Boulder - Mountains and Beer

I went to a meeting in Boulder, and luckily I had some time to explore the area. I flew in a day early with my colleague Arie, and we immediately drove up to the top of Mt. Evans on the highest paved road in North America at 14,130 feet above sea level. It's a short climb from the road up to the summit, at 14,271 feet. We definitely felt it though - there's not much oxygen that high up! The views were amazing, and it was almost 30F cooler at the top. We spent the next few days in Boulder attending the meeting, but did have time in the mornings and evenings to run around town. Here are a few pictures from my trip:

Downtown Idaho Springs, Colorado, on the way to Mt. Evans.

Beautiful alpine view.

Driving up above the tree line.

Ahh! Marmot!

Me at the top of Mount Evans.

Arie at the top.

Scruffy the sheep.

Arie had a real camera and got this picture of a sheep...

...and this picture of a marmot. Check out those chompers.

Presentation about the health effects of climate change.

Boulder creek went right behind our hotel.

Avocado on a toasted Montreal-style sesame bagel with a fried egg and black salt at Woodgrain bagels. Absolutely delicious.

I know you didn't think you'd get through this post without seeing pictures of beer. :) Colorado is known for beer, especially Boulder. The beers tend toward west coast styles (lots of IPAs, lots of high ABV brews).

Westbound and Down brewing in Idaho Springs. The barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout was a kick in the pants.

Nox Reposado, a tequila-barrel aged dark sour at Avery.

Cheers! Happy hour beers at Sanitas.