A fun look at the Mile High City, taken yesterday morning. Bison were lazily grazing on a hill at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. In the background, downtown Denver from the golden dome of the Colorado State Capitol building to the south to the RINO district on the north. Of course, beyond that, the Rocky Mountains with some lingering snow in spots. Yeah, we do live in a pretty cool place.
Denver’s City and County Building decked out for the holidays
I think the City and County of Denver Government must be conspiring against me. I rarely venture downtown and it had been a few years since I photographed this gorgeous display so I gave it an attempt, twice in seven days, and twice I swear I was conspired against.
The first time, the lights were broken – just dark – no shots to be had. Thursday, I gave it another try and some rocket scientist decided to park three semi-trailers on Bannock Street in front of the building! The white monstrosities prevented getting a full view of the display, the view everyone goes down there to see.
I suspect the trailers were put there to pick up the Christmas decorations but, come on, move them in the day you are doing the job and don’t block the view before! Sigh.
Anyway, I did my best to get what I could without the dumb trailers in the way. On the plus side, my wife and I made two fantastic date nights out of it and the most important part was spending time with her, my best friend.
Christmas star and the waxing moon
My wife and I headed to downtown Denver on Thursday to view the Christmas lights for the first time in a few years. Unfortunately, it appeared that the City of Denver failed to pay their electric bill (pun!) because the city and county building was dark. The Christmas tree in the park was on, however, so I at least had one thing to photograph.
All kidding aside, I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and hope you have a blessed New Year. Please take time today and tomorrow to remember that HE is the reason for the season.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” ~Luke 2: 8-14
Light pillars appear above the railyard
Check this out! Driving to work this morning I saw these and despite the -10 degree temperature, I had to stop and snap a few pics.
Light pillars are a reflection of the light off of ice crystals in the atmosphere. We don’t see them often here in Colorado so it was a pretty unique opportunity. Unfortunately I didn’t have a tripod with me and had to get to work so these are quick, high ISO shots but still very fun to see.
Taken in north Denver, the lights are coming from the Union Pacific Railroad yard.
Merry Christmas from my family to you and yours!
I wish you all the very best this blessed season.
Image is of the Denver City and County building, a beautiful sight this time of year. This was taken last year as I haven’t been down there yet this year to visit it.
“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” ~ Luke 2: 8-14
Denver’s Union Station at night
From one of the few urban photo outings I have taken but one that was a lot of fun and a chance to mix it up a bit from my usual photo fare. Denver’s Union Station is one of the iconic buildings in the Mile High City.
Located within the LoDo district, it is the main railway station for the city. The current building was completed in 1914 and followed by major renovations in 2012 that included the canopies seen here.
Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the building has welcomed famous guests including Queen Marie of Romania, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Today, it is a centerpiece of downtown not only serving as a transit hub but also a tourist attraction.
The Mile High City at night from Denver City Park
The Mile High City at night from Denver City Park. From my urban excursion last month. This location is a very popular one for capturing images of the Denver skyline and you can see why.
In the foreground, Ferril Lake and the historic boat pavilion of City Park. The towers of downtown Denver lie behind including the iconic ‘cash register’ building. Beyond, the silhouettes of those fantastic Rocky Mountains are seen thanks to a full moon at the time.
Colorado’s state capitol building at night
I tend to think that we have one of the prettiest capitol buildings in the union. Its classic architecture topped by the gold dome really is something to see.
Of course throw in the fact that the words “ONE MILE ABOVE SEA LEVEL” are engraved on the 15th step of the building to remind everyone they are in the Mile High City is pretty cool as well.
There are actually two additional markers on the steps. One on the 18th step was installed in 1969 when CSU engineering students determined the original marker was too low. Then, in 2003, a third marker was installed on the 13th step as modern measurements using GPS determined what should be truly 5,280 feet above sea level.
This image was taken a few weeks ago during a nighttime excursion to downtown Denver.
Holiday lights in iconic downtown Denver locations
I meant to share these before the start of the new year and forgot! The day before Christmas Eve I headed out very early in the morning to capture some of the holiday lights in the Mile High City. Two iconic spots were my prime focus – Union Station and the 16th Street Mall.
Both looked absolutely gorgeous in their brilliantly lit displays. At the mall, the famous Daniels & Fisher Tower was lit up in red and green. Union Station had a similar color scheme and a beautiful display out front.
Getting out there early meant a minimum of traffic and people – and parking was easy. 😉
Merry Christmas from the Mile High City!
The iconic holiday lighting of the Denver City and County Building. Truly is a fantastic sight, one of many here this time of season. I do wish you all very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year! Thank you very much for following me. In closing…
“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” ~ Luke 2: 8-14