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Saturday was a "shirtsleeves" day! Warm and sunny, many of us headed to the hills to spend time out of doors. The Devil's Backbone Open Space is one of the most unique in our area. I happened to run across this video posted on YouTube by Loveland Chamber of Commerce SEO Brian Willims - it shows some of the great vistas you'll enjoy there.

National Geographic ran a story about the Devil's Backbone ages ago, before the area became accessible to all of us as part of Larimer County's Open Space. Now we are able to hike or ride this trail through one of the most prominent rock outcrops along the Front Range's hogbacks. Here's a downloadable map, available online through Larimer County Parks.

On their site you'll see a list of hiking trails with short descriptions and a verbal snapshot of the trail like this:

" ... Devil's Backbone Open Space has been in place since 1999. It was updated, with an extensive public process in 2004. The plan accommodates multiple-use recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the 7-mile trail system. The trailhead at Devil's Backbone features restroom facilities, drinking water, horse-trailer parking and a picnic area."

If you visit soon, be watchful for the trail closure and re-route. Prairie Falcons and Ravens are nesting this time of year in the "Keyhole" area of the trail; it will open again in June when the raptors have finished nesting.

For a more complete list of hiking trails that are all only a short drive away, visit Larimer County's Parks and Open Areas. Be certain to click on the "current conditions" links - springtime in the Rockies is unpredictable.

~Maryjo Morgan

Tags: Colorado, Hiking, Loveland
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The first time I ever saw the mountains I was still somewhere well east of Greeley. It had been an interminable drive across a scorching Kansas. At first I thought I was seeing low clouds. But mile upon mile westward, the mountains gradually emerged from the hazy horizon.

I can see the mountains even sitting at the traffic light in Loveland, Colorado

The mountains are visible as I sit waiting for the traffic light to change in north Loveland

Wham! Just like that, I was in love. In love with the soaring peaks. In love with the fresh air. In love with the sparkling expanse of blue sky.

I try never to take all that for granted now, so many years later. Loveland has been my home, a place where I've met many others like myself, who've made the choice to move here. To build a life different from what it would have been, had we stayed where we were born.

As one who makes her living writing, why would I be involved in this volunteer project that even has a Facebook fan page?

Nocturne by Barbara Chen in Loveland, Colorado's Benson Sculpture Garden

Nocturne by Barbara Chen seems to point the way to the path in Benson Sculpture Garden

Quite frankly, it feels good to work in concert with others who are glad to live here in Loveland. It feels good to hear someone say they appreciate the art we have here. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who drives the "long way" just to pass the Benson Sculpture Garden or stop for a quick walk in Chapungu or even go down 4th Street just to see the temporary outdoor exhibits there. Loveland 365 just feels good for my soul!

This book project, full of interesting people's interviews with lots of photos of the people, places and things I love about Loveland is giving me a hugely healthy dose of positivity. It works well to combat the economy's ubiquitous negativity.

So I'm in!

~Maryjo Morgan, Freelance Writer

Tags: Art, Loveland, Loveland365
Posted in Art in Public Places, Loveland, Colordo, Loveland365 | No Comments »

Local resident and businessman John Giroux loves Loveland, and wanted to showcase the things that make it a special place. He decided, with 2010 approaching, that the new year would be a great time to showcase the people, places and things that make The Sweetheart City great. He turned to friends and associates from the community and set about creating Loveland 365, a year-long project to find and share compelling stories and images from Loveland with the world.

The goal of the project is to focus on one thing a day in Loveland – a story, image or interview – and feature it on the Loveland 365 website . Community involvement and contribution are not only encouraged, but are vital to the project. Please send us your thoughts and ideas on what you love about Loveland!

Many local residents might have their own well-known favorites in Loveland, and Loveland 365 also hopes to gather and share information about lesser-known local stories that residents think are important.

The L365 team has been hard at work for several weeks. This collaborative project's soft launch took place the week of January 18th, with Facebook and Twitter posts.

A kickoff event is planned for Friday, February 12.

Tags: Loveland365
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