Last Friday, June 5th, I left home and headed west about 750 miles. By evening I had arrived in downtown Denver and have been here for the last couple of days. I have been staying with my friends, Cliff and Brenda Gilbert, as I have several times in the past and, as always, the visit has been great.

I continue to be impressed — and at times amazed — by the vibrancy of Denver's downtown. It is relatively clean, very pedestrian friendly, extremely active at the street level with retail stores and eating and drinking establishments and festivals are almost always taking place.

There is a chalk art festival taking place this weekend and we have enjoyed walking around and looking at the artwork — some of it is truly amazing.

Dave Runge, a long-time friend who lives in the Boulder area, came into town and he, Cliff and I went out last night and enjoyed a neighborhood establishment where the Gilberts know all the help, etc.

It has been a very enjoyable visit.

Tomorrow I plan to head west to Moab, Utah. Arches National Park is one of my favorite places and I'm looking forward to spending time there and in the other National Parks in southern and central Utah.