CML- Grand Junction

 Day two of CML was also focused on water resources on the Western slope. Started the day with a very nice 2 mile walk around the campus before breakfast. Heard from the President of the University, a panel discussion and a tour of their performing arts theater. We also took a tour of Colorado Mesa’s geo thermal cooling system. Stopped in Palisade at a vineyard to see how they are dealing with the extreme shortages of water and excessive heat. I will be eternally grateful for the forethought of Greeley’s founders and their understanding of water and the senior water rights that Greeley possesses. Uneventful ride home, with a quick stop in Vail for restrooms and snacks. Home by 805!

CML- Winter Park

 Already time for the second meeting of the Colorado Municipal League Leadership Cohort. This month was divided over two days as well, with day one in Winter Park, then day two on the campus of Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. Grateful that bus service was provided! The topic for this month was water, and the long nod short of it is that there isn’t enough, and some communities are screwed more than others. The Western Slope is especially in trouble if this winter’s snowpack is as poor as last year. I’m enjoying getting to know others elected from around the state, and commiserating with them. Enjoyed the beautiful patio on the campus hotel, followed by a dinner with the president and board of directors for the university. Had an insightful conversation with the mayor of Frutia, as well as Governor Hickenlooper’s former COS.

More Garth

 What a setlist! What a show. I understand the hype now. We got to sing along to all the classics, and even a few surprise covers (Piano Man, anyone??). Always special to share the night with good friends, and to see how special the night turned out to be for each of them. I would honestly say the show was a top 2 or 3 concerts of all time. Just incredible. Here are a few more photos from Night 2.

Garth Brooks

 And then, there is was, right at 8PM. Caught a very special moment, as Jen saw him live for the first time. Saying the show was impressive is an understatement. The man is a true performer, that gave as much energy as the sold-out crowd gave to him. He ran, sang, pointed, switched guitars, talked to the fans, and plowed through 2 hours of his extensive catalog. One of the few concerts I’ve ever been to, maybe the only one, that not a single person sat down throughout the performance. 

Garth-Pregame

 Bucket list time! Garth Brooks announced an area a tour a couple months ago. While others struggled to get tickets when they went I sale, I got right in a scooped up 6 pretty solid seats. Pretty cool all tickets were priced the same. Garth ended up playing 5 total shows in Denver, including the Saturday night show we attended. Let’s rodeo! Pre-gamed at the same restaurant/bar that we did before the George Straight show a couple years back. Everyone must have been craving seafood. Still had some time, so walked over to a cute little speakeasy. The old fashioned was amazing. The it was time to hustle over to Ball Arran to see the man himself!