Altitude Sickness

It is no joke. As Denver is situated at 5,280 feet above sea level- many who visit, or have just relocated here, certainly feel the affects of this High Altitude and often get sick. The cause of Altitude Sickness is the thinner air at higher altitudes does not give you the amount of oxygen you need. When this happens it can affect your lungs and brains.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness include:

Headaches
Lack of Appetite
Feeling Weak and Lazy
Sick to your Stomach
Vomiting
Not being able to sleep
Feeling Dizzy

When visiting Denver- if you suddenly feel hung over but haven’t had a drop of liquor, take care and slow down. Drink plenty of water- do not indulge in libations, eat smaller meals, take an over the counter headache medicine and get plenty of rest. If the symptoms subside, and this can take several hours to a few days, gently go places that have higher altitude. If you feel any symptoms come on again, get to a lower altitude and take care of yourself. If they are persistent- go see a Doctor.

A good plan when coming to Denver is to drive or take a train- flying sometimes exacerbates altitude sickness- and to take it easy the first few days you are here. Ease into higher altitudes slowly and with care.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Red Rocks reputation is solid in its splendor and lore. U2 recorded Under a Blood Red Sky Red Rocks. The Dave Matthews Band recorded Live at Red Rocks there as well. Red Rocks is also the first concert venue that The Beatles did not sell out! In my youth I saw Depeche Mode and Howard Jones at Red Rocks. In my sappy early thirties, I spent a night on the Rocks with my great friend Janelle and the late Dan Fogelberg who was one of the 10 initial inductees into the Red Rocks Hall of Fame.

Colorado translates to the color red and there is no misunderstanding of our state’s name when you see Red Rocks. Plan a picnic, wear a hat and walk through the park- it is beautiful. If there is no concert scheduled you can walk through the amphitheatre as well! Be careful and bring lots of water as you will be in the foothills which means thinner air and higher altitude. Climbing the stairs from the bottom of the concert venue to the top is a feat for the healthiest among us, so take your time and take lots of breaks to see every inch along the way. If you get a chance to see a concert or a film at Red Rocks, you will regret it if you pass up the opportunity. It is an experience that memories aspire to be.

This past weekend, 28 of Red Rocks original redwood benches were auctioned off to the highest, and no doubt sentimental, bidders. The Benches have been in the natural amphitheatre since it was constructed and the weather has finally gotten to them. Now 28 bidders claim them as their own slice of history. How nice to lay down upon one of these benches whenever you want. I would close my eyes and press my ear into the wood and relive concert after concert.

It is no wonder that Red Rocks was originally known as The Garden of Angels. It is a magical place that could possibly move an atheist to pray. Get yourself up there and breathe in the majestic site of Red Rocks.

[Photos- SXC 1 2]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Denver’s Union Station hearkens back to the days of old with a futuristic appeal. The tall wooden benches are surprisingly comfortable and cool. The vast tall ceiling leaves lots of room to imagine where you might want a train to take you. The old tiled destination markers click and spin as one may see in a reminiscent movie.

Walk down the cool corridors and let them take you back. Breathe in and you can feel the hectic passage ways fill up around you in memory of Victorian Bustles and Overalls, all clamoring to get into the promise of the city. Take a break on the darker benches of the hallways and let the years and the history sink in. Gaze at the photos that line the walls, look into the eyes of the pioneering travelers, pick one that mirrors your spirit and introduce yourself.

Head on back to the counters and pick a destination. From Denver’s Union Station you can go to practically any point on the map after first boarding the California Zephyr Route. Treat yourself and travel in the luxurious atmosphere of a train, where you can see the land unfold before your eyes and get up to walk around at anytime. No need to worry about the seat back in front of you ending up in your lap!

Daytrips up into the mountains are a fantastic idea as well. Hop a train up to Winter Park in the summer to hike or to take a hay ride. In the winter, ride the Ski Train to the slopes. In any season it is the perfect solution to beating traffic and giving yourself a break.

Making Union Station a destination on its own is highly recommended. Step through where the Mizpah Arch used to be, look up at the sign, browse through the main station and down the dark hallways. Lift yourself up onto the platforms and gaze down the tracks. Listen for the trains and watch them come and go. The trains and the tracks are strong enough for whatever you may dream and Union Station will hold the memory for a lifetime.

Union Station is on what feels like the bottom of downtown, yet it is actually on the northern end. 1701 Wynkoop Street at 17th Avenue. Union Station is open from 5am to 10pm seven days a week. The ticket counter and baggage check are open from 6am to 10pm seven days a week. The 16th Street Shuttle stops at Market Street Station- only two blocks away.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C., was thorough in its city planning to provide no easy way out of or around town. The seeming chaotic, no rhyme or reason street plan of D.C. is exactly what the planners had in mind so that no one could attack or plunder any of our national treasures and get out of town easily.

When roaming around Denver, and navigating its Mile High Wonders, you may have noticed something similarly chaotic in its layout. Denver doesn’t quite have as lofty a reason as D.C. but we come upon the outcome honestly. Our City Planners simply did not plan for Denver to grow; certainly not as rapidly as it did and still does on a daily basis.

Because of this lack of planning, Denver Proper is in complete opposition to the rest of Metro Denver. This Tuesday’s Traveler’s Tip is to metaphorically and even literally…

Tilt Your Map

Throughout Greater Denver we have Numbered Avenues that run east to west. Inside Denver Proper we have Numbered Streets that run north to south. Many of these streets make a turn on the edge of downtown into the avenues that share their number and therefore merge for the greater expanse through town.

So, when you step into the hustle and bustle of the metro hip-ness of Downtown Denver, envision what you have learned of our Avenues to a perpendicular skew and start calling them Streets and you will always know how to get around the wildly unplanned we call Denver.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

If you are visiting our fine town you may not even notice the traffic as you can meander during the off peak times when the roads are clear and manageable. This is a viable solution. Though, here in Denver there is even a better choice for visitors and residents alike.

The Light Rail started its life here in Denver over a decade ago and has been building steam ever since. Its incarnation took some doing, for residents along the planned routes thought it would be too noisy and fought its being built for quite some time. Luckily, other neighborhoods were excited for it to be put in place and the rest is as they say- history.

It not only helps you beat the traffic, it helps the environment and many people’s sanity as well. No more driving, way more reading, or listening to music, or people watching. Even the short walks to and from the stations are beneficial to your health.

The fare ranges from $1.75 to $4.00 depending on how many zones you travel through. Bikes are allowed on board, and many routes let off near some great bike paths. Don’t worry, the Light Rail’s Routes all point to downtown so it is a great option for commuters, not just for the recreational riders.

Catching the Light Rail is simple- there are many stops throughout Downtown. Each stop has a ticket station with easy to follow instructions. Buy a ticket, get on board, and take the Light Rail to Union Station, to The University of Denver, Invesco Field, Littleton, all the way out to County Line Road! DNC 2008 participants- it even goes to The Pepsi Center. With 6 lines to choose from- the destinations are plentiful.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Layering

Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable. Often starting cool and getting very hot with very little warning and then cooling off just as rapidly at sunset.

Be sure to pack items of clothing that can be layered. At this time of the year, you will more than likely be comfortable in a t-shirt or light top throughout the majority of the day, yet having a short with sleeves that you can wear over the lighter shirt will be a welcome accessory. It doesn’t have to be a jacket or a sweater, simply another shirt that can be easily removed and carried around for the rest of the day once the sun reaches its highest spot of the day. One of breathable material will be preferred as the heat can sneak up on you.

The reverse will happen in the night time as the sun sets- you will want just a little cover from the cooler air and night breeze.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The valley of Denver has been experiencing some spontaneous sporadic thunderstorms this summer and because of that, we would like to suggest you bring an…

Umbrella!

The storms have not been lasting long and they really aren’t anything to worry about, certainly no cause to cancel a trip. In truth they have been quite breath-taking. The thunder sounds off its warning while the lightening illuminates the sky with quick flames of bright light. In as much as any part of the nation, a bit of rain follows these storms. Here is where the umbrella will come in handy; the weather otherwise has been lovely and warm- so walking in the rain would be a lovely way to continue sight seeing. Rather romantic if you look at it in just the right way.

No need for a super heavy duty umbrella, a simple one that folds up will suffice. These storms do not last long, but having a bit of cover if one shows up during your trip is never a bad idea.

Not only will the umbrella help you with keeping dry, but it is also very handy when wandering around Denver in our bright Colorado sunshine! Sunscreen is always recommended, but carrying a snappy parasol while browsing the shops in Larimer Square, using your umbrella as a great shade as you lunch in Civic Center Park or for keeping the shade above you while waiting in line for a Rockies game is often over looked.

A good umbrella will do you good, rain or shine. Take it from Us, the Denver Travelers.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

This isn’t such a bad thing- Denver International Airport has a lot to offer.

Public art was commissioned for the terminal and concourses. A fountain greets you as you embark off the escalator from the airport train and into the Main, Jeppesen, Terminal. There are many recognizable chain restaurants, a deli or two, coffee shops and even a few unique cantina’s to give you some local flavor. If you are in the mood for shopping, DIA will not let you down: Book Stores, Clothing Stores, Luggage Stores, Souvenir Shops, Newsstands, Duty Free Shops, The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and so many more.

Denver International Airport has banks, a post office, plenty of ATM’s and just about anything else you may need. Take a walk outside and look up at the airport itself, it is quite the sight! Wander through each terminal and concourse, why even while waiting in the screening line- look to your left or right and there is an aviation display that is museum worthy. The airport itself is built on a Native American burial ground. To honor that heritage, is a permanent display down Concourse A- it is walk-able and worth it. Listen close, and you can hear the sounds of our land ancestors.

If all of this exploring leaves you a little sore- A Massage Inc. is ready and waiting in the Main Terminal and down the B Concourse. A Massage is a full fledged massage spa right in the airport! No appointment necessary, only walk-ins are welcomed. One can indulge in a chair or table massage, no matter your time crunch or ailment.

If your layover is long enough to venture into the city proper- Go to level 5 and catch the Skyride. This RTD bus will take you all the way into the city (be prepared for at least a forty minute drive) and drops you off at Market Street Station. From there you can walk all around downtown or catch the free 16th Street Shuttle to travel from one end of town to the other. The return bus stop for the Skyride is at the exact same spot as the drop off. Easy as pie. Remember to pad your return trip in case there is traffic, which is inevitably the case on I-70, the highway the bus takes to and from the airport.

Denver, not such a bad place to touch down after all!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Sun Screen!

Even if you are just driving through town- please put on your sunscreen to block out the harmful effects of the sun- trust us, it will get you through the windows, no matter how tinted they are.

Most of life takes place outside in Denver and that sun will find you. If you think it’s a cloudy day and you needn’t bother- think again, the worst sunburns can be caught on the overcast days. Do not let your guard down; rub, spray, mold the sunscreen on- you will thank us at the end of the day when everyone else is buying aloe vera gel to ease their pain and reddened, sometimes blistered, skin.

Protect yourself to see what Denver has to offer, without the burn.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Why bike to work? Well the simple answer is that it cuts down on the pollution from cars, and makes our planet much happier to live in. Not only do you help cut down on carbon monoxide from cars, but you get exercise and sunshine! One of the more current important reasons is that bikes don’t use gasoline, so you can use the money you would have put into your tank for something else! Maybe planting a few Denver Daisies??

To celebrate Bike to Work Day, RTD is offering FREE bike parking (valet even!), free refreshments, giveaways and prizes the entire week of June 23-27th at 16th and Market Street. Just park your bike in the free bike lot, and you’re registered for the prizes!

Entire companies are encouraged to participate in Bike to Work Day. You can register online and find out about getting t-shirts for everyone participating, refreshing yourself on the rules of the road, and resources for bikers!

As the proud owner of a very pretty bike myself, I’m planning on biking to work that day. I will have to use the Bus, however, because I’m not up to that long of a ride yet! Maybe by the end of the summer!

I hope to see you out there, using your two wheels to get where you’re going!

Post from: The Denver Traveler