.

Monday Gretel and I are off to Denver to the Denver Art School to inquire about classes. We were advised that for a month you could take up to 2 classes a week for $60 some odd dollars. Even if we missed a couple classes, you can’t beat the price.

A couple of weeks ago Ken visited one of the local bike shops in Boulder. He happened to be wearing his Dali tee shirt. When he walked into the shop, the fellows commented about the Salvador Dali museum in Florida and in conversation told Ken that there was a wonderful Impressionist Art Exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. We ended up going and enjoying the exhibit, but I think the guys really sold Ken on the show. Thank you bike guys! It was wonderful!

That’s all for now.

Love, Diane and Ken